Aurobindo Pharma's subsidiary, TheraNym Biologics Pvt Ltd, has signed a master service agreement with Merck Sharpe & Dohme Singapore for contract manufacturing of biologicals. The agreement, effective May 31, 2024, will see TheraNym contract manufacturing biologicals for domestic and international markets. TheraNym will invest Rs 1,000 crore in...
Tata Capital Healthcare Fund invests $20 million in Orbicular Pharmaceutical Technologies
The specialty generics has a market size of $60 billion and is rapidly expanding, driven by increasing demand for cost-effective alternatives to complex and high-cost branded medications. “Under the able leadership of Dr. M.S. Mohan, Orbicular has developed a strong product pipeline for the regulated markets," said Visalakshi Chandramouli, managing...
Shedding light on weight loss struggles among diabetics
Diabetes cases in India are rising, with 101 million individuals affected according to ICMR- INDIAB data. The International Diabetes Federation projects a 46% increase in global diabetes cases by 2045.
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Anti-diabetic drugs lead growth in pharmaceuticals market
The pharmaceuticals market in India is witnessing significant growth, with anti-diabetic drugs leading the way with over ₹155 crore in value growth among new brands launched in the past year. The respiratory segment and vitamin/mineral/nutrient segment followed closely behind. The anti-diabetes market has grown rapidly in the last five years, driven...
India's pharma export sales to grow faster this year
India's pharmaceutical exports are projected to grow nearly 11% this fiscal year, up from about 10% last year, driven by the U.S. and UK markets, according to Pharmexcil. Exports are expected to surpass $31 billion, rising from nearly $28 billion in fiscal 2024, despite quality concerns following cough syrup-linked deaths.
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Delhi hospital fire: How unchecked private nursing homes thrive amid high costs & poor infra
The high costs of medical care at private corporate hospitals in Delhi, combined with inadequate infrastructure at government facilities, have led to a significant increase in the demand for private nursing homes. Unfortunately, these facilities often disregard regulations, with little effort from the administration to ensure compliance and accountability.
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Fortis lines up Rs 1,300 cr capex to expand existing hospitals
Fortis Healthcare is investing up to Rs 1,300 crore in expanding capacities at existing hospitals over the next few years, according to a senior company executive. The healthcare provider aims to add around 2,200 beds over the next few years.
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Panel to examine if nutraceuticals can be produced within drug unit
In a significant development, a five-member expert committee has been appointed to assess the feasibility of allowing the manufacturing of nutraceuticals within drug manufacturing facilities in India. This decision comes after the country's drug regulator had previously warned of taking action against those violating regulations by producing supplements...
Chinese scientists develop cure for diabetes, insulin patient becomes medicine-free in just 3 months
Chinese scientists achieve diabetes cure through innovative cell therapy, detailed in Cell Discovery. Patient, treated in July 2021, no longer requires insulin after eleven weeks, and is now medication-free for 33 months. The breakthrough, praised by Timothy Kieffer, signifies a major advancement in diabetes treatment. This novel approach utilizes...
Dr Reddy's, Cipla, Sun Pharma & others to see FY25 revenue boost in key US market, says India Ratings and Research
Indian drugmakers, such as Dr Reddy's, Cipla, and Sun Pharma, are projected to maintain revenue growth in fiscal 2025, driven by drug shortages in the U.S. market. With 233 drugs in short supply, Indian companies are poised to benefit from the challenges faced by U.S.-based generic pharma manufacturers, leading to improved financial performance and...
Aster to invest Rs 250 crore in CMI Hospital, to upscale to 850 beds
Aster DM Healthcare announced a major expansion plan for Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, increasing its bed capacity from 500 to 850 beds with a 300,000 sq ft infrastructure expansion. With a total of 1602 beds, the company strengthens its presence in Bengaluru. The Rs. 250 crore investment aims to upgrade facilities by fiscal year 2027, reinforcing...
Don’t pop that pill daily: Doctors red-flag proton pump inhibitors used to treat acid reflux, heartburns
The reason for the popularity of PPIs among doctors and patients is not tough to gauge. With unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits, acidity is common among Indians. While many brands of PPIs are sold almost over-the-counter, Pan, Pantop, Omez and Rablet fly off the chemist’s shelves. Doctors warn that overuse of these drugs can have a slow and debilitating...
New plant of Sun Pharma inaugurated in Bangladesh
Indian pharmaceutical company, Sun Pharma, inaugurated a new plant in Bangladesh, strengthening economic ties and promoting collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, including joint R&D efforts.
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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...
Biocon inks licensing, supply pact with South Korea's Handok for chronic weight management product
Biocon signs exclusive licensing agreement with Handok for commercialisation of synthetic Liraglutide in South Korea, expanding portfolio to address weight management needs and tapping into a USD 47 million market opportunity. Biocon said the total addressable market opportunity of Liraglutide in South Korea is approximately USD 47 million as per the...
Local pharma companies queue up for JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
Mankind Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, and Torrent Pharma are interested in acquiring JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals from KKR. Private equity funds are discouraged by high valuation, with first round of bids expected soon.
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Epidural during labour associated with 35% reduced risk from complications: BMJ Study
Research in the British Medical Journal found that epidural during labour reduces the risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) by 35%. SMM includes heart attack, sepsis, and hysterectomy. Epidural analgesia is recommended for high-risk pregnancies due to obesity, multiple births, or premature delivery.
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Max Healthcare to widen reach via acquisitions, says Abhay Soi
Max Healthcare, a leading Indian hospital chain, is assessing acquisition opportunities in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, primarily funded through internal accruals and debt. The company's chairman and managing director, Abhay Soi, believes there is great opportunity in these areas. Max Healthcare currently has a presence in Mohali, Bathinda, Dehradun,...
Emcure and its subsidiary Gennova settle legal dispute with HDT Bio over mRNA technology
Emcure Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiary Gennova have resolved all legal disputes with US-based HDT Bio Corp. The parties have entered into a long-term agreement to develop mRNA vaccines against various infectious diseases in India and other countries. As part of their agreement, HDT has granted a license to Gennova to use HDT's patented mRNA vaccine...
Strides Pharma unit gets USFDA nod for generic drug to treat gastrointestinal diseases
Strides Pharma Science on Wednesday said its unit has received approval from the US health regulator to market a generic medication used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Singapore-based Strides Pharma Global Pte. Ltd, has received approval for the generic version of Sucralfate Oral Suspension, 1gm/10 mL, from the US Food & Drug Administration...
Cipla gets USFDA nod to market Lanreotide injection
Cipla has received approval from the US FDA to market its Lanreotide injection, a generic medication for treating acromegaly and other conditions. The product is a therapeutic equivalent of Somatuline Depot Injection, which had sales of around USD 898 million in the US for the 12-month period ending March 2024.
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Regulator asks state bodies to limit scope of key cancer drug
India's drug regulatory authority has instructed state-level counterparts to mandate manufacturers of Olaparib tablets in 100 mg and 150 mg strengths to cease marketing the cancer medication for patients with advanced ovarian cancer and "gBRCA mutation" (genes associated with tumor suppression), who have undergone three or more rounds of prior chemotherapy...
Alvotech, Dr. Reddy's ink pact for commercialisation of denosumab
Alvotech and Dr. Reddy's partner for AVT03, a biosimilar to Prolia and Xgeva, treating osteoporosis and skeletal-related events. The agreement includes exclusive US commercialization rights.
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KKR invests in Healthcare Revenue Solutions provider Infinx
KKR acquires a significant minority stake in Infinx Services, a leading healthcare revenue cycle solutions provider. With Norwest Venture Partners also participating, the investment aims to accelerate Infinx's growth in the US healthcare market, leveraging KKR's expertise. Infinx's innovative platform serves over 400 healthcare providers, tapping into...
JB Pharma expects India business to grow above market growth rate in FY25: CEO Nikhil Chopra
JB Pharma, led by CEO Nikhil Chopra, forecasts 12-14% revenue growth and aims to increase Ebitda margins by 27-28% in FY25. The growth is driven by a focus on chronic portfolio, CDMO business expansion, and upcoming acquisition of an ophthalmology drugs portfolio from Novartis. The company's financial performance in FY24 was strong with revenue reaching...
ICMR distances itself from BHU's Covaxin study
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has criticised Banaras Hindu University (BHU) researchers for incorrectly associating them with an observational study on the side effects of Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin. The study, which covered a one-year period after the vaccine was administered, found that nearly a third of the 926 participants...
KKR in talks to buy into healthcare BPO company Infinx
Launched in 2012 as Tandon Information Solutions, Infinx is also into medical transcription, eligibility and benefit verification, complete medical billing, medical coding (across specialty) and comprehensive account receivable management services.
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6 compelling reasons to feast on lychees this summer
From hydration to immunity, weight management to culinary creativity, there are countless reasons why lychees should be a staple in your summer diet. Let's delve into six compelling reasons why you should make lychees your go-to fruit this summer.
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Dr Reddy's, Sun Pharma, Aurobindo recall products in US
The company is also recalling another lot of sapropterin dihydrochloride for the same reason, it added. The USFDA said the drug maker initiated the Class I recall in the US on April 8 this year. As per the US health regulator, a Class I recall pertains to defective products that can cause serious health problems.
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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...
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...
Serum Institute buys 20% stake in US-based 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.
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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.
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AstraZeneca's COVID prevention drug meets primary goals in late-stage study
AstraZeneca's long-acting antibody therapy, sipavibart, showed a significant reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 cases in immunocompromised patients. The drugmaker withdrew its COVID-19 vaccine due to surplus availability of updated vaccines. Immunocompromised patients, constituting 25% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, may benefit from this novel...
Covaxin side effects: What are the symptoms reported in adverse affect cases? Should you worry?
Covaxin side effects: A recent study highlighted adverse events post-Bharat Biotech's Covaxin vaccinations. Led by Sankha Shubhra Chakrabarti, it noted higher risk in female adolescents and those with allergies. Of 1,024 participants, 47.9% adolescents and 42.6% adults reported viral infections. Common AESIs included skin disorders, menstrual abnormalities...
Adverse events seen in some participants who took Covaxin, reports new study
In an observational study on Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, nearly a third of participants reported adverse events of special interest (AESI), with females and those with allergies at higher risk. The majority of AESIs persisted at the 1-year follow-up. Common AESIs included viral upper respiratory tract infections, skin disorders, and nervous system issues....
Do you work night shifts? Here's what you need to know about the risks
A study by scientists at Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory reveals the detrimental effects of working night shifts on health. Volunteers underwent simulated night or day shifts for three days to assess internal biological rhythms, published in Proteome Research.
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Founder Sachdev to retain majority stake in Centre for Sight
The Padma Shri awardee, who previously headed the ophthalmology department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, told ET that he would be among the few entrepreneurs in this sector to remain in control of his company after private equity investors swamped the space announcing a slew of investments in the past 24 months.
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Derma products market seeing strong growth
Industry data shows emollients, protectives, have grown from Rs 1,390 crore MAT value in April 2022 to Rs 1,892 crore in April 2024. Likewise, sunscreens have grown from Rs 259 crore MAT value in April 2022 to Rs 416 crore in April 2024. MAT refers to Moving Annual Turnover (MAT).
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Manipal Hospitals announces brand integration of AMRI units; plans to start liver transplantation
The Manipal Hospitals, which announced the official brand integration of all three AMRI units in Kolkata, is planning to soon start liver transplantation here, an official said. The Manipal Hospitals, which has invested a total of Rs 2,200 crore in acquiring the three units of AMRI, Dhakuria, Mukundapur and Salt Lake last September, MD & CEO of...
Empowering healthcare innovations: Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi on ADGHW's role in global healthcare collaboration
H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi discusses ADGHW as a platform for global healthcare collaboration, focusing on innovations and partnerships with Indian healthcare providers. The event aims to develop precision health initiatives, strengthen life sciences research, attract medical tourism, and support a growing startup ecosystem.
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Kotak Alt to invest Rs 400 crore in medical device maker Biorad Medisys
Kotak Strategic Situations India Fund II (KSSF II) managed by Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (Kotak Alt) announced investing up to Rs 400 crore in medical device manufacturer Biorad Medisys. The investment will primarily facilitate a new manufacturing plant setup, debt repayment, and increased working capital.
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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.
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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.
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Good shot, bad shot: What you need to know about Covishield issue
Covishield Side Effects: Controversies surrounding vaccine side-effects persist despite Covid-19 waning. Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, faces scrutiny in India following reports of rare side effects. Legal battles and demands for compensation have emerged as families of alleged victims seek justice. Experts stress the importance...
Heatwave ignites surge in chronic therapy demand
Rising temperatures across various regions of India are driving increased demand for medications aimed at managing chronic conditions. This includes prescriptions for high blood pressure (antihypertensives), cholesterol (lipid-lowering drugs), and blood clotting (platelet aggregation inhibitors).
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Zydus Lifesciences gets USFDA approval for generic acne treatment gel
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market its generic version of Dapsone gel 7.5% for acne treatment. The gel is manufactured at their facility in Ahmedabad. Dapsone gel 7.5% had annual sales of $35.8 million in the US, according to IQVIA MAT March 2024 data, as reported in a regulatory...
Covishield deaths could be more than estimates: Parents
SII discloses TTS side-effects. Venugopalan Govindan raises Covishield concerns. Parents plan case against SII. AstraZeneca withdraws VaxAstraZeneca due to mutant variant strains.
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USFDA issues Form 483 with 1 inspectional observation to Cipla's Kurkumbh unit
A routine current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) inspection was conducted by the USFDA at the company's manufacturing facility at Kurkumbh, Maharashtra from April 29, 2024, to May 8, 2024, Cipla said in a regulatory filing.
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India reverses old trend in medical consumables business, is now a net exporter
Till now, foreign-sourced goods used to dominate the medical consumables and disposables market in the country. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India was finally able to reverse that old trend, having sold more than it bought.
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New all-in-one vaccine may prove effective against all coronaviruses
Scientists from Oxford and Cambridge universities have developed a new all-in-one vaccine that can protect humans against a broad range of coronaviruses, including those that are yet to emerge. The research, published in 'Nature Nanotechnology', is based on a new approach called "proactive vaccinology," where scientists build a vaccine before the disease-causing...
Serum Institute of India challenges tax amendment in SC; claims capital subsidies as non-taxable
Vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India (SSI) has filed a challenge to the Supreme Court against a 2016 amendment to the Income Tax Act that made subsidies, grants, waivers, concessions, or reimbursements by the Centre or states or incentives in cash or kind as taxable. The amendment had inserted sub-clause (xviii) to Section 2(24), which defines...
Quadria Capital picks up stake in NephroPlus for $102 mln
Quadria Capital invests $102 million in NephroPlus, India's largest dialysis chain, acquiring a minority stake. The move supports NephroPlus in meeting the rising demand for dialysis services in India and Asia. Quadria anticipates dialysis demand growth over the next five years in its targeted markets. The investment values NephroPlus at over $239.6...
What is new Covid variant FLiRT, is it dangerous, and what are the symptoms?
The FLiRT variant, a group of new Covid-19 variants belonging to Omicron's JN.1 lineage, is rapidly spreading in the US. Variants KP.2 and KP 1.1, considered more infectious than previous Omicron variants, are causing concern. Experts warn of a potential new wave of infections in the summer. Symptoms of FLiRT remain similar to other variants. Vaccination...
As high-tech era tips the scale in favour of newer devices, stethoscope's fate hangs in balance
The revered art of “auscultation”— the act of detecting maladies from listening to sounds from the heart, lungs or other organs—might actually follow the path of the doctor’s head mirror and fade away.
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Every vaccine carries a risk. If benefits outweigh it, you use it: Dr Shahid Jameel
It said there was a very rare chance of something called TTS. TTS is thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome. Thrombosis means blood clots, thrombocytopenia means a reduction in the level of platelets. Platelets prevent bleeding so people who have low platelets bleed at the slightest provocation and this bleeding leads to internal clotting. A dengue...
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 government’s aggressive push for self-sufficiency in critical areas. Will the plan to claw back to the glorious past work?
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KKR to buy Healthium Medtech for Rs 7000 cr from Apax
KKR to acquire Healthium Medtech for Rs 7000 crore from Apax Partners. Novo Holdings, Mankind Pharma, and ChrysCapital competed in the bidding. Anish Bafna will continue to lead Healthium under KKR ownership.
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Regulator revokes state licensors' power to issue NOC for drug exports
India's drug regulator withdraws state licensing authorities' NOC issuance power for export of unapproved drugs due to substandard products overseas. Industry to reapply via zonal offices online from May 15. Contaminated cough syrups linked to acute kidney injuries in Gambian children.
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Covishield maker AstraZeneca, SII, govt all responsible for my daughter's death: Father to file case along with 8 parents
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the parents of Karunya, who tragically passed away in 2021 after allegedly receiving the Covishield vaccine, are seeking legal recourse. Her grieving father, Venugopalan Govindan, blames multiple parties for his daughter's death and is determined to hold them accountable.
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Quadria cap picks up minority stake in NephroPlus
NephroPlus, India's largest dialysis chain, has secured $103 million (₹860 crore) in a Series F funding round led by Quadria Capital. This funding, a mix of fresh capital and a secondary sale, aims to drive expansion plans within India and targeted markets overseas. The primary component of the funding is ₹100 crore. Quadria Capital will become a minority...
Bayer acquires remaining 25% stake in Bayer Zydus Pharma Pvt Ltd to secure full ownership
Bayer Pharmaceuticals Private Limited and Zydus Lifesciences Limited have concluded their joint venture, Bayer Zydus Pharma Private Limited (BZPPL), established in 2011 for pharmaceutical sales and marketing in India. Bayer is now acquiring full ownership of the entity as per pre-agreed terms. The joint venture successfully combined Zydus's Indian...
Maiva Pharma raises Rs 1,000 cr from Morgan Stanley PE and India Life Sciences Fund
Maiva Pharma has raised Rs 1,000 crore from Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia and India Life Sciences Fund, including both primary and secondary funding. The funds will be used to set up a new manufacturing facility near Karnataka's Hosur, with capabilities in sterile dosage forms, including pre-filled syringes, bags, oncology, and hormonal injectables....
Maiva Pharma raises Rs 1000 crore from Morgan Stanley Private Equity, InvAscent
Morgan Stanley PE Asia and India Life Sciences Fund are investing almost equally, total stake with both funds combined will be over 60% post primary investment, the company told ET.
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Took AstraZeneca's Covishield? Should I be worried? What are the risky side effects I shouldn't ignore? Here are all the answers
AstraZeneca's admission of Covishield's potential link to Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) has stirred concerns. Despite its rarity, social media debates over vaccine safety persist. Covishield, similar to AstraZeneca's, faces scrutiny, though TTS isn't exclusive to them. Here are all the answers about your doubts related to the recent...