|
 India,
which supplies more than a quarter of the world's generic drugs,
last month restricted exports of 26 pharmaceutical ingredients and
the medicines made from them. The move was seen as an attempt to
secure supplies for its domestic population after the outbreak
played havoc with the industry's supply chain globally.
The restrictions are not complete bans but impede sales of drug and
drug ingredients overseas by specifying circumstances for their
export and requiring firms to procure a "no objection" certificate
from the government.
An easing of those restrictions will probably come within two days
and will likely include Paracetamol, a common pain reliever also
known as acetaminophen, the government officials in New Delhi said.
"There is so much (U.S.) pressure on the government. For U.S. what
matters is Paracetamol, it matters to them significantly," said one
official, adding that India had adequate stock of the drug for
domestic use for at least four months.
The restrictions will be lifted for all countries, the officials
said, but it was not immediately clear exactly how many drugs
formulations would be exempted.
Both officials declined to be identified due to the sensitive nature
of the discussions. India's commerce ministry did not immediately
respond to a request for comment.
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The U.S. government said in a statement on Tuesday that Secretary of State Mike
Pompeo had spoken with India's foreign minister and sought cooperation in
strengthening global pharma manufacturing and supply chains, but gave no further
details.
President Donald Trump has warned Americans of a "painful" two weeks ahead in
fighting the virus. Nearly 3,900 people have died in the United States, and the
total confirmed U.S. cases has risen to 187,000.
Imports from India accounted for 24% of medicines and 31% of medicine
ingredients to the United States in 2018, according to the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.
India was, however, unlikely to ease a ban on the export of malaria drug
hydroxychloroquine, which came in addition to the restrictions on the 26 drugs
and formulations. The drug is being tested to see if it is effective in treating
patients with COVID-19.
The United States' Health and Human Services has listed hydroxychloroquine as a
medical resource that was subject to hoarding prevention measures.
(Reporting by Neha Dasgupta; Editing by Aditya Kalra and Edwina Gibbs)
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