Test delays deepen Ondansetron doubts

The drug, used to treat nausea and vomiting, was withdrawn after two patients died

• Medical professionals point out that Sri Lanka’s reliance on external laboratories for advanced drug testing continues to slow critical investigations further compounding public uncertainty surrounding the fate of the controversial batches

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

After nearly a month, serious concerns have been raised over a considerable delay in reviewing a request to conduct independent testing on withdrawn batches of the Ondansetron injection, as well as the non-release of related laboratory findings. This has prompted medical professionals to question about the handling of the probe. The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) ordered the withdrawal of four batches of the drug on December 13 following suspicions of possible contamination, after it was reportedly administered to two patients who later died.  
Despite the manufacturer, Maan Pharmaceutical (Pvt) Ltd., formally requesting permission to send the withdrawn batches for independent testing at its own expense, the request remains under consideration by the Medicines Evaluation Committee weeks later.  
Medical professionals say the prolonged delay in reaching a decision and the absence of publicly available test results have raised serious concerns over transparency and urgency in a case involving patient safety.   
They also point out that Sri Lanka’s reliance on external laboratories for advanced drug testing continues to slow critical investigations further compounding public uncertainty surrounding the fate of the controversial batches.