This follows a BBC Africa Eye exposé that revealed the illegal distribution of opioid-based medications across the region.
The report prompted the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to sanction the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificate of Aveo Pharmaceuticals.
Investigations uncovered that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, through Westfin International, allegedly transported unapproved drugs to Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
These drugs contained tapentadol and carisoprodol, potent and highly addictive opioids that pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure and death when abused.
Following the investigation, the FDA ordered Samospharma, a Ghanaian importer, to cease all dealings with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International.
However, Samospharma has denied any affiliation with these companies and has called on the FDA to publicly correct what it describes as misleading information.
The company also labeled the allegations as “baseless and damaging” to its reputation.
“We do not, and never have, engaged in any fraudulent practices as alleged in the BBC report, nor do we associate with entities such as Aveo Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd. and Westfin Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd. that engage in such activities.”
In addition to denying any links to Aveo and Westfin, Samospharma highlighted inaccuracies in the FDA’s statement regarding the manufacturer of Timonidin Eye Drops, an FDA-approved product.
The company disputed the FDA’s claim that Indiana Ophthalmics LLP was responsible for producing Timonidin Eye Drops, emphasizing that the manufacturer has never been involved in its production.
Samospharma is urging the FDA to swiftly rectify what it considers a significant misstatement. The company stressed its expectation that the FDA, as a respected regulatory body, will handle the matter with urgency and accountability.
“We trust that the FDA, as a reputable regulatory body responsible for upholding integrity and factual accuracy, will act expeditiously and responsibly in resolving this issue,” the statement added.
