Indian Drugs Pharmaceuticals Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, for transfer of the technology of zinc dispersible tablets.

The MoU was signed recently between the two sides at a function at Gurgaon in Haryana. The transfer of technology for zinc dispersible tablets for the management of diarrhoea in children would be made free of cost, as part of the commitment to the healthcare in the country.

WHO and UNICEF have recommended use of zinc supplements in addition of ORS based dehydration therapy for management diarrhoea in children.

Zinc supplements were added in the list of essential medicines provided by WHO in 2005. Estimated children mortality due to diarrhoea in India in the year 2004 was about 5,35,000, according to a release here.

WHO recommends administration of zinc in the form of taste masked dispersible tablet of 20 mg. strength. "The technology for the same is challenging because of the bitter metallic after taste of zinc and intellectual property protection already taken by international companies. NIPER took up this challenge and developed patented technology for manufacturing of zinc sulphate taste masked dispersible tablets," the release added.