DRUG ACCESS
High costs of orphan drugs: Patients pay the price for policy hurdles in India
India manufactures APIs for over 400 FDA-approved orphan drugs, but patients face high costs due to Indian pharmaceutical companies' reluctance to develop these drugs domestically.
Govt widens composition of drug, medical devices pricing reforms panel
The government has expanded a committee to look into pricing reforms for drugs and medical devices, including civil rights activists like All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN), Patient Safety and Access Initiative of India Foundation, and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). The committee will evaluate availability and pricing of essential medicines, incentivize industry growth and exports, and consider a new Drug (Prices Control) Order (DPCO) as the current one is over a decade old.
Look-alike, sounding similar drugs likely to face strict action
Earlier, in January India's Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), India's apex drug advisory body, deliberated on the issue of same brand name (including look-alike and sound-alike ones) for different category of products and it suggested that to ensure patient safety, the manufacturing and marketing of different drugs with same brand name should "not be allowed."
Govt allows global tenders to access 120 key, patented drugs
In what could ease access to some patented medicines, the government has allowed global tenders to be floated for procurement of 120 drugs, including anti-diabetic medication Semaglutide, after the health ministry raised concerns over lack of domestic options.
Social Justice Ministry's 100-day plan: Accessible India 2.0, drugs-free India
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar outlined the 100-day plan, emphasizing initiatives like Accessible India 2.0 and expanding the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.
Torrent Pharma signs non-exclusive patent licensing pact with Takeda Pharma for Vonoprazan
A 2019 study published by the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that the prevalence of GERD in the Indian population is around 8.2%, with a higher prevalence of around 11.1% in the urban population. According to AWACS MAT April 2024 data, the Indian market for treatments used in GERD is valued at Rs 8,064 crore, growing at 8% CAGR over the last four years.
- Go To Page 1
New study warns of serious side effects from popular weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, finds they may paralyse stomach
A recent US study has found that weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic may increase the risk of abdominal paralysis, characterized by delayed stomach emptying. The study, presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024, indicates a 30% higher risk for users of these drugs. Experts emphasize the need for awareness and medical monitoring of potential gastrointestinal side effects.
Wegovy should be treating more than just obesity
A new analysis highlights the significant cardiovascular benefits of Novo Nordisk's obesity drug Wegovy, showing improvements regardless of weight loss amount. This challenges perceptions of GLP-1 drugs, suggesting they could be viewed more as heart or metabolic medications. Improved access and understanding are crucial, as these drugs could impact various chronic conditions like kidney disease. Acknowledging these connections could lead to more effective treatment approaches and better outcomes.
Serum Partners US company to advance needle-free injection technology
SII said, in a statement on Friday that the partnership with IntegriMedical aligns with its vision of 'Health for All' and IntegriMedical's mission to 'transform healthcare globally' by providing patient comfort, ensuring increased patient compliance, reducing needle-stick injuries, and enhancing the efficacy of liquid medication via needle-free dispersion.
India's drug regulator cracks down on antibiotic misuse, seeks list of licensed combinations
India's drug regulator has directed state counterparts to provide a list of antibiotic combinations licensed for manufacturing and marketing within two weeks to combat misuse. This move follows recommendations from an expert sub-committee under the Drugs Technical Authority Board (DTAB) to regulate antibiotic use. The regulator seeks to ban inappropriate combinations and monitor unapproved antibiotics in the market. A sub-committee was formed to examine this issue, leading to the recent directive to state drug regulators and port officers.
Serum Institute buys 20% stake in IntegriMedical
Serum Institute of India acquires 20% stake in IntegriMedical for N-FIS drug delivery solution. Adar Poonawalla envisions a needle-free vaccine administration. N-FIS has regulatory approvals and patented technology. Available in the Indian private market, it eliminates needle-phobia and prevents injuries.
India well positioned as shift to AI happens: Google CEO Sundar Pichai
Pichai, who is also the chief executive of Alphabet, Google's parent company, was talking a day after announcing several of Google's innovations in his keynote address at Google I/O connect, the company's annual developer conference. "AI tools for a lot of our products... India is number one country in terms of user base. To be able to serve them we're committed to bringing the same AI tools," Pichai said.
TB treatment is free. But are patients facing crippling costs?
Government policy is to provide free diagnosis and treatment to all registered TB cases. Yet patients pay ‘out-of-pocket’ for several other components such as consultation fees, non-TB drugs, other diagnostic tests, travel expenses in pre-treatment period etc
Biocon inks supply, distribution pact with Medix for chronic weight management drug in Mexico
Biocon partners with Medix to distribute Liraglutide for chronic weight management in Mexico, offering affordable obesity treatment options. The collaboration aims to improve patient access and quality of life in a country with high obesity rates.
Attacking birth control pills, US influencers push misinformation
US wellness influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are spreading misinformation about birth control pills, making false claims about infertility and low libido. This misinformation can lead to unintended pregnancies, especially as reproductive rights become a central issue in the US. Many of these influencers lack medical expertise but profit from selling alternative health products and services. They overemphasize the side effects of birth control pills, with some even calling them "toxic" or linking them to infertility and altered sexual behavior.
Why contaminated foods can easily enter your kitchen
Though India has a food regulator, the actions regulators abroad take on exported foods seem to get wider attention. There is a danger of trust deficit that needs urgent attention through better testing, penalties, and transparency.
Google DeepMind unveils next generation of drug discovery AI model
With the latest incarnation of AlphaFold, researchers at DeepMind and sister company Isomorphic Labs - both overseen by cofounder Demis Hassabis - have mapped the behaviour for all of life's molecules, including human DNA.
OTC policy can boost drug access, market
A government-appointed panel is considering allowing commonly used cough and cold medicines, antacids, and fever-reducing drugs to be sold over the counter (OTC) at general stores in India. While countries like Britain, the US, and Australia have clear guidelines for OTC drug sale, India lacks such regulations. In 2022, India approved a new OTC drug policy, but it was not implemented.
BJP govt has made Gujarat hub for drug traffickers from Pakistan, alleges Congress' Jairam Ramesh
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has accused the BJP government of making Gujarat a hub for drug traffickers from Pakistan and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to the rise of drug smuggling in the state. Ramesh claimed that the BJP government has made Gujarat a hub for drug traffickers, with recent smuggling attempts detected.
India-UAE CEPA celebrates two years marked by robust growth in bilateral trade
Implemented on 1 May 2022, the UAE-India CEPA offers numerous trade benefits, including the elimination and reduction of tariffs, an open trade environment, and enhanced market access for service providers across various sectors. It also addresses technical barriers and provides access to government procurement opportunities.
US to reclassify cannabis as low-risk drug, in major shift
The US attorney general sent a proposal to the White House on Tuesday to "reclassify marijuana," Justice Department spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa said in a statement.
No jobs, no future: In Canada, drugs are Indian students’ last resort
The grim reality of hefty education loans and joblessness in the land they once hoped would offer prosperity has ensnared numerous Indian students in Canada in a vicious cycle of cocaine, marijuana and liquor as a coping mechanism for unemployment-induced stress
Zydus Lifesciences launches generic drug for overactive bladder in US market
Zydus is among the first suppliers to launch the generic version of Mirabegron extended-release tablets (USP 25 mg) in the US market. The company is also preparing to launch the 50 mg tablets in the market. Mirabegron is indicated for the treatment of Overactive Bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency.
Breaking Bad ft. Greater Noida: Why are foreigners coming to UP for setting up meth labs?
Police in Greater Noida uncovered three methamphetamine labs run by foreigners in rented properties over the past year, seizing over 100 kilograms of narcotics worth hundreds of crores. A recent raid resulted in the arrest of four Nigerians and seizure of Rs 100 crore worth of MDMA. Law enforcement also seized 75 kilograms of MDMA in interconnected raids the previous year.
Govt mulls allowing sale of common medicines in general stores
India's committee, under Atul Goel's leadership, is pioneering the development of guidelines for over-the-counter medicines to improve accessibility. This initiative marks a significant step towards streamlining non-prescription drug regulations.
Biocon partners Biomm to commercialise diabetes drug in Brazil
Biocon has partnered with Brazil-based Biomm SA for the commercialization of its diabetes drug, Semaglutide (gOzempic). Biocon will develop, manufacture, and supply the drug, while Biomm will obtain regulatory approval and commercialization in Brazil. Biomm focuses on developing, manufacturing, and commercialising complex biotech and biosimilar drug products.
Digitalisation of healthcare data through electronic health records will be the next startup boom
India's fintech industry - which comprises over 10,000 companies with $17 billion in 2022 revenues - was built on the foundation of Aadhaar and UPI. The health tech industry boom will be built upon the nationwide adoption of electronic health records (EHR). EHR is a digital file containing an individual's health information - identity, gender, age, weight, vital signs, allergens, entire medical and medication history, immunisation status, test results, etc. The record is meant to be created and regularly updated by physicians and other healthcare providers.
AIIMS adds 63 drugs to free medicine list
"Sixty-three medicines have been added to the existing list," Dr M Srinivas said. Palbociclib, Dasatinib, Methotrexate, Trimazet, Magesterol Acetate and Leucovorin are among the medicines added to the list. Besides, injection regular insulin, injection NPH Insulin and injection Insulin Premix 30/70 will also be available free of cost.
Pharma cos can supply generic Bedaquiline to other countries
Multinational pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced that it will not enforce secondary patents for its anti-TB drug Bedaquiline in low and middle income countries. This means that Indian pharmaceutical companies will be able to supply generic versions of the drug without the fear of litigation.
Load More
