Chinese ‘wonder ointment’ identified by local professional, but is not listed on OECS or MBS formularies

The China-made “ointment” reportedly being dispensed by the
community clinics for the treatment of diabetic sores has been
identified by a local pharmacist as “Fespixon Cream.”

The medication, described as a “novel mechanism” for the
treatment of such ulcers, has been approved for use in China,
although under a different name, and in Taiwan, Singapore, and
Malaysia.

However, a local professional says that anything the Government
procures for use must be listed on the formularies of the OECS

Pool Procurement Services (OECS PPS) or on the Medical Benefits
Scheme (MBS) Formulary.
It is not listed, the professional says.

While requests for special arrangements can be made through the
MBS, the professional notes, the Pharmacy Council still needs to
verify that all such drugs enjoy the approval of reputable national
regulatory agencies, both in the region and internationally.

Apparently, these procedures were not followed. Rather, the
medication was a gift presented to Health Minister Molwyn
Joseph during a recent visit to Shanghai, China.

The drug was then reportedly distributed among the clinics for
the treatment of patients with diabetic sores.

Last week’s Cabinet Notes proclaimed that the ointment has since
been curing wounds that had been considered incurable.
However, no scientific data were offered to support that claim,
which one person has since dismissed as the author’s “usual
exaggeration.”