Two persons arrested on suspicion of illegally supplying unregistered pharmaceutical products
Concerning certain premises offering customers a vaccine called "Wilms' tumour 1" (WT1) and alleging that it could prevent multiple types of cancer, the Department of Health (DH) today (September 2) conducted another series of raids with the Police at multiple premises across Hong Kong. So far, over 50 vials of unregistered injectable pharmaceutical products were seized at two of those premises. During the operation, two individuals were arrested so far on suspicion of illegally possessing unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 poisons. The DH will continue to crack down rigorously on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products to safeguard public health.
"WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong, and no person shall illegally sell or possess unregistered pharmaceutical products. Any advertisement claiming to provide this vaccine for cancer prevention is misleading and constitutes suspected fraud. Upon receiving reports, the DH has conducted multiple inspections at "HK Pacific Asia Medical Centre", which is suspected of being involved, as well as other companies and related organisations that claimed on social media to offer this vaccine. Today, the DH, in conjunction with the Police, conducted another search of more than 10 premises, seizing over 50 vials of unregistered pharmaceutical products so far. The individuals involved are suspected of illegally possessing unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 poisons, thereby committing offences under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). So far, one male and one female were arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing unregistered pharmaceutical product and Part 1 poisons during the operation. The DH is also tracing the source of the products and has investigated the company suspected of supplying the WT1 reagent to the relevant institutions. The DH has notified the Hong Kong Customs to follow up on the case, as it may involve the illegal importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products into Hong Kong," the Controller of Regulatory Affairs of the DH, Dr Fung Ying, said.
"The DH will continue to work closely with relevant departments to monitor the situation, gather intelligence, conduct in-depth investigations, and crack down on illegal activities involving the sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH will take decisive enforcement action against such violations and will not tolerate lawbreakers abusing their professional authority or committing fraud under the pretext of cancer prevention or treatment, thereby endangering public health," Dr Fung emphasised.
In addition, the DH will send letters to all doctors and private healthcare facilities in Hong Kong, reminding them that they must comply with the law in Hong Kong and must not administer illegal pharmaceutical products to patients. In response to allegations that a registered doctor and nurse provided the WT1 vaccine to clients, the DH has referred the cases to the Medical Council of Hong Kong and the Nursing Council of Hong Kong for follow-up.
Regarding advertisements, the DH considered that the content of advertisements by the premises in question is suspected of violating the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (Cap. 231). The DH has earlier issued warning letters to the relevant parties in accordance with established procedures and mechanisms, requesting removal or deletion of the content of relevant advertisements. If it is found that the relevant advertisements have not been removed, the DH will initiate prosecution against the parties placing the advertisements. The DH has also notified the relevant law enforcement authorities in the Chinese Mainland regarding the publication of these advertisements on Mainland social media platforms for follow-up action. Members of the public who come across such advertisements may report them to the DH. Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (the Ordinance), any product that meets the definition of a "pharmaceutical product" must meet the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality, and be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. Advanced therapy products, which include gene therapy product, somatic cell therapy product and tissue engineered product, are regulated as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. Any person who illegally sells or possesses unregistered pharmaceutical products commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, to a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and two-years' imprisonment. Importation and exportation of pharmaceutical products are regulated under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60). Any person who imports or export pharmaceutical products without relevant import and export licence, commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, the maximum penalty of a fine of $500,000 and two-years' imprisonment.
The DH has not received any reports of adverse effect from members of the public in relation to the injection of WT1. Dr Fung reminded members of the public that, regarding any queries about the prevention and treatment of diseases (including cancers), they should first consult a registered doctor, who will provide professional advice based on individual health condition and the latest medical evidence. The public should not blindly trust unproven medical claims because protecting one's own health is of the utmost importance.
Two persons arrested on suspicion of illegally supplying unregistered pharmaceutical products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two persons arrested on suspicion of illegally supplying unregistered pharmaceutical products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two persons arrested on suspicion of illegally supplying unregistered pharmaceutical products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
