Jilin anti-corruption watchdogs launch investigation into vaccine case

CHANGCHUN - The discipline inspection body of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Jilin provincial committee and the provincial supervisory commission have ordered an investigation into and serious punishment of those found responsible for an illegal vaccine production case, official sources said Tuesday.

The two watchdogs are reviewing information and public complaints regarding Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences Ltd. and its key personnel.

They also ordered an investigation into possible dereliction of duty among food and drug officials, and vowed stern punishment for those involved.

Meanwhile, a work team has been established to investigate potential corruption during the company's restructuring, production, and operation processes.

A police investigation into five people from the company including its chairperson began on Monday.

A meeting of standing committee members of the CPC Jilin provincial committee Monday stressed that the illegal vaccine production case of the company must be dealt with seriously according to law, and that the province would fully cooperate with the investigation team sent by the State Council as well as relevant departments to find out the truth as soon as possible.

An official with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) said Sunday they discovered that the company had fabricated production records and product inspection records, and arbitrarily changed process parameters and equipment during its production of freeze-dried human rabies vaccines.

The CFDA revoked the company's drug GMP certificate due to severe violations of laws and regulations and demanded a recall of all unused vaccines.