The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case concerning the illegal distribution of the Japanese immunostimulating drug Laennec. This development was reported by a Telegram channel, but official verification remains a priority as investigators pursue the facts surrounding the case.
According to law enforcement sources, the illicit sale of the medication occurred through a social network. The drug was reportedly offered by a seller connected with a nutritionist practicing in Yekaterinburg, who provided the injection solution to buyers.
The drug Laennec, which is associated with placenta-derived components, drew the attention of authorities after a medical student in Moscow used the medicine. The student reportedly obtained Laennec and self-administered it, sharing the treatment with a partner in an attempt to boost immunity.
On March 13, 2023, the couple planned a trip for snowboarding in the mountains but became ill at the airport. They were hospitalized, and the female patient died while the male patient survived after medical intervention. The head of the Investigative Committee has ordered a report on the ongoing supervision of this death and its circumstances to be provided, ensuring a thorough and transparent follow-up.
Earlier statements from a representative of the Laennec manufacturer stated that the drug should not cause fatal outcomes when used as directed. Investigators are evaluating whether improper distribution and use contributed to the tragic outcome and will assess all relevant safety and regulatory considerations as part of the case.