BUSINESS
Expert panel recommends emergency use of Dr Reddy's Sputnik V vaccine in India
Dr Reddy's which has collaborated with Russia's sovereign fund RDIF conducted the bridge trial for Sputnik V, has applied for emergency use. If approved by DCGI, this will be third vaccine to be available in India.
BUSINESS
Here's what three experts have to say about COVID-19 variants, and what can keep us safe
There is nothing to worry now about the variants found in the samples taken from Maharashtra since there aren’t many re-infections and vaccines are still effective. In future, if any variant causes more re-infections, they may have to rework on vaccines, they say.
INDIA
Explained | Double mutation of Maharashtra -- how was it identified and how dangerous is it?
The two mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 variants found in Maharashtra can evade immune defence. Experts say that the variants of concern are highly infectious, but they are not associated with the more severe form of COVID-19.
BUSINESS
US firm Cepheid to manufacture point-of-care COVID-19 diagnostic test kits in India
The company has set up manufacturing facility in Chennai in 2020, and plans to add another facility in Bengaluru. Currently it manufactures test cartridges for Tuberculosis (TB) testing which run on its GeneXpert System.
BUSINESS
Zydus Cadila cuts price of antiviral drug Remdesivir to Rs 899 per injection
Zydus launched Remdesivir under brand name Remdac in August 2020 at Rs 2,800. Being the cheapest Remdesivir version available, the company cornered a dominant market share.
BUSINESS
Intend to provide primary efficacy analysis within 48 hours, says AstraZeneca on data row
"We have reviewed the preliminary assessment of the primary analysis and the results were consistent with the interim analysis," AstraZeneca said in a statement.
BUSINESS
Why anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin evokes same debate as HCQ for treating COVID-19 patients
Ivermectin, the anti-parasitic drug has been widely used in India and many other countries as off-label medication to treat COVID-19 mild and moderate COVID-19 patients, despite limited evidence of its efficacy.
BUSINESS
Premas Biotech, Oramed to develop potential COVID-19 vaccine pill
Oravax’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate which is a triple antigen virus like particle (VLP) consists three structural proteins of SARS-CoV2, unlike most other vaccines that are based on Spike (S) protein.
BUSINESS
COVID-19 spike | Why cases increase, is it a second wave and other key questions answered
Since the pandemic began early last year, India saw 1.16 crore cases and about 1,60,000 deaths.
BUSINESS
AstraZeneca-Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine shows 79% efficacy in US Phase-3 trials
The DSMB found no increased risk of thrombosis or events characterised by thrombosis among the 21,583 participants receiving at least one dose of the vaccine. The specific search for CVST found no events in this trial, AstraZeneca said.
BUSINESS
Covid-19 vaccine: Pharma distributor Vardhman to invest Rs 100 crore in cold-chain infrastructure
The logistics and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in India is handled by the government at the moment, but that is not stopping companies from investing in cold-chain infrastructure, as they expect the government to open up vaccination to the private sector in a big way. They also see Covid-19 vaccination as something that will be required for several years
BUSINESS
Rising COVID-19 cases, here are four ways to control surging cases
The government should enforce COVID-19 appropriate behaviour like wearing masks, hand hygiene and social distance. May be due to fatigue of pandemic or complacency, most people have become lax in adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.
BUSINESS
NPPA fixes prices of 81 drugs, insulin gets cheaper
Three prominent insulin and anti-stroke drugs, too, have been now been brought under price control after their five-year exemption period ended.
BUSINESS
Strides' biotech division Stelis to make 200 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine
The parties intend to commence supplies from Q3 2021. Stelis will also continue to work with Russia's sovereign wealth fund RDIF to provide additional supply volumes beyond the initial agreement.
BUSINESS
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine not linked to increase in clot events, says Europe safety committee
The committee also concluded that the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of thrombolytic events or blood clots.
BUSINESS
Colgate-Palmolive launches ayurvedic toothpaste for people with diabetes
The tooth paste that will be sold under brand name 'Colgate for Diabetics' was researched and developed in India through a collaboration with local dentists and diabetes experts.
BUSINESS
75% in favour of COVID-19 vaccination for people above 18: LocalCircles Survey
The survey also pointed out that 30 percent participants complained about people who are not eligible are getting false-certifications from healthcare professionals to qualify as people with co-morbidities above 45 years.
BUSINESS
CDSCO panel allows Serum Institute of India to conduct bridge trial of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
Novavax had earlier licensed its COVID-19 vaccine technology to SII with no upfront, milestone, or technology transfer payments.
BUSINESS
Explained | Why kids need separate trials for COVID-19 vaccine, how are trials conducted, and enrollment challenges
While US firm Moderna has started testing its vaccine on children, Pfizer and AstraZeneca-Oxford University are planning to follow suit. In India, Bharat Biotech is seeking permission to test its vaccine, Covaxin, on children aged between 5 and 18 years.
BUSINESS
COVID-19 vaccines: Public health experts urge government to release details of adverse event data
Twenty-nine experts from various fields have written a letter noting that the government had stopped sharing any details on Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) after February 26, 2021. The experts have sought details from the government on the findings of all completed AEFI investigations. The letter said that at least 65 deaths have occurred following vaccination for Covid-19 since the campaign began on January 16. However, the National AEFI Committee’s reports on only two of those deaths have been made public.
BUSINESS
Gland Pharma teams up with RDIF to manufacture 252 mn doses of Russia's Sputnik V COVID vaccine
Under the terms of the agreement, Gland Pharma said it will first undertake technology transfer of the drug substance to its manufacturing facilities. After successful technology transfer, Gland Pharma will then undertake manufacturing of drug substance and drug product filling into vials under aseptic conditions.
BUSINESS
Will White House backing hoist Biological E to the big league of COVID-19 vaccine makers?
After being overshadowed by the Serum Institute of India and Bharat BioTech, India’s first private vaccine maker has sprung into action with US funding that will help it produce 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of next year.
BUSINESS
No evidence of link between COVID-19 vaccine, blood clots: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca said there were no confirmed issues related to any batch of its vaccine used across Europe, or the rest of the world.
BUSINESS
Pharma wrap | AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine on hold in Europe, what does it mean for India?
The Indian government has said it is reviewing the situation. The vaccine hasn't been linked to any deaths in the country.
