Shaping the Future of Drug Testing and Regulation: DCC

This move is envisioned to streamline the drug testing process and ensure timely results, aligning with prescribed time frames.

The Health Master

December 11, 2023

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Table of Contents

Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by The Health Master

Drug Testing

The Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) plays a pivotal role in advising the central drug regulator on regulatory matters. In its meeting at the end of September 2023, the committee put forth several groundbreaking recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of drug testing, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Let’s delve into the key aspects discussed by the DCC and the potential impact on the pharmaceutical landscape.

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The DCC’s recommendations center around the establishment of a repository for in-house, non-pharmacopoeial specifications for drug testing.

This move is envisioned to streamline the drug testing process and ensure timely results, aligning with prescribed time frames.

Creation of a Repository

In the world of drug testing, having a comprehensive repository of specifications is paramount.

The DCC recognized the need for a centralized database, emphasizing the importance of in-house drug testing methods.

The article explores the rationale behind this repository and its potential implications for the industry.

Click for Guidance documents for industry

Sub-Committee Proposal

A notable recommendation from the DCC involves the formation of a sub-committee to assess a proposal from the drug regulator of Tamil Nadu.

This proposal suggests exempting hormonal contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives, from labeling requirements and facilitating over-the-counter (OTC) sales.

CDSCO’s Advisory to SLAs

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) holds a crucial role in advising State Licensing Authorities (SLAs)

The article outlines how the CDSCO’s guidance to SLAs for data preparation and upload contributes to the creation of a robust database.

Read and Download minutes of all meetings of DCC

Drug Testing Specifications

The DCC’s discussions on the necessity of specifications and method of analysis (MOA) shed light on the evolving landscape of drug testing.

The article details the deliberations and the proposal to encourage manufacturers to upload in-house test methods on the SUGAM Labs Portal.

Collaboration with Development

Recognizing the need for technological collaboration, the DCC decided to engage with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.

This section explores the potential creation of a platform for data uploading by SLAs and its implications.

Click for more articles on CDSCO

Guidance from IPC

Understanding the working standards for drug testing, as outlined by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), is essential.

The article delves into the IPC’s guidance on analyzing non-pharmacopoeial substances and the significance of defined potency.

Tamil Nadu’s Proposal Amendment

A detailed examination of Tamil Nadu’s proposal to amend the Drugs Rules unfolds in this section.

The focus is on the exemption of hormonal contraceptives from labeling requirements and their inclusion in Schedule K for OTC sale.

Constitution of the Sub-Committee

The importance of constituting a sub-committee for examining the proposal is highlighted, emphasizing the diverse expertise required, including gynaecologists, pharmacologists, and experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

SUGAM Labs Portal

Exploring the potential impact of encouraging manufacturers to upload in-house test methods on the SUGAM Labs Portal adds another layer to the discussion.

This section investigates how such a move could enhance data accessibility and transparency.

Advisory from CDSCO

The DCC’s recommendation for additional advisory from the CDSCO to States underscores the collaborative efforts needed for successful implementation.

The article discusses the importance of SLAs preparing and uploading data to contribute to the creation of a comprehensive database.

Time Frame for Test Report Release

Delving into the challenges faced by laboratories in adhering to the prescribed 60-day time frame for releasing test reports provides insights into the practical aspects of drug testing.

Exemption for OTC Sale

The proposal to exempt hormonal contraceptives for OTC sale sparks a conversation on striking a balance between accessibility and regulatory requirements.

This section explores the potential impact on consumers and the industry.

Working Standards

Understanding IPC’s guidance on working standards for non-pharmacopoeial substances is crucial.

The article examines the analytical procedures recommended when pharmacopoeial reference substances are not available.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.

FAQs

What is the significance of the proposed repository for in-house specifications?
- The repository aims to centralize in-house testing methods, ensuring a streamlined and transparent drug testing process.
Why is the exemption of hormonal contraceptives from labeling requirements significant?
- The exemption is proposed to facilitate over-the-counter (OTC) sales, promoting accessibility while considering regulatory aspects.
How will manufacturers contributing to the SUGAM Labs Portal enhance transparency?
- Manufacturers uploading in-house test methods can enhance data accessibility and transparency, contributing to a robust database.
What challenges do laboratories face in adhering to the 60-day time frame for test report release?
- Laboratories encounter practical challenges in meeting the prescribed time frame, which the article explores in detail.
Why is diverse expertise crucial in the sub-committee examining the proposal from Tamil Nadu?
- Diverse expertise, including gynaecologists, pharmacologists, and ICMR experts, ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal.