International Conference of the Spanish Medicines and Healthcare Products Agency within the framework of the European "Fakeshare" project

International Conference of Authorities on the sale of medicines over the Internet

2015.2.24

  • x: opens new window
  • Whatsapp: opens new window
  • Linkedin: opens new window
  • Send: opens new window

This conference is one of the actions considered under the FAKESHARE I project that is co-financed by the European Commission under the 'Crime Prevention and Control' programme, of which the AEMPS forms part and which is coordinated by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA). Its goal is to foster greater coordination in research activities and national initiatives to counter the sale of medicines via illegal websites.

The conference consisted of three sessions. The first included presentations on actions to counter the illegal sale of medicines over the Internet, which, globally, represents the main medium for access by consumers to illegal and, in many cases, fake medicines. The steps taken by the various authorities are aimed at a large number of possible targets, making the correct identification of the true owners of such websites (the majority of them hosted in non-EU countries) and any action against them very difficult. In contrast to this complexity in terms of investigation and action by the authorities, setting up new illegal websites is quick and easy.

The second session focused on the presentation of experiences regarding the legal framework governing such sales. The experiences of various countries in this regard were examined, especially the future European framework due to be launched in July that will enable citizens to identify legal websites by a logo created by the European Commission, thereby increasing the security surrounding such legal sales.

The third session included a description of other initiatives - such as international cooperation actions undertaken by the security forces of various countries and in which the Spanish State law enforcement agencies are heavily involved, the experience on the protection of consumers who purchase other products over the Internet - which was presented by a representative from the Internet Watchdog of the AECOSAN, the situation surrounding the illegal sale of sanitary products and, finally, the importance of knowing the profile of consumers so as to correctly design the necessary awareness campaigns.

Conclusions

From the conclusions reached at the conference, the following should be highlighted:

  • The importance of collaboration between those authorities dealing with very similar situations and objectives in the prosecution of illegal websites.
  • The increased safety for those sales that the new European system will bring about as from July.
  • The need for awareness campaigns regarding the risks associated with purchasing medicines from illegal websites, which the authorities view as one of the most effective tools for protecting citizens.