Strides Shasun restarts API production at fire struck plant

Strides Shasun has restarted some active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production at a plant in Cuddalore, India after a fire last week.

The firm was ordered to halt product at the site by Indian authorities on November 16 according to a document filed with the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Strides Shasun told today that “We wish to inform you that the Cuddalore facility has been permitted to resume operations in all manufacturing production blocks except the new production block [where the fire took place.]”

The firm also said that the temporary suspension would not have a material impact on its revenues.

Strides Shasun was established this month by the merger of Strides Acrolab and Shasun Pharmaceuticals.

The Cuddalore site – which was previously owned by Shasun – passed a World Health Organisation (WHO) inspection in December 2012.

The focus of the visit was the production of the API Cycloserine, which is used in tuberculosis drugs and is on the organisations essential medicines list.

The Cuddalore facility also produces APIs for ulcer medications – including Nizatidine and Ranitidine – in addition to manufacturing excipients for various generic drugs.

Shasun's API production facility was indentified as a driver for the merger by Strides CEO Arun Kumar when it was announced last summer.