The Indian Pharmacopoeia 2014, which has extended its scope to include the products of biotechnology, indigenous herbs, herbal products and veterinary vaccines, has been published.

The seventh edition of pharmacopoeia, brought out by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), also has additional anti-retroviral drugs and formulations, inclusive of commonly used fixed-dose combinations. Standards for new drugs and drugs used under National Health Programmes are added and the drugs as well as their formulations not in use these days are omitted from this edition.

The IP 2014, incorporates 2548 monographs of drugs out of which 577 are new monographs consisting of APIs, excipients, dosage forms, antibiotic monographs, insulin products and herbal products etc. 19 new radiopharmaceutical monographs and one general chapter is first time being included in this edition.

The edition, improved and revised version of the previous one, is expected  to play a significant role in improving the quality of medicines which in turn promote public health and accelerate the growth and development of pharma sector, according to the IPC.

The IP-2014, published in fulfillment of the requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder, it prescribes the standards for drugs produced and/or marketed in India and thus contributes in the control and assurance of the quality of the medicines.

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad released the Pharmacopoeia in Delhi on Monday. The Minister congratulated the IPC and the expert members of the Scientific Body, IPC staff and various other professionals and organizations for this achievement.

Speaking at the occasion, Azad said that there have been rapid changes in the standards of drug all over the world and to keep pace with the regulatory requirements, it was felt necessary by all the stakeholders to bring out the new edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2014 at the earliest.

“The standards given in this pharmacopoeia are authoritative, legally enforceable and intended to help in the inspection and licensing of manufacturing units and distribution of drugs and pharmaceuticals,” he said, noting that Indian Pharmacopoeia 2014 has been considerably revised and improved by introducing advanced technology and experimental methods widely adopted in India and abroad.

Azad hoped that the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2014 will be able to fulfill the mission of IPC to promote public health, both in India and other countries using drugs manufactured in India.