The production licence of Noida-based pharmaceutical firm Marion Biotech, allegedly linked to the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, has been suspended while the results of its controversial cough syrup are awaited, an Uttar Pradesh drug official said on Thursday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also issued a medical product alert on Ambronol and Dok-1 Max syrups, both manufactured by Marion Biotech in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. A team of central agencies and the Uttar Pradesh drug department had carried out an inspection at the firm’s office here on December 29 and taken six more samples for testing.