Products of biotechnology, indigenous herbs and herbal products, veterinary vaccines and additional antiretroviral drugs and formulations, inclusive of commonly used fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) have been included in the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) from this year.
Pharmacopeia is a book containing directions for the identification of samples and the preparation of compound medicines and is published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission under the Health Ministry.
Standards for new drugs and drugs used under National Health Programmes are added and the drugs as well as their formulations not in use now a days are omitted from this edition, said Union Health Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad after releasing the 7th edition of Indian Pharmacopoeia 2014 — a book of Drug Standards on Monday.
“The standards given in this Pharmacopoeia are authoritative, legally enforceable and intended to help in the inspection and licencing of manufacturing units and distribution of drugs and pharmaceuticals,” he further added.
The edition which is presented in four volumes prescribes the standards for drugs produced and/or marketed in India and thus contributes in the control and assurance of the quality of the medicines.
It is hoped that this edition would play a significant role in improving the quality of medicines which in turn promote public health and accelerate the growth and development of pharma sector, said Azad.