CDSCO Examines Use of Similar Pharma Brand Names for Different Medicines, Seeks Stakeholder Feedback

New Delhi: In a move aimed at addressing concerns over potential consumer confusion arising from the use of brand name extensions for medicines, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has invited comments from stakeholders on a proposal concerning the use of brand name extensions by pharmaceutical companies on or before July 17, 2026.

The proposal stems from deliberations held during the 67th Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting, where concerns were raised that pharmaceutical companies were marketing different drug formulations containing different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) under the same established brand name with different extensions.

The notice, issued by the Enforcement Division of CDSCO on July 6, 2026, seeks public feedback on concerns that the practice of marketing multiple medicines with the same established brand name but different extensions could potentially mislead consumers.

According to the notice, the Directorate has received representations regarding the issue of brand name extensions used by pharmaceutical firms. The matter was subsequently deliberated during the 67th Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting held on November 17, 2025.

During the DCC meeting, members were informed about a representation alleging that a pharmaceutical company was marketing multiple drug formulations under the same established brand name with different extensions. The committee noted concerns that using the same brand name for medicines containing different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) may create confusion among consumers regarding the therapeutic use of the products. Such practices, the notice states, may mislead patients and healthcare professionals, increasing the possibility of inappropriate medicine selection.

The notice further states that the Drugs Consultative Committee deliberated the matter in detail and concluded that the issue requires a stakeholder consultation, taking into account the various aspects associated with the use of brand name extensions in pharmaceutical products.

Accordingly, CDSCO has uploaded the recommendations of the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) on its official website and has invited public comments from all stakeholders on the proposal.

Stakeholders have been requested to submit their comments on or before July 17, 2026, via email at enforcecell.div@cdsco.nic.in for further necessary action in the matter.