Gilead Sciences recently made a shocking discovery regarding a dangerous drug-counterfeiting operation that involved tampering with its HIV medications and reselling them to unsuspecting patients. The operation, allegedly orchestrated by a convicted medical fraudster named Peter Khaim, took place in two New York City pharmacies – 71st RX and Best Scripts, located in Queens. This revelation has shed light on the risks that patients face when counterfeit medications enter the legal supply chain.
According to court documents unsealed by Gilead Sciences, Peter Khaim was identified as the mastermind behind the counterfeit Gilead medications scheme. The company accused Khaim of being one of the most audacious manufacturers and sellers of counterfeit Gilead medications in the country. It was alleged that Khaim and his co-conspirators manufactured and trafficked these counterfeit medications to pharmacies and patients in New York and New Jersey, jeopardizing the health and safety of countless individuals.
Gilead’s complaint detailed how the counterfeiters used authentic prescription bottles from the company but tampered with the medication or associated documentation. In some instances, the bottles were emptied of their original contents, refilled with incorrect medication, and resealed using materials different from Gilead’s authentic tamper-evident seals. The counterfeit bottles were then sold along with fake patient information documents, caps, pedigrees, or invoices.
The majority of the counterfeit Gilead medications seized in the case were Biktarvy and Descovy, two critical HIV medications. The victims included patients living with HIV who were misled by the defendants into taking counterfeit medication, as well as unsuspecting individuals who received fake medications from their neighborhood pharmacies. Gilead revealed that these medications were obtained through seizures conducted at the two pharmacies and Khaim’s residence, resulting in the confiscation of over $750,000 worth of suspected counterfeit medication.
This was not the first time that Gilead Sciences had taken legal action against Peter Khaim. In 2021, the company sued Khaim and obtained an injunction prohibiting him from selling Gilead-branded products after he made over $38 million selling counterfeit medications. Despite the injunction, Khaim continued to operate a counterfeiting operation from the Queens pharmacies, as indicated in the recent complaint. Khaim’s history of involvement in medical and insurance fraud schemes further highlighted the severity of the situation.
In response to these developments, Gilead Sciences emphasized its commitment to prioritizing patient safety and combating counterfeit medications in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The company stated that it was working closely with regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities to dismantle counterfeiting networks, deter fraudsters, and prevent the illegal distribution of its medicines. Gilead’s vigilance in addressing this issue was underscored by its ongoing efforts to safeguard patients and uphold the integrity of its products.
The discovery of the dangerous drug-counterfeiting operation involving Gilead’s HIV medications has raised serious concerns about the risks posed to patients by counterfeit medications. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent measures to prevent such illicit activities and protect individuals from harm. Gilead’s decisive actions in pursuing legal recourse against the perpetrators reflect its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients who rely on its medications. Vigilance, collaboration, and swift intervention are crucial in combating counterfeit drugs and upholding the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry.
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