US FDA to start operations in India from August, to have 12 officials by 2010

The regional office of US Food and Drug Administration in India is all set to commence its operations with eight staff in the month of August, 2009. The US drug regulatory body will have a total 12 experts in India by the beginning of next year to inspect and monitor the FDA approved facilities in India and to work with the Indian drug regulator on various issues, it is learnt.

At present, six staff including Bruce Ross, country director, US FDA, one senior technical expert for medicines, two senior technical experts each for foods and medical devices has taken charge in India while two officials will join the office within by next month. Out of this, three drug inspectors would be working in Mumbai whereas two inspectors for medicines division will be joining at New Delhi in next year, informed Bruce Ross.