Prof CK Kokate, the man behind review of irrational combination drugs, dies at 79

Dr. C.K. Kokate (file photo) | Photo Credit: The Hindu

The man who helmed a committee set-up by the Union Health Ministry to examine the safety and efficacy of fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs – CK Kokate (79), has passed away.

It was under the committee chaired by Professor Kokate that a wide sweep of irrational FDCs, over 300 were identified after a scientific review. The Centre went on to eventually ban these combinations.

FDCs involve two or more medicines combined in one, without a scientific rationale. Some irrational FDCs saw up to seven medicines rolled into one. Following concerns raised on such FDCs, the Health Ministry then set up a committee in 2014 under Kokate to review unapproved FDCs that were licensed by State Licensing Authorities, but without the approval of the central regulatory authority – the Drug Controller General of India. The FDC issue underwent further review by more committees, but continues to simmer till date.

Kokate, former Vice Chancellor KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Karnataka, is regarded by industry colleagues as a forerunner in pharmacy education.

Published on November 3, 2026