http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article2511583.ece

AstraZeneca is aware of a report in The Sunday Times about a journalistic investigation into a Chinese businessman who is allegedly involved in the manufacture a range of counterfeit medicines, including fake bicalutamide 50mg. AstraZeneca is not aware of any fake bicalutamide 50mg being sold and prescribed in the UK that may be connected with this particular report.

However, as a key priority, AstraZeneca aims to protect and maintain patients safety at all times. The Company is already working with the relevant authority, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to stop the illegal practice of counterfeiting.  AstraZenecas manufacturing and supply chain processes are monitored on a continuous basis.

In the UK, bicalutamide 50mg is used in the treatment of advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer (when the cancer has spread out to other parts of the body) in combination with medical or surgical castration therapy. (1)

Healthcare professionals dispensing bicalutamide 50mg can contact AstraZeneca Customer Services Team on 01582 837837 to discuss any supply concerns.

Ends

Media queries AZ UK

Simon Moore +44 7824 350566
Isabelle Jouin + 44 7770 568 269

Notes to Editors

• Bicalutamide 50mg is an oral, once daily, non-steroidal anti-androgen that blocks the action of androgens, and prevents the stimulation of prostate tumour growth.
• Bicalutamide 50mg is used in the treatment of advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer (when the cancer has spread out to other parts of the body) in combination with medical or surgical castration therapy.

(1) Bicalutamide (Casodex) 50mg Summary of Product Characterisitics (SmPC)