Probe widens over unregistered ‘anti-cancer shot’ sales
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong health authorities and law enforcement have widened an investigation after allegations that a medical centre promoted an unregistered WT1 injection as a vaccine that could prevent multiple cancers. Officials said on Friday that no confirmed case of anyone receiving the WT1 shot has been identified so far, while the probe is also examining whether customers may have been deceived about what was actually injected.
Key Points
- HK01 reported on Monday, August 31, that Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Medical Center was suspected of offering unlicensed injections and describing them as an “anti-cancer vaccine”, prompting a Department of Health investigation that night.
- Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau (盧寵茂) said the so-called WT1 “anti-cancer vaccine” is only a reagent studied for treating some cancers, with no scientific evidence that it prevents cancer.
- The Department of Health and enforcement agencies began operations early this week, searched more than 10 premises, and seized 1,600 doses of unregistered injections from four locations.
- Officials said the 1,600 seized doses were not WT1, but health supplements, vitamins and similar products; three people were arrested, including one doctor, and inquiries are continuing.
- Authorities have evidence that a company in Hong Kong sold WT1 and that someone bought it, while investigators are tracing import and sales processes and checking whether any fraud was involved.
Why It Matters
The case has moved beyond drug regulation into a possible deception investigation, because officials are examining whether people were told they received WT1 when they may instead have been given saline or vitamin injections. For Hong Kong patients, the warning is that the product was unregistered and its quality and safety were not assured, with officials saying any injection of such a substance could be dangerous.