FDA director lauds India’s growth in making medicines

VISAKHAPATNAM: USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality division director Dr Carmelo Rosa on Thursday lauded India for making continuous progress in the field of manufacturing medicines.

Inaugurating the two-day workshop on “Current Good Manufacturing Practices” jointly organised by Andhra University and FDA at the Andhra University campus, Rosa advised that changes in law must be adhered to while manufacturing quality medicines.

Stating how regulators are facing many challenges, he explained the working of FDA in providing safe, quality pharmaceuticals and food products to American citizens. He pointed out that awareness about laws is created and implemented at different stages of drug preparation, approval and consumption.

FDA’s International Relations Specialist (Drugs) Gregory Smith said public health is the highest priority of the authority in various stages of regulating, testing and manufacturing medicines and food products of the best standards.

“Till 2021, around 331 companies manufacturing medicines in India have got FDA recognition,” Smith stated.

Andhra University vice-chancellor Prof. P.V.G.D. Prasada Reddy said there needs to be a philosophy while providing necessary medicines to the world. He said a start-up centre has been set up in AU, especially on food-related issues. Similarly, a food testing laboratory is being developed in collaboration with Defence Food Research Laboratory and AP Food Society.

Around 340 representatives from more than 50 pharma industries are participating in the conference in person and in virtual mode. On the occasion, a team of experts, including the FDA director, visited the Pharm Hub being set up at the AU Pharmacy College.