Abbott's Phensedyl Supply Chain Under Scanner After Ghaziabad Seizure, Codeine Diversion Probe Widens

ABBOTT ‌PLANT VISIT, RECORDS OBTAINED

The ‍investigation, which extends to several other Indian makers of cough syrups, has found that the ‍quantity of addictive cough syrups including Phensedyl being sold in Uttar Pradesh "was ‌much more than actual consumption", suggesting the drug is being diverted for illegal use.

"This clearly shows", the document said, that drugs like Phensedyl were "not being used for therapeutic use and were instead being diverted for abuse via a parallel supply chain."

Abbott Healthcare is not named as an accused in the case, but on January 14 officials of the drug department of Uttar Pradesh visited the company's plant in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh seeking information.

"Records relating to the manufacture and distribution of codeine-based cough syrup were obtained," according to the state ‍government document detailing the probe, seen by Reuters.

An Abbott spokesperson said it "cooperated with the inspection and provided all the information requested" during the January 14 factory visit.

"Abbott does not condone any misuse, ‍including diversion, of medicines," ⁠the company said, adding that ⁠it took several steps over years to prevent the misuse of Phensedyl, including eliminating sales incentives for trade.

However, as "misuse and diversion persisted", Abbott said it ceased manufacturing and selling codeine-based Phensedyl in December 2024.

CODEINE ABUSE

Last year, local media reported that India's Border Security Force seized 62,000 Phensedyl bottles near the Bangladesh border.

The Indian government said in 2024 that codeine-based cough syrups remain "a major abuse concern" with the eastern states of West Bengal, Assam and Bihar being high-risk states "traditionally affected by codeine abuse."

Excessive use of codeine-based cough syrups can also cause sedation and behavioural changes, according to doctors.

After the raid on November 4, 11 individuals were arrested and the investigation is ongoing, Kartar Singh, an investigating officer of Ghaziabad police, told Reuters.