Spain's Normon says drug not behind Panama deaths
(Source: Reuters) PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Spanish drug maker Normon SA said on Sunday its hypertension tablets were not the cause of a mystery illness in Panama that has killed 20 people over the past month. Panama withdrew some 2 million Lisinopril tablets over the weekend from pharmacies, hospitals and private clinics after noticing that nine of the people who fell sick with the illness had been taking the drug. Of those nine, five have died. On Sunday night, Health Minister Camilo Alleyne said the death toll from the illness had risen by one to 20, and another person had become ill, leaving a total of 11 sick. Health officials say damage to kidney and nerve tissue spotted during post-mortem exams of the victims pointed to possible toxic agents being involved. "We insist that only a minority consumed this product, which seems to leave it clear that Lisinopril Normon is not responsible for this situation," Normon said in a statement. It said its scientists, along with officials at the company that distributes the generic drug in Panama, analyzed batches of the tablets in Panama and found them to be normal."We can guarantee that the product is in perfect condition," Normon said, noting it had sold Lisinopril internationally for 15 years with no problems.
Executives and scientists from Madrid-based Normon arrived in Panama on Saturday to help with the investigation, Alleyne said.
The minister said government scientists also tested the tablets and detected no toxic agents. He said the drug's recall was a precautionary move.
About 7,000 Panamanians are taking Lisinopril through the public health system. More may take it through private clinics.
The mystery illness starts with nausea, fever, weakness and diarrhea and quickly progresses to acute kidney failure, partial paralysis and death.
Lisinopril, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, is made by several companies. The version made by Normon, a laboratory specializing in generic medicines, arrived on the Panamanian market in mid-August, shortly before the illness broke out.
The illness has mainly struck men over age 60 being treated for high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disorders. The fact that several were taking Lisinopril made investigators wonder if there could be a contaminated batch.
Normon sells its drugs in Europe, Central and South America, Asia and Africa.
Panamanian and U.S. scientists working on the case have ruled out illnesses like dengue fever and West Nile virus.
