CDSCO modifies norms for testing permissions to speed up drug approvals

NEW DELHI: (Feb 25) In a move aimed at speeding up approvals for new drugs, the government has changed the way testing permissions are granted, allowing companies to begin laboratory testing immediately after filing applications instead of waiting for detailed scrutiny.

In an official circular, the country’s apex drug regulatory authority, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), said it has decided that “No Objection Certificate (NOC) for testing of drug samples at the designated laboratories (IPC, Ghaziabad; CDTL, Mumbai; CDL at CRI, Kasauli; or NIB, Noida) shall be issued immediately upon receipt of applications in the concerned division.”

Earlier, the regulator examined detailed specifications submitted by applicants before issuing permission for testing.