TRENDS
Stem cell therapy not recommended for autistic kids: NMC
For the first time, the regulator for doctors in India has recognised the problem of predatory marketing of stem cell therapies to treat autism. The indiscriminate promotion has led to the creation of false hopes, unrealistic expectations, and exploitation of autistic children and their families.
BUSINESS
NSE-listed ZIM Laboratories eyes nutraceutical segment, regulated markets abroad
The company has developed a portfolio of innovative and differentiated generic drug delivery products, which are at an advanced stage of filing in the European Union and emerging markets.
TRENDS
India now has most comprehensive TB test; can check sensitivity to 18 antibiotics
The test is the first of its kind to check for drug resistance to 18 antibiotics as well as detect co-infections, including non-tuberculous mycobacteria and mixed infections
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Two key drugs for drug resistant TB are now essential medicines. But will patients benefit?
An increase in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases is being seen worldwide. Its management involves complex treatment, high costs, more toxic anti-tuberculosis drug use, longer treatment time and increased treatment failure and mortality. In India, access to key drugs is an added concern.
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Fat-busting diabetes drug is a global smash hit but remains prohibitively pricey for many Indians
Tesla and Twitter owner Elon Musk is the latest celebrity to admit using Wegovy, a higher dose version of Ozempic, for keeping his body "fit, ripped, and healthy”. The drug has caused quite a stir among celebs and influencers over the last several months
TRENDS
India moves to develop its own growth standards for kids
The development comes amid growing evidence that Indian kids, even those from affluent backgrounds, have much lower values for height and weight against WHO standards. One expert warned that nearly 30% of Indian children under 5 are malnourished and by using the new standards, the government may show that to be just 15-20%
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MC Explains | Is Lecanemab a gamechanger for Alzheimer’s treatment?
Alzheimer’s disease is a neuro-degenerative disorder that mostly affects people aged over 65. Researchers have been working for decades to find a cure, without success.
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EXCLUSIVE I Measles: 85 districts in 16 states selected for phase 1 outbreak response immunisation
The Centre has said that in the affected geographies, patients are largely unvaccinated and the average coverage of the measles rubella vaccination is also significantly below the national average.
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Finding a cure for rare diseases: Centre mulls joint mission with Ashoka University
The project aims to establish integrated clinical centres at NIMHANS in Bengaluru, AIIMS in Delhi, as well as other facilities. The goal is to develop genetically proven therapies for three types of myopathies.
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Ransomware attack: Diverting personnel, seeking DRDO’s help, AIIMS tries to control damage
While investigations are still on in the case and the motive behind the cyberattack is yet to be fully revealed, the institute is trying to cope with the lack of online services
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Nearly 23% Indians may be anaemic, finds study
India has one of the highest global anaemia prevalence among kids and women of reproductive age. Research has established that long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), a type of air pollution, may increase the prevalence of anaemia through systemic inflammation.
TRENDS
Measles outbreak: Here’s how you can protect your children
Experts say while sporadic cases of measles have been reported over the last several years, a major outbreak of the disease in many parts of the country calls for prompt action and immediate containment measures
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Regulator is blundering on draft food policy, say nutrition activists
Activists stress that instead of protecting people from poor health outcomes, the proposed policy may inadvertently harm public health as consumption of unhealthy food may increase with stars on the label.
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Analysis shows shocking rise in lung cancer cases among youth, non-smokers and women
The new report presents more evidence of the life-altering effect of air pollution in India and has many public health implications
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Analysis | Kerala panel suggests rabies vaccines for kids across India but is that practical?
Experts say that while pre-exposure rabies vaccine may be a good idea in high-risk settings, a one-size-fits-all formula may not be appropriate for the whole of the country.
TRENDS
Cancer treatment: A personalised radiation therapy that uses AI available in India
A host of cutting-edge therapies and treatment options are now available for cancer patients in India; Varian Ethos is one of them.
BUSINESS
SS Innovations buys US firm, eyes global market with made-in-India surgical robots
Robotic surgery enhances precision, flexibility and control during operations but its penetration in low and middle-income countries is very limited, mainly due to the cost factor and lack of vision.
TRENDS
Will proposed drug database resolve lax monitoring of quality?
Officially, the government has maintained that there is nothing wrong with the drug-quality monitoring regime. But the move to set up a panel to create a repository of medicines licensed and marketed in India is being seen as an admission of loopholes in the system.
BUSINESS
Entry barrier for pharma companies in India is too low: Bharat Serums & Vaccines' Sanjiv Navangul
“India needs high-quality biotech companies as there are none or hardly any, so one of our dreams is to make high-quality biotech products and we are working on that," says the managing director and CEO of Bharat Vaccines and Serums
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India’s diabetes crisis: Even higher number of young Indians getting it since COVID-19 pandemic
Many people got diabetes due to an increase in obesity rates, stress, depression, lack of healthy eating and regular exercise during the lockdown. Surveys by medical platforms show a number higher of young people getting the disease since the pandemic.
TRENDS
This test package promises faster and better diagnosis of PCOS in women
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder predominantly affecting women of reproductive age. Clinical manifestations are diverse, including overproduction of some male hormones, lack of ovulation, infertility, hair loss and increased risk of metabolic diseases, besides psychosocial dysfunction
TRENDS
Measles outbreak in Mumbai: alarm bells ring before 2023 target of elimination
Three kids, aged 1-5 years, have died due to measles in Mumbai’s Govandi locality, civic authorities have confirmed. Experts say the children may have missed vaccinations due to slippage of the immunisation programme during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TRENDS
Less than 3% of cancer patients in India can access immunotherapy treatment: Study
Just 0.29 percent of eligible patients from low socioeconomic background have received the treatment, finds a study by doctors from Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai. Multiple insurances available in India do not support treatment with immunotherapy.
BUSINESS
IHH hopes to soon float open offer for Fortis Healthcare, says its MD & CEO
The open offer could happen as early as this year. The Supreme Court’s final orders in the Daiichi Sankyo vs. Singh brothers case make no mention of the freeze on IHH-Fortis deal, suggest executives.
