PPB Raises Alarm Over Fake Breast Cancer Drug in Kenyan Market

Kenya, 29 May 2026 - The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public alert over a falsified batch of Phesgo, a breast cancer medication, detected in circulation within the Kenyan market, warning that the product poses a serious threat to patient safety.

In a public notice statement the regulator directed healthcare providers, pharmacists, distributors and patients to immediately stop the use and distribution of the fake batch identified as C5290S20.

Phesgo, manufactured by Roche, is used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer and contains Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab.

According to PPB, post-marketing surveillance uncovered significant differences between the falsified product and the genuine medicine.

The board said Batch Number C5290S20 does not correspond with any authentic Roche batch number.

It further noted that while genuine Phesgo is supplied as a ready-to-use clear to slightly brownish liquid for subcutaneous injection, the falsified product was found containing white powder.

“Roche does not supply Phesgo as a powder, and it requires no reconstitution,” the Board stated.

“The falsified batch may contain incorrect, insufficient, or harmful ingredients, and its quality, safety, and efficacy cannot be guaranteed. Use of this product poses a serious risk to patient safety and public health.”

The PPB urged all procurement agencies, wholesalers, retailers, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists and healthcare facilities to source medicines strictly from licensed manufacturers, importers and distributors.