Uzbekistan cough syrup deaths: Probe report awaited, Centre in touch with drug regulator

Marion Biotech is a licensed manufacturer and holds license for manufacturing of Dok1 Max syrup and Tablet for export purpose granted by Drugs Controller, Uttar Pradesh.

India on Thursday said it is in touch with the Uzbekistan drug regulator and has initiated a joint inspection of Marion Biotech's Noida facility over reports  that at least 18 children with acute respiratory disease died due to a cough syrup manufactured by the firm.

"There have been reports from Uzbekistan concerning contaminated syrup, Dok1 Max, made by Marion Biotech. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is in regular contact with the national drug regulator of Uzbekistan regarding the matter since December 27," health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said.

Regarding reports from Uzbekistan concerning contaminated cough syrup made by Indian company Marion Biotech, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the @CDSCO_INDIA_INF is in regular contact with the national drug regulator of Uzbekistan since 27th December. (1/3)

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 29, 2022

Also read | Uzbek Cough Syrup row: Drug regulators inspect Marion Biotech's manufacturing site

“To date, 18 out of 21 children with acute respiratory disease have died as a result of taking the Doc-1 Max syrup. It was found that the deceased children, before admission to hospital treatment, took this drug at home for 2-7 days 3-4 times a day, 2.5-5 ml, which exceeds the standard dose of the drug for children,” the Health Ministry of Uzbekistan said in a release.