This month, India’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved an INR 1,750 crore ($272 million) proposal to strengthen and upgrade the central and state drug regulatory systems over a three-year period. The central structures, which include the Central Drug Standards Organization (CDSCO), will receive INR 900 crore, and the state governments, after signing a memorandum of understanding, will receive INR 850 crore. Uses of the funds include upgrading current drug testing labs, including additional equipment; establishing new labs to test cosmetics, drugs and medical devices; and “making mobile drug testing laboratories available.” Funds will also be used to establish training programs on the national and state level for regulatory and drug testing personnel to help standardize practices in the country. The money will also further support regulatory structure for biologicals, medical devices, regenerative medicine and stem cells. The CDSCO will cover three-quarters of costs of the states’ drug regulatory projects, with the remainder covered by state governments.

Source: BioSpectrum