ED raids Chennai premises of Sresan Pharmaceuticals; Could cough syrup be responsible for child deaths?

Seventeen children under five have died in India after consuming Coldrif cough syrup containing dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol. How did this deadly medicine slip past regulators, and what actions are authorities taking to stop further tragedies?

Chennai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting searches at seven locations linked to Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup, which has been linked to multiple child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The raids also include the homes of top officials in Tamil Nadu’s drug control office as part of a money laundering investigation.

The company’s owner, Ranganathan, was arrested last week and sent to a 10-day police custody in connection with the deaths allegedly caused by the toxic syrup. A formal money laundering case has been filed against the pharma firm.

Court Rejects Bail for Doctor Prescribing Coldrif

In Chhindwara, the court denied bail to pediatrician Dr. Praveen Soni, accused of knowingly prescribing Coldrif syrup to children under five. Police allege that several children treated by Dr. Soni developed kidney complications and later died.

Deadly chemical found in Indian cough syrups; WHO issues warning

Despite health guidelines issued on December 18, 2023, warning against fixed-dose combination (FDC) syrups for children under four, the doctor allegedly continued prescribing Coldrif, receiving commissions for doing so. A medical shop run by his relatives also reportedly stocked the syrup.

Deadly Ingredient Behind the Tragedy?

Coldrif syrup contained diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical banned in medicines. Children who consumed the syrup suffered acute kidney injury and urinary retention, resulting in 17 confirmed deaths over the past month in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Many of the children had been given the syrup to treat common cold, cough, and fever symptoms.

Global and Regulatory Reactions

The US FDA confirmed that the toxic syrup had not been exported to the United States. The WHO has highlighted a "regulatory gap" in India’s screening of locally sold syrups. Following these deaths, Indian authorities issued advisories against two more brands of cough syrup for children.

Authorities Pledge Strict Action

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has stated that no contaminated Coldrif syrup left India. Meanwhile, ED’s investigation seeks to uncover financial irregularities in the pharma company and scrutinize the role of drug regulators who may have failed in their oversight responsibilities.

The Coldrif syrup tragedy exposes serious flaws in India’s drug regulation and prescription practices. Families are mourning young children, and authorities are under pressure to ensure stricter monitoring and accountability in pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical administration.