Current Affairs 28th Aug 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Fixed Dose Combination Drugs (FDC’s)

Context: The government has banned 156 fixed-dose combination medicines, including antibiotics for fever, cold, painkillers etc. citing potential risks to human health.

What are FDC’s ?

• It refers to the combination of two or more active drugs in a single dosage form such as pill, capsule or injection.
• FDC’s are useful for patients with conditions like Tuberculosis and Diabetes for which they need to take multiple medicines regularly.
• Banned under- Section 26 A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 by the Union Health Ministry .
• Most Common example of FDC: Cheston Cold, It contains;
  • Paracetamol for fever
  • Cetirizine for allergy relief,
  • Phenylephrine for nasal decongestion
• Advantages of FDC’s:
  • Minimise Pill Burden
  • Cost-effective
• Disadvantages of FDC’s: (Reason for Ban)
  • Overuse and Misuse – Can lead to Antibiotic Resistance
  • Lack of Evidence based clinical data
  • Regulatory Challenges – Due to presence of multiple ingredients.

Northern Bald Ibis

Context: Efforts of Biologist Johannes Fritz and the Waldrapp team has increased the population of northern bald ibis from zero to nearly 300 since 2002. It became extinct in Central Europe during the 17th century due to excessive hunting.

About Northern Bald Ibis

• Conservation Effort:
  • The Ibis is primarily a migratory bird, but due to the death of their wild-born elders, they have lost guidance on their migratory route.
  • A group of conservationists from Austria is now guiding them to follow their migratory path.
• Features:
  • Ibis is known for its black plumage with an iridescent green sheen, a bald red head with black markings, and a long, downward-curved beak.
  • They feed on insect larvae, and earthworms, and are not Scavengers.
  • There is no Sexual Dimorphism in this species.
• IUCN Status: Endangered (formerly Critically Endangered)
• Habitat: They prefer open areas with short grass, such as meadows, pastures etc.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

Context: The CDSCO has granted approval to Siemens Healthineers for the manufacture of RT-PCR testing kits for detection of Mpox.

About CDSCO

• It is India’s National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for drugs and cosmetics.
• It is headed by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family welfare.
• Functions of CDSCO under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act (1940):
  • Controlling the import of drugs and their quality.
  • Approval of new drugs
  • Conduct of Clinical Trials
  • Laying down the Standards for Drugs
  • Coordination of activities of the State Drug Control Organizations

Sharing is caring!