Summary of responses on a legislative proposal to combat counterfeit medicines for human use
In response to the public consultation on "Key ideas for better protection of patients against the risk of counterfeit medicines", the Commission received 123 contributions from stakeholders. Of these, 100 were from industry (pharmaceutical industry, distributors, suppliers of active ingredients, consultants), 15 from citizens, patient (groups), and academics, and 8 from health professionals, pharmacists and health insurers. 
The European Medicines Agency has reviewed the risks associated with the use of heparin medicinal products contaminated with oversulphated chondroitin sulphate (OSCS). Heparins are used to prevent and treat blood clots. They are used widely in patients who could have, or have had a heart attack, in patients who have undergone major surgery, or patients on dialysis. 
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced efforts underway at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will complement each other to improve patient safety and the quality of medical care. "This initiative will tremendously increase the FDA's capacity to monitor the use of medical products on the market," Secretary Leavitt said. 