Life saving drug (D-Penicillamine) is not available across India. And CDSCO working faster on availability of drug in the market.
CDSCO has received various representations regarding the non availability of life saving drug (D-Penicillamine) in the Country. As per the representations, the drug has disappeared from the market in the recent past and it is no more available in the country.
The availability of the drug is very important as there are no alternatives for the treatment of Wilson's disease. Therefore, a special meeting on the subject matter will be held by Dr. G.N, Singh, DCG (I) to gauge the situation and examine the remedies to make the drug available in the country. The reason behind this is not clear yet.
Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder in which copper accumulates in tissues; this manifests as neurological or psychiatric symptoms and liver disease. It is treated with medication that reduces copper absorption or removes the excess copper from the body, but occasionally a liver transplant is required.
Penicillamine is a medication of the chelator class. It is an α-amino acid metabolite of penicillin, although it has no antibiotic properties. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication needed in a basic health system. Generally, penicillamine is the first treatment used. This binds copper (chelation) and leads to excretion of copper in the urine.
