U.S drug regulator: Warns Sun Pharma

The United States Food and Drug AdministrationCaraco's Michigan facilities in Detroit, Farmington Hills,
(USFDA) has issued a warning letter to Sunand Wixom were searched by U.S. marshals. The
Pharmaceuticals as the company was found violatingproduction had to be stopped for alleged violation of
manufacturing norms in its Cranbury facility in Newmanufacturing regulations. The matter has not been
Jersey. Sun Pharma has stated that the FDA hasresolved and the production is yet to be started.
withheld approval of pending new drug applicationsSun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc (SPI Inc) is a wholly
listing the facility as the manufacturer.owned subsidiary of Sun Pharma. The company
However, it is improbable that the decision may havereceived the warning letter by the USFDA as a
a noteworthy impact on Sun Pharma's operations infollow-up to the earlier examination of their
the United States. The company's Cranbury plantmanufacturing facility in Cranbury which started in
manufacturers a restricted number of products -February. FDA found current Good Manufacturing
primarily four or five controlled substance drugs (orPractice (cGMP) regulations were being violated, as
drugs that fall under the narcotics category). A Sunper a statement.
Pharma spokesperson informed that the profit impact"SPI Inc has undertaken immediate corrective actions
would only be in "single-digit million dollars".and intends to respond promptly and timely to the
Sun Pharma sustained its 2010-11 consolidated salesUSFDA within 15 working days," said Sun Pharma.
growth expectation of 18-20 percent over theBesides an active ingredient facility, the company has
reported sales of 2009-10.three manufacturing facilities in the U.S. However,
Ranjit Kapadia, vice-president of institutional researchmost of its supply to the US market is from its
at HDFC Securities said, "The decision of FDA mayFDA-approved Indian manufacturing facilities.
not have much impact Sun Pharma in terms ofTwo years ago, Daiichi Sankyo-owned Ranbaxy
revenue, but the sentiment of a warning letter mayLaboratories was also banned by FDA for violating
pull down stocks, in the wake of ongoingmanufacturing norms at two facilities in India.
manufacturing issues for Caraco,"Ranbaxy is yet to receive approval from the
Last year in June, Sun Pharma's U.S. subsidiaryregulator.