Spurious immunity boosters, Covid drugs under FDA eye

Nagpur: The latest findings of Mumbai-based laboratory of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has revealed that several immunity boosters and Covid-related drugs available in the market at different locations in Maharashtra were spurious and substandard.
FDA Nagpur now intends to step up sampling of the available drugs, especially those of the secondary line of treatment for Covid, with the racketeers eyeing gains during the anticipated forthcoming third wave. The department is also set to step up it’s vigilance on the availability of suspicious brands of such drugs linked to Covid treatment.
Last week, the state FDA laboratory had declared the test results of an array of different types of drugs, ranging from immunity boosters like Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C), chewable Zinc tablets, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic combination Acenez SP, Prednisolone Sodium phosphate with steroidal functions, which were used earlier used exhaustively during Covid phase.
The findings have led to major concern among the rank and file of FDA which now aims to increase vigilance actions.
Asst commissioner (in-charge), drugs, PM Ballal said unscrupulous manufacturers of drugs and medicines may look for an opportunity. “Sales and purchases must be accompanied with bills and corresponding records of the transactions mentioning details as per the law,” he said.