Chinese PM calls for severe punishment in vaccine scandal

The scandal erupted a week ago after the leading vaccine manufacturer, Changsheng Biotechnology Co, violated human rabies vaccine manufacturing standards. However, there does not appear to have been any report of people injured by the vaccine or having contracted rabies after receiving it.

The case angered social media and dealt a blow to China's drug regulator, who fought to clean up the world's second largest pharmaceutical industry and promote home-made vaccines .

In a statement released on the government's website on Sunday, Li said the public deserved a clear explanation. "We will resolutely crack down on illegal and criminal acts that endanger the lives of people, punish violators in accordance with the law, and severely and severely criticize the failure to monitor," he said.

The Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Sunday night that its investigation had revealed that Changsheng was manufacturing production records and product inspection records, and arbitrarily changing the process parameters and letting it go. equipment, "serious violations" of the law.

In a press release on Sunday, the company said its suspension of rabies vaccine production would have a significant impact on its finances and that some regional disease control agencies had suspended some of its other vaccines.

Changsheng shares fell to 10.5% on Friday to settle at 14.5 yuan ($ 2.14). They have lost 40% of their value since July 13th.

An editorial published Monday in the China Daily warned that the case could become a public health crisis if it was not treated "in a reasonable and transparent manner".

"The government must act as soon as possible to let the public know that it is committed to solving the problem and will punish all thieves without mercy," he said.

"Those who dare to defy the bottom line and produce substandard or even fake vaccines must receive the heaviest penalties in accordance with the law." Last Sunday, the official Xinhua News Agency issued an editorial calling for severe punishment for any violations, large or small, in the vaccine industry and for regulators to fill in the loopholes and reinforce the surveillance of l & # 39; industry.

The China Securities News also weighed in, saying that listed companies – like Changsheng Biotechnology – have a duty to the public and conduct business with integrity.

"Cases like Changsheng Biotechnology, where laws and regulations are ignored and internal controls only exist in the name of bringing a painful price," he said.

State media said the listed company publicly apologized and recalled all the rabies vaccines available on the market.

(Report by John Ruwitch, edited by Michael Perry)