NSF and IDMA Collaborate to Elevate cGMP Practices in India’s Nutraceutical Sector

New Delhi [India], October 23 : NSF International, a global public health and safety organisation, has entered into a partnership with the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) to provide training for pharmaceutical companies in India looking to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines in future. The collaboration was formalized at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and in attendance was NSF’s leadership team, comprising of Pedro Sancha, President and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Morris Senior Vice President International Markets and Laboratories, and Jyoti Bhasin Managing Director, APAC. IDMA Senior VP, Dr George A. Patani and Dr R.K. Sanghavi, Chairman, Nutra Committee were also in attendance.

Dr George A.Patani, CEO of APCASO Laboratories, said, “The strategic partnership is going to not only empower the Indian nutraceutical industry but also establish stringent cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards for Indian operations and regulations having alignment with global best practices.
The accomplishment of such a significant milestone demonstrates the collaboration between IDMA and NSF across several sectors including dietary supplements, food for special dietary use, food for special medical purposes, functional food and novel food (all referred to “nutraceuticals”).

"Both being conscious of the changing needs of Indian manufacturers, this partnership between NSF and IDMA will endeavour to meet the industry demands in a stratified manner. We are all dedicated to to supporting local business and ensuring that international trade demands are met.” “Through the delivery of this broad range of services and adapting these to accommodate local culture and regulations, we are dedicated to ensure our customers lay the groundwork for success,” noted Jyoti Bhasin, Managing Director at NSF APAC.

Pursuant to the MOU, NSF and IDMA will collaborate in the following areas:

•    Development of cGMP requirements. We will create a customized cGMP system (compatible for nutraceutical producers) in cooperation with NSF and IDMA, according to international standards.

•    Audit and certification services. NSF will conduct third-party plant audits to determine whether cGMP standards are met and certify eligible manufacturers.
•    Capacity building and technical support. They will also collaborate on training programs and webinars to increase industry capacity and knowledge of cGMP standards.•    Industry engagement. IDMA will connect NSF with its members to encourage participation in the cGMP program and organize training courses.

“NSF is pleased to continue its collaboration with IDMA in supporting nutraceutical manufacturers throughout the nation,” said Pedro Sancha, President and CEO of NSF. “This project is a great example of our ‘Glocal’ approach, where we address local market needs with global resources. “With the nutraceutical industry estimated to touch 30% of pharmaceuticals, this collaboration between NSF, and IDMA can be catalytic in driving India’s manufacturing benchmarks and unlocking tremendous growth,”.

In 2017, NSF joined forces with IDMA to take up an important industry challenge and deliver a specially developed five-module PQM education program in Bangalore. The collaboration extended in 2018 when NSF once again collaborated with IDMA to conduct the similar program at Bangalore.

Dr R K Sanghavi, Chairman Nutra Committee of IDMA said “IDMA is pleased to join hands with NSF to set up the benchmarks for health supplement and nutraceutical manufacturing in the country. This MoU remains valid and in force for the purpose of indicating both sides willingness to act in good faith, jointly working towards achieving mutual objectives within the Indian Nutraceutical space.”

About NSF

NSF is an independent, global organisation that protects human and planet health for more than 80 years by developing public health standards and certification programmes that help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment. They have 40,000 customers in 167 countries on six continents and are a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Food Safety, Water Quality and Medical Device Safety.

About IDMA

IDMA – an Introduction Indian Drugs Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), formed in 1961, is the premier organization representing the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry. It is an epic trade body having associate membership of about 1100 pharmaceutical companies, including large, medium and small-scale units and the organization acts as the sole spokesman for the profession at both national & international forums. IDMA is dedicated to providing access to quality medicines at affordable prices and exploring issues pertaining to manufacturing, regulators, pricing, exports and R&D. It engages with the government departments such as Department of Pharmaceuticals and regulatory authorities for organizing workshops on GMP (good manufacturing practices) and GST for updating its members on the changes.

The group also carries out social work such as blood donation programs, medical camps and providing of medicines free during national disasters. With programs such as IDMA CARES, it promotes safe working environments, to prevent sexual harassment and sustainability with an eco-friendly approach in all its business operations following Environmental Social Governance (ESG). Over 170 manufacturing facilities in India have been approved by the US FDA as operated by IDMA members, demonstrating India’s firm belief in world wide standards of quality for pharmaceuticals. As an active participant in the Indian Pharmaceutical ecosystem, IDMA is committed to driving innovation, quality and global competitiveness for India’s Pharmaceutical Industry