Anti-dumping probe opened on TB drug ethambutol hydrochloride 

India has launched an anti-dumping investigation on imports of tuberculosis drug Ethambutol Hydrochloride from China and Thailand.

Based on an application filed by drugmaker Lupin, the probe by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, under the Commerce and Industry Ministry, will determine the case for imposition of an anti-dumping duty on the imports.

Lupin, in its application, said the product dumped are identical to the goods produced by the domestic industry. It claimed that there were no differences either in the technical specifications, functions or end-uses of the imports. Ethambutol Hydrochloride finds use in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and typically administered as part of a combination therapy with other anti-TB medications to prevent drug resistance.

The company said the imports had caused material injury to the domestic industry and undercutting the prices of the domestic industry. The imports prevented price increases, which otherwise would have occurred, forcing the domestic industry to sell at non remunerative prices to compete with the low import prices and thus affecting profitability.

In its probe initiation notification, DGTR said the product under investigation is a bacteriostatic drug. It is a white crystalline powder manufactured from Ethambutol, which is a pure compound (free base). Since Ethambutol is an oily liquid with poor water solubility and limited stability, it is converted into its salt form called Ethambutol Hydrochloride (HCL) for use in tablets and other dosage forms.

Lupin is the only producer of the product in India. Cadila Pharmaceuticals is an importer while Themis Medicare has stopped production of the product, the notification showed.