Small India drugmakers struggle to meet US rules

Mumbai

INDIA'S smaller generic drugmakers, struggling to cope with a bruised reputation and tougher regulation in the United States, are under pressure to consider branching out to new, less-profitable markets or sell out to larger rivals.

Two years after its most high-profile regulatory setback to date in the US - Ranbaxy's US$500 million fine for drug safety violations - India's US$15 billion a year generic drug industry is still rebuilding its image in its biggest market.

Many of its top firms are facing sanctions at some of their factories, as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tightens checks and…