Home >  News >  Industry >  Pharma News >  USFDA Commissioner to...

USFDA Commissioner to visit India soon to address cancer drug shortage in US

By - Ruchika Sharma
Published On 2023-08-19 07:00 GMT   |   Update On 2023-08-19 07:00 GMT
Advertisement

New Delhi: India is an indispensable partner of the United States for the supply of pharmaceutical products, US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said. A top official of his country will be visiting India very soon to address the issue of shortage of some crucial drugs including those for cancer in the US, he said.

"We have a very strong and dependent relationship with India when it comes to pharmaceuticals. We depend on India, India depends on us and together we can both thrive when it comes to making sure medicines are available not just to our people but to the world," Becerra told reporters here. He was in Gandhinagar to take part in the G20 Health Ministers' Meeting as well as bilateral meetings with other countries. The US is experiencing disruptions in the supply of some cancer drugs, he said.
When asked if he has any plans to meet Indian officials or industry leaders to address the shortage of cancer drugs, Becerra said that is the reason why US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Commissioner Robert Califf will be visiting India soon.
"Because we don't want to see any shortage in supply of any medicines. There have been disruptions in the supply chain for some of the drugs for cancer. India is such an indispensable partner in helping America to have the pharmaceuticals that it needs," Becerra said. The US is eyeing to increase the domestic capacity for the production of such crucial drugs, but still, it will not be enough, he said.
Advertisement
"Strong partners like India make it possible for us to provide our people with the medicines that they need," he said. Asked about the concerns raised by a US committee about the quality of medicines coming from India, the health secretary clearly said the US wanted the drugs sold in the country to be safe.
"We want the drugs sold in our country safe and effective. This applies in India also. I don't see the regulatory regime which the US uses as a challenge (for Indian companies). It is a standard if Indian companies wish to sell products in the US. If India wants to make sure that they have companies which can meet those standards, we are absolutely willing to work with them," he said.
The US standards are transparent, he said, adding that his country wants India to continue to be a "good partner in the exchange of pharmaceuticals". "That requires Indian companies to meet US standards, if they wish to export to us," Becerra said. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that India's role in the healthcare sector has expanded after the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We can not let another world crisis, a pandemic, hit us, like Covid did. We know we have to work together. By the way, this is where India's role has increased dramatically. I think Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognizes, people also recognize that India is at a different place than it was a few decades ago. And this is the time when India can show that it is a world leader in this space," he said.
When asked if the US has made up its mind to onboard the digital health platform to be presented by India during the G20 meeting, the secretary said the discussions are still going on because it can prove to be "very dangerous" sans clear standards or road map.
"Well, we certainly understand the importance of having digital platforms, especially now with AI really coming into play....At the same time we have to have standards in place so that we don't let those same technologies be used to harm our people. And so, all those are the considerations that people are working on," he said. Without clear standards or roadmap, such an initiative "could be very dangerous if we don't have the ability to really know how we're going to use this", Becerra added

Read also: Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India, Suriname in field of medicines regulation

Tags:    
Article Source : PTI

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News

Eris Lifesciences receives ANVISA approval at its Ahmedabad campus

India laying foundations to emerge as global MedTech hub, says Shri Amit Agrawal

Mandatory Excipients Disclosure on Drug Labels from March 2026: Health Ministry

CDSCO Cancels Import Licence of Mediderma Salipeel Products

Declare Cancer a Notifiable Disease, Bring Cancer Drugs Under Price Control: Parliamentary Panel

CDSCO Panel Rejects Phase III Trial of QL2107 Injection Proposed by Syneos Health

Piramal Pharma Solutions, NewAmsterdam Pharma open dedicated oral solid dosage form suite at Piramal Sellersville facility

Rs 92 Cr Drug Factory Busted in Bhopal: DRI Arrests 7, Exposes International Mephedrone Syndicate