Experts opinion - use of Mildronate® injections is safe


JSC “Grindeks” reports on information received on 5th and 6th February 2009 at
Regional Offices of State Agency of Medicines of Russian Federation
(hereinafter ROSZDRAVNADZOR) in Penza, Chelyabinsk, Kurgan, Nizhegorod
districts from Regional Drug Safety Monitoring Centers regarding severe cases
of side effects using Mildronate injections 0.5 g (ampoules) 5 ml series 260808
and 290808 produced by Russian CJSC “FarmFirma “Soteks”. Severe side effects
occurred in form of anaphylactic shock and respiratory and cardiac arrest. 

Upon receival of the official information reporting on several harmful effects
caused to health after the use of Mildronate injections produced by Russian
“FarmFirma “Soteks”, “Grindeks” acted immediately according to the
Pharmacovigilance requirements. These reports were sent to the manufacturer of
injections “FarmFirma “Soteks” and also to the distributor. The suspension of
further distribution of Mildronate injections produced by “FarmFirma “Soteks”
was requested. The reports were presented to State Agency of Medicines of
Latvia, State Agency of Medicines of Lithuania, ROSZDRAVNADZOR in Russia and
EMEA as well. 

Central Bureau of ROSZDRAVNADZOR suspended the distribution of this medication
in the territory of Russian Federation until clarification of circumstances.
Further relevant controlling procedures detected error in manufacturing process
of CJSC “FarmFirma “Soteks” during which ampoules of Listenon injections 2% 5
ml were labeled as Mildronate injections 0.5 g (ampoules) 5 ml. The fact was
approved after the quality analyses of Mildronate injections 0.5 g (ampoules) 5
ml series 260808 and 290808 were done. 

ROSZDRAVNADZOR recalled from circulation all 98 series of Mildronate injections
0.5 g (ampoules) 5 ml produced by Russian CJSC “FarmFirma “Soteks” and
published relevant statements on its official website (www.roszdravnadzor.ru). 

According to data of Drug Safety Monitoring Center of Russian Federation no
severe side effects while using medication were detected since 17th February
2009. 

Due to essential breach of licensing requirements and conditions for the
production of medicines, ROSZDRAVNADZOR has brought a claim against CJSC
“FarmFirma “Soteks” in accordance with the Part 4, paragraph 14.1 of the
Administrative Code of the Russian Federation at Arbitration Court of Moscow.
Materials of inspection have been submitted to the law enforcement
institutions. 

Director of Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, inventor of Mildronate
Ivars Kalviņš: “Mildronate is presented in the market more than 20 years.
During the last five years this medication is used by more than 12 millions
patients, and such complaints have never occurred previously. Contrary - due to
unique action of Mildronate in optimizing oxygen demand, it can be used
effectively in the treatment of different diseases caused by oxygen deficiency.
It is possible to use Mildronate for the treatment of atherosclerosis, heart
failures, heart attacks, stenocardia, thrombus etc. The medication is very
tolerant with few side effects. The doctors and patients evaluate positively
the impact of Mildronate.” 

Chairman of the Board of “Grindeks” Jānis Romanovskis: 
“Because of crude error in manufacturing process of Russian CJSC “FarmFirma
“Soteks”, another product was labeled as Mildronate. “Grindeks” will provide
Russian patients with Mildronate injections produced in European Union.” 

As informed previously, according to the agreement signed between “Grindeks”
and CJSC “FarmFirma “Soteks” in August 2008, manufacturing of Mildronate
injections in Russia was carried out by CJSC “FarmFirma “Soteks” and these
medications were distributed only in the territory of Russia. 


About “Grindeks” 

JSC “Grindeks” is the leading pharmaceutical company in the Baltic States. Its
main fields of action are research, development and manufacturing of original
products, generics and active pharmaceutical ingredients. “Grindeks”
specializes in the heart and cardiovascular, CNS and anti-cancer medication
therapeutic groups. 
A range of products covers a successful combination of original products and
generics, with the original products Mildronate® and Ftorafur® and more than
100 forms of effective and safe generics included therein. 
“Grindeks” concern consists of four subsidiary companies in Latvia, Estonia and
Russia, as well representatives and representative offices in fourteen
countries. Products of the company are exported to more than 40 countries and
its export comprises more than 96% of the total turnover. The main markets are
the Baltic States, Russia and other CIS countries, Japan, USA. The shares of
JSC “Grindeks” are listed in the Official List of “NASDAQ OMX Riga”. 

You are kindly invited to visit www.grindeks.lv to find out more about our
company! 

Contacts:
Laila Kļaviņa
Head of the Communications Department
JSC “Grindeks”
Phones: +37167083370, +37129256012
e-mail: laila.klavina@grindeks.lv