Vaccine scandal results in fines and legislative reforms
In July, the nation’s top drug regulator announced that Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences Co had broken the law, including faking production records in the manufacture of a rabies vaccine. A probe uncovered other malpractice by the company, such as using expired materials.
In response, leading officials pledged to impose harsh penalties on violators and reform oversight of the vaccine industry. The company was fined 9 billion yuan ($1.3 billion), the heaviest fine levied on a domestic drug producer in recent years, and senior executives will face criminal charges. The incident led to changes in legislation, with the Drug Management Law being revised. A new law, the Vaccine Management Law, was drafted and submitted to the top legislature for a first review at the end of last year.