It is, however, significant to note that on the completion of the approval process for the merger, the managing director of Sun Pharma, Dilip Shanghvi, declared that the bigger entity "will focus on gaining trust of regulators globally". This makes sense. Indeed it should be a priority not just for the enlarged Sun Pharma - which proposes to devote $300 million or six-seven per cent of the combined revenue in 2015 to research and development - but for the entire industry and the government, too. It is the last that will have to take care of the Indian public, which should be assured of an adequate supply of drugs that are affordable, effective and safe.
In this connection, it is necessary to address a notion among a section of the Indian industry and public that for whatever reason the US regulator is targeting Indian pharma exporters. First, while FDA observations on and actions against Indian-owned facilities are prominently displayed in the Indian media, these are part of an average day's work for the FDA and well-known drug manufacturers in developed economies are also periodically at the receiving end of such action. Second, in recent years the FDA has tightened its own processes and its actions are now more rigorous than in the past. Third, even if it were true that the FDA was a little too harsh on Indian companies, it should be a matter of conscious strategy for the sector, since the US market is the most vital for leading Indian manufacturers, to be on the right side of the FDA. An FDA official has on a recent Indian visit emphasised the importance of data integrity - that which a firm submits to substantiates its quality control procedures and efforts. Sun Pharma will now be expected to go forward from there.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app