India’s cancer-drug tracing rule responds to a counterfeit-vial market

Following reporting on counterfeit Keytruda, India introduced requirements for QR codes or barcodes on cancer-drug packaging, with implementation due by July 2027. The report says the requirement covers imported medicines as well as domestic production.

The earlier investigation described allegations that empty genuine vials were refilled with another medicine and sold to patients. A convincing container could therefore conceal an entirely different product.

The tracing system is intended to connect each unit with manufacturing and identification information. It is not automatically foolproof: reused packaging and the order in which units enter the system remain concerns. The policy response addresses product identity and traceability, while the high prices that drove desperate buyers toward unofficial channels remain a separate part of the problem.