On Serious Healthcare, Some Bizarre Decisions

On August 04, 2016, it was widely reported by the media that the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers – Mr. Anant Kumar, would launch a new digital initiative of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), named, “Search Medicine Price”, … Continue reading

‘Data Protection’: Needs A Clear Direction…But Is It An IPR Issue?

The terminologies ‘Data Exclusivity’ and ‘Data Protection’ are quite often used interchangeably by many, creating a great deal of confusion on the subject. However, in a true sense these are quite different issues having critical impact on public health interest … Continue reading

FDC Saga: Defiant Manufacturers, Sloppy Regulators and Humongous Inaction

“TO SIN BY SILENCE WHEN THEY SHOULD PROTEST MAKES COWARDS OF MEN”       – Abraham Lincoln The ghost of untested, irrational and even of bizarre kind of Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs, which continue to be launched, promoted, prescribed … Continue reading

Pioglitazone Conundrum: Should The Drug Regulator Step Over The Line?

Recent order of the Indian drug regulator to withdraw all formulations of the well known, yet controversial, anti-diabetic drug – Pioglitazone from the domestic market has created a flutter in the country, ruffling many feathers at the same time. Withdrawal … Continue reading

EU-FTA, TRIPS-Plus provisions, Data Exclusivity, Public Interest and India

Business Standard in its January 27, 2011 edition reported, “Data Exclusivity still key hurdle to India-EU FTA” Before deliberating on this important issue of “Free Trade Agreement (FTA)”, let me touch upon very briefly, for the benefit of all concerned, … Continue reading

Regulatory Data Protection and Indian Interest

Of late, I read and hear raging debates, especially through media, on the relevance of Regulatory Data Protection (RDP) or Data Exclusivity in India. This issue is being considered by many as a fight between the commercial interests of multinational … Continue reading