industry

Opioid drugs row: Aveo Pharma claims to have due licences



Mumbai-based drugmaker Aveo Pharmaceuticals is facing a controversy over the export of addictive opioid drugs to West African nations such as Ghana and Nigeria. Following a media expose, the central and Maharashtra drug administrations have issued show-cause and stop-production notices to the company. However, Aveo claimed it had due licences for exports of the drug and charges against it are baseless and without merit.

A closer look at Aveo shows the company has a presence beyond pharmaceuticals. Aveo Pharma chairman Arvind Kumar Sharma runs Al Arabi group of companies, based out of Dubai. The group has several branches-construction, waterproofing, wooden decor, and logistics, among others.

Founded by Sharma in 2008, Al Arabi provides mechanical, electrical and plumbing services. The company provides facility management services such as pest control and swimming pool maintenance. Besides, Sharma is also associated with an apparel store, and chairman of Luxeone. It has two branches. His younger brother, Vinod Kumar Sharma, is also a director in Aveo pharmaceuticals.

Vinod is a director in Aveo film production, and produces movies.

While the central and state drug agencies are examining how the company made the cocktail of tapentadol and carisoprodol, Aveo says it has adhered to the regulations set by various regulators. Aveo said other companies have copied its brand name and logo and it has sued such companies and the matter is pending in the court.


A recent BBC investigation alleged Aveo was exporting an unlicensed addictive combination drug. Aveo has a large international presence in Russia, Poland, Liberia, Ukraine and various other countries in Central Africa.The company was established in 2015. While it started with manufacturing liquid orals, tablets and capsules for the local markets it added other dosage forms such as dry syrups, ointments, health supplements and nutraceuticals into its basket gradually.



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