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.