The New York-based company recently filed a complaint with the Intellectual Property Department (IPD).

A survey by Pfizer (Thailand) showed that more than 50 per cent of Viagra sold in the country was fake and violated the company's patent.

Of 46 drugstores checked in Bangkok, 24 were selling fake Viagra. The situation was even worse in tourist destinations. Pfizer found fake Viagra being sold in 14 of 20 stores in Phuket, 16 of 21 stores in Koh Samui and 33 of 36 stores in Pattaya.

IPD director-general Puangrat Asavapisit said Pfizer (Thailand) had urged the department to suppress pirated medicine.

The department held a meeting with Pfizer's top management in Bangkok last week.

Manu Sawangjaeng, Pfizer's country manager for Thailand and Indochina, warned that the fake Viagra affected the company's image and could also seriously harm consumers.

Puangrat said the department had cooperated with the Department of Special Investigation over the issue. The Food and Drug Administration will conduct stringent inspections at all drugstores nationwide to solve the problem.

Drug piracy is rising in many countries, particularly Thailand, China, India and Pakistan.

Puangrat warned consumers to be wary when they purchased drugs such as Viagra.

Patented drugs are more expensive than generic drugs. Besides Viagra, other drugs frequently faked include others for sexual potency and those to treat heart disease, cholesterol and cancer. Frequently they are traded via the Internet.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation