The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals, citing significant manufacturing violations at the company's active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) plant in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. The regulatory action follows inspections conducted on March 20, March 27, and April 3, 2024, which revealed substantial deviations from Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards.
In the letter addressed to Managing Director Manish Gupta, the FDA stated that the company's API is considered adulterated because "the methods, facilities, or controls for manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding do not conform to CGMP."
Inspection Challenges and Regulatory Concerns
FDA inspectors reported being initially refused entry to the facility on March 15, 2024. While they were eventually permitted to enter on March 20, access to requested documentation was significantly limited during the inspection process. The FDA emphasized that "when an owner, operator, or agent delays, denies, limits, or refuses an inspection, the drugs may be deemed adulterated."
This incident follows a pattern of regulatory scrutiny of Indian API manufacturers. In recent months, the FDA has also issued warning letters to other Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Aspen Biopharma Labs and Tyche Industries, for similar CGMP violations.
Quality System Deficiencies
The warning letter highlighted critical failures in Jagsonpal's quality systems, particularly noting the company's quality unit failed to exercise its responsibility to ensure API manufactured at the contract facility complies with CGMP requirements.
"FDA regards contractors as extensions of the manufacturer. You are responsible for the quality of your drugs regardless of agreements in place with your contract facility," the regulator stated in its communication to the company.
Implications and Required Actions
The FDA has recommended that Jagsonpal engage a qualified consultant to evaluate operations and assist in meeting CGMP requirements. The agency warned it may withhold approval of new applications or supplements listing the company as a drug manufacturer until all deviations are completely addressed and compliance with CGMP is confirmed.
The warning letter serves as a formal notification that requires the company to correct the identified problems and provide a detailed plan for remediation within a specified timeframe. The FDA will subsequently verify whether the company's corrective actions adequately address the violations through potential re-inspection.
Industry Context
This regulatory action against Jagsonpal is part of the FDA's ongoing efforts to ensure global pharmaceutical supply chain integrity. Warning letters typically identify violations such as poor manufacturing practices, problematic product claims, or incorrect directions for use.
For pharmaceutical companies operating in the global market, maintaining CGMP compliance is critical not only for regulatory approval but also for ensuring product quality and patient safety. The FDA's increased scrutiny of international API manufacturers underscores the importance of robust quality systems and transparent operations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals now faces the challenge of implementing comprehensive corrective and preventive actions to address the FDA's concerns and restore regulatory compliance at its Rajasthan facility.
