Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Maharashtra FDA Cancels Three Cadila Warehouses’ Licences Over Acilloc
The Maharashtra FDA cancelled the licences of three Cadila warehouses that distribute medicines.
They are in Thane, Pune and Nagpur.
Some medicines called Acilloc contain ranitidine, while similar-looking Acilloc medicines with a plus sign contain famotidine.
The FDA said the similar names could make people choose or receive the wrong medicine.
It also said some wholesalers who ordered one kind were supplied the other.
The FDA found that the plus-sign tablets were sold in pack sizes different from the required size for famotidine tablets.
Cadila challenged the FDA’s earlier orders in court.
The Bombay High Court said the FDA had to give the company notice and a chance to be heard before making fresh orders.
Cadila had not commented by the time the report was published.
Maharashtra’s FDA cancelled sale and distribution licences for Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ CFA warehouses in Thane, Pune and Nagpur.
Acilloc 150 and 300 contain ranitidine; the similarly named “+” versions contain famotidine in different strengths.
The FDA said the similar names and packaging could cause confusion, and reported that some wholesalers ordering ranitidine versions received famotidine products.
The FDA also found Acilloc 150+ and 300+ sold in packs of 30 and 20, respectively, although famotidine tablets must be sold in packs of 14.
The cancellations followed a fresh regulatory process after the Bombay High Court directed the FDA to issue notices and hear Cadila; the company had not responded to a request for comment.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration and Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- What
- The FDA cancelled sale and distribution licences for three Cadila CFA warehouses over Acilloc products with similar names but different active ingredients.
- When
- The FDA inspected the warehouses in July; the cancellations followed a fresh process after an August Bombay High Court directive.
- Where
- Bhiwandi in Thane, Wadki in Pune and Nimji in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- Why
- The FDA cited the risk of confusion between similarly named medicines, reports of wholesalers receiving a different version than ordered, and pack sizes it said did not comply with requirements for famotidine tablets.
FDA’s concerns
Court’s procedural concerns
Similar names and risk of mix-ups
FDA’s concerns
The FDA said the similar Acilloc names and packaging could confuse doctors, pharmacists and patients; it also reported that some wholesalers ordering ranitidine products received famotidine products.
Court’s procedural concerns
Cadila challenged the FDA’s earlier stop-sale and distribution orders. The articles do not provide the company’s specific response to the branding or supply concerns.
How restrictions should be imposed
FDA’s concerns
The FDA withdrew its earlier proceedings and carried out a fresh process, including notices and an opportunity for Cadila to be heard, before cancelling the warehouse licences.
Court’s procedural concerns
The Bombay High Court questioned how the initial orders were issued and stressed that statutory procedure, including notice and a hearing, must be followed before restrictions are imposed.
- Regulator
- Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration
- Company
- Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Affected warehouses
- CFA facilities at Bhiwandi in Thane, Wadki in Pune and Nimji in Nagpur
- Ingredients
- Acilloc 150 and 300 contain ranitidine; Acilloc 150+ and 300+ contain famotidine.
- Famotidine strengths
- Acilloc 150+ contains 20 mg and Acilloc 300+ contains 40 mg, according to the article.
- Pack sizes cited
- The FDA found Acilloc 150+ in packs of 30 and Acilloc 300+ in packs of 20; famotidine tablets must be sold in packs of 14, according to the article.
- Stock value
- The July action covered stock valued at around Rs 2.45 crore.
- Court process
- After Cadila challenged the earlier orders, the Bombay High Court directed the FDA to issue fresh notices, allow a response and conduct hearings before fresh orders.
