US lawmakers probe FDA approval of Ranbaxy drugs

WASHINGTON, July 22 (Reuters) - Two leading U.S. Democrats said on Tuesday they are investigating the Food and Drug Administration's approval of drugs sold by India's Ranbaxy Inc (RANB.BO).

Reps. John Dingell and Bart Stupak said in a statement they are probing whether the FDA "knowingly allowed drugs suspected of being fraudulently approved and manufactured in violation of Good Manufacturing Practices to continue being sold by Ranbaxy Inc in the United States."

The congressional investigation stems from information released as part of a probe by U.S. law enforcement authorities of Ranbaxy's drug sales, the lawmakers said. Ranbaxy has agreed to a takeover offer from Japan's Daiichi Sankyo (4568.T). (Reporting by Lisa Richwine, editing by Gary Hill)