Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) wants the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) to make certain changes in the IP 2010 veterinary monographs. The features of the latest edition of IP 2010 which will be available from December 1, has about 25 monographs dealing with veterinary medicines. However according to IVRI, there are certain discrepancies in the current IP monographs that needs to be either removed, edited or omitted from the current IP to make it more suitable.

According to Dr Rishendra Verma, head and Government of India Analyst, member, IPC, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, “It is important to have proper information in the IP monographs so that it does not misguide anyone and that is why we have requested the IPC to make certain amendments in the IP 2010 monographs relating to veterinary.”

He stressed that in the 2010 edition there are certain monographs that can be either omitted or deleted from the present since they are not required any more. “What is the use of having monographs that cannot be adopted or implemented, it will only make the IP look unfit,” Dr Verma added. He also pointed out that apart from deletion of outdated monographs there is also a need to add new monographs in the IP. Giving an example, he pointed out that owing to a trend where there is increasing number of disease diagnosed due to Blue Tongue Virus (BTV) they have urged the IPC to include it in the latest IP edition. BTV causes serious disease in livestock primarily in sheep and goats.

These suggestions were put forth by All India Veterinary Biological Manufacturers at a two day conference organised by IVRI with the IPC. The main agenda of the meeting was to make the regulators aware about the demand of the industry and make them take action in the route.

According to a senior IPC official, it was the first meeting of IPC with IVRI, aimed to develop drug standards for animal healthcare with the help of expert’s opinion from stakeholders. Regarding the issues in the IP 2010, he pointed out, “The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission will sort out all these issues by having interaction with all stakeholders collectively so that the problems can be resolved. We want each stake holder to come forward with suggestions so that Indian Pharmacopoeia obtains an international recognition and stand in its respect globally.”

According to Dr M C Sharma, director, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, the IPC and IVRI has agreed upon to find out deficiencies, additions and suggestions in the monographs in the 2010 IP relating to veterinary and work together so that the contents of IP are fully in order and are matching the internationals standards as well as fulfil Indian requirements.

There are total 151 IP monographs in the IP 2010 edition, of which 89 monographs is of non biological products, 48 of biological’s and 14 of diagnostics. An IPC official urged the industry to co-operate with them so that animal health sector can be given priority. He emphasised that with the help of experts of the concerned fields, IPC is constantly updating all parameters keeping in view of national needs and international scenario.