China reports 4 new deaths in fake drug scandal

China reports 4 new deaths in fake drug scandal

Four more patients have died after being injected with a gallbladder drug made with a toxic fake ingredient, raising the overall fatality toll to nine, the Chinese government said Monday.

The scandal over the drug has prompted the government to order a safety review of all of China's pharmaceutical factories.

The Chinese company that made the drug has blamed the deaths on an unscrupulous supplier that it says delivered a toxic chemical in place of an ingredient used to make the medication.

The ingredient supplier and seven people associated with the factory have been detained by police, reports the AP.

I.L.