**Summary:**
The Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has issued a notice dated March 30, 2016, regarding a proposal to replace animal-based gelatin capsules with cellulose-based capsules of plant origin. The CDSCO is soliciting science-based suggestions and comments from stakeholders and consumers regarding the potential benefits and drawbacks of this proposed change. Interested parties are requested to submit their input within six weeks from the date of the notice to inform the decision-making process. The notice was issued by Dr. G.N. Singh, Drugs Controller General of India. The file number for reference is DCGIMISC2016 35. The CDSCO is located at FDA Bhavan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002.
Key Entities Referenced
Central Drugs Standards Control Organization: A regulatory body in India responsible for drug regulation.
Directorate General of Health Services: An attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Ministry of Health Family Welfare: The Indian government ministry responsible for health policy.
FDA Bhavan, Kotla Road, New Delhi, Delhi: Location of Central Drugs Standards Control Organization.
gelatin capsules: Pharmaceutical capsules made from gelatin, which are the subject of the proposal for replacement.
cellulose based capsules: Pharmaceutical capsules of plant origin proposed as a replacement for gelatin capsules.
Dr. G.N. Singh: Drugs Controller General of India at the time of this notice.
Drugs Controller General India: The head of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization responsible for approving and regulating drugs in India.