Pharmsource LLC has stated it did not know that continuous glucose monitoring sensors it bought from licensed distributors had been identified for destruction, after the device maker alerted users that some units were stolen and resold.
The sensor manufacturer in May warned that two specific lots of its G7 continuous glucose monitoring sensors were taken during a destruction process and subsequently sold by third parties. The company said it traced some of those diverted sales back to Pharmsource.
Brunswick, Georgia-based Pharmsource said it launched an immediate, comprehensive audit of its on-hand inventory once it learned of the issue and implemented remedial steps to address any gaps uncovered by that review.
In a spokesperson comment, Pharmsource emphasized that it "had zero involvement in Dexcom’s destruction process, which is where Dexcom reports the theft occurred," and added that the company will assist law enforcement as the investigation continues.
The device maker has advised that one of the affected lots could pose an elevated risk of skin infection for users, while the other lot has a greater chance of producing no sensor readings. Those safety concerns prompted the initial warning and appear to be the reason for tracing the sales to distributors and downstream buyers.
Pharmsource did not claim any participation in the destruction activities described by the device maker, instead attributing the connection to its purchases from licensed channels and committing to cooperate with authorities examining the theft and resale chain.
Context and next steps
The wholesaler said its inventory audit and remedial actions were carried out immediately after being linked to the traced sales. Pharmsource also indicated it would provide assistance to investigators looking into how units marked for destruction ultimately entered the resale market.
At the same time, the device maker's safety notice distinguishing infection risk for one lot and potential non-function for another underlines the patient-safety implications of diverted medical supplies.
Note: Information in this report is based on statements from the companies involved and the safety notice issued by the device manufacturer. No additional details about the investigation or the extent of affected units were provided in the statements.