Mumbai: The Nashik Division of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an inquiry into stickering and mislabelling practices observed on Glenmark’s hypertension medication, Telma 40 and Telma 20 tab batches, produced in Sikkim.
This investigation comes amidst allegations of deceptive maximum retail price (MRP) stickers, suspected to be applied by distributors rather than at the manufacturing site. Activist Nadie Jauhri has raised alarm over the potential anti-competitive ramifications and unlawful trade practices, urging regulatory intervention.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd faces scrutiny for potential collusion with distributors, as highlighted in a case pending before the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The Maharashtra FDA has been alerted to these irregularities by Jauhri, urging swift action to address the issue.
According to activist Nadie Jauhri, these practices raise serious concerns about potential violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Act, suggesting that such actions may be motivated by distributors’ pressures on pharmaceutical companies to comply with unfair trade practices. Jauhri has pointed out that Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd might be compelled to agree to these practices to avoid disruption of sales and distribution operations.
Highlighting the broader implications of such practices, Jauhri referred to a case (number 68 of 2015) currently before the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This case exposes the potential anti-competitive behavior resulting from limitations and controls imposed on drug supplies in the market. Glenmark Pharmaceutical Ltd has been implicated for allegedly entering into anti-competitive arrangements with distributors, violating prohibitions outlined in Section 3(1) of the Act.
In light of these allegations, Jauhri has written to the Maharashtra FDA, urging the regulatory body to intervene and address the unlawful practices instigated by Glenmark’s distributors. The Maharashtra FDA Nashik Division has taken cognizance of the matter and initiated an investigation to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and take appropriate action to safeguard consumer interests and uphold regulatory standards.
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