Authorities in the EU are taking action after an impurity, N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), was found in some batches of valsartan made by Mylan Laboratories Limited in Hyderabad, India.
Valsartan is an angiotensin-II-receptor antagonist used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), recent heart attack and heart failure. It is available on its own or in combination with other active substances.
EDQM has now suspended the manufacturer’s CEP2 (a certificate of compliance with European standards for quality testing), effectively prohibiting the use of its valsartan in EU medicines. In addition, national authorities in the EU have started recalling affected batches of medicines containing Mylan’s valsartan and are conducting further tests to determine the extent of the contamination.
NDEA and the related compound N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which have been seen in ‘sartans’ from other manufacturers, are classified as probable human carcinogens (substances that could cause cancer).
As with previous findings of NDEA and NDMA, there is no immediate risk to patients. It is riskier for patients to suddenly stop taking high blood pressure medication. Patients should therefore not stop any treatments without consulting their doctor or pharmacist.
The presence of impurities in valsartan medicines and other sartans is thought to be linked to the synthesis of a specific ring structure (tetrazole) which is present in some sartan medicines. EMA's review of sartans with this structure is continuing and the Agency is working closely with national authorities, international partners and the EDQM.
Companies marketing sartan medicines in the EU have been asked to test their products for these impurities. Additional testing is being carried out by EU laboratories. EMA will update the public as soon as new information becomes available.
EMA is also working with manufacturers to determine what measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate the impurities from future batches of their products.
