Torrent Pharmaceuticals denies counterfeit allegations around Shelcal 500

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has strongly refuted claims surrounding the quality of its popular product Shelcal 500. In a statement released today, Torrent Pharmaceuticals addressed reports from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) regarding a batch of Shelcal 500 tablets allegedly failing a quality test.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals made it clear that the sample seized by the CDSCO was not manufactured by the company. In a detailed response, they emphasized that the batch in question (GDXD0581) is, in fact, counterfeit and not an authentic product of Torrent.

The pharmaceutical giant revealed that a comparative evaluation between the seized sample and a controlled sample of the same batch conclusively proved that the seized product was non-genuine. Torrent’s controlled sample, produced following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory norms, met all the necessary quality standards. This evaluation included scrutiny of physical appearance, QR codes, and labeling text comparison, all of which indicated that the CDSCO sample was spurious.

Torrent’s Anti-Counterfeit Measures: QR Codes and Quality Assurance

Torrent Pharmaceuticals has long implemented anti-counterfeit measures for its products, including Shelcal 500. Each genuine product is equipped with a QR code that provides batch manufacturing details, allowing customers and authorities to verify the authenticity of the product. The sample collected by CDSCO reportedly lacked this critical anti-counterfeit feature, further confirming Torrent’s stance that the product in question is counterfeit.

The company reiterated that every batch of its products undergoes rigorous testing and adheres to GMP to ensure the highest level of quality. Torrent Pharmaceuticals assured consumers and stakeholders that they maintain strict controls and oversight on all their manufactured goods to avoid any deviations from established specifications and regulatory requirements.

Expert View on the Incident

Pharmaceutical industry experts have weighed in on the significance of Torrent Pharmaceuticals’ findings. The ability to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit drugs is a major concern for the industry, particularly for products as widely used as Shelcal 500, which plays a crucial role in bone health and calcium supplementation.

One pharmaceutical expert noted that Torrent’s swift action in verifying the authenticity of the seized sample was crucial in maintaining consumer trust. “The use of QR codes and stringent testing procedures, as highlighted by Torrent Pharmaceuticals, is an excellent example of how companies can proactively combat the issue of counterfeit drugs in the market,” the expert said.

Counterfeit drugs pose a significant threat not only to consumers’ health but also to the credibility of major pharmaceutical brands. Torrent’s robust anti-counterfeit measures, combined with its detailed assessment report submitted to CDSCO, demonstrate the company’s commitment to upholding its reputation for quality.

Looking Ahead: Torrent’s Stance on Safety and Quality

With revenues exceeding ₹10,700 crores and a strong presence in over 50 countries, Torrent Pharmaceuticals continues to solidify its place as a key player in the global pharmaceutical landscape. Its dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards is evident in its swift response to the CDSCO report.

The company has eight manufacturing facilities, five of which are USFDA approved, underscoring its global commitment to excellence. With a focus on chronic and sub-chronic therapies, Torrent Pharmaceuticals is ranked fifth in the Indian Pharmaceuticals Market and holds a leading position in various therapeutic segments such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and vitamins-minerals-nutritionals.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals’ emphasis on quality assurance and its rigorous manufacturing standards continue to set the company apart in an industry where counterfeiting remains a pervasive issue.

As this incident unfolds, Torrent Pharmaceuticals remains committed to working with authorities to ensure that only genuine, high-quality products reach consumers, further strengthening its role as a trusted leader in the pharmaceutical sector.