Abstract
[Extract]
Substandard medicines are medicines that fail to meet their quality standards, whereas falsified medicines are those that have been deliberately misrepresented in their identity, composition, or source.1 Both substandard and falsified medicines are a major burden on health and economic outcomes, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).1 WHO reports that one in ten medicines in LMICs might be substandard or falsified,1 although a systematic review suggests higher rates of 11–48%.2 These medicines impact a broad range of therapies, including cancer treatments, antibiotics, and other life-saving therapies.
Substandard medicines are medicines that fail to meet their quality standards, whereas falsified medicines are those that have been deliberately misrepresented in their identity, composition, or source.1 Both substandard and falsified medicines are a major burden on health and economic outcomes, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).1 WHO reports that one in ten medicines in LMICs might be substandard or falsified,1 although a systematic review suggests higher rates of 11–48%.2 These medicines impact a broad range of therapies, including cancer treatments, antibiotics, and other life-saving therapies.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 301-303 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | The Lancet Oncology |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs |
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Publication status | Published - Mar 2021 |