The 'Cinderella' complex and placenta-based drugs - illegal medications were administered to Kazakhstani women

Inspection findings

According to the Department of the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control for the Mangistau Region, an unscheduled inspection of the Aktau facility was conducted in July 2024 following a complaint from a local resident.

Inspectors seized more than 238 ampoules and vials of medicinal products that had not undergone state registration in Kazakhstan.

The seized items included:

• Sodium Thiosulfate (300 mg/ml, 10 ml) and Pyridoxine (50 mg/ml) injection solutions.
• Components of the popular "Cinderella" infusion complex — Cindella (Thioctic acid) 25 mg/5 ml.
• Laennec (Human Placenta Hydrolysate) — a preparation based on human placental hydrolysate.

The department reported that the medications were illegally imported into Kazakhstan from Russia, Armenia, and South Korea..

A full-scale "infusion department": results of the investigation

According to the department, the facility featured two treatment rooms equipped with 11 stations, including couches and massage chairs. A dedicated "infusion department" was organized there, where patients regularly received intravenous drug treatments.

"Although the clinic held a medical license, the procedures described are classified as day-hospital medical care and require specific authorization procedures," the department commented.

For violating licensing requirements, the head of the institution was held administratively liable under Part 1 of Article 464 of the Code of Administrative Offenses — "Violation of licensing norms or procedures."

Furthermore, the Aktau Specialized Administrative Offenses Court found the individual guilty under Part 3 of Article 426 of the Code of Administrative Offenses — "Violation of rules for pharmaceutical activity and the circulation of medicines and medical devices."

Consequently, the medical center owner was fined 800,000 tenge, and the court ordered the confiscation and destruction of all unregistered medications.

The department noted that they currently have no information regarding the number of patients who received the unregistered drugs or whether any complications have been reported.

Advice for patients

The department reminded citizens to verify that a medical organization is properly licensed before seeking treatment and to remain vigilant regarding the medications used during procedures.

Experts also advised paying close attention to medication packaging. Medicines registered in Kazakhstan must feature mandatory labeling in the state language and a "RK-LS" registration number.