Drugs Technical Advisory Board

• Recently, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) recommended banning the manufacture, sale and distribution of two non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac.
  • The two drugs are widely used for livestock treatment.
  • These, along with Nimesulide, are toxic to vultures.
  • The three drugs—aceclofenac, ketoprofen and nimesulide—were introduced as alternatives to diclofenac, that India banned in 2006 for animal use because it caused widespread vulture deaths.

About Drugs Technical Advisory Board

• It is the highest statutory decision-making body on technical matters related to drugs in India.
• It is established as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• It is part of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• It advises the Central Government and the State Governments on technical matters arising out of the administration of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940 and to carry out the other functions assigned to it by this Act.

ABOUT NON-STEROID ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS

• These are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature.
• These drugs block the production of certain body chemicals that cause inflammation.
• Aspirin and Ibuprofen are most popular examples.