More fake COVID-19 medication seized in US

Eight shipments of an unauthorised influenza drug marketed as a treatment for COVID-19 have been seized by customs in Seattle since the start of July.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says the pace of these seizures is increasing in the Seattle area. The eight shipments came from both express consignment parcels – as well as passengers at the airport – and totalled 2,376 pills.

Certain influenza drugs are being tested in clinical trials to see if they can have an impact on SARS-CoV-2 infections – notably Fujifilm Toyama Chemical’s Avigan (favipravir) – but none have been approved to treat the virus.

The primary with these products is false claims by the manufacturer, which could lead to users failing to seek medical treatment when needed or, even more worrisome, that the medicine could contain ingredients that make the product harmful, says CBP.