No growth of rhizopus found in Europharm drugs

HONG KONG, March 10 (Chinese media) -- Initial laboratory

analysis of samples of pharmaceutical products by Europharm had indicated no

growth of rhizpous, said a spokesman for the Hong Kong Department of Health on

Tuesday.

The spokesman said that initial laboratory analysis

of samples of all 41 pharmaceutical products (not including the recalled

allopurinol) which were supplied to the Hospital Authority by Europharm had

indicated no growth of rhizpous so far in the products.

Laboratory tests were on going and the results were

expected to be available later this week, said the spokesman.

Allopurinol is used primarily to treat hyperuricemia,

an excess of uric acid in blood plasma, known commonly as gout. A recent

University of Hong Kong study found the drugs produced by Europharm Laboratories

has been contaminated.