Platinum Equity makes its debut in India by acquiring a majority stake in Mumbai's Inventia Healthcare. With a valuation of Rs 2,500 crore, the deal sees PE investors exiting while the promoter retains a minority stake. Platinum Equity, managing over $48 billion in assets, is well-known for its expertise in the healthcare sector.
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India's healthcare in critical condition: 4 out of 5 public health centers below par, reveals new Govt report
A recent Indian government self-assessment reveals that most public health facilities, including district hospitals and primary centers, fall short of essential standards. Only 20% meet benchmarks for infrastructure and resources, with 42% scoring below 50%. Initiatives aim to bring 70,000 facilities to standard within 100 days, backed by inspections...
HCG acquires Vizag based cancer hospital for enterprise valuation of Rs 414 crore
HCG, India's leading cancer care chain, acquired a majority stake in Visakhapatnam's Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital for Rs 414 crore. The deal begins with a 51% ownership, aiming to complete 85% in 18 months. The hospital's FY24 revenue was Rs 120.2 crore with an EBITDA of Rs 42.2 crore, expected to boost HCG's annual EBITDA by Rs 3 per share and consolidate...
India to make drugs for diabetes, obesity under PLI by 2026, says report
The Indian government plans to introduce a production-linked incentive (PLI) program in 2026 to boost domestic manufacturing of GLP-1 drugs, used for treating diabetes and obesity. The anti-obesity medication market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, as per Goldman Sachs Research. Major Indian pharmaceutical companies like Sun Pharmaceutical...
Why self-medicating without consulting a dermatologist is a bad idea
The pursuit of flawless skin through unguided skincare practices, influenced by social media and beauty trends, can result in adverse reactions. Seeking professional advice before experimenting with potent products is crucial to prevent skin damage and maintain skin health.
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Risk-based audits of drug units to begin from July 1
The revised Schedule M, which is considered more stringent than the World Health Organization's (WHO) good manufacturing practices (GMP) in certain areas, was notified on December 28, 2023. Companies with turnover of over ₹250 crore will have to comply with the upgraded version of Schedule M, starting July 1, and the remaining others, which are largely...
WHO warns alarming levels of physical inactivity among Indians, says women more physically inactive than men
A study in The Lancet Global Health highlights that nearly 50% of Indian adults are physically inactive, posing severe health risks. The study shows a significant rise in inactivity from 2000 to 2022, with women being more affected than men. City doctors attribute this to sedentary office work and poor diets. The lack of physical activity increases...
India pharma units fare better in US checks in 2023
The drug regulator United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has classified 13%, or 19 out of 145 inspections it carried out against Indian facilities, as Official Action Indication (OAI) in 2023, which is lower than the global average of 15% OAIs, according to a report by Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance and McKinsey & Company said.
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Norms soon on disposing of expired medicines
The document is in the final stages of completion. It will include procedures to be followed for disposal, collection, storage and transportation of expired and unused drugs. Improper disposal of medications that have crossed the expiry date mentioned on the label or not used by the individual for whom they were prescribed and purchased may be hazardous...
Dr Reddy's to buy nicotine replacement brands from UK-based Haleon for $632 million
The portfolio to be acquired consists of Nicotinell, a global leader in the NRT category with an extensive footprint in over 30 countries spanning Europe, Asia including Japan, and Latin America, and local market-leading brand names of the product – Nicabate in Australia, Thrive in Canada, and Habitrol in New Zealand and Canada. The proposed acquisition...
Diabetes management made easier: Your guide to a healthier lifestyle
Proactively collaborating with healthcare professionals for personalized strategies enhances diabetes management, leading to improved overall well-being and better health outcomes.
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World's first epilepsy device fitted in 13 year old UK boy's skull; Here's how the device works
Oran Knowlson, a 13-year-old from England with severe epilepsy, has become the first person to trial a new device implanted in his skull to control seizures. The groundbreaking surgery, which took place at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, has reduced Oran's seizures by 80%. The device, a Picostim neurotransmitter, aims to disrupt abnormal brain...
US lawmakers questions FDAs drug inspection programme in India and China
Three top American lawmakers have raised concerns about the FDA's foreign drug inspection program in India and China. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, they highlighted inconsistencies in inspection outcomes from January 2014 to April 2024. Some inspectors reported no compliance issues in numerous inspections, while others found issues...
Biocon Biologics gets EMA nod to produce biosimilar Bevacizumab at Bengaluru plant
Biocon Biologics received EMA approval to manufacture biosimilar Bevacizumab in Bengaluru, providing additional capacity to address patients' needs in Europe for treating cancer. The Bengaluru facility was also approved for biosimilar Trastuzumab manufacturing. EMA renewed GMP certificates for Biocon's facilities in Bengaluru and Malaysia. USFDA issued...
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...
Taller, stronger, sharper: Desi pharma is on a roll
India has witnessed a significant growth in pharmaceutical generic brands with sales over ₹100 crore in the last 15 years. These brands now make up 44% of the domestic formulation market valued at around ₹2 lakh crore. A report by investment banking firm Avendus Capital highlights the exponential increase in brands with sales exceeding ₹100 crore,...
Lupin, Eugia recall products from US market: USFDA
Drugmakers Lupin and Aurobindo Pharma are recalling products from the American market due to manufacturing issues, as reported by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc, a US-based unit of Lupin, is specifically recalling 3,552 bottles of Cefixime for Oral Suspension (USP 200 mg/5 mL) because of "failed content uniformity...
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.
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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.
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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...
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....
Emcure Pharmaceuticals receives SEBI nod for its IPO launch
Emcure Pharmaceuticals received SEBI nod for IPO launch after filing DRHP in December 2023. The IPO includes equity shares and an Offer of Sale by promoters. Proceeds will be used for debt payment. Emcure Pharmaceuticals is renowned for its global marketing of pharmaceutical products.
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Delivery boxes unhealthy: Nutritionist calls out Swiggy and Zomato over plastic containers; Zomato CEO responds
Celebrity nutritionist Luke Coutinho recently called on food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato to switch to biodegradable, non-plastic containers for food packaging. Highlighting the health risks of using plastic, especially for hot foods, Coutinho's appeal emphasized the need for safer food delivery practices. Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal responded...
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...
Expert panel to soon weigh plan to use generics for prescription drugs
An expert committee is set to discuss the feasibility of allowing generic substitutions for prescription drugs in India. The proposal has sparked a disagreement between the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) and the All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN). The IPA opposes the idea, arguing that it would lead to a surge of demand from trade channels,...
Cipla makes additional investment in German mRNA biotech
Ethris' has four potential drugs under development pipeline, of which one is for treating uncontrolled asthma and three other for primary ciliary dyskinesia - a rare yet chronic respiratory disease. During the COVID19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines gained importance due to the first regulatory approvals for SARS-CoV-2. mRNA-based medicines have a huge potential...
Alembic Pharma gets USFDA nod for Dabigatran Etexilate capsules
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd received final approval from the US health regulator for generic Dabigatran Etexilate capsules 75 mg and 150 mg to reduce stroke and blood clots in adults with a specific medical condition.
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Lupin enters CDMO business, names Abdelaziz Toumi as CEO of new subsidiary
Lupin, a pharmaceutical company, has launched a new subsidiary named Lupin Manufacturing Solutions (LMS) to enter the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) business. Abdelaziz Toumi (Abdel), with extensive experience in biotech, pharma, and CDMO sectors across multiple continents, has been appointed as the CEO of LMS.
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Lupin appoints Abdelaziz Toumi as CEO of newly formed arm
Lupin Ltd appointed Abdelaziz Toumi as CEO of its new subsidiary, Lupin Manufacturing Solutions (LMS). Toumi, with over 20 years in biotech, pharma, and CDMO sectors, has held roles at Bayer, Merck, and Lonza. Based in Switzerland, he will also focus on India. LMS specializes in APIs and CDMO services.
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Jaypee Healthcare admitted for corporate insolvency process
Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Medanta, and Max Healthcare are among companies interested in acquiring Jaypee Healthcare, a subsidiary of Jaypee Infratech in Noida with a total debt of about ₹1,000 crore.
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Health Ministry issues interdepartmental referral guidelines for hospitals
The guidelines stress the need for a multi-disciplinary approach for patients with multiple co-morbidities and highlight the importance of training in high-quality patient care.
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Bharat Bio's Rotavirus vaccine Rotovac may be unsafe for children: Study
A study found that Bharat Biotech's Rotovac vaccine used in the government's immunization program increases the risk of intussusception in infants, a condition where the intestine telescopes into itself, leading to potential serious consequences.
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Sun Pharma-Moebius Medical anti-osteoarthritis injection shows sustained pain relief in clinical trials
Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical announced that their intra-articular injection MM-II showed greater pain relief than placebo for up to 26 weeks in osteoarthritis (OA) patients, based on clinical trial data. The study demonstrated that from weeks 12 to 26, more patients on MM-II experienced significant pain improvement compared to those on placebo. MM-II,...
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.
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City dwellers rely more on Ayush than rural folk, says govt data
The results of the first nationwide study done on Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy found that 52.9% of the people in urban areas used Ayush system of medicine for the prevention or treatment of ailments during the last 365 days, compared with 46.3% in rural areas.
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Suven Pharma to acquire controlling stake in Hyderabad-based CDMO Sapala Organic
Suven will initially acquire a 67.5% equity stake of Sapala subject to customary working capital and net debt adjustments, the remaining stake a few months after FY2026-27, as per the terms of the definitive agreements, the company told stock exchanges.
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USFDA issues Form 483 with five observations to Torrent Pharma unit
Torrent Pharmaceuticals announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) issued a Form 483 with five observations after inspecting its manufacturing plant in Indrad, Gujarat, from June 3 to June 12. The inspection included a pre-approval inspection (PAI) and a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection. The company stated that there were...
Dr Reddy's signs in-licensing pact with Ingenus Pharmaceuticals for cancer treatment injection
Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd has signed a licensing agreement with US-based Ingenus Pharmaceuticals to commercialize Cyclophosphamide injection for cancer treatment. Dr Reddy's USA will commercialize the injection in the US market, paying Ingenus 50% of the calculated profit share.
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Glenmark gets USFDA nod to market generic drug
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced that it has received USFDA approval to market its generic Esomeprazole Magnesium delayed-release capsules, used to treat excess stomach acid conditions. This generic version of Haleon US Holdings LLC's Nexium is expected to compete in a market where Nexium24 HR 20 mg capsules have annual sales of approximately $259.2...
Kotak Alt funds Matrix founder's buyout of Viatris API business
Kotak Alternate Asset Managers has announced a Rs 1,445 crore investment in the acquisition of Viatris' active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) business by Matrix Laboratories founder Nimmagadda Prasad. The investment was made through Kotak Strategic Situations Fund II, as stated in a news release on Tuesday. However, specific details regarding the...
Kotak Alternate Asset Managers invests Rs 1,445 cr to help Matrix Pharma execute acquisition
Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Ltd invested Rs 1,445 crore in Matrix Pharma for acquiring Vaitris' API business, making Matrix the 2nd largest Indian API player with global leadership in ARV APIs.
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Viagra may improve brain functions, prevent dementia: Oxford Study
Sildenafil, known as Viagra, may help prevent memory-related problems by improving cerebral blood flow and blood vessel function, reducing the risk of vascular dementia. A University of Oxford study, highlighted by Dr. Praveen Gupta and Dr. Manjari Tripathi, shows promise but requires further research. Vascular dementia, affecting 40% of India's 5.3...
SII, the world’s largest vaccine maker, sees demand doubling in five years
Serum Institute of India Pvt. is gearing up to meet the growing demand for life-saving vaccines, with expectations to double sales in the next five years. The world's largest vaccine maker, based in Pune, currently has the capacity to produce 3 billion doses annually but only sells about half of that. CEO Adar Poonawalla is optimistic about the increasing...
CX Partners buys controlling stake in fertility centre Sabine
Founded in 2010, Sabine's Muvattupuzha hospital draws couples from across Kerala for IVF treatment that helps individuals or couples get pregnant. On an average, Sabine does about 500-600 IVF cycles per month, or about 42%-45% of all IVF procedures in Kerala.
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Mankind Pharma in race with PEs to buy BSV Group at possible valuation of Rs 13,000 crore
Warburg Pincus, ChrysCapital, TPG, Blackstone, EQT, Mankind Pharma, and Dr Reddy's Laboratories are competing to acquire BSV Group, a biopharma firm specializing in women's health and critical care products, indicating a trend of consolidation in the domestic pharma sector. Mankind, Dr. Reddy’s, and Blackstone have evaluated BSV at different times,...
Pharma industry raises concerns over new Schedule M's impact on cosmetic manufacturing
The pharmaceutical industry, represented by the Federation of Pharma Enterprises (FoPE), has expressed concerns over the government's new Schedule M, which prohibits the manufacture of any product other than drugs in units licensed for drug production. FoPE argues that setting up a separate plant for cosmetic manufacturing is financially unviable for...
Mankind Pharma scouts for M&A deals to boost local branded biz
Mankind Pharma, the fourth-largest pharmaceutical company in India, led by Rajeev Juneja, is seeking mergers, acquisitions, and in-licensing deals to enhance its branded formulation business.
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CDSCO panel gives nod for continuation of phase-II clinical trial of SII's dengue vaccine
An expert committee recommended continuation of phase-II clinical trial of Serum Institute of India's vaccine against dengue after successful phase-I interim trial in Australia. The SEC recommendations were made on May 31.
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Indoco Remedies gets USFDA nod to market generic diabetes drug
Indoco Remedies on Thursday said it has received approval from the US health regulator to market a generic diabetes medication. The company has received tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for Canagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride tablets in various strengths, Indoco Remedies...
Torrent Pharma inks licensing pact with Takeda to commercialise GERD drug
Torrent Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday said it has entered a non-exclusive patent licensing agreement with Takeda to commercialise Vonoprazan in India. Vonoprozan is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), used for the treatment of acid related disorders gastroesophageal reflux disease.
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Govt issues guidance paper to strengthen vaccine companies' reporting of adverse events
The new report released last week aims to provide guidance to the manufacturers and importers of vaccines in the country so as to strengthen their AE/AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) monitoring and reporting and pharmacovigilance department to ensure patient safety.
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Organon appoints Vivek Soares as country lead for India, South Asia
US-based healthcare firm Organon announced Vivek Soares as the new country lead for India and South Asia, bringing over 20 years of biopharmaceutical experience. Soares, previously with Organon Thailand, will succeed Anjan Sen, pivotal in establishing Organon's India operations. Soares aims to drive growth in the region, working towards a healthier...
GSK blood cancer drug nearly halves risk of death in late-stage trial
In the trial of 302 patients with relapsed or difficult-to-treat multiple myeloma, 71% of those who received Blenrep in combination with the steroid dexamethasone and pomalidomide were alive without their disease worsening at the end of a year. That compared with progression-free survival (PFS) of 51% of those who were treated with pomalidomide, dexamethasone...
Sun Pharma expects high single-digit top line growth in current fiscal
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries expects high single-digit top line growth in FY24 with total revenue at Rs 48,497 crore, led by Managing Director Dilip Shanghvi. The firm anticipates similar growth in FY25 with investments in product launches and R&D activities.
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