The officials of the Drug Control Administration (DCA) in Andhra Pradesh and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) discussed ways to strengthen global regulatory collaboration and promote scientific pharmaceutical manufacturing at the Regulatory Workshop–2026 in the city on Friday.
The officials of USFDA, DCA, US Pharmacopeia (USP) and All India Drugs Control Officers’ Confederation (AIDCOC) participated in the day-long event that focused on the theme, ‘Ensuring Drug Quality: Scientific Approach in Regulations, Standards and Inspections’.
Drug inspectors, government analysts, regulators, representatives from various pharma industries, and technical experts from across the State artended the workshop.
Health, Medical and Family Welfare Secretary G. Veerapandian, US FDA, India office, country director Gregory Smith, USP India head and senior vice-president Girish Kapur, AP DCA Director M. Panduranga Prasad, AIDCOC DG Uday Bhaskar, senior scientific officer EMEA at USP Dr. Christian Zeine, USP scientific affairs manager Amit Mukherjee and others discussed strengthening collaboration among regulators, industry and international organisations.
Health, Medical and Family Welfare Secretary G. Veerapandian highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s leading position in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Citing that medicines produced in the State are exported worldwide, he emphasised that local regulators held a global responsibility.
He urged officials to sharpen inspection methodologies, thoroughly evaluate manufacturing facilities, verify ingredients strictly, and rigorously review product specifications.
Gregory Smith, Country Director of the US FDA India Office, underscored India’s role as a vital global partner. He noted that Andhra Pradesh’s massive pharmaceutical manufacturing base is crucial for supplying medicines to patients in the U.S.A.
He stressed that global regulatory collaboration and scientific excellence are essential to maintaining these supply chains safely.
Dr. Girish Kapur said the workshop would serve as a platform to strengthen scientific-based regulation. He assured to support regulators in scientific standards and training.
US FDA regulatory specialist, India office, Lisa Flores and others also spoke during the workshop.
Published - August 07, 2026 08:23 pm IST