DRUG DEVELOPMENT
Rs 4,131 cr drugs seized in 5 months against Rs 897 cr in entire 2023: Maharashtra govt
These teams were formed following the Centre's request to all state governments to develop a joint action plan, coordinating the efforts of various departments to check the production and trade of banned substances, he said. "The state government has also unearthed the involvement of some police officials in such malpractices, and they have been dismissed from service," the deputy CM added.
Zydus barred from selling cancer biosimilar, for now
The Delhi High Court has temporarily barred Zydus Lifesciences from selling its breast cancer drug Sigrima, a biosimilar of Roche's Perjeta (pertuzumab), due to a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Roche. The court granted an interim injunction against Zydus after Roche argued that Sigrima and another biosimilar, Womab from Dr Reddy's, violate its patents. Zydus had received conditional approval for its pertuzumab biosimilar but launched it amidst ongoing litigation, prompting the court to intervene to prevent potential market disruption.
One in two medical prescriptions issued in India deviate from standard guidelines: Study
A study in India found that almost half of medical prescriptions deviated from guidelines, with pantoprazole being commonly misprescribed. The researchers highlighted potential risks like high treatment costs and adverse reactions for patients.
HIV breakthrough: Drug trial shows injection twice a year is 100% effective against infection
The trial tested whether the six-month injection of lenacapavir would provide better protection against HIV infection than two other drugs, both daily pills. All three medications are pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) drugs.
Beware of weight loss medications; they can make you go blind
A recent study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear hospital has found a significant link between popular weight loss drugs containing semaglutide and an increased risk of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition causing sudden vision loss in one eye. The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, revealed that obese patients using these medications were over seven times more likely to develop NAION, while diabetic patients faced more than four times the risk.
SCO Summit under Kazakh Presidency to adopt document on countering terror & extremism
Get ready for the Kazakhstan-hosted SCO summit addressing terrorism and drug strategy, with initiatives like the SCO Investment Fund and participation from UN Secretary General António Guterres. The summit aims to boost regional security, economic development, and good neighborly relations, attracting partners like Saudi Arabia to uphold international law and the SCO's unique character.
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Soon, cosmetics will be more transparent to all
India's drug regulator is considering mandatory inclusion of the international nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients (INCI) on all cosmetic product labels for better transparency and easier identification. The standardized INCI system will help consumers understand product compositions and aid dermatologists and regulators in tracking ingredient safety. The move aims to prevent confusion, facilitate compliance, and enhance the marketability of safe products.
India to make drugs for diabetes, obesity under PLI by 2026, says report
India plans to incentivize local manufacturing of GLP-1 drugs, crucial for treating diabetes and obesity, starting in 2026, as per a government official speaking to Reuters. These drugs, originally approved for diabetes treatment, are also used for obesity due to their ability to slow digestion and reduce appetite. Novo Nordisk's patent on semaglutide, a key ingredient in popular drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, is set to expire in India by 2026. Indian companies are already preparing to manufacture these drugs under the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
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.
Sun Pharma, Cipla enter licensing agreement with Takeda to market novel gastrointestinal drug in India
Sun Pharma and Cipla have entered a licensing deal with Takeda Pharmaceutical to commercialize Vonoprazan tablets in India. This novel drug, used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and related acid disorders, will be marketed by Sun Pharma as Voltapraz and by Cipla under their own brands.
Sun Pharma inks pact with Takeda to introduce gastrointestinal drug in India
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries announced a licensing deal with Takeda Pharmaceutical to market Vonoprazan, a novel gastrointestinal drug, in India. The agreement allows Sun Pharma to commercialize 10 mg and 20 mg tablets of Vonoprazan, an innovative treatment for acid peptic disorders, under a non-exclusive patent license.
Biocon seeks partner to test generic Wegovy, Ozempic in China
India's Biocon is seeking a Chinese partner to conduct clinical trials on generic versions of Novo Nordisk's popular diabetes drug Ozempic and weight loss treatment Wegovy. Biocon aims to eventually launch these generics globally, with plans to find a partner for the trials on over 500 patients in China, citing the substantial investment required. The move comes ahead of the patent protection expiry on key ingredients in the drugs in 2026.
Ozempic frenzy lures rich Indians to brave the gray market
People are going to great lengths to obtain popular weight-loss drugs. They are stashing injectables in their carry-on luggage, buying counterfeit formulas online, and importing boxes from Europe. The treatments have sparked extensive media coverage, fueling a high demand. According to Goldman Sachs Research, the anti-obesity medication market could hit $100 billion by 2030. In contrast, Indians have largely been observers in this global frenzy over the new weight-loss solutions.
Pfizer drug extends life for people with rare form of lung cancer
A Pfizer lung cancer drug has been shown to greatly reduce tumor progression and improve survival outcomes for people in the advanced stages of a rare form of the disease, according to trial results published Friday.
Sun Pharma to pursue M&A, licensing to expand speciality business
Sun Pharma, India's leading pharmaceutical company, plans to pursue licensing and acquisitions as part of its strategy to grow its specialty business, according to a senior executive of the company. The executive noted that in recent years, Sun Pharma has been actively working on building a portfolio of products internally. Moving forward, the company intends to adopt a dual approach, combining both mergers and acquisitions with in-house product development.
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.
Alembic Pharma plans to launch 25 drugs in US generics segment this fiscal
The Vadodara-based drug maker, which has been around for over a century, is a late entrant in the US market. It has more than made up for it. It has been on an investment overdrive, spending about ₹700-₹750 crore per annum on R&D to build a complex pipeline of products for the US market.
Covaxin demonstrated excellent safety record during studies: Bharat Biotech
Bharat Biotech asserted the safety of its Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, citing various studies published in peer-reviewed journals. This statement followed a report in The Economic Times regarding adverse events of special interest (AESI) reported by participants in an observational study on Covaxin. The company emphasized the need for comprehensive safety data in such studies, including comparisons with non-vaccinated subjects and those receiving other vaccines.
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.
Drug regulator forms panel to evaluate OTC candidates
The sub-committee, which includes various doctors from the country's top government hospitals, representatives from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), drug controllers from various states, will develop a mechanism for the drugs to be sold OTC, considering globally prevalent regulations and practices.
The penicillin war: India's journey from self-sufficiency to dependence on China
After India lost its dominance in making penicillin, a drought of three decades is coming to an end. The drug – which forms the base for a raft of extremely potent antibiotics – is part of the govt’s aggressive push for self-sufficiency in critical areas. Will the plan to claw back to the glorious past work?
Dr Reddy’s, Sun, Cipla and Biocon look to recreate Ozempic magic in India
Doctors say patients come with specific queries regarding weight-loss drugs, which have become both the first preference and the last resort for some. “I would rather go for these short cuts that the pharma industry offers than go under the knife for my appearance,” says Rajput. The drugs — Wegovy and Ozempic — which have the same ingredient, semaglutide, are all the rage ever since entrepreneur Elon Musk tweeted about it.
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.
Gland Pharma gets USFDA nod for generic breast cancer drug
Gland Pharma has received approval from the USFDA to market a generic medication for breast cancer treatment, Eribulin Mesylate Injection. It's expected to be the first generic approval in the market, with sales of around USD 92 million in the US.
Weight-loss medicines: Biocon eyes a $100 billion jackpot with weighty pivot
Weight-loss drugs: Biocon Ltd. is shifting focus to anti-obesity therapies as patents for key medications expire, leading to a surge in generic supply. The Bengaluru-based company secured UK approval for the first generic version of liraglutide injectible, positioning itself as a leader in this evolving market.
Global private equity firms eye $1 billion bid for Bharat Serums and vaccines
Five global private equity firms, including Warburg Pincus, Permira, EQT, Bain, and TPG, are interested in bidding for Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV), which is seeking over $1 billion. The firms will sign expressions of interest soon and start due diligence on the Mumbai-based biopharmaceutical company. Advent International, the current owner, acquired BSV in 2019 and now wants to sell it. Some contenders may partner with pharmaceutical companies for the bid. Advent has engaged Jefferies and JP Morgan for the sale process.
Novo Nordisk to buy Cardior Pharma for up to $1 billion
Novo Nordisk A/S bought Cardior Pharmaceuticals for $1 billion to enhance cardiovascular treatments. Cardior's microRNA-targeting therapies aim to improve heart function, aligning with Novo's focus on diabetes and obesity history.
Bristol Myers Squibb opens innovation hub in Hyderabad
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has opened an innovation hub in Hyderabad, India, to expand its global drug development, information technology, and digital capabilities. The facility, expected to house over 1,500 employees, represents an investment of over $100 million. BMS aims to accelerate drug development, enhance digital capabilities, and diversify its global workforce by tapping into local talent in Hyderabad.
Cipla partners with CSIR-CDRI to develop formulation for fungal keratitis
Drug major Cipla on Thursday said it has tied up with CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute to jointly develop a novel ophthalmic formulation for fungal keratitis. The collaboration aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both organisations to develop a safe and efficacious drug for fungal keratitis, the Mumbai-based drug maker said in a statement.
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