Fake Rabies Vaccine Scare: India Investigates "Misbranded" Abhayrab Batch!

A significant public health alert has been issued after India's Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, flagged a batch of the crucial Abhayrab vaccine, used to prevent rabies, as “not of standard quality (NSG)” and “misbranded.” This alarming discovery follows the batch failing a critical potency test, igniting fears about the circulation of counterfeit drugs and prompting a wide-ranging investigation. This isn't an isolated incident, as a similar counterfeit alert was raised in January 2025 regarding another batch, KA24014.

The suspect vaccine samples, bearing batch number KE25012, were seized on April 22 during a joint enforcement operation by the Delhi Police and officials from Delhi's Drugs Control Department.

The raid took place at an “unlicensed residential premises,” indicating an illicit operation.

Upon examination, these vials were found to be significantly different from genuine reference samples, exhibiting discrepancies in packaging, labelling, artwork, QR-code verification, cap colour, and even licence details.

In connection with the incident, the Delhi Police have already arrested four individuals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) confirmed on Saturday (September 5, 2026) that a thorough investigation is underway, with competent authorities pursuing appropriate legal action.

A critical part of this probe will be to ascertain the true manufacturer of these suspect KE25012 vials and, more importantly, whether any patients have received these potentially ineffective vaccines.

While the CDSCO has stated that no part of the concerned batch was exported to any other country, the question of whether these misbranded vaccines have entered circulation domestically remains a pressing concern. In response, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) issued a communication on August 27, urging all State Drugs Controllers to maintain strict vigilance over the movement, distribution, and availability of Abhayrab batch KE25012.

Drug regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies across the country are intensifying their efforts, maintaining strict and continuous surveillance.

Coordinated actions are being undertaken to identify and dismantle unauthorised drug supply networks, safeguarding the quality and safety of medicines available to the public.

This ongoing crackdown aims to protect citizens from the severe risks posed by counterfeit and substandard drugs, especially those vital for life-saving treatments like rabies prevention.

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