Dr Reddy’s reaches a $ 5 million settlement with the US govt over a compliance issue

New Delhi: The US subsidiary of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories announced on 19th December that it has reached a settlement with the US Government, in a case that is more than six years old, involving packaging for five blister-packed prescription products.

In a joint filing by the parties, Dr Reddy’s and the US Department of Justice agreed to the settlement of the action without any adjudication of any issue of fact or law.

The statement by Dr Reddy’s mentioned that it has taken this investigation seriously, cooperating with the Government over the past six years. “The safety of patients and consumers is of paramount importance to Dr Reddy’s, and the company firmly disagrees with the Government’s allegations. However, in order to avoid any unnecessary costs and the distractions of prolonged litigation, the company has chosen to settle the matter for USD five million.”

Dr Reddy’s in its statement maintained that it is not aware of any reports that any child gained access to these products as a result of the packaging or that any of the products caused children harm as a result of the packaging. These products have not been distributed in the packaging at issue since June 2012, it said.

The company has said that it remains firmly committed to complying with all applicable requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act, including applicable packaging and reporting requirements.