Drugmakers in India may soon face stricter enforcement of quality standards. The revised Schedule M, which details manufacturing practices and quality requirements, will come into effect on January 1. The industry had expected an extension but must now comply. The enforcement includes audits and risk-based inspections to ensure compliance with the...
IBC turns lifeline for hospitals: Investors snap up distressed healthcare firms
Promoter-driven firms and hospital operators are targeting stressed healthcare assets through insolvency processes due to lower valuations. Despite risks, the post-pandemic interest in healthcare is high, driven by insurance penetration and government schemes, leading to significant acquisitions and resolution cases.
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#25 For 2025: What will it take to ease the pain of medical inflation and rising premium payments?
Health insurance premiums are projected to rise by 10-15% in 2025 due to increasing medical costs, higher claims frequency, and regulatory changes. Medical inflation and increased hospital tariffs are pushing costs higher. Changes by IRDAI are making health insurance more accessible but adding strain to insurance finances. NHCX and billing practices...
Will we succeed in making low medical bills a reality?
Healthcare costs are expected to decline over the next decade due to digital health platforms and cost-effective medical equipment. Indian pharmaceutical companies will increase production, while the insurance sector liberalization has allowed the launch of affordable health insurance. India is also set to become a major provider of healthcare professionals...
Why investing in healthcare is vital?
Technological advancements in cancer care offer immense investment potential in India, particularly in early detection and preventive solutions. Companies like Previu Health aim to transform diagnostics with their multi-cancer detection technology while expanding access and affordability nationwide, making healthcare investments both profitable and...
Blackstone, Carlyle and other PEs submit bids to unlock Access' majority stake
Several global private equity funds, including Blackstone and Carlyle, have expressed interest in acquiring a majority stake in Access Healthcare. The company, specializing in revenue cycle management services, is expected to be valued at $1.4-1.5 billion. Access Healthcare, founded by Anurag Jain, employs 27,000 people globally.
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Home delivery of medicines from Railway-run hospitals in works
Indian Railways is planning to work with online pharmacy platforms to enable home delivery of medicines from its hospitals. RailTel aims to invite bids in January 2025 for discount-based services. This initiative, in collaboration with the health ministry, could extend to all government hospitals if successful.
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Bengaluru: Trustwell Hospitals plans 100-bed expansion
Bengaluru-based Trustwell Hospitals expands to a 250-bed facility with an investment of Rs 25 crore, adding 100 new beds and 150 jobs. The hospital plans to introduce new specialities and two additional units in South Bengaluru. The current facility, established by veteran healthcare professionals, has invested Rs 100 crore so far.
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“Fear of heart disease” drives surge in cardiac CT scans among young adults after recent celebrity deaths
Rising heart attack cases among young adults have prompted a surge in cardiac CT scans, particularly after the deaths of well-known personalities. Cardiologists and radiologists are divided over the necessity of such tests, with concerns about unnecessary radiation exposure. Experts attribute the trend to lifestyle factors, family history, and the...
RIL buys Karkinos Health for Rs 375 crore
Reliance Industries has acquired technology-led oncology platform Karkinos Healthcare for ₹375 crore. The acquisition was made through its subsidiary, Reliance Strategic Business Ventures, in an all-cash deal. Karkinos has become a step down wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries following the subscription and allotment of equity shares, and...
People single all their lives might have low life satisfaction, finds first-of-its-kind study
New research from the University of Bremen shows lifelong singles may have lower life satisfaction and different personality traits than partnered individuals. These singles are often less extraverted, less conscientious and less open to new experiences. The study suggests the need for better support networks catered to older singles facing health...
111 drug samples tested in November found 'not of standard quality'
In November, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) identified 41 drug samples as not of standard quality (NSQ), while state drug testing laboratories identified 70 NSQ samples. Additionally, two drug samples were found to be spurious, made by unauthorized manufacturers. Authorities regularly collaborate with state regulators to remove...
Low conviction rate of cases related to fake drugs a concern
The parliamentary standing committee on chemicals and fertilisers has highlighted a concerning 5.9% conviction rate for spurious or adulterated drug cases in India. From 2015-19, 593 drug samples were spurious, and 9,266 were substandard, yet only 35 convictions were made. The committee recommended stringent, time-bound punishments for such offences.
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Addressing “Metabolic Syndrome”: Key to tackling type-2 diabetes in India
India is facing an alarming rise in metabolic syndrome, which is associated with Type-2 diabetes and other severe health issues. Factors like abdominal obesity, hypertension, and low HDL cholesterol increase the risk of insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle modifications can help in reducing these risks and improve overall health.
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Chemists selling spurious meds may face prosecution
The government has established a committee to create rules for prosecuting chemists and retailers selling spurious drugs. This initiative aims to tackle the issue of substandard drugs being sold despite valid invoices from other states. The committee's report is expected within one month.
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Mankind Pharma inks licensing pact with Innovent to commercialise Sintilimab in India
Mankind Pharma Ltd and Innovent Biologics have partnered to license and commercialise the cancer immunotherapy drug Sintilimab in India. They aim to enhance cancer treatment and patient access to innovative therapies. Mankind Pharma plans to seek regulatory approval in 2024 and perform essential clinical trials in India.
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Akums enters into Rs 1750 crore contract to supply pharma products to Europe
Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals has signed a long-term contract worth Rs 1760 crore with an unnamed global pharmaceutical company to manufacture and supply oral liquid formulations in Europe. They will receive an upfront payment of €100 million and expect commercial supply from 2027 to 2032. Approval processes are anticipated to be completed by 2026.
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Drinking tea, coffee linked to lower risk of head and neck cancer: Study
Drinking 3-4 cups of coffee daily is linked to a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancers, and one cup of tea daily reduces the risk by 9%, according to a review. The bioactive compounds in these beverages, including caffeine, may contribute to this reduced cancer risk.
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Mankind Pharma partners with Innovent to aid cancer treatment in India
Mankind Pharma has partnered with Innovent Biologics to bring sintilimab, a PD-1 immunotherapy, to India. The drug treats various cancers and improves patient access to innovative therapies. Mankind Pharma will manage registration, import, marketing, and distribution, while Innovent will handle manufacturing and supply. This collaboration aims to transform...
This anti-diabetic drug used for weight loss has been approved by US FDA: When will India see its launch?
The FDA approves Zepbound, originally used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese adults. Developed by Eli Lilly, this drug offers an alternative to traditional breathing devices, addressing both obesity and sleep apnea. Long-term monitoring is advised.
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NATHEALTH asks govt to address systemic gaps in healthcare in upcoming Budget
Union Budget: NATHEALTH urges the Indian government to address healthcare gaps like the shortage of medical specialists, rising cancer care costs, and inadequate hospital infrastructure in the union Budget. Recommendations include increasing healthcare budget to over 2.5% of GDP, reducing treatment costs, expanding hospital capacity, and improving...
Karnataka HC stays action against drug units making Nutraceuticals
The Karnataka High Court has provided temporary relief to pharmaceutical companies by directing the government not to act against firms producing nutraceuticals in drug-licensed units until the next hearing. This follows the industry's challenge to Schedule M, which prohibits manufacturing non-drug products in drug facilities.
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AbbVie Healthcare India rejects wrongdoing allegations by the Department of Pharmaceuticals
AbbVie Healthcare India has denied accusations of unethical marketing by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, asserting their compliance with applicable laws. The DoP flagged AbbVie for breaching the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices by sponsoring luxurious trips for doctors, leading to a probe into the company's tax liabilities and...
Biocon, Zentiva get EU approval for generic diabetes, weight management drug
Biocon Ltd and Zentiva have secured decentralised procedure approval in the EU for Liraglutide, a complex formulation used for diabetes and weight management. This approval targets the generic versions of Novo Nordisk's Victoza and Saxenda, authorising their use in multiple EU member states simultaneously.
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AbbVie Healthcare under government lens for 'violations'
The department of pharmaceuticals (DoP) reprimanded AbbVie Healthcare India for unethical marketing practices involving over ₹1 crore spent on foreign vacations for 30 doctors under the guise of conferences in Monaco and Paris. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and National Medical Council are to evaluate the company's tax liability and take...
US FDA restricts imports of some Viatris products made in India
The FDA has restricted the importation of 11 products from Viatris' Indian facility due to violations of federal requirements. With exceptions for four products facing shortages, Viatris is implementing a remediation plan and collaborating with third-party experts to address the issues. Communication with the FDA is ongoing during this process.
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Ontario Teachers’ buys into Omega Healthcare
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and Goldman Sachs Alternatives are co-leading a major investment in Omega Healthcare, a US-based healthcare management solutions provider. This deal values Omega at $1.8 billion, with Ontario Teachers' acquiring a majority stake from Everstone Capital. Omega, with 35,000 employees globally, specializes in revenue cycle...
New list of over the counter drugs soon
India is developing a framework for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, potentially allowing some prescription medications to be sold in general stores. A sub-committee is reviewing international guidelines and considering amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to regulate OTC drug distribution, marketing, and consumption, aiming to improve access while...
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan in advanced talks to acquire majority stake in Omega Healthcare
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in Omega Healthcare Management Services for $1.7-1.8 billion. OTPP plans to invest $700-800 million, potentially partnering with Goldman Sachs, who currently holds a significant stake. This move highlights the growing private equity interest in healthcare BPOs...
Zydus Lifesciences gets USFDA nod for generic topical anaesthetic cream
Zydus Lifesciences got USFDA approval for a generic anesthetic cream. The cream combines Lidocaine and Prilocaine. It numbs skin for minor procedures. Production will happen at their Ahmedabad site. This cream already generates millions in US sales.
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NPPA ropes in patent office to decide on pleas for price cap exemption
India's drug pricing regulator, NPPA, is increasing scrutiny of pharmaceutical companies seeking price exemptions. The NPPA is collaborating with the Indian Patent Office to evaluate applications, including those from Intas Pharmaceuticals and Biological E, under DPCO, 2013. These companies claim their new drugs, developed through indigenous research...
GIC buys a majority stake in hospital platform Asia Healthcare Holdings
GIC has increased its stake in Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH) with a $150 million investment, bringing its total investment to $320 million and gaining majority ownership. AHH, incubated by TPG Growth, operates a network of single-specialty hospitals in South Asia focusing on oncology, mother & childcare, urology & nephrology, and IVF &...
Quadria Capital to pick up minority stake in drug company Aragen
Quadria Capital is set to acquire a 10% stake in Aragen Life Sciences for about $100 million, valuing the Indian CRDMO at $1.2 billion. The investment will fuel Aragen's expansion, including a new biologics facility, and potentially pave the way for a future IPO. This move underscores the growing interest in Indian CRDMOs amid global pharma supply...
Granules India gets USFDA nod for generic drug
Granules Pharmaceuticals, Inc. secured USFDA approval for generic Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate chewable tablets. The tablets treat ADHD in children and adults. They also treat binge eating disorder in adults. The drug is available in various strengths. This approval addresses drug shortages. Granules India's chairman emphasized their commitment to patient...
Indian Pharma and healthcare sectors are poised for long-term growth: Centrum
India is set to strengthen its pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The government is launching production-linked incentives and building bulk drug parks. These initiatives aim to boost domestic drug production. The government is also promoting research and innovation in pharmaceuticals and medical technology. Support for traditional medicine (AYUSH)...
SPARC enters pact with UCSF and Tiller Therapeutics for early stage oncology asset
Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company (SPARC) partners with Tiller Therapeutics. SPARC licenses its rights to a promising cancer treatment. The deal involves a pre-clinical oncology asset. SPARC gets a 55% equity stake in Tiller. This stake vests in two parts. The deal may lead to new treatments for solid tumors. SPARC shares saw a slight dip on Tuesday.
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Pharma lobby, govt meet to discuss OTC drug regulation
The drug regulator had earlier this year formed an expert panel to evaluate medicines which can become OTC from prescription after pharmaceutical companies approached the regulator to make their drugs OTC, a person said.
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Bavarian Nordic inks Mpox vaccine deal with Serum Institute
Bavarian Nordic A/S partnered with the Serum Institute of India to produce its mpox vaccine. The Serum Institute will supply the Indian market and expand Bavarian's global manufacturing capacity through a profit-sharing agreement. This comes as mpox cases surge, predominantly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a mutated strain spreading globally.
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Zydus Lifesciences acquires 6.5 pc in Mylab Discovery Solutions for Rs 106 cr
Zydus Lifesciences invested Rs 106 crore in Mylab Discovery. Mylab is an Indian biotech company known for its diagnostic kits. They developed India's first COVID-19 testing kit. The deal gives Zydus a 6.5% stake in the company. Mylab notably developed a rapid COVID-19 test. The transaction is expected to close within two weeks.
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Waiting time for orthopaedic surgeries increases at AIIMS, Delhi
Waiting times for orthopedic surgeries at AIIMS, Delhi have doubled to 12 months due to limited operating room functionality. Only four or five of the seven OTs are operational because of anesthesiology staffing shortages, impacting around 10 surgeries daily. This has prompted concerns from orthopedic surgeons, especially given the recent Rs 20 crore...
Amid pollution woes, Asthma drug demand drives pharma retail market growth in November
India's pharmaceutical retail market rebounded in November with double-digit growth, fueled by increased demand for dermatological, cardiac, and respiratory medications. Foracort led sales, followed by Augmentin and Glycomet GP. Sun Pharma maintained market leadership. Analysts predict continued growth, boosted by new product launches, including anticipated...
New panel to push Johnson & Johnson to look for more victims of 'faulty hip implant'
A government committee is working to compensate patients affected by faulty Johnson & Johnson hip implants. The committee aims to locate more patients eligible for compensation through advertising and will soon evaluate claims. J&J has paid 246 patients, but disputes the government's proposed compensation formula, preferring a lower amount.
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J&J hip implant victims may soon get compensation
A newly reconstituted committee will likely soon begin evaluating compensation for patients affected by faulty hip implants sold by Johnson & Johnson. The government had previously accepted a formula offering up to ₹1.2 crore in compensation, but J&J disputed this and offered only ₹25 lakh. The case's final arguments are scheduled for December...
Cipla gets CDSCO nod to launch inhalation insulin
Cipla received approval from CDSCO to distribute and market Afrezza, an inhalable insulin, in India. Developed by MannKind, Afrezza offers a non-injectable alternative for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It begins working within 12 minutes, mimicking the body's natural insulin response. Cipla aims to improve diabetes management accessibility...
Reliance Strategic Business Ventures’ Rs 202 cr plan for Karkinos Healthcare approved by NCLT
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai has approved Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited's Rs 202 crore resolution plan for Karkinos Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. (KHPL), which was undergoing insolvency proceedings. The plan, approved on December 9, 2024, ensures 100% recovery for all creditor classes.
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Govt prescribes faster access to medicines for rare diseases
India is streamlining access to rare disease drugs by waiving local clinical trials for some medications. The drug regulator is expediting approvals, facilitating imports, and prioritizing testing to ensure faster availability for patients. This includes fast-tracking global trial approvals and waiving trials for certain advanced therapies and drugs...
Dr Morepen forays into wellness segment with weight management initiative
Dr. Morepen launched a new weight management program, LightLife, to combat India's rising obesity rates. The program uses scientifically-backed ingredients and a holistic approach including personalized nutrition plans and exercise guidance. The company aims to generate Rs 30 crore in revenue during the first year of the program's launch.
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Popular US-based weight loss drug maker Eli Lilly plans to launch medicine in India next year
Eli Lilly will launch Mounjaro in India in 2025. The drug treats type 2 diabetes and obesity. Lilly received marketing authorization in July. It is working on additional approvals. Mounjaro's global sales exceeded $3.1 billion in Q3 2024. Lilly will expand its diabetes portfolio in India with this launch. It has partnerships with Lupin and Cipla for...
Suven Pharma to acquire 56 pc stake in US-based firm for USD 64.4 mn
Suven Pharmaceuticals will acquire a 56% stake in US-based NJ Bio Inc for USD 64.4 million. This acquisition aligns with Suven's goal of becoming a leading technology-driven CDMO, specializing in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). NJ Bio's expertise and client base will boost Suven's presence in the rapidly expanding ADC/XDC market.
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Laurus Labs biotech unit raises Rs 120 crore from Eight Roads Ventures
Laurus Bio has secured ₹120 crore in equity investment from Eight Roads Ventures and F-Prime Capital, with Laurus Labs co-investing ₹40 crore. This funding will expand Laurus Bio's fermentation-based manufacturing to meet growing demand for its animal-free proteins and growth factors used in various industries.
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A comprehensive approach to diabetes care
India faces a significant diabetes challenge, with high prevalence, underdiagnosis, and poor control contributing to early complications and cardiovascular risks. Aggressive screening, lifestyle changes, and individualized treatment plans are crucial for effective diabetes management and improved health outcomes.
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Dr Reddy's unit gets penalty of Rs 28.7 lakh from Kazakhstan authority
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories' Kazakhstan subsidiary has been fined Rs 28.7 lakh (KZT 17,597,212) by the Kazakhstani tax authorities. The penalty is for disallowed expenses claimed in 2021. Dr. Reddy's stated the penalty will not materially impact its financials or operations.
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Aurobindo unit gets USFDA nod for generic cancer drug
Aurobindo Pharma's subsidiary, Eugia Pharma, gets USFDA nod for cancer drug Pazopanib. The drug treats renal cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma. Launch expected in Q4FY25. The market size is estimated at USD 106 million. Aurobindo's shares closed slightly lower on Thursday. The drug is a generic version of Novartis's Votrient.
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Foreign investors in love with Indian hospitals, write $1.5 billion cheque
India's healthcare sector is booming. Hospitals now get the most foreign investment. This share has doubled since FY21. Investors are eyeing hospitals like Manipal and Max. The sector is growing due to market size and insurance coverage. Listed hospital chains plan to increase bed capacity by 47%.
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Nearly 3,000 drugs failed quality test in FY24; 282 were spurious
In 2023-24, Indian authorities tested 106,150 drug samples, finding 2,988 substandard and 282 spurious. 604 prosecutions were launched against manufacturers and distributors. Risk-based inspections of over 500 pharmaceutical companies led to show-cause notices, production halts, and license suspensions or cancellations for non-compliance.
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Kotak Pre-IPO fund to buy into diagnostic chain Neuberg
Kotak Pre IPO Opportunities Fund is in advanced talks to acquire a 15% stake in Neuberg Diagnostics for approximately Rs 450 crore. Neuberg's chairman, GSK Velu, plans to use the funds for acquisitions and expansion before a potential IPO next year. The diagnostics chain operates in multiple countries and processes millions of patient samples annually.
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Carlyle Group sells 4.3% in Indegene for ₹636 cr
Global investment firm Carlyle Group divested a 4.3% stake in Indegene for ₹636 crore via open market transactions, reducing its holding to 10.22%. Capital Group also sold a 2.24% stake in Medi Assist Healthcare Services for nearly ₹93 crore, trimming its holding to 0.7%.
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Novo Nordisk India execs urge early Wegovy launch as weight-loss rival looms
Novo Nordisk's team in India is urging the company to launch its popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, next year to stay ahead of rival Eli Lilly. Concerns have been raised about Novo potentially lagging behind if Wegovy is not introduced before Lilly's drug, Mounjaro, in the Indian market where demand is high.
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Parents challenge Covid vaccine safety in Supreme Court, cite adverse effects
Parents of children who died following Covid-19 vaccinations have filed a new affidavit in the Supreme Court, citing recent studies that highlight the "poor safety" of the vaccines and an increase in mortality rates post-vaccination. The affidavit includes testimonies from 40 individuals who either died or suffered severe adverse effects after receiving...
Flipkart Minutes eyes 10-min drug delivery to outpace its rivals
Flipkart is preparing to launch a rapid delivery service named Flipkart Minutes, targeting medicine deliveries within 10 minutes. The service will use local chemists in metro areas for inventory, complying with India's drug regulations. This quick commerce initiative aims to tap into the largely unexplored market of medical deliveries, promising better...
Milestone for India: Indigenous E-beam technology sterilises 50 lakh medical devices
Indore's electron beam radiation technology sterilized 50 lakh medical devices. This milestone was achieved by a premier institute of the Department of Atomic Energy. The facility started in October 2022 and has made India a part of the select group of countries using advanced radiation technology. The technology has diverse applications including...
Reliance Industries-powered Strand Life Sciences unveils CancerSpot test for early detection of multiple cancers
Strand Life Sciences, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has introduced CancerSpot, a blood-based test for early cancer detection. It employs methylation profiling technology to identify tumor DNA fragments from blood samples. The test is tailored using data from Indian cohorts, making it relevant globally. This initiative aligns with Reliance's...
Internet searches on mental health increased 41% this year: Report
Internet searches related to mental health in India surged by 41% in the first 10 months of this year compared to 2023, showing increasing recognition of mental wellbeing. Healthcare searches overall rose by 23%, with notable growth in non-metropolitan cities. Significant increases were seen in searches for psychologists, orthopaedic care, gynaecologists,...
Biocon Biologics gets US nod to launch Stelara biosimilar
Biocon Biologics has secured USFDA approval to launch the biosimilar of Janssen's Stelara by February 2025, targeting autoimmune conditions like Crohn's disease and plaque psoriasis. Despite competition from five other biosimilars, this launch is anticipated to significantly boost Biocon’s revenue and profitability.
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