The efforts of the vulture conservationist groups within the country and abroad seems to be bearing fruits if the decision of Pakistan to join India and Nepal in banning the veterinary use of diclofenac is any indication. With Pakistan deciding upon the ban, the diclofenac manufacturers of that country have started thinking of alternatives like meloxicam, Chris Bowden, Vulture Programme Director, Bird Life International, informed pharmabiz.

According to him, two Pak companies, including the domestic drug major Hilton Pharma have discontinued production of diclofenac and started manufacturing meloxicam. The latter is known to be a safer alternative to diclofenac as studies proved the presence of diclofenac in the carcasses of livestock posed a threat to the existence of scavenging vultures.

However, the activists are not completely satisfied with the diclofenac ban in three countries as India, the major country in the group, is yet to make an official announcement to replace diclofenac with meloxicam. "We are not supporting one particular drug. The reason why we prefer meloxicam today is the safety data which we have on that drug. By not specifying the alternative, there is no guarantee that the veterinarians prescribe meloxicam instead of some other non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) drug. Unless other NSAIDs are also proved harmless, efforts should be there to promote the proven one", Chris said.

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had early this year asked the state drug authorities to withdraw the manufacturing licenses issued for the veterinary use of diclofenac. The DCGI also wanted the drug to be phased out from the shelves within three months.

The other threat to the success of the ban is the presence of diclofenac sodium formulation for human use. Of the 110 pharmaceutical companies that manufacture diclofenac formulations, only 25 companies are catering to the veterinary segment. The drug is known to enjoy Rs 200 million annual sales in the country. "We have strong doubts that the drug meant for human use is being administered to the animals. However, there is no concrete evidence to substantiate this", activists said.

As pharmabiz had reported earlier, the need to ban the drug was raised by the Environment Ministry after it realized that The National Board of Wildlife had also called for a phase out of the drug within six months due to its indirect threat to the vulture population.