Pharmaceuticals
Matrix Prasad's Iquest Enterprises buys Viatris India API business
Nimmagadda Prasad, known as 'Matrix Prasad,' is an accused in the corruption cases being probed against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy by Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), related to the Vadarevu-Nizampatnam Port and Industrial Corridor (Vanpic) project.
How AI is changing the pharmaceutical industry in India
Artificial intelligence (AI) can uncover new insights and enhance the effectiveness of product sales by analyzing vast amounts of healthcare data. However, the adoption of AI in medical sales and healthcare professionals in India still has room for improvement, with only a small fraction of companies advanced in AI implementation. AI can empower sales representatives by providing valuable recommendations and handling customization of interactions with healthcare professionals.
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.
AstraZeneca gets CDSCO approval for preventive therapy for respiratory syncytial virus
This innovative therapy is indicated for prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease requiring hospitalisation caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in children at high risk of RSV disease, it added. RSV is a public health challenge faced across the globe today and is the second most common cause of death in children under 1 year of age.
Investment of Rs 6k cr approved by Centre under PLI scheme for pharma, medical devices sectors: Amit Shah
The Indian government has approved a Rs 6,000 crore ($812 million) investment in the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing sectors under the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme. The investment aims to develop a cost-effective and sustainable process for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and key starting materials (KSMs).
PE Advent completes acquisition of Suven Pharma, appoints new Board and management team
Private equity firm Advent International has completed its majority acquisition of Indian contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) Suven Pharma. Advent acquired a 50.1% stake in Suven in December 2020 for INR 6,313 crore ($866 million) and will launch an open offer for an additional 26% of the company.
'Most small drug companies unnerved by GMP compliance norm'
Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya had announced last month that companies with a turnover of ₹250 crore and more will have to implement the revised GMP within six months. Medium and small-scale enterprises with a turnover of less than ₹250 crore will have to implement it within a year.
Government unveils National Policy on R&D in pharma, medtech
"Today is a historic day, an inflection point in the journey of "Atmanirbharta" in the pharma and medical devices sector. We need to transform Indian pharma & medtech sectors from a cost-based to a value-based and innovation-based industry," the health minister said.
Clinical trials of new drugs over-recruiting Indians: Study
Given that all trials carry an element of risk, experts believe that there is an "unfair" burden-benefit ratio on the Indian population when sponsors conducting trials in multiple countries recruit too many patients from the country, said the study published in PLOS One journal. "The Indian drug regulator needs to be particularly alert to the planned, or actual, over-recruitment of participants from India," the researchers said in the study.
Cipla introduces drone-powered critical medicine delivery in Himachal Pradesh
Cipla, a pharmaceutical company based in Mumbai, has partnered with Sky Air Mobility to introduce drone-powered deliveries of critical medicines to hospitals and pharmacies in Himachal Pradesh. The initiative aims to provide on-time deliveries of medicines for cardiac, respiratory, and other chronic therapies to remote areas, while minimizing risks such as delays and temperature excursions.
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Pharma industry needs to focus on innovative products to achieve global leadership: Mansukh Mandaviya
While formally unveiling the National Policy on Research & Development and Innovation in the Pharma-Med Tech Sector in New Delhi, Mandaviya said the domestic pharmaceutical companies invest less on research and development when compared to multinational companies.
Strides Pharma to spin off CDMO assets to form a separate unit
Pharmaceutical company Strides Pharma is planning to demerge its contract development and manufacturing services (CDMO) assets into an associate company called Stelis Biopharma. The new company, named OneSource, will focus on biologics, complex injectables, and soft gelatin capsules. Shareholders of Strides Pharma will receive one share of OneSource for every two shares they hold, giving them a 44% stake in the new company. The demerger will reduce Strides Pharma's debt by $35 million.
Strides Pharma to spin off contract development unit
Strides Pharma Science on Monday said it would spin off its contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) and soft gelatin business into a new entity which would list in the next 12-16 months.
Abbott India warns of laxatives shortage in tussle with Goa regulator
Abbott Laboratories' Indian unit has warned of potential supply shortages of two popular laxative syrups, Cremaffin and Duphalac, after production was prohibited in India's Goa state. The two laxative brands have estimated annual sales of $70 million in India.
Lupin inks pact to acquire 5 drug brands from Menarini for Rs 101 crore
Lupin said it has inked a pact to acquire five drug brands from Italian firm Menarini for Rs 101 crore. The company has signed an agreement to acquire five legacy brands catering to gastroenterology, urology and anti-infective segments, the Mumbai-based company said in a statement.
Pharma companies must adopt revised quality norms: Government
“The idea is to bring in quality and reduce manufacturing of those drugs which are not of standard quality. A need has been felt to revisit and implement GMP at par with global standards. A notification will be put up soon,” said a senior government official.
