Plavix in the US and the UK
Drug counterfeited: Plavix
Company copied: Pfizer
Years: 2007
Over $200,000 worth of fake Plavix, a drug used to counter heart attacks and strokes, was marketed in the United States in 2007. The FDA charged Kevin Xu, a citizen of China and owner of the China-based Orient Pacific International drug distributing company, for manufacturing and distributing the drug. Xu reportedly told undercover agents that he was able to make over 25 different kinds of counterfeits from a range of pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer.
The FDA also accused Xu of selling fake drugs in the United Kingdom. His counterfeit work led to a huge recall for Plavix, along with two other drugs. Approximately 70,000 packs of counterfeit Plavix were marketed in total with 40,000 successfully seized by the MHRA. Xu reportedly earned over $1.5 million globally before getting caught and being sentenced to 6 years in prison.
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Last updated June 08 2010: 4:16 PM ET
