Battling counterfeit products is one of a brand's biggest headaches. More often than not, counterfeiting strikes luxury and accessory brands, since it is easier to sell fake branded handbags, shoes, and clothes online and in flea markets and bazaars around the world. But what about when buying a knock-off has life-or-death implications?

Fake products are penetrating an even more serious category than luxury goods — pharmaceuticals. America's Food and Drug Administration just announced the findings of the agency’s investigation of fake vials of the cancer drug Avastin that have showed up in California, Illionis, and Texas.

The FDA's tests indicated the vials did not contain Avastin's active ingredient, and traced the phony drug to the U.K. via a distributor in Tennessee. Reuters reported that the fake Avastin apparently originated in Cairo, Egypt and went from there through Switzerland to Britain. While the FDA was warned about the products by British officials late last year, it only confirmed that they were counterfeit last week. Cancer patients and medical practitioners, understandably, are up in arms.Continue reading...

As CBS News notes, breast cancer patients are "dismayed" at the FDA's decision to pull Roche's Avastin drug for breast cancer treatment in the U.S.

The blockbuster drug will no longer be available for treatment of advanced breast cancer, a blow to women with the disease who have been lobbying to keep the drug available as an option when all others have failed. The drug remains on the market to treat colon, lung, kidney, and brain cancers.

"I did not come to this decision lightly," stated FDA commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg. "Sometimes despite the hopes of investigators, patients, industry and even the FDA itself, the results of rigorous testing can be disappointing."

“We are disappointed with the outcome. We remain committed to the many women with this incurable disease and will continue to provide help through our patient support programs to those who may be facing obstacles to receiving their treatment in the United States,” commented Hal Barron, M.D., chief medical officer and head, Global Product Development at Roche, which makes the cancer drug through its Genentech division. “Despite today’s action, we will start a new Phase III study of Avastin in combination with paclitaxel in previously untreated metastatic breast cancer and will evaluate a potential biomarker that may help identify which people might derive a more substantial benefit from Avastin.” Continue reading...

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Coca-Cola raises prices.

EA applauds US Supreme Court decision to strike down California's ban on violent videogame sales.

Foursquare secures another $50M in capital, adds Ritz-Carlton concierge check-ins.

Genentech lobbies FDA on behalf of Avastin breast cancer drug.

Google expands +1 functionality.

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Super Bowl XLV posts record TV audience to become most-watched TV broadcast in US history. Chrysler's Super Bowl ad continues to reverberate as Volkswagen ponders what it’s actually getting out of buzz around “Little Vader” ad. Papa John’s keeps Super Bowl pizza mojo going with game-related promotions.

AOL's merger with Huffington Post is being closely watched as media/web bellwether.

British Airways projects pact with American Airlines will boost revenues.

Chipotle comes under immigration scrutiny for workers. 

Coca-Cola releases sustainability report.

Current TV, Al Gore’s outfit, expected to pick up Keith Olbermann.Continue reading...