• Probe launched after two children fall ill from cough syrup in Gujarat

In Dabhoi (Vadodara district, Gujarat), two children (aged ~2.5 and 5 years) became unconscious after taking a cough syrup Sudex DS (not recommended for children under 7). A health-drug authority probe is underway; samples have been collected for lab testing. (The Times of India)

• Two drug manufacturing units in Madhya Pradesh ordered to halt production

Following risk-based inspections after the toxic cough syrup incident, units in Indore and Dewas were told to stop production. One unit makes IV fluids; the other general pharma products. (The Times of India)

• Roche appeals Supreme Court against generic launch in India

Roche has challenged a Delhi High Court decision that allowed Natco Pharma to launch a generic version of Risdiplam, a drug used for spinal muscular atrophy. This reflects the continuing tension between patent protection and access to generics. (The Economic Times)

• Assets worth ₹25+ crore frozen in a narcotics-drug trafficking case in Punjab

The NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau) froze properties in Amritsar and Tarn Taran allegedly acquired via illegal tramadol trafficking via a local pharmaceutical network. (The Times of India)

Filariasis infection rates drop below 1% in 70% of affected blocks in UP

In a public health success, Uttar Pradesh has achieved infection rates <1% in 544 out of 782 affected blocks (≈70%). The state aims to eliminate filariasis by 2027. (The Times of India)

• CDSCO seeks stakeholder views to level playing field for new drug approvals

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization is soliciting feedback on its rules requiring the first applicant for a new drug to undertake rigorous clinical trials, while allowing later applicants to skip some of those requirements. The move aims to reform regulatory fairness. (The Economic Times)

• WHO warns of contaminated Indian cough syrups: “toxic” classification

The WHO issued an alert concerning three oral liquid medicines—Coldrif, Respifresh TR, ReLife—manufactured in India, after detection of diethylene glycol contamination in them. India has declared these syrups toxic and ordered recalls. (Reuters)

• Tamil Nadu cancels licence of cough syrup-maker after child deaths

The state government nullified all manufacturing licenses of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, producer of the toxic cough syrup, and shut down its operations. ED (Enforcement Directorate) is also investigating possible money laundering. (Reuters)

• India’s generic injectable drug sector growing rapidly

India is emerging as a global leader in generic injectables. The market was valued at ~₹25,965 crore (~USD 3 billion) in 2024, and is projected to expand at ~10.28% CAGR, targeting ~₹65,778 crore by 2033. The growth is fueled by cost-effective manufacturing, government incentives (like PLI), strong export demand, and rising healthcare needs.(India Brand Equity Foundation)

• Maharashtra FDA begins inspections of medical stores over medicine sales violations

The state’s FDA has launched inspections across medical stores to crack down on unauthorized sale of regulated medicines (especially cough syrups) without prescriptions. So far, dozens of stores have been ordered to cease sales or asked for justification. (The Times of India)

• Pune FDA issues show-cause notices to ~60 stores for illegal sale of cough syrups

In response to child death reports linked to contaminated cough syrups, the Pune FDA has acted against local outlets that sold such medicines without valid prescriptions. (The Times of India)

• Dealer license scrapped in Jabalpur over irregular storage of toxic syrup distribution

In connection with the Coldrif syrup scandal, authorities revoked the license of a dealer in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) who stored and distributed the product under improper conditions (no refrigeration, insufficient documentation). (The Times of India)

• Launch of obesity / weight-loss drug Wegovy in India

Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy (a semaglutide-based weight-loss injection) in India to compete with Lilly’s Mounjaro. Monthly cost ranges between ~₹17,345 to ~₹26,015. Analysts expect steep price drops once generics enter the market. (Reuters)