TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public notice under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020, prohibiting use of cosmetics as injectable preparations by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics. The notice flags four key violations: use of GNRAS or prohibited ingredients per BIS standards, misleading or false labelling claims, tampering with manufacturer inscriptions, and use of cosmetics for treatment purposes beyond their statutory scope of cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9D

2. The Karnataka High Court has stayed criminal proceedings in a case involving the alleged sale of pirated books on an e-commerce marketplace, with the platform arguing that it functions solely as an intermediary and does not directly control third-party seller listings. The development brings renewed focus to intermediary liability and the extent of safe harbour protections available to e-commerce platforms under Indian laws.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9I

3. The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has quashed criminal proceedings against a pharma unit initiated by a Central drug inspector, holding that prosecution for manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs lies with State authorities and not the Central Government. The ruling clarifies the limits of enforcement powers of central drug regulator and may affect similar cases initiated by CDSCO against pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q0Oz

4. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has reportedly initiated a review of concerns raised by retail chemists over the functioning of electronic pharmacies. Following assurances from the regulator, several state pharmacy associations have declined to participate in the proposed nationwide strike to avoid disruption in the supply of essential medicines and protect patient interests.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9S

5. A US federal jury found a major pharmaceutical company liable for delaying a generic version of a blockbuster constipation drug through an anticompetitive “pay-for-delay” arrangement. The verdict awarded nearly USD 885 million in damages and heightened scrutiny of delayed generic entry practices. The ruling may increase antitrust, litigation, and compliance risks for pharmaceutical companies globally.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q0OM