Trump's Pharma Measures Seem More Opioid-Focused, Won't Impact Majority Generics: Pharmexcil

The US administration's latest measures against pharma imports might not impact India heavily since generics outside narcotics are likely not in focus, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India.

"We're in the process of identifying companies and trying to understand the background better...the measures seem more focused on opioid based dedicates...will not impact generics outside narcotics category," Namit Joshi, Chairman of Pharmexcil told NDTV Profit, adding that these are initial views based on US’ onshoring capabilities.

Pharmexcil is one of the 14 Export Promotion Councils that are sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce. India exports approximately $9 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US, supplying around 40% of all generic drugs used in the country.

President Donald Trump on late Tuesday initiated a Section 232 investigation over US’ heavy reliance on foreign drug manufacturing.

Separately, the pharma industry has also moved the Drug Controller General of India to ease the recent change implemented to the No Objection Certificate procedure, which has hampered exports.

On March 7, the DCGI tweaked rules, mandating companies to first obtain approval from the importing country. Only based on the country's approval, can they apply for a NOC from the DCGI. Companies have demanded that this norm be eased to not impact exports.