Lithuanian PM questions Poland's shut down of drug company

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas questioned Poland's decision to halt production at a Lithuanian-owned pharmaceutical company after an anti-allergy drug was found to contain a potentially deadly substance.

"We are extremely concerned over the situation and are trying to set all things clear via diplomatic channels," Kirkilas was quoted as saying by the Baltic News Service (BNS) agency.

Polish authorities on Thursday ordered a production freeze at the Jelfa drug company, which is based in southwest Poland and is owned by Sanitas, neighbouring Lithuania's largest pharmaceuticals group.

Polish officials acted a day after ordering the immediate withdrawal of Corhydron, a hydrocortisone made by Jelfa which is used to treat allergies and inflammation.

The Polish health ministry decided on the recall following the discovery that packs of what was purportedly Corhydron actually contained suxamethonium chloride, which is normally used to cause muscle paralysis during emergency surgery.

The packs were part of a 6,609-strong consignment produced by Jelfa in 2005, when the company still belonged to the Polish state.

Jelfa has already acknowledged that it was at fault and begun an internal investigation.

Sanitas, which acquired Jelfa for more than 159 million euros earlier this year, is also ready to do its part, said Kirkilas.

"They have admitted their mistake and are ready to offer compensation. However, they ask for the measures taken to be adequate," he said.

"In the opinion of Sanitas' representatives, there actually was no reason to suspend the production at Jelfa's plant," he added.
Source:todayonline.com