U.S. marshals raid Michigan drug company

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says U.S. marshals have seized drug products manufactured by Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd. in Michigan.

The marshals, acting at the FDA's request, seized the drugs at the company's Michigan facilities in Detroit, Farmington Hills and Wixom. The seizures also included ingredients held at the same facilities.

"The FDA is committed to taking enforcement action against firms that do not manufacture drugs in accordance with our good manufacturing practice requirements," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said Thursday. "Compliance with these standards prevents harm to the public."

FDA officials said the action followed Caraco's continued failure to meet the FDA's requirements, which assure the quality of manufactured drugs.

"Through this seizure, the FDA seeks to immediately stop the firm from further distributing drugs until there is assurance that the firm complies with good manufacturing requirements," the federal agency said.

The FDA said the Thursday actions might create a shortage of choline magnesium trisalicylate oral tablets, which are commonly used as pain relievers. The FDA recommends in the event of a shortage, healthcare providers consider alternative treatments.