The Drug Technical Advisory Board for Indian systems of medicines has in its last meeting unanimously agreed to a proposal for amending the existing definition of Patent & Proprietary Medicines in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

The proposal, in regard to drug products in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani sectors, has been mooted in the wake of emerging product patent regime, where the word 'Patent' has altogether different connotation.

According to informed sources in the Department of Ayush, in the last DTAB meeting held in new Delhi, it was discussed that for the new formulations in the Indian system of medicines, the word 'Patent' is absolutely not relevant and it should be only 'Proprietary' for the branded products in this sector.

It may be mentioned that in the Mashelkar Committee recommendations for revisions in the Indian drug regulatory system had also suggested the amendment in the definition as part of improvisation in the existing drug regulatory code both in the Indian system of medicines and the modern system.

Following the recommendation of the DTAB, it is learnt that the Union ministry of Health would move a special resolution to effect the change with which the word 'Patent' will be deleted from the definition of "Patent & Proprietary Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Medicines" in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act shortly.