To combat the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), India's drug regulatory authority, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), is considering a significant policy shift: centralizing the approval process for all antibiotics. This move aims to prevent the proliferation of unsafe antibiotics and irrational drug combinations, many of which are currently approved by state regulators.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over AMR, recognized as a serious global health priority by organizations such as the UNGA, G7, and G20. AMR occurs when bacteria and other pathogens develop resistance to antibiotics, rendering these crucial medicines ineffective. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are major drivers of this resistance.
DTAB Recommendations
In a recent meeting, the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), India's apex panel of experts, acknowledged AMR as a critical threat to public health. The DTAB considered including all antibiotics under the definition of 'new drug' in the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019. While the DTAB advises central and state governments on technical matters, the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) advises DTAB on matters related to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, ensuring uniform implementation of laws.
Blue Strip Warning
Further bolstering efforts to combat AMR, the DTAB has approved the introduction of a 'blue strip or box' warning on the labels of antimicrobial products. This visual cue will serve to highlight AMR warnings and promote more judicious use of these medications. The government plans to introduce new rules under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules to mandate these blue-colored strips for antimicrobials.
The DTAB has agreed to amend the labeling requirements under the Drugs Rules, 1945, to address the issue of AMR. The panel also emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of AMR.
Impact of AMR in India
The urgency of these measures is underscored by recent data. According to the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project, bacterial AMR was responsible for an estimated 300,000 to 1.04 million deaths in India in 2019. This highlights the devastating impact of AMR on public health and the critical need for effective interventions.
