China widens vaccine scandal probe, vows tough penalties

SHANGHAI (Reuters) — China’s drug watchdog published details yesterday of an investigation into a second firm found to have made inferior vaccines, after the Cabinet vowed tough penalties and fines over a vaccine safety scandal that has sparked widespread anger.

China has already ordered the arrest of 18 people at Changsheng Bio-technology Co. Ltd., the vaccine maker at the heart of the scandal, including its chair- woman Gao Junfang.

The firm was found to have falsified data and sold ineffective vaccines. It also fabricated production and inspection records relating to a rabies vaccine used for infants. Changsheng has apologized publicly for the incidents.

A meeting of the State Council chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Monday said enterprises and individuals should be severely punished and banned from the pharmaceutical industry for life.

It ordered further investigations to determine the criminal responsibility of other serious offenders involved in the Changsheng case, according to a notice posted late on Monday.

The State Council also called for a full investigation into any potential regulatory failings, including possible dereliction of duty by officials, and said a long-term mechanism should be established to ensure public safety.

A special Cabinet investigation team said on Friday, Changsheng had systematically falsified production and testing records to avoid regulatory scrutiny.

The China Food and Drug Administration also published details yesterday of its investigation into Wuhan Institute of Biological Products which, with Changsheng, was found to be producing inferior vaccines in November 2017.