Samospharma Limited has strongly denied any affiliation with Aveo Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd and Westfin Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd, the two companies recently implicated in a BBC investigation into the illegal sale of opioid pills in West Africa.
This comes in the wake of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) revoking Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification following a BBC Africa Eye exposé that linked the company to the unauthorized distribution of opioid-based medications across the region.
According to the investigation, Aveo Pharmaceuticals—through Westfin International—allegedly exported unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, powerful and highly addictive opioids, to Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. These substances, when abused, pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure and death.
In response to the revelations, the FDA directed Samospharma, a Ghanaian importer, to immediately cease all transactions with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International. However, Samospharma has rejected any association with the companies in question and is demanding an immediate public correction from the FDA.
In a strongly worded statement, Samospharma described the allegations as “baseless and damaging” to its reputation. The company called on the FDA to either provide concrete evidence supporting its claims or retract them entirely.
“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.”
Beyond refuting alleged ties to Aveo and Westfin, Samospharma also pointed out errors in the FDA’s communication regarding the manufacturer of Timonidin Eye Drops, an FDA-approved product.
The FDA had stated that Indiana Ophthalmics LLP was responsible for manufacturing Timonidin Eye Drops. However, Samospharma clarified that this claim was incorrect, stressing that Indiana Ophthalmics LLP has never been involved in the production of Timonidin Eye Drops.
While acknowledging Indiana Ophthalmics as a reputable ophthalmic company, Samospharma urged the FDA to review its internal records and correct the misrepresentation promptly.
To substantiate its position, Samospharma attached several documents to its letter, including:
- Manufacturer Confirmation: Kilitch Drugs (India) Ltd, the actual manufacturer and exporter of Timonidin Eye Drops and Samocef Injection, confirmed its role in their production and export.
- Commercial Invoices & FDA Consignment Documents: Proof of importation of Timonidin Eye Drops and Samocef Injection in 2022 and 2023.
- Export Invoice & Customs Bill of Entry: Documentation from Sudarshan Pharma Industries Ltd and the GRA Customs Division confirming the 2023 importation of Prolatan (Latanoprost) Eye Drops.
Samospharma has urged the FDA to act responsibly in correcting what it describes as a “grave misrepresentation.”
“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 company stated.
FDA suspends Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ certification over opioid smuggling
