PBL has received CIBRC registration for its NBAIR technology-based Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 10% WSL Bio-Pesticide

This development marks an important step in expanding the company’s biological crop protection portfolio, especially for the management of key lepidopteran pests such as Helicoverpa armigera in crops like red gram.

The newly registered formulation is developed using NBAIR-associated BTK technology, focusing on selected indigenous strains of Bacillus thuringiensis. The product is designed to deliver targeted larval control by acting specifically on the digestive system of caterpillar pests, reducing feeding damage and improving crop protection outcomes.

Mr. Suresh Chand Singla, Managing Director, Peptech Biosciences Limited

Commenting on the development, Mr. Suresh Chand Singla, Managing Director, Peptech Biosciences Limited, said, "This registration marks an important milestone for Peptech Biosciences as we continue to expand our portfolio of biological crop protection solutions. This product plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture while helping farmers effectively manage key pests."

The introduction of BTK 10% WSL aligns with the growing demand for residue-conscious and environmentally compatible crop protection solutions. As regulatory pressure and market expectations shift toward safer inputs, biological insecticides are becoming an essential part of integrated pest management programs. This product offers farmers a targeted biological approach to pest control and can be integrated into modern crop protection programs, including integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

The company has already expanded its manufacturing facility to strengthen research and production of BtK. It has also expressed openness to P2P partnership proposals for this product, creating opportunities for collaboration with agri-input companies seeking to expand their biological product portfolios.

Peptech Biosciences Ltd. (a part of Titan Biotech Ltd. group) is a rapidly growing B2B agri-biotech company specializing in research-driven crop solutions. The company partners with medium- and large-sized agricultural brands, providing them with high-quality biological crop protection & nutrition products. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, Peptech Biosciences offers an extensive portfolio that includes Bio-Fertilizers, Bio-Stimulants, Bio-Pesticides, Plant Growth Regulators solutions. Along with Bacillus thuringiensis, the company's Bio-pesticide range also includes Bacillus subtilis, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium chlamydosporium, and Verticillium lecanii, all of which are registered and field tested in various markets. The company is also a reliable manufacturing partner for leading agricultural brands worldwide, exporting to more than 25 countries. Its state-of-the-art, fully mechanized manufacturing facilities ensure precision and quality, while a dedicated team of scientists works on pioneering advancements to meet the evolving needs of the agriculture industry. With over 300 product registrations under CIBRC, 70 under FCO, 18 potential state permissions, and several registrations outside India, Peptech Biosciences Ltd. stands as a trusted partner for agricultural brands worldwide.

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Prof. Patrick W. Serruys presenting the Multivessel TALENT Trial results at TCT 2025 in San Francisco

In the TUXEDO-II Trial, which compared Supraflex Cruz with Xience in diabetic patients with multivessel disease, 1,800 patients were enrolled across 66 sites in India under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Upendra Kaul (India) and Co-chair Dr. Sripal Bangalore (USA). The primary endpoint was Target Lesion Failure (TLF) at one year. Supraflex Cruz demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes to Xience, with a numerically lower rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR) (log-rank p = 0.44). TLF rates were also comparable between the two groups (HR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.64–1.23, p = 0.49), supporting the non-inferiority of Supraflex Cruz in this high-risk diabetic population.

SMT Team at TCT 2025

Dr. Upendra Kaul, Study Chair of the TUXEDO-II trial, said, “The findings from TUXEDO-II reaffirm that Supraflex Cruz performs well in diabetic patients with multivessel disease, one of the most challenging and high-risk subsets in interventional cardiology. The trial validates the safety and clinical reliability of biodegradable polymer technology in this demanding population.”

Dr. Sripal Bangalore, Co-Chair of the TUXEDO-II trial, added, “TUXEDO-II results demonstrate that the Supraflex Cruz stent achieves clinical outcomes at par with leading durable-polymer stents, offering interventionalists a strong and proven alternative for diabetic multivessel revascularization.”

The Multivessel TALENT Trial, chaired by Prof. Patrick W. Serruys (Ireland) and conducted by CORRIB laboratories across 54 sites in Europe with 1,550 patients, compared Supraflex Cruz with Synergy in three-vessel coronary artery disease. The primary endpoint was the Patient-Oriented Composite Endpoint (POCE) at 12 months. Supraflex Cruz was found to be non-inferior to Synergy, with a numerically lower POCE rate when excluding periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI). POCE with periprocedural MI was 15.3% for Supraflex Cruz versus 14.6% for Synergy (log-rank p = 0.668), while POCE without periprocedural MI (NOBLE-1 definition) was 9.7% versus 9.2% (log-rank p = 0.799). In the subset of patients with SYNTAX score >33, POCE for Supraflex Cruz was numerically lower than Synergy, 14.6% vs 22.8%, log rank p=0. 167.These findings underscore the strong performance of Supraflex Cruz in complex three-vessel disease.

Prof. Patrick W. Serruys, Chair and Chief Investigator of the Multivessel TALENT trial, remarked, “The Multivessel TALENT study establishes the non-inferiority of Supraflex Cruz compared to Synergy, confirming its robust clinical performance in patients with three-vessel disease. This trial extends the scope of use Supraflex Cruz into a population representing the frontier of complex PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention).”

The Cruz Senior Study has demonstrated that PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) using the SMT Supraflex Cruz stent platform is both safe and effective in patients aged 80 years and older. Including octogenarian and nonagenarian patients, the study strives to represent a breakthrough in understanding coronary intervention outcomes in one of the most vulnerable and often underrepresented populations. Cruz Senior assessed not only clinical endpoints but also patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and frailty markers, offering a comprehensive view of real-world impact. Results revealed promising procedural success rates and a strong safety profile, with patients experiencing a meaningful reduction in symptoms and improvement in quality-of-life following treatment.

“These results are a testament to how far modern stent technology has evolved,” said Prof. Dr. David Leistner, Principal investigator, Cruz Senior Study from the University Heart Center Frankfurt/Main. “For the first time we’re seeing evidence that even our most elderly patients can benefit safely and significantly from PCI when performed with the SMT Supraflex Cruz platform.The findings underscore the potential of the SMT Supraflex Cruz stent to extend the benefits of PCI to a wider range of patients, reinforcing its role as a trusted solution in advanced interventional cardiology.”

The SFlex Netherlands Registry, led by Dr. A.J.J. Ijsselmuiden, evaluated real-world outcomes in 5,000 patients across 10 sites in the Netherlands, focusing on TLF at one year as the primary endpoint. Supraflex Cruz demonstrated low rates of clinically driven TLR (2.1%) and stent thrombosis (0.8%) at one year, affirming its consistent safety and efficacy in everyday clinical use.

Dr. Ijsselmuiden Principal Investigator, SFlex Netherlands Registry cited, “The large-scale SFlex Netherlands registry provides compelling real-world data from thousands of patients, reinforcing the consistency, safety, and reliability of the Supraflex platform across routine clinical practice.”

Dr. Krishna, Chief Medical Officer at Sahajanand Medical Technologies, commented, “The consistent and robust outcomes observed across these pivotal trials reaffirm our commitment to advancing interventional cardiology through innovation and evidence-based medicine. Supraflex Cruz continues to demonstrate reliability across diverse and complex patient populations, validating the strength of SMT’s research-driven approach and our focus on improving patient outcomes worldwide.”

Together, the pivotal TUXEDO II, Multivessel TALENT, Cruz Senior Study, and SFlex Netherlands studies position Supraflex Cruz as a next generation drug eluting stent that delivers consistent and robust outcomes across high risk, multivessel, and real-world patient populations, reaffirming SMT’s unwavering commitment to advancing interventional cardiology worldwide.

About SMT (Sahajanand Medical Technologies)

SMT (Sahajanand Medical Technologies) is a medical devices company with a portfolio of technologically advanced medical devices across vascular and structural heart intervention. SMT offers an extensive portfolio of products focusing on vascular intervention and was the first company in the world to receive CE certification for a DES with a biodegradable polymer. SMT has a global presence with its footprints in more than 75 countries, as on March 31, 2025.

For further updates, please the website or follow SMT on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer

Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus dated July 25, 2025 (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) and the stock exchanges. The DRHP is available on our website at www.smtpl.com as well as on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited at www.motilaloswalgroup.com, Avendus Capital Private Limited at www.avendus.com, HSBC  Securities  and  Capital Markets (India) Private Limited at www.business.hsbc.co.in and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited at www.nuvama.com and and the websites of the stock exchange(s) at www.nseindia.com and www.bseindia.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and refer to the Red Herring Prospectus, including the section titled “Risk Factors” of the Red Herring Prospectus when available, for details. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.

Seqlo by DSS Imagetech

With the complexity of modern supply chains and the rising incidence of food allergies and microbial contamination rapid and reliable detection has become essential. Seqlo’s advanced molecular approach bridges a critical gap in the industry with these real-time PCR (qPCR) kits that enable laboratories and manufacturers to test for and detect allergens, pathogens, species, GMO screening, and DNA extraction in food and dairy. These highly precise, sensitive, and rapid kits provide results in just a few hours—compared to the days that conventional methods such as microbial culture or ELISA take. 

“Food safety today is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a public health priority,” said Dr. Karn Pratap Singh, Senior Scientist DSS R&D Centre & subsidiary Seqlo DSS Imagetech, “Seqlo’s real-time PCR kits help food and dairy manufacturers make faster, data-driven, life-saving decisions. They detect contamination early in the supply chain, prevent recalls, and protect consumers from numerous health hazards.”

Seqlo’s Allergen Detection Kits ensure labelling accuracy for milk, egg, and gluten-free products to keep consumers safe from severe allergic reactions. The Pathogen Detection Kits can test dairy, meat, and processed foods in a few hours for microbial contamination.

The species identification Kits i.e. Cow, Buffalo, Camel detection kit tests high-value foods like milk and milk products, helping dairies distinguish between cow, buffalo, and camel milk. The GMO Detection Kits screen for genetically modified sequences, ensuring compliance with GMO labelling regulations. DNA Extraction Kits provide high-quality DNA across sample types, enabling accurate downstream testing.

Seqlo’s technology is already being adopted at scale with 200+ installations across India and international markets by clients like Amul, Nestlé, Hatsun, and ITC.

For more information: www.seqlo.com.

This innovation aligns with DSS Imagetech’s broader vision of building India’s most advanced, technology-led food safety ecosystem, supported by local manufacturing, training, and service capabilities.

About DSS Imagetech

DSS Imagetech Pvt. Ltd., the flagship company of the DSS Group, is a market leader in Molecular Diagnostics, Life Sciences, and Biotechnology. Founded in 1998 with the philosophy ‘Inspired by Technology’, the New-Delhi based family-owned company delivers cutting-edge solutions including microscopy, clinical diagnostics, medical equipment and R&D to researchers and clinicians across diverse life sciences and healthcare fields.

With an annual turnover exceeding INR 450 crore, the company employs over 500 professionals in across 11 cities.

Mizzo Endo 4000 - The Advanced Soft Tissue Robotic System

This breakthrough innovation is set to redefine surgical precision and accessibility, while marking India’s arrival as a global hub for advanced robotic surgery.

Benefits of Robotic Assisted Surgery

Reimagining the Future of Surgery

The Mizzo Endo 4000 is a versatile and future-ready platform engineered to support an extraordinary breadth of procedures across general, gynaecology, urology, thoracic, colorectal, bariatric, hepatobiliary, ENT, gastrointestinal, and oncology specialties.

At its core lies AI-powered 3D anatomical mapping, an open console design, and telesurgery capabilities enabled by 5G—all working together to create a truly borderless surgical ecosystem.

For the first time, surgeons in India will be able to perform complex procedures remotely, in real time, supported by ultra-fast connectivity, advanced robotics, and immersive imaging. This means world-class expertise can reach patients even in the most underserved regions, fulfilling the promise of healthcare without boundaries.

Highlighting the significance of this launch, Mr. Vivek Shah, CEO, Meril, said, “The Mizzo Endo 4000 is not just a technological advancement—it is a statement of intent.” This system is designed to deliver safer, minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery and better outcomes for patients. In the coming years, we envision this innovation transforming surgical care across the country and positioning India as a global hub for MedTech. Our vision is to make advanced robotic surgery more accessible, scalable and transformative not only for India but for healthcare systems worldwide.”

Global-Grade Technology, Key innovations include:

• AI-Integrated 3D Reconstruction Software for real-time mapping and surgical planning.

• DICOM Viewing Technology for advanced pre-visualization and precise port placement.

• 5G-Powered Telesurgery & Remote Training enabling cross-border collaboration and execution.

• Universal Visit Cart adaptable across surgical modalities for seamless Operating room integration.

• Advanced Robotic Arms with Audio-Visual Feedback to support complex multi-quadrant procedures.

India Rising as a MedTech Powerhouse

Meril’s announcement comes at a time when India is investing heavily in healthcare self-reliance and innovation leadership. With this launch, Meril strengthens its mission of “More to Life”—advancing healthcare not just for those who can afford it, but for all who need it.

Operating in 150+ countries, 45 subsidiaries, and 12 global academies, Meril is already a name trusted worldwide. With the Mizzo Endo 4000, the company now cements its role as a front runner of accessible, world-class robotics from India to the world.

About Meril

Meril is a leading global medical device company headquartered in Vapi, Gujarat, dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative, accessible, and high-quality solutions. Its diverse portfolio spans cardiovascular, orthopaedics, endosurgery, diagnostics, surgical robotics, ENT, and peripheral interventions. With deep investments in education, clinical science, and training, Meril empowers healthcare professionals and improves patient outcomes worldwide.

For more Information: www.merillife.com

Habiver Introduces Cutting-Edge Wellness and Homecare Solutions

What sets Habiver apart is its commitment to quality, sustainability, and performance. Habiver’s products are crafted with botanical extracts, bio-actives, and scientifically validated ingredients that deliver powerful cleaning and wellness benefits without compromising safety or environmental responsibility.

Drawing from KM Naturals’ legacy in spice trading, essential oils, and fragrance compounds, Habiver embodies a philosophy of care that extends from individuals to homes, industries, and even aviation. Its diverse product portfolio spans homecare solutions, toiletries, baby and personal care products, aromatherapy blends, cosmeceuticals, fragrances, and industrial hygiene formulations — including specialized aircraft cleaning solutions that meet aviation standards.

Habiver’s strength is backed by a state-of-the-art production facility spread across 14,000 sq. ft., equipped to handle diverse manufacturing needs with efficiency and precision. The unit has a daily capacity of 50 tons across multiple product categories, supported by a fully automatic packaging line capable of filling 6,000 bottles per hour. With the ability to produce over 100 products spanning 20 distinct categories, the facility ensures both scalability and consistency, enabling Habiver to meet large-scale demand while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

“At Habiver, we believe that wellness begins with everyday habits. Each product is crafted with a simple principle: if we wouldn’t use it ourselves, it doesn’t make the cut,” said Antu Kuriakose, Managing Partner, KM Naturals. “Our vision is to deliver high-performing solutions that are high quality, sustainable, and trustworthy — products that care for people, their spaces, and the planet.”

Key Highlights of Habiver

• Holistic Range: From hand washes, sanitizers, and floor cleaners to aromatherapy blends and fragrances, Habiver offers solutions for every lifestyle need.

• Sustainability First: Every formulation is designed to be effective on impurities yet gentle on the planet.

• Trusted Quality: Manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities following GMP standards, Habiver is HACCP certified and globally benchmarked with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications.

• Custom Solutions: Habiver supports businesses, retailers, and institutions with scalable hygiene and wellness solutions.

• Advanced Innovation: Specialized cleaners for aerospace and commercial applications, showcasing the brand’s ability to blend natural intelligence with scientific precision.

Availability Across India

Habiver products will be available through local kirana stores, supermarkets, leading online platforms, and direct-to-consumer channels from January 2026, ensuring accessibility for households and institutions alike. Businesses and industries can also partner with Habiver for bulk supply and custom solutions.

About Habiver

Developed by KM Naturals, Habiver stands for “A Habit of Wellness in Every Drop”. With a strong foundation in natural extracts and essential oils, the brand is committed to crafting safe, sustainable, and performance-driven solutions for everyday life. Habiver’s mission is clear: to build a cleaner, healthier future by putting care at the heart of everything it does.

A wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”) has entered into definitive agreements to invest USD 200 million for a ~3% stake in Micro Life Sciences Private Limited (“Meril”), one of India’s leading medical devices companies. This investment values Meril at an enterprise value of USD 6.6 billion. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Post this investment, Meril will be backed by two globally recognized investors, ADIA and Warburg Pincus.

ADIA to invest USD 200 million in Meril, valuing the Indian medical devices company at an enterprise value of USD 6.6 billion

Founded by the Bilakhia Group, Meril is a global innovator in medical technology (MedTech), with a strong focus on clinically advanced solutions across multiple specialties — including Cardiovascular, Structural Heart, Orthopaedics, Endo-surgery, In-vitro Diagnostics and Surgical Robotics.

Headquartered in Vapi, India, Meril operates state-of-the-art, vertically integrated, and globally certified manufacturing and R&D facilities, across a 100 acre sustainable MedTech campus. The company employs more than 13,000 people, has 35+ global subsidiaries, and serves healthcare systems in 150+ countries. Meril is committed to becoming the world’s leading MedTech company, powered 100% by green energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable innovation.

With a robust in-house global R&D ecosystem and a portfolio of 200+ technology platforms, Meril continues to lead in global clinical research and education. Breakthrough innovations such as the Myval Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) series, MyClip Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) system, and the MISSO Surgical Robotic System highlight Meril’s dedication to next-generation innovation. Through its 12+ global training academies, Meril empowers over 10,000 healthcare professionals annually.

Sanjeev Bhatt, Senior Vice President – Strategy, Meril said: “This investment by ADIA reinforces confidence in Meril’s long term vision and global ambitions. This investment will enable us to accelerate growth, attract world-class talent, and further strengthen our RCD and clinical research efforts as we work towards improving the quality of human life through advanced healthcare solutions.”

About Meril

Meril is a global medical technology company headquartered in Vapi, India. With a strong emphasis on innovation, Meril develops clinically meaningful products aimed at enhancing patient outcomes across cardiovascular, orthopaedic, diagnostic, Endo- Surgery and robotic surgery domains. Founded by the Bilakhia Group, the company is committed to sustainability, quality, and global impact.

For more information: www.merillife.com.

About Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)

Established in 1976, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”) is a globally-diversified investment institution that prudently invests funds on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi through a strategy focused on long-term value creation.

For more information: www.adia.ae.

RenaissThera is filing ‘Composition of Matter’ and utility patents for these oral novel small molecule GIPR modulators and continues to expand its innovation portfolio targeting GIP, GLP-1, and apelin receptors in obesity and diabetes. Its AI-powered Innovation Platform, integrating GenAI and machine learning tools, is accelerating the design and optimization of novel small molecules.

“We are grateful to our investors and collaborators for supporting us in reaching this milestone. Our team is focused on pushing candidates toward IND-readiness next year and we are in active discussions with potential pharma partners and investors interested in our obesity program,” said Dr. Ramkesh Meena, MD, CEO of RenaissThera.

RenaissThera’s progress was enabled through its collaboration with VedTechBio Research Private Limited which enabled access to its Agentic AI platform RxAgentAI and discovery expertise. “We are very pleased with the outcomes of our collaboration with RenaissThera. This milestone further validates our platform and capabilities across key therapeutic areas including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, oncology, and inflammation,” said VedTechBio’s Managing Director Sudhir Nagarajan.

About RenaissThera

RenaissThera is a Bengaluru-based biotech company developing affordable, AI-powered novel small-molecule therapies for high-unmet-need diseases like obesity and diabetes. Its goal is to innovate for underserved populations and expand global access to novel therapies. It leverages India's CRO ecosystem for early-stage R&D to deliver globally relevant innovation.

For more information www.renaissthera.com.

RenaissThera is revolutionizing the fight against cardio-metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity through its AI-powered Innovation Platform, leveraging Generative AI (GenAI) and machine learning to rapidly identify and optimize small molecules for targeted therapies. Mr. Sudhir Nagarajan, Managing Director, said, “We thank all the investors in this round for their support and belief in our team and the promise of RenaissThera in delivering innovative medicines.” With the successful close of its seed funding round, CEO Dr. Ramkesh Meena stated, “This milestone enables us to scale up and validate our early-stage pipeline in pre-clinical proof-of-concept studies and get ready for IND filing next year, propelling us closer to delivering life-changing, affordable therapies that address critical gaps in care.” This innovative approach combines scientific rigor and efficiency to reduce development timelines and costs while improving patient outcomes worldwide.

About RenaissThera

RenaissThera, based in Bengaluru, India, is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing affordable, novel small-molecule targeted therapies leveraging AI platforms. Our goal is to innovate for underserved populations and bridge the gaps in novel therapy access worldwide. We focus on high-unmet-need areas of prevalent diseases in key therapy areas such as Cardio-metabolic including diabetes and obesity indications. Leveraging our Innovation Platform powered by GenAI tools, we identify small-molecule therapies for proven pathways, ensuring cutting-edge solutions for patients.

For more information, visit www.renaissthera.com.

Gut Function Test Kit

Scientific evidence has established that a good gut microbiome could set the foundation for good health, such as better weight management, stronger immunity, and other physiological functions. This breakthrough test solution, developed after three years of intense research, allows users to gain valuable insights into their gut health at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart and affordable choice for everyone.

MicrobioTx’s GFT test is also complemented by consultation, food recommendations, and Personal ProbioTx, a probiotic that is completely customized based on a user's gut profile. This allows users not just to know their gut profile but also to take personalized actions to address their gut health. 

Dr. Palok Aich, Professor, and Dean R&D, NISER and one of India’s leading microbiome researchers, said, “By simplifying the process of knowing one’s gut health, Gut Function Test holds the promise to usher in a new era in wellness. India needs India-specific innovation for healthcare to undergo a paradigm shift. Microbiome is at the cusp of the preventive wave and represents a promising approach.”

Akanksha Gupta, Co-founder, MicrobioTx, commented, “We have taken a data-driven approach to develop an AI based model to profile the gut microbiome. While stool-based tests to profile gut microbiome have existed for many years, only a small number of gut health enthusiasts undergo these tests. The inconvenience of collecting stool samples, long turn-around time, and prohibitive cost of the test are seen as some of the reasons. However, the test launched today could change it all.”

MicrobioTx has ambitious plans in the microbiome space, to extend their offerings for multiple disease conditions and different microbiome sites. MicrobioTx aims to continue its mission to translate today’s microbiome research into tomorrow’s clinical solutions. 

Brand Ambassador - MS Dhoni

The campaign focuses on a range of conditions and treatments, including heart conditions, joint replacements, bariatric surgeries, and more. It emphasizes that untreated health issues can affect not only the patient but their entire family. The personalized videos including MS Dhoni, aim to motivate patients to overcome their apprehensions and trust the efficacy and safety of advanced medical procedures.

A Personal Touch with AI Technology

The new phase of the TZH campaign integrates AI technology to deliver customized messages, making each patient feel directly addressed by MS Dhoni . This level of personalization creates a more engaging and impactful connection, offering a sense of reassurance that is critical in encouraging patients to pursue necessary medical treatments. The AI-driven videos adapt to various health conditions, ensuring that the messages are relevant to each patient's concerns and needs.

The campaign also continues to convey a crucial message that extends beyond the patient—highlighting how untreated health issues affect their loved ones. With the tagline, “Aapki takleef sirf aapki nahi hoti, isiliye treatment zaroori hai” (Your pain is not just yours, that’s why treatment is essential), the campaign strikes a chord with the emotional reality of caregivers and family members who are also impacted by a patient's suffering. Meril is also partnering with doctors and hospitals nationwide to advocate for timely treatment. By collaborating with healthcare professionals, Meril aims to raise awareness about advanced treatment options and the benefits of early intervention, which can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.This message has been crafted to resonate deeply with the audience, urging them to take action for the sake of their family’s well-being.

Meril’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Manish Deshmukh, said, “At Meril, our goal has always been to create a healthier world by offering advanced medical solutions. With the ‘Treatment Zaroori Hai’ campaign , we aim to bring a message of hope and courage to patients across the country. By leveraging AI technology and partnering with MS Dhoni, we are making our message more personal and impactful, empowering individuals to take charge of their health.”

Mr. Deshmukh further added, “The involvement of MS Dhoni adds a familiar and trusted voice to the campaign, making it more relatable to a diverse audience. Dhoni’s reputation for resilience and reliability mirrors the confidence Meril wants to instill in patients when considering treatment options.”

A Holistic Approach to Healthcare Communication

The campaign’s message goes beyond medical advice, focusing on the emotional impact of untreated health issues on both patients and their families. From heart conditions like TAVI and joint replacements to treatments such as of Hernia, the campaign aims to debunk myths, alleviate fears, and promote confidence in advanced treatment options. With the help of AI, these messages are crafted to resonate deeply, motivating patients to take proactive steps and consult their doctors.

About Meril

Meril is a leading gobal medical device equipment company, based in India dedicated to improving patient lives by developing and manufacturing advanced medical devices across a range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, orthopedics, surgical care, and more. With a focus on innovation, Meril’s mission is to address unmet clinical needs and enhance access to advanced healthcare solutions. The company has a global footprint, with a presence in over 158 countries and 35 wholly-owned subsidiaries in key markets such as USA, Brazil, Australia, and across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Delegates at BD - CAP (College of American Pathologists) symposium

Commenting on the initiative, Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “The BD-CAP partnership is a testament to how joint efforts can be an enabler in enhancing quality of medical laboratory practices and therefore better diagnostics and patient safety. Aligned with our purpose of advancing the world of health, I am confident that by combining BD’s cutting-edge diagnostic solutions with CAP’s stringent quality standards, laboratory accuracy and reliability standards will continue to elevate, going forward.”

Recognitions at Best Practices symposium by BD and CAP

To commemorate a decade of BD-CAP partnership, laboratories that have been CAP accredited for over 15 years were recognized during the symposium. Experienced CAP accreditation inspectors shared recommendations for best practices for maintaining a CAP accredited laboratory. 100+ customers from India’s leading medical diagnostic labs attended the symposium, appreciating the role of BD-CAP collaboration in advancing laboratory medicine excellence and improving patient care.

"The College of American Pathologists is deeply committed to advancing laboratory standards worldwide,” states CAP Chief Executive Officer Michael Fraser, PhD.  “Our work in India and across the globe reflects our dedication to supporting laboratories in achieving excellence, improving patient care, and fostering innovation. Together, we are building stronger, more resilient healthcare systems that benefit communities everywhere."

About BD

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care.

About CAP

As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.

Following an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing, Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology and Drug delivery Kamalinder Singh will lead on the collaboration with Brinton as the company focuses to deliver skincare and dermatological therapies using topical nanocarriers for targeted treatment.

Picture-(L-R) Professor Kamalinder Singh, Dr Praveen Kumar Tavva, Professor StJohn Crean and Dr Clare Lawrence, Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

The research collaboration will explore new avenues and innovative solutions for treatment of skin diseases, opening opportunities for intellectual property, commercialisation, and better patient care.

Delivering drug treatment using nanoparticles, which are up to 10,000 times smaller than the thickness of human hair, allows for a more targeted and controlled delivery.

Rahulkumar Darda, Chairman and Managing Director of Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said, "Our Global research and development in the UK is devoted to pioneering the most innovative skincare solutions accessible to everyone.”

“Topical nanocarriers aim to mitigate some of the drawbacks associated with traditional dermatological care modalities,” said Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology and Drug delivery, Kamalinder Singh.

“They enable targeted delivery of active ingredients, controlled release, protection of susceptible groups from degradation, sustained stability, deep penetration into the skin and lower toxicity. We will be exploring nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for chronic skin diseases like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, as some of future projects as part of the collaboration,” Professor Singh explained.

Dr Praveen Kumar Tavva, Director and Chief Scientific Officer at Brinton Healthcare UK Ltd, said, “Brinton Healthcare UK Ltd. is exponentially expanding its global research and development operations in the UK, with an unparalleled mission to develop skincare solutions that cater to the diverse needs of consumers worldwide.

"By harnessing the latest, state-of-the-art, science and technology, we aspire to create products that are not only remarkably effective but also exquisitely tailored to the unique needs of our global consumers,” Dr Tavva opined.

Vijey Christopher, Head of International Business Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd., commented, “Our partnership with the University of Central Lancashire is crucial in our quest to develop cutting-edge skincare solutions. The exceptional synergy between our in-house expertise and the University’s academic prowess enables us to create revolutionary products that significantly enhance the skin health and well-being of our consumers."

Professor StJohn Crean, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at the University, and Dr Praveen Kumar Tavva, exchanged the jointly signed MoU.

BIRAC and IVCA Collaborate at Global Bio-India

The discussion, chaired by Shri Vishwajeet Sahay, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Department of Biotechnology, India & co-chaired by Dr. Manish Diwan, Head - Biofoundry, NCR Biotech Cluster & IVCOL at BIRAC, Mission Director - Make In India Biotech sector, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, spotlighted the increasing need for growth-stage capital to support biotech startups with longer gestation periods. Investors emphasized that co-investment strategies and mobilizing domestic capital pools are critical to scaling biotech ventures in India.

Commenting on the outcomes of the roundtable, Dr. Manish Diwan, Mission Director of the Make in India for Biotech sector and Head of Biofoundry at BIRAC, said, “Private equity and venture investments in biotech innovations are growing. The IVCA-powered interaction, chaired by FA & AS, DBT and DST, Government of India, Mr. Viswajit Sahay, with national and international PE and VC fund representatives at Global Bio-India 2024, generated useful recommendations for attracting high-risk investments for the sector. DBT/BIRAC's Biotech Fund of Funds - AcE, which generated impressive 28x private investments, was appreciated. The recent approval of India's BioE3 policy by the Union Cabinet is very timely and will catalyze the much-needed infrastructure growth and attract investments for bio-innovations and bio-manufacturing. Private and corporate investors are critical partners in supporting this growth momentum for 'Viksit Bharat'.”

Key Takeaways from the Roundtable:

• Fund of Funds Booklet Launch with IVCA: Shri Vishwajeet Sahay, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, DBT, launched the Fund Of Funds (AcE Funds) Booklet, highlighting the successful performance of the initiative since its inception in FY 2017-18 with a corpus of INR 150 crores.

• Mentorship and Talent Building: The roundtable underscored the importance of strengthening mentoring programs, with investors and incubators supporting biotech startups. Initiatives like BIRAC’s Entrepreneurship in Residence (EIR) and the DBT’s i3c BRIC-RCB Ph.D. Programme aim to build a highly skilled talent pool in biosciences.

• International Collaborations: Participants recommended enhanced global collaborations to bolster the international presence of Indian biotech companies, facilitating better market access.

• Data Security Concerns: Investors raised concerns regarding data security and access. In response, BIRAC officials highlighted the establishment of the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), a national repository for life science data, which will provide critical data infrastructure for biotech research in India.

• IP and Patent Protection: Strengthening IP support systems, including patent funds and commercialization clarity, was emphasized.

Amit Pandey, VP VC Investments, IVCA said, "We are witnessing a remarkable rise in biotech investments in India, with over 6,000 startups already and another 10,000 expected by 2025.the BioE3 Policy will enable Bharat to realize the full potential of bioeconomic growth through sustainable resource management and inclusivity. IVCA is committed to working hand in hand with BIRAC to foster innovation and growth in the biotech sector. This roundtable offers valuable insights into emerging opportunities and will help shape the future of India's biotech landscape, ensuring a greener, more prosperous Bharat and we intend to work closely fostering a collaborative Public Private Partnership for growing this industry."

India’s biotechnology industry, valued at USD 130 billion in FY 2024, is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030. The BioE3 policy, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, is set to play a significant role in this expansion by establishing bio-hubs to promote green growth, generate employment, and reinforce India’s global position in biotech innovation and bio-manufacturing.

About IVCA – Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association

The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) is a not-for-profit, apex industry body promoting the alternate capital industry and fostering a vibrant investing ecosystem in India. IVCA is committed to supporting the ecosystem by facilitating advocacy discussions with the Government of India, policymakers, and regulators, resulting in the rise of entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and job creation in India and contributing towards the development of India as a leading fund management hub. IVCA represents 46% of overall AIFs in the country, and its members are the most active domestic and global VCs, PEs, funds for infrastructure, real estate, credit funds, limited partners, investment companies, family offices, corporate VCs, and knowledge partners. These funds invest in emerging companies, venture growth, buyout, special situations, distressed assets, and credit and venture debt, among others.

Dr. Bhagyashree Patil receives the "Vasantrao Naik Award" from CM Eknath Shinde for her innovative work in modern agriculture

The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Mr. Eknath Shinde; the honorable guest - Maharashtra Agriculture Minister, Mr. Dhananjay Munde and special guest - Dr. Prashant kumar Gulabrao Patil, Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, among other dignitaries. The Foundation's Chairman, Dr. Rajendra Barwale, President of Vasantrao Naik Krushi Sanshodhan and Gramin Vikas Pratishtan, Mumbai, welcomed the dignitaries and introduced the program. This event took place at Yashwantrao Chavan Center, Mumbai. "The experimental and innovative ideas of Dr. Bhagyashree Patil have given a new direction to the farmers of Maharashtra. Her work has ushered in a new era in agriculture," said Eknath Shinde. He highlighted the importance of innovative initiatives in the agricultural sector and Dr. Bhagyashree Patil was said to be an inspirational example for all. According to him, “Using new ideas in agriculture is the need of the day and Dr. Bhagyashree Patil has proved that with the right approach and hard work, big gains can be achieved."

During the event, the Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Dhananjay Munde, also spoke at the award distribution ceremony. He said, "Due to Dr. Bhagyashree Patil's modern and innovative methods, progress has been made in the field of floriculture. Her contribution has become an inspiration for farmers as well as future generations."

"Receiving this agricultural award is a blessing from former Chief Minister, Late Vasantrao Naik, who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of farmers and the agricultural sector, and achieved remarkable milestones in the agro-industrial field. Today's honour is an inspiration for my future endeavours. My husband, Dr. P. D. Patil and my family, along with all well-wishers of Rise N Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd., have played a crucial role in this success," said Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, expressing her gratitude. She further stated, "For the development of the agricultural sector, adopting modern technology, innovative ideas, skills, comprehensive research, excellent planning and management will accelerate agricultural production. Smart agriculture will help enrich the agricultural business. Modern agriculture will empower the nation's building."

Dr. Bhagyashree Patil has successfully implemented the "Grow in India" campaign, making economic upliftment accessible for numerous small farmers. She has employed over 95% women in her business to promote self-reliance among rural women. Additionally, she has empowered many women through women's self-help groups.

Dr. Bhagyashree Patil established Rise N Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd. with the aim of promoting technology-based modern agriculture and advancing agricultural research and development. She serves as the Managing Director of this company. Through the company, she has provided free guidance to farmers across the country, contributing to agricultural welfare. Inspired by her work, farmers are increasingly adopting modern farming practices.

In floriculture, the company focuses on various flower varieties such as Gerbera, Carnation, Orchid, Spathiphyllum, Cordyline, Alpinia, Perennials, Limonium, Gypsophila, Limonium, Hydrangea, and nursery varieties including Anthurium, Guzmania, Poinsettia, Kalanchoe, Chrysanthemum, Phalaenopsis. In fruit cultivation, the company emphasizes modern farming techniques for Banana (Grand Naine, Yelakki, and Red Banana), Pineapple, Strawberry and Blue Java (Blue Banana).

Besides empowering farmers and women, Dr. Bhagyashree Patil also serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Dr. D. Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune. She is recognized as an influential woman leader in the education sector. She has left her mark in modern agriculture, women empowerment and education.

Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr. D. Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune congratulated Dr. Bhagyashree Patil on receiving this agricultural honour. He added that this recognition would encourage her future endeavours and wished her success in her future journey.

Cover Image of Asia Protein Buyers 100 Report

The assessment by ARE evaluated 100 regional protein buyers on 40 indicators across 10 sustainability themes, per the Asia Protein Transition Platform investor expected disclosures. The companies include listed manufacturers, restaurants, retailers, and hotels across more than 10 markets, with a combined market capitalisation exceeding USD563 billion. Designed as a benchmark for investors, banks, and companies striving for responsible and sustainable sourcing, ARE plans to conduct the assessment every two years. The findings highlight a pressing urgency for responsible and sustainable sourcing among Asian food companies, focusing on the supply chains of animal protein as the most resource intensive and impacting aspect of our food system. This issue is especially critical for India, where food systems account for 14% of the country’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Enteric fermentation in livestock is the leading cause, contributing to more than half of these emissions.

“Asia’s protein buyers still need to confront the deeply problematic social and environmental impacts and dependencies along their supply chains,” said Kate Blaszak, Director of Protein Transition and Co-author of the report, “The Asia Protein Buyers 100: An Assessment of Responsible and Sustainable Sourcing.” “These direct and indirect impacts pose direct risks to the companies, their investors, lenders, and customers. Forward-thinking protein buyers are tackling these risks as a market opportunity, gaining a competitive and financing edge, and working gradually to rebalance our food system with new plant-based and other smart protein offerings.”

The average overall score for the 100 companies was just 9%, with no company scoring above 50%. The average score across 12 major listed Indian companies was only 7%. “Such low scores might seem disheartening,” said Rituj Sahu, India Director for Protein Transition, ARE. “But there’s increasing awareness of the impacts and inefficiencies of our food system, a strong push from the regulatory authority SEBI, and an opportunity for Indian companies to demonstrate leadership and set integrated sustainability strategies, targets and policies by 2025.”

ARE identified the ten highest scoring companies—listed in Thailand, China, and Japan—as “Evolving Strategically”, for making it into tier three of six possible tiers. Companies scored best in the assessment of public disclosure related to protein supply chains on Water & Waste (20%), and poorest on Governance (2%). Results of key themes of priority to Platform investors include:

• Labour & Just Transition: average score of 13%. While 23 companies have supplier codes of conduct, only two demonstrate due diligence in labour practices along their supply chains.

• Responsible Antibiotic Use: average score of 3%. Only one company has a policy to avoid routine preventive antibiotic use, reflecting a low recognition of the risks associated with this major use of antibiotics and resistance.

• Animal Welfare: average score of 7%, with only one company aligning its policy with Farm Animal Responsible Minimum Standards (FARMS) and three setting cage-free commitments.

• Climate Change: average score of 12%, with emerging inclusion of indirect emissions but reluctance among most companies to tackle indirect emissions in their supply chains and set science-based reduction targets.

• Deforestation & Biodiversity: average score of 5%. 26 companies acknowledge the risk of deforestation in their supply chains, but only two have set zero-deforestation deadlines.

• Protein Diversification: average score of 5%. While 33 companies offer plant-based proteins, only two have set targets to increase sales, or to help capture the potential flexitarian consumer segment.

The report highlights significant economic and trade implications for India, particularly the risks to its USD5 billion annual shrimp export business from antibiotics overuse or labour concerns. Against this backdrop, the growing importance of sustainability in decision-making, driven by customers, suppliers, governments, and investors, alongside SEBI's stance on ESG reporting, offers Indian companies an opportunity to lead in ESG disclosures and nutritional sustainability regionally. The report urges Asia’s protein buyers to enhance their efforts through integrated sustainability strategies, emphasising indirect risks and prioritising interdependencies. This approach will protect and create value for themselves, investors, and lenders while also securing nutritional security and sustainability.

Interdependencies include the linkages between GHG emission reduction and protein diversification for long-term mitigation. They also encompass the connections between improved farm animal welfare, enhanced food quality, reduced antibiotic use, better public health, and, in some cases, reduced emissions, feed requirements, and production costs in the short term.

Actionable recommendations include:

• Protein buyers to develop and publish policies, targets, and commitments by 2025 that:

• strengthen governance around protein sustainability, as part of an integrated business strategy,

• strengthen traceability, transparency, and labour due diligence,

• protect health and safety via clear principles on responsible antibiotic use,

• improve animal welfare towards FARMS, starting with policies and cage-free commitments for eggs and no permanent tethering of dairy cows;

• commit to zero-deforestation, to protect biodiversity and help reduce emissions,

• source seafood sustainably, growing the use of independent verification, and

• diversify further with alternative proteins, setting a sales target to help drive uptake and scale.

• Companies can refer to the Platform to support their sustainability journey and reach out to ARE with the confidence of investor-backed engagement.

• Buyers, suppliers, investors, and financiers should collaborate, accelerating the implementation of a responsible and sustainable protein transition in Asia by 2030.

Protein buyers assessed in this report and their respective tiers can be found here: drive.google.com/file/d/1txt6kuYbdmx2sXmyHyr9dwjbQ6_uWatB/view. 

India’s listed companies are highlighted in bold. Note: The names of these companies have been abbreviated for ease of presentation. Please refer to the report for full names and company details.

About Asia Research & Engagement (ARE)

Creating change through investor-backed engagement. 

ARE's pioneering approach fills an engagement gap by bringing leading investors into dialogue with Asian-listed companies to address sustainable development challenges and help companies align with investor priorities. With decades of Asia experience, our cross-cultural team understands the region’s unique needs. Our high-quality independent research, robust investor network, and engagement expertise, provide corporate leaders and financial decision makers with insights leading to concrete action. 

Our work focuses on thematic priorities to promote a sustainable and compassionate Asia. 

Our current programmes and goals are:

• Energy Transition: Credible transition pathways in alignment with the Paris Agreement.

• Protein Transition: Transition pathways working towards our investor-aligned 2030 vision.

Founded in 2013, ARE is headquartered in Singapore and has a presence in India, China, and Japan.

About Protein Transition Platform

ARE launched the Asia Protein Transition Platform in December 2022, in collaboration with five founding investors representing USD3 trillion in assets. The platform has set a 2030 vision and goals for protein transition in Asia, along with investor expected disclosures for companies to move towards more responsible and sustainable proteins.

"After over 24 months of rigorous clinical testing & feedback with 600+ doctors, we are excited to introduce “AIDE” which stands for “Assistant for Improved Decision-making with Evidence in Healthcare”. This AI-driven tool plays a key role in decision-making," said Hans Lewis, DocMode Founder and CEO.

AIDE, according to Lewis, is an innovative tool that will continue to evolve with multimodal achievements ensuring better patient care and outcome worldwide. "We see AIDE being adopted in various countries, becoming the go-to digital medical library," he added.

Lately, the focus has been on Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) given the fact that it is the foundation for patient care by providing the evidence based differential diagnosis options, evidence-based research support, and providing the information about the standard of care guidelines. CDSS supports physicians to understand drug interactions, adverse event reports. Also prioritize critical alerts, minimize use of disruptive alerts from non-critical indications.

CDSS can be very cost-effective for the health system especially for the low-income and middle-income countries. This would support doctors who are in a low resource setting.

AIDE - the AI-powered CDSS platform helps in better decisions and outcomes and could be applied in different areas of medical science.

Origin story of AIDE is interesting, DocMode built AIDE to address unanswered questions from their Continuing Medical Education webinars and asynchronized courses due to time constraints and subject matter experts' busy schedules. By leveraging generative AI, AIDE provides timely answers from reliable sources, enhancing the learning experience and offering personalized support. From this AIDE evolved to assisting doctors in gathering evidence to their practice as a Clinical Discussion Support Tool, elevating medical education and patient care.

AIDE, which leverages medical databases encompassing clinical guidelines, research papers, and case studies to analyse patient data has emerged as a forerunner in India's CDSS category due to its transformative potential, informs Lewis.

The tool generates accurate diagnostic suggestions and information. As a flagship in large language modelling, healthcare experts say AIDE is trained on 16 million PubMed datasets, and real-world data to deliver personalized medical responses.

"Imagine having a vast medical library instantly at your fingertips, to make the best possible decisions with credible medical information, AIDE is truly a big leap and a revolutionary step,” Dr. Sanjit added.

An established leader in healthcare AIDE’s parent company DocMode, has a global reputation for delivering solutions in continued medical education and research.

DocMode in partnership with several medical associations has over 400,000 registered healthcare professionals on its Learning and Research platform, docmode.org.

"Support of a seasoned team, and professional backing of healthcare professionals place AIDE at the forefront of technological innovation. AIDE is a 100% homegrown product," claimed Lewis.

Since its beta launch, it is learnt, over 900 healthcare professionals have signed up voluntarily, and seamlessly integrated the system into their daily routines, workflows and learning practices.

AIDE CDSS tool is now commercially available, and within a short span of the product's launch over 3500 paid users signed up making use of AIDE which is a user-friendly interface, with purpose-driven features, and value-driven pricing.

"AIDE represents a significant leap forward in clinical decision support. Moving forward, our team will ensure that AIDE evolves to provide increasingly sophisticated support," assured Paulson Paul, Founder MD and Head of the AIDE Project.

According to Paul, DocMode is constantly working with various doctors, and will have releases for every specialty. AIDE, he said, can currently read lab reports and summarize important points, saving specialists valuable time.

"This will enable them to spend more face-to-face time with patients, which in turn will increase their efficiency. Cutting edge tools like AIDE drives our growth even while empowering doctors worldwide," said Paul.

DocMode is currently collaborating with various hospitals to install AIDE-CDSS in their electronic medical records. "Improving decentralised clinical research, through AIDE and supporting the industry for easy to use, cost effective, AIDE integrated solutions to manage clinical data is our priority," said Dr. Merin Dickson, Head of DocMode Clinical Research and Development.

About DocMode Health Technologies

DocMode Health Technologies is a global platform dedicated to providing authoritative, comprehensive, and interactive learning programs for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, allied health workers, and medical students. Since its inception in 2010, DocMode has revolutionized healthcare education and research in India and beyond, with over 350,000 + registered healthcare professionals and a robust weekly engagement rate of 27,000. Our platform, DocMode.org, fosters a culture of scientific, evidence-based practice and inter-professional learning through a diverse range of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs, alongside our innovative SURE (Evidence Solutions) platform supporting clinical and market research partnering with leading medical institutions, associations and professional bodies across the globe.

DocMode’s AI-driven tools, such as AIDE (AI-Based Clinical Decision Support System) and iNutrimon (Nutrition Management Software), are at the forefront of improving patient outcomes and streamlining clinical workflows in hospitals and clinics. Committed to forming a value-based learning and research ecosystem for health professionals worldwide, DocMode is a publicly listed entity on the SME Board in India, working with 80 of the top pharmaceutical & life science multinational companies and leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance our global impact. 

For more information, visit aide.docmode.org.

Fortisil C

Collagen is a vital protein that helps to maintain the structure and elasticity of the skin, but as people age, their bodies produce less of it, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging. Fortisil C provides a potent and effective solution for improving skin health and appearance by using the power of marine collagen. With a unique formulation technology, Fortisil C is more effective at lower dosage of 2.5 gm. The product is available in effervescent form and 30 times more potent than standard collagen. It can improve skin hydration and skin elasticity within 2 months of usage because of its higher concentration of active dipeptides (Proli- hydroxyproline & Hydroxypoly - Glycine).

Fortisil C is very different from other collagen products available in the market because of its advanced formula, which includes a unique blend of amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that work together to nourish and replenish the skin. Additionally, each batch of Fortisil C is rigorously tested to make sure of its top-notch quality and purity, making it a safe and reliable choice for skincare enthusiasts. It’s pocket friendly and convenient to carry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sushant Raorane, Co-founder and Director of Adroit Biomed Ltd. said, “Adroit Biomed Ltd. as a science-driven company, we take pride in offering innovative & exceptional quality products. Wellnex High Performance Collagen in Fortisil C formulated with unique proprietary technology. Fortisil C is disrupted the collagen market & clinically proven to be 30 times more effective at lower dosage. We are extremely proud to launch Fortisil C.”

Dr Priya Talageri, Dermatologists said, “Currently available collagen products in the market have limited bioavailability & absorption. Today is the need of “High Performance Collagen” like Fortisil C.”

Dr Anju Methil, Dermatologists also stated, “Patient treatment compliance depends upon overall appeal of the product. Fortisil C High-Performance Collagen don’t have an obnoxious fishy smell like other collagen brands, which improves my patient compliance.”

About Adroit Biomed Ltd.

Adroit Biomed Limited is a pharmaceutical healthcare company with a focus on dermato-cosmetology. As a science-driven company they offer exceptional quality products that inspire real change in the world of dermatology. These products are manufactured using the state-of-the-art formulation manufacturing facilities, adhering to international standards and regulations.

Using world class ingredients and the latest technology the company aims at delivering the highest quality products and forming an interface between innovation, technology, healthcare practitioners and patients.

Website: adroitbiomed.com.

Myval THV and The LANDMARK

The LANDMARK study showed that the performance of Myval THV series in terms of safety and effectiveness was non-inferior to the contemporary THV series (24.7% vs. 27.0%, occurrence of primary composite endpoint which is composite of deaths, stroke, major bleeding, acute kidney injury, major vascular complications, moderate or severe valve regurgitation, and the need for new permanent pacemaker implantation as per the third Valve Academic Research Consortium consensus) with no difference in the itemized components of the primary composite endpoints. The other secondary endpoints including technical success at exit from procedure room, device success at 30 days and early safety at 30 days were comparable in both the groups.

Professor Serruys, Chairman & study Director of The LANDMARK trial, said, “Myval THV series are novel next-gen THV devices; non-inferior to the Sapien and Evolut THV series. Myval THV series have a unique size matrix incorporating conventional, intermediate and extra-large diameters with increasing diameter steps of 1.5mm that match and fit precisely the multi slice CT scan-defined aortic annulus area of each individual patient, as a result, provides a superior effective orifice area on echocardiography, which may impact on durability and long-term clinical outcomes. Additionally, the Myval Octacor, with its 2 rows of octagonal cells and a minimal foreshortening of 19% during expansion, has unique features not paired by any other contemporary design.”

Myval THV series has a versatile range of sizes offering not only traditional sizes (20 mm, 23 mm, 26 mm, 29 mm) but also intermediate (21.5 mm, 24.5 mm, 27.5 mm) and extra-large sizes (30.5 mm and 32 mm). This tailored sizing matrix allows cardiologists to select the appropriate valve size, thus avoiding excessive over- or under-sizing. In the LANDMARK trial, 48.1% of the patients were implanted with the intermediate size of Myval THV series.

The hemodynamic outcomes in terms of valve effective orifice area (EOA) was significantly better for the 23, 26 and 29 mm Myval THV series as compared to Sapien THV series, while there were no significant differences in the pre-procedural annular area. The long-term benefits of the intermediate sizes of THV will be further studied during the subsequent follow-up up to 10-year.

As per the Global Principal Investigator, Prof. Andreas Baumbach, “The Landmark trial showed that the Myval THV series performed as safe and effective as contemporary THV series. It is a valve made for everyday clinical practice and an all-comers population. The special feature of intermediate diameters allows for more accurate sizing, which has the potential to translate into improved long-term outcomes. Our patients will be followed up for 10 years and it will be interesting to see the long-term results in the three treatment arms.”

Mr. Sanjeev Bhatt, Sr. Vice President - Corporate Strategy at Meril said, "In a successful development in structural heart interventions, the LANDMARK RCT has revealed compelling results for the novel Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) series, confirming its non-inferiority to other contemporary THV devices. The results of LANDMARK trial are not just a win for us but for the entire medical community and, most importantly, for patients undergoing TAVI. This study not only reinforces the safety and efficacy of the Myval THV series but also highlights its adaptability to challenging anatomical structures,".

About THE LANDMARK TRIAL

The LANDMARK trial was a prospective, randomized, multicenter, open-label, non-inferiority trial involving 768 patients who underwent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of aortic stenosis. The first patient was enrolled in the LANDMARK trial on 6 January 2021 and the last patient was enrolled on 5 December 2023. The trial included a total of 768 patients at 31 sites across 16 countries (Brazil, New Zealand, and some countries of Europe). The 30 days primary composite endpoints reporting the safety and effectiveness of LANDMARK trial is accepted for publication in The Lancet.

About Meril Life Sciences

Meril is a leading global medical device manufacturing company based in India that has been pivotal in establishing India as a leader in the global medical devices industry. The company's strong focus on research and development (R&D) and commitment to quality have allowed it to offer cutting-edge medtech solutions in more than 135 countries. Additionally, Meril has wholly-owned subsidiaries in the USA, Brazil, Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe.

With its strong commitment to innovation and quality, Meril has transformed healthcare in India and created significant footprints across the globe. Through global partnerships and the use of advanced technology, the company prioritizes quality and adherence to international standards, fostering a thriving R&D environment. Meril's efforts have effectively established India as a centre for medical device innovation and production.

More To Life!!

Biopharma experts come together at Avantor Biopharma Forum to discuss challenges of biologics manufacturing and its future evolution

The Indian biopharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding with increased investments in research and development, robust product pipelines, collaborations, and technological advancements. However, challenges such as constantly evolving regulatory compliances and price and quality control impede global competitiveness. The 2024 Avantor Biopharma Forums focused on critical topics including scale-up, risk mitigation, and cost optimization, which are crucial for addressing these challenges and driving growth in the biopharma industry.
 

With the goal of facilitating an enriching exchange of ideas for professionals within India’s Bioprocessing industry, the forums provided a platform for over 600 participants from some of the prominent biopharma players in India to engage with Avantor's products and solutions, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration within the bioprocessing community.
 

Biopharma specialists and team from Avantor at the Avantor Biopharma Forums held at Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune
 

The highlight of the forums was industry panel discussions with biopharma experts from leading biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies across the three cities. These discussions explored topics such as the current state-of-the-art in biologics manufacturing, overcoming critical challenges associated with process failure or yield, and the future evolution of biologics manufacturing and digital advancements across the industry

• Dr. Ger Brophy, Chairman of Avantor’s Scientific Advisory Board, spoke about the Readiness for Changing Biological Molecules and Regulatory Environment⁽¹⁾ and shared his perspective about the ever-evolving regulatory environment in the country.

• Highlighting the evolution of the industry, Mr. Narayana Rao Rapolu, VP, Biopharma and Applied Products Solutions, said, “The Indian biopharma sector is witnessing a rise with the introduction of high-quality, cost-effective biosimilars into the market. At Avantor, we recognize the significant challenges hindering the growth of biopharma companies. With innovative strategies emphasizing efficiency, quality, and affordability, we aim to generate a positive impact on the biopharma business while earning the trust of our customers.”

• Dr. Nandkumar Deorkar, SVP Research and Development, Avantor, shared his insights about the effective management of Total Cost of Ownership in Bioprocessing. “At Avantor, we work to simplify our customers’ scale-up processes thereby eliminating process steps. Avantor’s objective is to create long- term, strategic partnerships within the industry by working closely with biomanufacturers to drive and foster cost optimization and improve biologics process efficiencies. We are proud to provide exceptional post-sales support and quality assurance, both are key decisive factors in for driving the success of at biopharma companies,” said Dr. Deorkar.

The Avantor Biopharma forums were hugely successful in bringing the industry together for meaningful dialogue and exchange. The participants were appreciative of the knowledge sharing sessions and engaging conversations.

About Avantor

Avantor^®, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading life science tools company and global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries. From discovery to delivery, we work side-by-side with scientists around the world to enable breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and technology at scale. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities at more than 300,000 customer locations in 180 countries.

For more information, visit avantorsciences.com and find us on LinkedIn, X(Twitter) and Facebook.

(1) Biopharma forum in Bengaluru.

Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), which represents leading research-based medical technology companies with a large footprint in manufacturing and training in India, recently organized a high–level meeting with government stakeholders, and MediTech industry captains at The Claridges, New Delhi. The event was graced by Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), and Mr. Aseem Sahu, Deputy Drugs Controller, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Secretary, DoP with MTaI Chairman & Board Members

The event revolved around India's prospects and obstacles within the MediTech domain including tariff and non-tariff barriers, price control, procurement challenges, the need for standard harmonization, and streamlining the regulatory landscape. Alongside this, various strategic inputs also were discussed aiming to encourage investments in India's healthcare sector.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Pavan Choudary, Chairman, MTaI stated, “The government and its offices like the Department of Pharmaceuticals, CDSCO deserve our appreciation for creating policies that have enabled the upward growth trajectory of India’s medical device sector in recent years. The last marker of this ascent is the record breaking FDI in the sector in 2023. The continued learning of the intricacies of this sector will be key to achieving the goal of making India a MediTech hub.”

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary, DoP said, “Most MediTech hubs around the world specialize in a few segments that they robustly export. Therefore, for the growth of the Meditech sector in India, we must initially focus on areas where the country already has some underlying strengths, like Medical Textiles, Consumables, Software, Artificial Intelligence, etc. Growth budding from areas close to our strengths is proximate growth. And this I call the ‘Proximate Advantage’ which we should leverage to begin with.”

Dr Arunish Chawla added, “This sector - MediTech, as the name suggests is very complex, as all the sciences fathomable converge here like Medical Chemistry, Biotechnology, and various streams of Engineering. Looking at its intricacies, we all should be open to learning from each other. While crafting policies for this niche sector, one needs to understand that every medical device has various sub-groups and every sub-group has different components, and each of these components that is used is made from different raw materials that are available in different geographies.”

“To take a comprehensive view, we have been collating the metadata and will organize the first of its kind, think tank event for the MediTech sector called the ‘India MediStack’ in Delhi NCR. This will be a very important congregation of MediTech experts which will raise the caliber of dialogue in this space.”

MTaI's Fraternity Meeting was attended by industry stalwarts including more than 20 CEOs of leading MediTech companies, where government officials and industry came together, turning the spotlight on a unified way forward in regulations and policies to take the sector to the next level.

About Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI)

Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI – pronounced as Em-tai) is a not-for-profit organization duly registered under sub-section (2) of section 7 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.

MTaI is an association of research-based medical technology companies that have made remarkable investments in Manufacturing, R&D, and Health Care Workers Training in India. MTaI represents a wide spectrum of the medical device industry with global experience in innovation and manufacturing. All the time stressing the three hallmarks of healthcare - Quality, Consistency, and Patient Safety, MTaI wants to be a responsible voice in the industry. The association is committed to improving access to affordable and quality healthcare for patients.

MTaI looks to partner with the Government of India in setting a roadmap for the growth of the medical devices sector by bringing in even bigger investments in this sector, through 'Make in India’ and through technology upgradation and dissemination in the provider space.

Team Lord's Team Lord's Mark Industries Limited demonstrating the technique of E-Smart Clinic

Earlier, the E-Smart Clinic project was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at AIIMS Rajkot. Committed to serving the nation, Lords Mark Industries endeavors to expand the reach of the E-Smart Clinic across the country by making it portable and mobile, ensuring convenience and accessibility. This initiative seeks to provide testing and consultation services to patients at a nominal cost of less than Rs. 1000. The company plans to deploy 16,000 E-Smart Clinics throughout India. The collaboration with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and FIIT represents a leap forward in democratising healthcare technology and innovation to make a tangible difference in millions of lives across India.

The inauguration ceremony, witnessed esteemed dignitaries, alongside a host of bureaucrats and other eminent personalities include Dr. Manish Dutt, Hon’ble Chief Medical Officer, Haridwar; Mr. Pratik Jain, Hon’ble Chief Development Officer (IAS), Haridwar; Prof. Virendra Kr Vijay, National coordinator, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA); Mr. Manas Mittal, BDO, Bahadarabad; Shri Alok Gupta, President, Surabhi Foundation; Md. Shafique Lodha, Gram Pradhan, Gaindikhata; Shri Shashi Jhandwal, Gram Pradhan; Shri Sunil Pal, Gram Pradhan, Bahar Pilli; Shri Ashish Chauhan, Manager, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) and Smt. Krishna Rawat, Community leader.

The E-Smart Clinic project is poised to bring about a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and innovative solutions initiating Contactless Vital Monitoring, telemedicine, consultation and point-of-care diagnostics, the E-Smart Clinic tracks diverse parameters such as live vitals, biochemistry, hematology, infectious diseases, cardiac and inflammation, body and urine parameters and maternity.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sachidanand Upadhyay, Managing Director, Lord’s Mark Industries Ltd, "Today marks a historic moment as we inaugurate the E-Smart Clinic project in Haridwar, a testament to our unwavering commitment to revolutionize healthcare accessibility. This initiative epitomizes our relentless pursuit of innovation and social responsibility, leveraging cutting-edge technology to bridge the gap between quality healthcare and remote communities. With the E Smart Clinic, we embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, more equitable society, empowering individuals with the tools they need to lead healthier lives."

The E-Smart Clinic, developed by Lords Mark Industries in collaboration with their technology partner Dozee, utilizes patented technology to detect vital parameters of patients without any external attachments. Capable of conducting blood tests in just 20 minutes, the clinic seamlessly connects rural patients with top doctors online, communicating in their local language. Lord’s Mark Industries has filed patents for the biochemistry and the health kiosk, boasting an accuracy level of 99 percent. This marks the first instance globally of delivering such a portable solution to patients at an exceptionally low cost for disease detection, coupled with seamless online interaction with top-tier doctors aligning with the Honourable Prime Minister's vision of affordable medical infrastructure.

Mr. Manav Teli, Executive Director, Lord’s Mark Industries Ltd, added, "I am thrilled to witness the inauguration of E-Smart Clinic project in Haridwar. This initiative underscores our commitment to innovation and accessibility in healthcare, empowering individuals across the region with cutting-edge diagnostics and expert medical consultations at an unprecedented affordability. We believe this marks a significant step towards realizing our vision of inclusive and equitable healthcare for all citizens.’’

Following successful trials at five initial centres, the E-Smart Clinic will be commercialized across India, with international partners expressing interest in global distribution. The market potential for the E-Smart Clinic in India exceeds 3000 crores, presenting additional opportunities for Lords Mark Industries to supply consumables for various therapeutic tests. The launch of the E-Smart Clinic project marks a significant milestone in the quest for accessible and affordable healthcare for all citizens, aligning with the government's overarching vision of a healthier, more prosperous India.

About Lord’s Mark Industries

Incorporated in 1998, Lord’s Mark Industries Ltd. (Lord’s) has made impressive growth starting from paper to LED to Renewable energy and making grand in the medical diagnostic industry. Lord’s and its subsidiaries have made a mark in Electric Vehicle, Genome Testing, Vitamin Industry and Healthcare. Growth through diversification has become the trend setter and has been the cornerstone of success at Lord’s.

Website - lordsmark.com.

LordsMed, the global healthcare division of Lord’s Mark Industries Ltd., has launched a set of 10 world-class re-agent and diagnostic testing kits for Triglycerides, Uric Acid, Alkaline Phosphatase, Bilirubin, Calcium (Arsenazo III), Creatinine, Glucose, Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT)/Aspartate Aminotransferas, Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Total Protein. These re-agent and diagnostic test kits come with 99.7 percent accuracy, the highest level of sensitivity, a shelf-life of 24 months, unique packaging and competitive price-points. The company has filed India patents for these kits which will strengthen the preventive healthcare mechanism for critical diseases.
 

Mr. Sachidanand Upadhyay, MD & CEO, Lord’s Mark Industries Pvt. Ltd.
 

LordsMed will manufacture these re-agent and diagnostic testing kits at its manufacturing facility in Maharashtra and make these kits available to pathological labs, hospitals and research institutes through its Pan-India distribution network of over 300 dealers. LordsMed will use the kits in its chain of pathological labs as well. The company has plans to export the re-agent and kits in key global markets. LordsMed aims to generate revenue worth Rs.200 crores by supplying these kits Pan India and within SAARC, African and Eastern Europe countries in global markets within couple of years.

Commenting on the launch, Sachidanand Upadhyay, MD & CEO, Lord's Mark Industries Ltd. said, “The demand for affordable and quality re-agent and diagnostic kits in India is growing steadily on the back of prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases, growing awareness of importance of diagnostic intervention and the benefits of preventive healthcare. Our re-agent or diagnostic testing kits with unparalleled accuracy, sensitivity and shelf life will redefine the pre-emptive diagnostic interventions framework for critical diseases. As Indian patents are recognised globally, we have filed India patents for our kits to get easy acceptance in global markets. With our robust manufacturing capacity and domestic and global distribution network, we are working towards meeting the growing demand for quality diagnostic kits across regions.”

LordsMed has its manufacturing facility at Vasai and the company is currently in the final stage of establishing its second and third manufacturing facilities in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and Silvassa, Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli respectively. These facilities are poised to set new benchmarks in Asia, in terms of production capacity and quality standards.

Lords Mark Industries has entered into technological tie-ups with IIT Bombay, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and other premier institutes to develop world-class patent products which will change the face of the diagnostic industry. Lords Mark Industries is working towards developing affordable non-invasive diagnostic kits with the highest accuracy level for critical diseases such as sickle cell, oral cancer and tuberculosis. 

About Lord’s Mark Industries

Incorporated in 1998, Lord’s Mark Industries Private Ltd. (Lord’s) has made impressive growth starting from paper to LED to Renewable energy and making grand in the medical diagnostic industry. Lord’s and its subsidiaries have made a mark in Electric Vehicle, Genome Testing, Vitamin Industry and Healthcare. Growth through diversification has become the trend setter and has been the cornerstone of success at Lord’s.
 

For more information, please visit lordsmark.com.

Organising Committee of LSI with Eminent Speakers at Inauguration of Conference

LSI, as India's premier academic collaborator, has established partnerships with renowned institutions affiliated with the University of Mumbai. These include Malad Kandivali Education Society Nagindas Khandwala College, B.K. Birla College, and the IPA-MSB's Bombay College of Pharmacy, all of which offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Integrative Nutrition and Dietetics.

Reputed organizations like Nutrition Society of India (Mumbai Chapter), Indian Dietetics Association (IDA), Diabetes Core group - Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Association of Sports Nutrition & Fitness Sciences, DENMA Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., and Academy for Skills in Nutrition, Health & Research were the collaborators for the conference.

The conference witnessed a remarkable turnout on both days, and it was preceded by two content and skill-oriented workshops. The event attracted eminent national and international experts who shared their invaluable insights on various aspects of prediabetes, including diagnosis, assessment, prevention, and management.

Dr. Daksha Shah - Deputy Executive Health Officer, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) highlighted about the initiatives of MCGM towards prevention of diabetes in the population. The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Luke Coutinho, Dr. (Mrs.) Ancy Jose, Director, MKES Group of Institutions and Dr. (Prof.) Moushumi Datta, Principal, Nagindas Khandwala College along with Prof. Dr. Subhadra Mandalika Advisor Lifeness Science Institute Mr. Gopal Sharma and Mr. Vipul Solanki, Director Future Varsity Education Group and LSI.

Day 1 of the conference featured a keynote address by Padmashri Dr. V. Mohan- a renowned Diabetologist. Dr. Mohan highlighted the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes and drew attention to the alarming rate at which it progresses to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in India. He emphasized the critical importance of early detection and intervention.

Subsequent sessions of Day 1 explored a wide range of topics related to prediabetes, including its prevalence, risk factors, mental health connections, and the role of gut microbiota. Experts like Padmashri Dr. Shashank Joshi, Dr. Dheeraj Kapoor and Dr. Tetyana Rocks (Australia) provided comprehensive insights, offering attendees a holistic understanding of prediabetes.

The conference also featured discussions on the long-term consequences of prediabetes and effective assessment methods. A panel of expert dietitians from the Indian Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition group shared their knowledge, covering topics such as Anthropometry, Body Composition Analysis, and Biomarkers for Pre-diabetes assessment. Eminent experts like Dr. Anuradha Khadilkar, Dr. Archana Juneja, and Dr. Mansi Patil equipped attendees with valuable tools for identifying individuals at risk.

Dr. Suvarna Patil presented findings from a comprehensive study conducted in rural Maharashtra, highlighting significant health challenges in the region, including a high prevalence of pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. Dr. Patil's insights underscored the need for holistic interventions and lifestyle modifications to promote better health in rural areas, emphasizing the urgency of addressing prediabetes in diverse populations.

Day 1 concluded with an engaging dialogue between Ms. Sheetal Joshi, a renowned dietitian, and Dr. Neeta Deshpande, a diabetologist, exploring the possibility of pre-diabetes remission and offering practical insights for individuals at risk.

Day 2 began with an inspiring address by Mr. Luke Coutinho, an acclaimed Integrative lifestyle coach. Mr. Coutinho stressed the importance of personalized lifestyle interventions tailored to an individual's unique characteristics, emphasizing the role of addressing root causes in preventing and managing prediabetes.

Scientific sessions on Day 2 focused on Nutrition, Metabolism, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Precision nutrition in the context of Pre-diabetes. Experts like Dr. Datta Patel, Dr. Kalpana Bhaskaran (Singapore), G Bhanuprakash Reddy, and Dr. Geeta Dharmatti shared their profound knowledge and research findings. These sessions provided attendees with evidence-based insights into the critical aspects of Pre-diabetes management, including Dietary considerations and Metabolic adaptations.

A group of eminent Dietitians from the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) addressed issues related to faulty eating behaviors through power talks. These talks covered topics such as unmindful eating/food selection, non-judicious use of sweeteners, untimely eating habits, and faulty food choices, providing practical strategies for dietary behavior modification in preventing and managing prediabetes.

The importance of exercise as a key pillar of a healthy lifestyle was highlighted by experts like Dr. Ashish Contractor, emphasizing its significant impact on insulin sensitivity and overall well-being. Ms. Puja Heliwal, a Yoga Expert, shared insights into the benefits of Yoga in prediabetes management, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The scientific sessions concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. Chittaranjan Yajnik, Director and Consultant of the Diabetes Unit at KEM Hospital, Pune. Dr. Yajnik presented practical strategies for preventing prediabetes, drawing on his extensive experience in the field, leaving attendees with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose in tackling prediabetes.

In addition to presentations and discussions, the conference provided a platform for researchers to share their research outcomes. Approximately 50 scientific abstracts were submitted from across India, showcasing the latest research in the field. A select few were chosen for oral presentations, and others were featured in poster presentation competitions. The winners were recognized with the prestigious VishwaSwasthyam best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards, acknowledging their contributions to advancing knowledge in pre-diabetes research.

In summary, the two-day "VishwaSwasthyam 2024" International Conference was a resounding success, contributing significantly to the knowledge and skills of all participants. It emphasized the importance of comprehensive approaches, lifestyle interventions, and personalized strategies in addressing the pressing global health concern of Pre-diabetes and its prevention.

To know more about the Conference visit: lsiworld.in/vishwa-swasthyam.

Takeda today announced the signing of a three-year MoU with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) (birac.nic.in), a public sector enterprise set up by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The MoU was announced in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Minister of State for the Prime Minister Office, Government of India, and senior government and industry leaders. The partnership will allow Takeda to extend advisory and mentoring support to innovators and entrepreneurs while assisting them from ideation to market deployment of new-age healthcare solutions. The collaboration resonates with BIRAC’s vision to stimulate, foster and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech industry for creation of affordable products addressing the needs of the largest section of society.

Speaking of the collaboration, Sanjay Patel, Global Head of Data Digital and Technology Innovation Capability Solutions, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG, said, “India is a vibrant and promising healthcare market. The country’s healthcare segment offers an incredible opportunity both for innovation and growth. The entrepreneurial spirit of domestic healthcare startups has the power to drive healthcare advancements not only in India but globally. This partnership between Takeda and BIRAC, thus, moves beyond convention, signifying a promise to further healthcare in a manner that sets the stage for lasting improvements in the years to come.”

Serina Fischer, General Manager, Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Takeda, we are committed to meeting the unmet needs of patients by discovering and delivering life-transforming treatments and innovative solutions. Our vision and mission align with the Indian Government’s aspiration for local solutions to global healthcare challenges. This partnership serves as a practical blueprint, highlighting how public and private players can join forces to propel substantial and enduring advances in healthcare.”

Ruchi Sogarwal, Head of Corporate Affairs, Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd., added, “Collaborations between the government, academia and industry contribute immensely to accelerating innovation and building disruptive healthcare technology solutions for addressing unmet patient needs. Our partnership with BIRAC will allow us to foster innovations, nurturing capabilities and enhancing global competitiveness translating bioscience into bioeconomy.”

The partnership was announced at the Global Bio-India (GBI) 2023 (www.globalbioindia.org) event organized by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India and its Public Sector Undertaking, BIRAC. GBI is a mega international congregation of biotechnology stakeholders, including international bodies, regulatory bodies, Central and State Ministries, SMEs, large industries, bioclusters, research institutes, investors, and the startup ecosystem.

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

Important Notice

For the purposes of this notice, “press release” means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.

The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, “Takeda” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda’s future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as “targets”, “plans”, “believes”, “hopes”, “continues”, “expects”, “aims”, “intends”, “ensures”, “will”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “projects” or similar expressions or the negative thereof.

These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda’s global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda’s operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takeda’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda’s other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda’s website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings-and-security-reports/ or at www.sec.gov. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda’s future results.

Medical Information This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

Relsus launches premium plant-based proteins in India

With over one hundred plus start-ups in India focusing on plant-based food and beverage options, who mainly depend upon imported protein powders, and often face inconsistent qualities. Relsus's launch is a significant step towards reducing dependency on protein powder imports by producing high quality products in India, and supporting local farmers, thereby boosting incomes, and creating job opportunities within India. The company's dedication to empowering Indian and international food companies aligns with its vision to bring India and Southeast Asia to the forefront of the global plant-based food and beverage supply chains.

Relsus distinguishes itself by partnering with key agricultural research institutions and farmers for cultivating non-GMO crops like Chickpea, Mung Bean, Green Pea, and Rapeseed through organic farming practices. These crops serve as the foundation for Relsus's top-tier plant-based protein offerings. Relsus’ proprietary technology brings consistency in the production of high-quality protein powders without the usage of harmful chemicals and solvents, contributing to its commitment to Reliability and Sustainability.

Founder and CEO Vineet Singhal emphasized the importance of the product launch, stating, “With the launch of Relsus’ range of high quality, and scalable plant-based protein powders, we are committing ourselves to empower local and global FMCG and Plant Based Food & Beverage companies to make healthier options more easily accessible to consumers in many different forms. We believe India can play the role of a catalyst in the journey of global protein transition, to meet the challenges of climate change.”

The global food industry, responsible for 34% of greenhouse gas emissions, faces an urgent need for sustainable alternatives to feed the growing population projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. Relsus acknowledges the dual challenges of protein deficiency and environmental impact and is dedicated to offering scalable solutions through plant-based proteins and specialty starches.

Further, as the global trend of veganism grows, with approximately five hundred million vegetarians and five million strict vegans in India as of 2020 with the trend expected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.32% during 2022-2027, Relsus is strategically positioned to capitalize on this shift. The launch includes products such as ChanaTein™ Chickpea Protein Concentrate, MungPro™ Mung Bean Protein Isolate, PeaTein™ Pea Protein Concentrate, CanoTein™ Rapeseed Protein Isolate designed to revolutionize various applications in the food and beverage industry.

Relsus invites everyone, especially the quality, and sustainability conscious Food & Beverage companies, to join its mission to help people live "Healthy Lives on a Healthier Planet". This launch marks a transformative moment in the plant-based protein industry, setting the stage for a sustainable nutritional transformation with global implications.

About Relsus

"Relsus" stands for Reliability (Rel) & Sustainability (Sus), both of which are central to the DNA of Relsus. We refer to Reliability & Sustainability with a wider definition to include corporate responsibility towards all stakeholders including society, employees, planet, suppliers, and customers. We believe that an honest, transparent, and people & planet respecting culture is key to long term success of any company. Relsus was founded by a highly qualified team having over 120 years of combined experience at senior positions in top multinational companies including producing active pharmaceutical ingredients based on fermentation, enzymatic & chemical processes and branding, marketing & selling products in global markets.

For more information, please visit: relsus.com.

On the right: Mr. Puneet Talwar, Business Director, BD Life Sciences-Biosciences, South Asia, On the left: Prof. (Dr.) Santanu Chaudhury, Director, IIT-Jodhpur

BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter with BD CellView™ Image Technology and BD SpectralFX™ Technology, is the first spectral flow cytometer sorter with sort capable image analysis. The BD FACSDiscover S8 has the potential to reshape research practices in the country as it brings applications in the areas such as gene therapy, cancer immunology, stem cell research etc. and many other areas of research in biology.

Anticlockwise, from right to left: Mr. Puneet Talwar, Business Director, BD Life Sciences-Biosciences, South Asia, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Ahirwar, Assistant Professor, IIT-Jodhpur, Prof. (Dr.) Santanu Chaudhury, Director, IIT-Jodhpur, Dr. Amitava Mitra, Visiting Professor, IIT-Jodhpur

Commenting on the launch, Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “The BD FACSDiscover™ S8 technology represents an exciting next chapter in the BD legacy of flow cytometry innovation, and we look forward to now delivering the BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter to customers across India and South Asia empower their novel applications and potentially life-changing discoveries. I am confident that aligned with our commitment to advancing the world of health, the BD FACSDiscover S8 will provide immense benefit to research, biopharma, and biotech laboratories in the country.”

The BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter has been featured at the CYTO 2023 conference, May 20-24 in Montréal and on the cover of SCIENCE magazine. It is a landmark product that expands the power of cell analysis and sorting to new dimensions by combining spectral flow cytometry with real-time spatial and morphological insights-empowering our scientists to address previously impossible-to-answer questions.

Present at the occasion, Puneet Talwar, Business Director- India/ South Asia, BD Lifesciences - Biosciences added, "BD FACSDiscover™ S8 is a revolutionary innovation in the field of Flow cytometry. This innovative technology will provide real time imaging and spectral sorting capabilities to scientific fraternity in India, which will enable them to transcend newer boundaries of research. IIT-Jodhpur has taken a pioneering step to get the first BD BD FACSDiscover™ S8 in South Asia installed in their FACS Facility. We eagerly look forward to providing this landmark technology to other well-known research Institutes of India soon.”

BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter combines flow cytometry data with spatial and morphological insights to obtain detailed information about cells that was previously invisible in traditional flow cytometry experiments. The technology enables answering complex biological questions, such as how cells grow, function and interact, or to study exact locations of viruses or proteins within a cell, all at a highly accelerated pace.

Using the Stanford patent and expertise of Herzenberg et al, BD Biosciences introduced the first ever commercial FACS instrument in 1974 and has remained at the forefront of flow cytometry since.

More information is available at bdbiosciences.com/S8.

About Flow Cytometry

Flow Cytometry is a process used to sort, separate, and examine microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes. It plays an important role in clinical diagnostics and research. BD offers a growing portfolio of Flow Cytometry instruments for leukemia/lymphoma phenotyping, stem cell research, immunology, and CD4 testing.

About BD India

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care.

Highlighting Takeda's global stance on DE&I in the forum, Takako Ohyabu, Chief Global Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer at Takeda said, "As a global company, we strive to have a workforce as diverse as the talent pools in the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. At Takeda, we are committed to embracing differences, exploring possibilities, and developing our colleagues. We understand that our long-term success depends on building an inclusive environment where all our colleagues are welcomed, empowered, and inspired to use their unique voices and talents. Health equity cannot be achieved without embracing DE&I. This is how we discover innovative approaches to serve our patients, customers, and communities.”

Dr. Ruchi Sogarwal, Head of Corporate Affairs at Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Furthering our participation in the G20 Health Working Group events, Takeda is honored to contribute to the critical dialogue on DE&I which is essential not only for the society but also for the healthcare industry. Takeda continues to stay committed to the development agenda being led by India through the G20 presidency.”

Takeda's representation at the Equality Lounge at G20 Summit resonates with its objective to catalyze positive change by fostering diversity, equity and inclusion on a global scale. With operations spanning over 80 countries, the company strives to cultivate an environment in which all employees enjoy the opportunity to thrive, develop, and grow based on merit, potential, and aspiration, regardless of background (such as gender, age, nationality, race, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or lifestyle).

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries.

For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

Important Notice

For the purposes of this notice, “press release” means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.

The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, “Takeda” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda’s future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as “targets”, “plans”, “believes”, “hopes”, “continues”, “expects”, “aims”, “intends”, “ensures”, “will”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “could” “anticipates”, “estimates”, “projects” or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda’s global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takeda’s operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takeda’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda’s other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda’s website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings/ or at www.sec.gov. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda’s future results.

Medical information

This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

         Aarthi Scans & Labs provides Smart Reports for MRI and CT Scans

These smart reports are customised for every patient to explain their own reports in easy to understand language with the help of illustrations and picturisation. The educational content in these smart reports are developed and vetted by radiologists to ensure accuracy. Patients can simply click on every medical term and can see the definition and meaning of the term in this interactive webpage.

The smart reports are available at Aarthi Scans' website - reports.aarthiscan.com/ReportsPortal where patients can log in and view their customised smart reports in their mobile phone or laptop.

"We are excited to launch smart reports for radiology," said Dr Arunkumar Govindarajan, Radiologist and Executive Director of Aarthi Scans and Labs. "These reports are a game-changer in the field of radiology. They provide patients with the information they need to make more informed decisions without the need of searching Google."

Dr Prasanna Vignesh, Radiologist and Executive Director of Aarthi Scans and Labs said, “Aarthi Scans has always been in the forefront of introducing new technology to benefit our patients and improve their experience. Empowering patients on understanding their complex radiology reports has always been in our mind and being the first in the Indian Diagnostics industry to introduce radiology smart reports is a testament to our patient-focussed and patient-friendly view of healthcare.”

Aarthi scans and labs is one of India’s largest integrated diagnostic chains with presence in 11 states and 250+ branches. They own the largest fleet of MRI scanners in India with 55 Siemens and GE MRI scanners. 

For more details, please call +91 7550075500.

Website: aarthiscan.com.

Absolute, a bioscience company, has announced the launch of its biological agri-input business, Inera CropScience. The company's crop-agnostic range of biofertilizers, biostimulants, biocontrols, and seed coating products have been launched in India, where Inera aims to meet the needs of 20% of the world's population and the highest arable land of any single nation in the world.
 

Absolute’s Inera launches 100% bioabled farm inputs in India 
 

The global agriculture input market, which includes inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and other crop protection chemicals, was valued at $241.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $330.1 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The demand for agricultural inputs is driven by the increasing need for food security due to rising global population, urbanization, and changing dietary habits. The growing trend towards sustainable agriculture practices is also driving the demand for bio-based inputs such as bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and other bio-stimulants.

 

Inera intends to capture 20-30% industry market share in subsequent years as the world rapidly adopts biologicals, with the CAGR in the US at 12%, EU at 9%, Asia at 11%, and MEA at 10%. The sector is gradually getting cluttered with "me too" markets, with fierce competition and multiple players making products that are already well established. However, there are far fewer players in the biological sector that are building innovative, high-quality products, and this is the gap that Inera aims to fill.

 

Inera has made crucial strategic investments in expanding research and manufacturing capabilities to meet the demands of end-consumers. The specialty sector is gaining rapid momentum, and Inera intends to become a key market player in this sector, which is a triple-digit-billion-dollar market. To begin with, Inera will be going live across 16 states in India including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana etc with the help of local channel partners (distributors) who are being on boarded. Inera also plans to explore channels consumers through D2F and e-commerce in the upcoming phases.

 

The company's products are backed by extensive research in molecular biology, microbiology, epigenetics, -omics, and synthetic biology. Inera products are developed using its proprietary Natural Intelligence PlatformTM and formulated using STREAC (Signal Triggered Regenerative Activation Complex) Technology to preserve biological agents, extend their shelf-life & improve performance considerably. Inera's portfolio is powered by Xenesis, which comprises 150+ leading scientists, many of whom have returned from Israel, the US, South Korea, and Africa.

 

Since its inception in 2015, Absolute has invested more than USD 12 million in R&D and will continue to make such investments in the future. The company runs approximately 5 million square feet of world-class R&D for product development and testing across Karnal, Haryana; Indore, Madhya Pradesh; Trichy, Tamil Nadu, Dhamda, Chhattisgarh; and more locations near Delhi, covering 12 major crop varieties across field crops, cereals, fruits, cash crops, vegetables, pulses, etc., with state-of-the-art laboratories headquartered at the Xenesis Institute in New Delhi. Absolute is further bolstering its research capabilities by expanding to Pune.

 

Speaking on the launch Agam Khare, CEO & Founder, Absolute Inera Cropscience, says, "A true breakthrough in agriculture can only come from an unparalleled understanding of why nature and plants behave the way they do, by understanding their choices and preferences, and then marrying that science with the latest in technology to build sustainable products and services that impact at scale. Inera is committed to bringing exceptional crop health and protection products that improve farmer profitability, environmental sustainability & climate resilience."

Prateek Rawat, COO & Co-founder, Absolute Inera Cropscience, says, “Inera is invested in building a robust range of sustainable biological inputs for agriculture worldwide. With the dynamic landscape of modern farming, growers need inputs that are broad in their use and tolerance. Sustainability, in terms of resource use and health of the natural ecosystem at large, is built into everything we do.”

About Absolute®

Absolute® is a frontier bioscience company leveraging billions of years of nature's evolutionary intelligence to solve humanity's greatest challenges – starting with safe and sustainable solutions for agriculture and extending to biomaterials and biocare.

All these segments are powered by cutting-edge research in biology at Absolute’s Xenesis Institute. The R&D arm, Xenesis, is building remarkable platforms and solutions using biological data captured in its Nature Intelligence Platform – an all-encompassing approach to discovering powerful interactions and decision-making in nature.

Absolute® currently operates across 20+ countries. Backed by Sequoia, Tiger Global, and Alpha Wave, Absolute's angels include Nadir Godrej - MD of Godrej Industries, Kamal Aggarwal - Promoter of Haldiram, and Kunal Shah-CRED among others.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Pavan Choudary, Chairman, MTaI said, “The growing hospital capacity and the Govt. of India’s Emphasis on this sector is making India a favourite spot for the MedTech Industry. Additionally, India also provides a China +1 alternative for global investors as it shares a similar market, political systems, and a history of peace with the West and Japan. We are excited to bring the industry captains and diplomats from various countries together under one roof to discuss opportunities that the MedTech industry foresees in India.”

Mr. Choudary further added, “Medical devices are different from other healthcare industries as they develop and grow based on a unique innovation and manufacturing ecosystem. Such a system comes into being with the help of global legacy technology companies and also helps indigenous entrepreneurs and physicians to create and bring to market, local medical technology. Therefore, we feel that domestic and international currents will together help carve out key policy recommendations and initiatives which will be instrumental in furthering the MedTech industry in India. ”

About Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI)

Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI – pronounced as Em-tai) is a not-for-profit organization duly registered under sub-section (2) of section 7 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.

MTaI is an association of research-based medical technology companies who have made remarkable investments in Manufacturing, R&D and Health Care Workers Training in India. MTaI represents a wide spectrum of the medical device industry with global experience in innovation and manufacturing. All the time stressing on the three hallmarks of healthcare - Quality, Consistency and Patient Safety, MTaI wants to be a responsible voice of the industry. The association is committed to improving access to affordable and quality healthcare for patients.

MTaI looks to partner with the Government of India in setting a roadmap for the growth of medical devices sector by bringing in even bigger investments in this sector, through 'Make in India’ and through technology upgradation and dissemination in the provider space.

Jitendra Gupta, Managing Director of India, ConcertAI

“Jitendra’s appointment is aligned to the next phase of ConcertAI’s growth and ability to provide the highest rates of innovation with sector-leading quality in research-grade data and SaaS solutions.  Today, India brings 6 million new workers into the healthcare and life sciences fields.  Whereas 80% of these would have left the country for the US or Europe in the past, now more than 70% choose to stay.  As a result, India has one of the highest trained technical and scientific talent in the world,” said ConcertAI CEO, Jeff Elton, PhD. “We are proud that we’ve had an India unit since our founding in 2017, and see the planned future growth of our operations there as foundational to sustaining our innovativeness and leadership in RWD and AI SaaS Solutions for clinical research and healthcare.”    

Jitendra brings over 20 years of experience across healthcare product and consulting roles to ConcertAI. As Managing Director of India, he will lead the expansion of ConcertAI’s India presence as the company’s global hub for operations management across ConcertAI’s business units. As a core member of the executive leadership team, Jitendra will play a crucial role in ensuring that India's processes are aligned with the company's overarching goals for programmatic, fiscal, and work culture development.

“I’m excited to join the ConcertAI team to help lead the expansion in India and support the company’s continued work providing its partners with the innovative, patient-centric solutions for which it’s known,” said Jitendra. “ConcertAI has firmly established itself as the leader in data and evidence-backed advancements in oncology trials. I look forward to working closely with the executive team as we grow our India operations to further support those efforts.”

Jitendra was most recently the President of Global Operations at Integra Connect, where he managed a team of 3,000 professionals across healthcare technology, operations, analytics, and data curation functions. Before Integra, Jitendra worked with Optum and Deloitte’s Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice, and served many large pharma, payers, and provider clients. He holds three product patents and a Black Belt Certification in Lean & Six-Sigma from work experience at GE. Jitendra earned his MBA from Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in technology from IIT Bombay.

About ConcertAI

ConcertAI is a leader in Real-World Evidence (RWE) and AI SaaS solutions for life sciences and healthcare. Our mission is to accelerate insights and outcomes for patients through leading real-world data, AI technologies, and scientific expertise in partnership with the leading biomedical innovators, healthcare providers, and medical societies.

For more information, please visit us at www.concertai.com.

Chemoport

Portshala is a medical education program for healthcare professionals that was conceptualized to create awareness on Chemoports and the lifestyle benefits that they offer to patients. These include painless delivery of chemotherapy drugs through a single port without requiring need for multiple access points thereby eliminating the need to find a suitable vein at each chemo session.

Atul Grover, Managing Director-BD-India/South Asia said, “Our educational outreach program Portshala is specifically built to generate awareness around cancer and the benefits of using advanced vascular access devices during cancer treatment. On the occasion of World Cancer Day, we are pleased to announce the launch of our Portshala microsite for healthcare professionals and patients. The microsite encloses information on advanced vascular access devices like chemoports and how they can enhance the quality of life for patients. At BD, patient care and safety continue to be the bedrock of what we do, and such initiatives that enable improved treatment solutions to reiterate our commitment to Advancing the world of health.” 

Chemotherapy is one of the common treatment lines for cancer that is aimed at killing cancer cells, preventing it from spreading, and slowing the growth rate.  For the intravenous chemo drug delivery process, the drugs need to be given through a Vascular Access Device (VAD) such as IV cannula, PICC line, or a chemoport. A chemoport is an advanced VAD that is surgically placed under the skin for easy and repeated access.

Highlighting the benefits of Chemoports, Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Senior Director- Surgical Oncology, Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery, Fortis Cancer Institute, and MACS Clinic, Bangalore says, “Cancer patients often go through intravenous treatment to receive chemotherapy, medications, and blood transfusions. Unfortunately, this also results in multiple needle pricks for the patient as most of the time the vein is not easily detected. The process becomes very painful for the patient. The benefit of the chemoport is that it stays in place through the treatment duration. The maintenance of the port is also very simple and the patient does have to do anything about it.”

Oncologists all over the world are recognizing the advantages of using Chemoports rather than traditional cannulas. The ports can stay in place as long as the physician recommends. So, unlike cannulas, one doesn’t need to replace it frequently and thus has lesser visits to the hospital. A study indicates that 92% of the patients had an improved quality of life with chemo ports.

Patients and physicians can seek mutual benefit from chemoports as they are multi-functional and can also be used for delivering fluids and transfusions, collecting blood samples for lab testing, and injecting dye for PET and CT scans.

About BD

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to healthcare.

An alarmingly high incidence of nutritional anaemia due to deficiency of iron, folate and B12 is seen especially in children and women of child-bearing age in developing countries, including India. In light of the rampant malnutrition prevalence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to ensure that by 2024, all rice distributed by the Government of India would be fortified. The government also announced plans to initiate rice fortification under various schemes, including Public Distribution System, Integrated Child Development Services, PM POSHAN (erstwhile Mid-Day Meal Scheme) and Other Welfare Schemes.

Fortified rice manufacturers mix FRK with traditional milled rice thereby enhancing its nutritional content. India is one of the leading producers of rice, with a geographically and economically diverse rice-consuming population. Moreover, the incremental cost for fortifying rice is low, making it a scalable and cost-effective strategy. Studies have shown the acceptability of fortified rice by consumers along with significant retention of micronutrients after processing.

Mr. Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, Fermenta Biotech Limited, added, “Fermenta is proud to launch its FRK offering, thereby contributing towards overcoming micronutrient deficiency in India and across the world. As a sustainable and responsible business, we endeavour to provide world class quality products including FRK that would take our nation closer to achieving the targets for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Zero Hunger and Good Health & Well-being.”

About Fermenta Biotech Limited (FBL)

Founded in 1951, Fermenta Biotech Limited (FBL) possesses a growing portfolio of nutritional ingredients includes Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), Vitamin AD2 for oil fortification and natural astaxanthin. Apart from its nutrition portfolio, FBL is the only manufacturer of Vitamin D3 in India and a leading global player. It caters to over 350 customers across 60 countries with a worldwide distribution network for a variety of applications such as pharmaceuticals, dietary and nutritional supplements, food, animal nutrition and rodenticides. FBL's manufacturing facilities in Kullu and Dahej are certificated by global accreditations and its world class R&D centre is located at Thane. FBL also possesses expertise in integrated biotechnology solutions such as enzymes for antibiotic synthesis and other niche APIs.

For more information about the Company and its businesses, please visit our website www.fermentabiotech.com.

Safe Harbor

Statements in this document relating to future status, events, or circumstances, including but not limited to statements about plans and objectives, the progress and results of research and development, potential project characteristics, project potential and target dates for project related issues are forward-looking statements based on estimates and the anticipated effects of future events on current and developing circumstances. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are not necessarily predictive of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results changed assumptions or other factors.

BD Life Sciences workshop on MRD

Commenting on the initiative, Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “Over the years, flow cytometry has proven to be an invaluable asset in several clinical applications. We organized this workshop with our partners to bring focus on the role that flow cytometry can play in the detection of Minimal Residual Disease. Our aim is to encourage best practices for better patient outcomes in alignment with our purpose of Advancing the World of Health.”

Participants from India, Srilanka, Bangladesh,  Nepal, Phillipines and Korea

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is a term used to describe the small number of cancer cells in the body after cancer treatment. An MRD positive test result means that the disease was still detected after treatment. Doctors use MRD to measure the effectiveness of treatment and to predict which patients are at risk of relapse. It can also help doctors confirm and monitor remissions, and possibly identify an early return of cancer.

Present at the workshop, Dr. Arun Kumar Arunachalam, Associate Professor, Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore said, “It is exciting to see the interest in the field of MRD and in fact, when we started planning for this workshop, we never imagined that this would be the level of enthusiasm in the country and beyond. There were lots of interactions and discussions between the speakers and the delegates and I am sure everyone who attended the event would have benefitted from the program. Looking forward to more such academic collaborations with BD.”

Monitoring the response to chemotherapy and the depth of remission plays a critical role in the management of patients with hematological malignancies. It is important for practicing hematopathologists to understand the prognostic and therapeutic significance of the MRD result and be aware of the advances made in this field.

Flow Cytometry is a process used to sort, separate and examine microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes. It plays an important role in clinical diagnostics and research. BD offers a growing portfolio of flow cytometry instruments for Leukemia/Lymphoma phenotyping, stem cell research, immunology, and CD4 testing.

About BD-India

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care.

LumiraDx Healthcare Private Limited, a next-generation point of care diagnostics testing company announced it has launched its highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein (CRP) point of care antigen test across India. The point of care CRP test can be used in multiple clinical settings to help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing that leads to antimicrobial resistance. From a tiny sample of finger-prick blood, the CRP test gives results within four minutes on the portable LumiraDx platform which weighs just over a kilogram. 

LumiraDX launched highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein (CRP) point of care antigen test across India today

Today’s announcement comes during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) which spotlights the increasing global burden of antimicrobial resistance. With the new antibiotic pipeline almost dry, reducing antibiotic prescriptions, managing patient compliance to treatment, and reducing self-medication are vital to alleviate the global burden of drug-resistant pathogens. Studies show that point of care CRP testing reduces antibiotic prescribing by 23-36% for respiratory tract infections (RTI)¹, and 22% for COPD². Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be a high priority global issue ^4,5 and there is a direct relationship between the prescribing of antimicrobials and the development of AMR. ⁶

CRP testing can effectively help to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in primary care.¹

“India, one of the world’s most populated nations has greatly been impacted by antimicrobial resistance. The availability of the LumiraDx CRP Point of Care Antigen Test can help to ensure that antibiotics are only given to patients who will benefit from them,” said Yogesh Singh, LumiraDx General Manager, India.

“Global emergence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens presents an urgent need for practical and innovative solutions to control and prevent the use of antibiotics, especially where unnecessary prescriptions, self-medication and poor compliance persist,” said Dr. Nigel Lindner, Chief Innovation Officer, LumiraDx, “Ensuring doctors’ access to crucial actionable CRP test results in care settings is a sustainable way to future proof our system against antibiotic resistance.”

In India, CRP tests are available in ICUs, paediatric departments, EDs, GPs, OPDs, and other clinical care settings. The Government of India considers AMR a priority health issue and has undertaken a nationwide initiative by launching an AMR stewardship programme.

More information on LumiraDx is available at www.lumiradx.com. 

References:

1. Cooke J, Llor C, Hopstaken R, Dryden M, Butler C. Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care: narrative review of C reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing (POCT) and antibacterial use in patients who present with symptoms of RTI. BMJ Open Respir Res. 2020;7(1):e000624. doi:10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000624 

2. Butler CC, Gillespie D, White P, et al. C-Reactive Protein Testing to Guide Antibiotic Prescribing for COPD Exacerbations. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(2):111-120. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1803185 

3 . Neelam Taneja and Megha Sharma. Antimicrobial resistance in the environment: The Indian scenario. Indian J Med Res. 2019 Feb; 149(2): 119–128.

4. World Health Organisation (WHO). Global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, 2015.

5 O'Neill J. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: final report and recommendations. London: HM Government and Wellcome Trust, 2016.

6. Goossens H, Ferech M, Vander Stichele R, et al. Outpatient antibiotic use in Europe and association with resistance: a cross-national database study. Lancet
2005;365:579–87. 

The award recognizes Avantor’s outstanding efforts to introduce innovative technologies in the health and medical industry. The Company’s biomanufacturing excellence enhances speed, reduces costs and establishes superior quality within the industry.

Amit Sehgal, Managing Director, Avantor India accepting the award at the India Vaccine Leaders Conclave 2022

Amit Sehgal, Managing Director at Avantor India, accepted the prestigious award, “This award is a testament to our agility and expertise in bringing more efficient and intelligent technologies to health and medical industry. It is a moment of great pride to be recognized for our support of biopharmaceutical manufacturers through our comprehensive product portfolio and customer-driven production technologies.”

Avantor India team members at the India Vaccine Leaders Conclave 2022

Narayana Rao Rapolu, Vice President, Biopharma, Asia Middle East & Africa for Avantor said, “There is a growing need for life-altering biologics. Single-use products and systems from Avantor give biomanufacturers the agility needed to bring new therapies to market rapidly. We also bring process development expertise and solutions for every stage of vaccine manufacturing workflows.”

At Avantor, innovation is at the heart of our business, extending into how we approach designing single-use systems for use in biologics manufacturing. Avantor supplies a wide range of cGMP chemicals and excipients, sera, single-use solutions and other raw materials for vaccine development and manufacturing, including solutions that support COVID-19 vaccines.

India Leader Vaccine Conclave 2022 provided a meaningful theme of “Best Practices in Vaccines” and saw participation from leading researchers, scientists, academicians, vaccinologists, immunologists, healthcare professionals, clinicians, government representatives and industry delegates who shared their knowledge on the field’s most recent ground-breaking advancements and discoveries, including the front-runner COVID-19 vaccines.

About Avantor

Avantor®, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education & government, and advanced technologies & applied materials industries. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities in the industries we serve. Our global footprint enables us to serve more than 225,000 customer locations and gives us extensive access to research laboratories and scientists in more than 180 countries. We set science in motion to create a better world.

For more information, please visit avantorsciences.com and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

AMDP 2022 also witnesses product launches by MagGenome Technologies Pvt. Ltd. They have specifically strengthened the sector of medical diagnostics by launching XpressAutoMag range of products for DNA and RNA extraction from biological samples. These unique products will fill the gap in the current market by providing DNA extraction using MagGenome’s proprietary Magnetic Nano Particle (MNP) technology that will improve efficiency, and reduce time and cost for the general public. This has applications in doing faster tests for the general public as well as for large-scale industries.

DNA and RNA extraction using MNP technology will improve yield, purity and quality in comparison to the currently existing solutions in India. Additionally, MagGenome’s flexible, automated nucleic acid extraction platform will provide stable and reproducible results at a low cost. This technology will effectively avoid cross-contamination and ensure high quality of extracted nucleic acids and will further enhance global applications in research and diagnostic capabilities in the field of molecular diagnostics and genomics. This will also strengthen ‘Made in India products for the World’ in the clinical diagnostics sector.

Several speakers and participants from Life Sciences and Diagnostics companies like MagGenome Technologies Pvt. Ltd., KMTC, KLIP, Genes2me, Neuberg diagnostics, Nanostrings, Premas Biotech, Levim Biotech, SPT Labtech, ThermoFisher Scientific, Bioengineering, GenNext Genomics Pvt Ltd., iOrbitz and Institutes like CCMB, IGIB, NCBS, CDFD, AIIMS, and CHARUSAT will attend the event. The Patron of the conference is Mr. Sam Santhosh. Dr. CN Ramchand and Dr. S Meenakshi Sundaram are the Conference Conveners and Dr. Aniruddha Bhati is the Organising Secretary.

AMDP-2022 is the first of its kind, organised by SciGenom Research Foundation (SGRF), a not-for-profit organization, that works toward promoting Science in India through research and education, with a specific focus on Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine. AMDP hosted well-known dignitaries in the field coming together to augment their research activities with Indian scientists and companies as partners. This will provide a much-needed boost to the research in these sectors that shows promise to deal with communicable and non-communicable diseases around the world. The program also includes a ‘Healthcare Investors Panel discussion’ which will be moderated by Mr. Sam Santhosh, a well-known Healthcare Investor and Chairman of SciGenom group of companies. The other investors that are present at the event include 3ONE4 Capital, TPG, Eight Roads, Leapfrog investments and Sofina to list a few.

The Conference will also provide student scholarships, poster awards, young scientist awards and lifetime achievement awards to deserving candidates and proven performers in the field.

About SciGenom Research Foundation

SciGenom Research Foundation (SGRF), a not-for-profit organization, is working to promote Science in India through research and education. Currently, the foundation is involved in several research initiatives that are typically not funded by government agencies but are identified as scientifically relevant and important in consultation with the scientific advisory board. Research activities of SGRF span a wide range of areas including Agriculture, Animal Health, Biodiversity, Genomics, Snake Venom and Human Health. These research works have contributed to many publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals - the highlights being the Nature Dec 2019 cover page on Genome Asia and Nature Genetics Jan 2020 cover page on the Indian Cobra Genome. The ongoing projects include the study of genomics of coloured rice, metagenomics of rivers in India, wild elephant viral disease genomics, tea looper biocontrol agent development, familial cancer genomics and human genome variation studies.

In addition to research activities, the education arm SGRF Conferences has conducted several educational workshops and international conferences to promote science in India. Besides educational activities, SGRF has instituted awards to recognize outstanding educators and support students through scholarships.

About MagGenome Technologies

MagGenome Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is an India-based company headquartered in Cochin that started operations in 2014 in the field of nano-biotechnology. The primary focus of MagGenome is on developing magnetic nanoparticles-based technologies that are technically proficient and industrially viable for life science, chemical, pharmaceutical and engineering applications. It was incubated in SciGenom Labs for one year and has been a registered independent company since 2015. MagGenome`s key focus is to become the most reliable solution provider for molecular diagnostics and genomics research by making processes faster, cheaper and more efficient. Its key vision is to introduce first-in-class products by attaining excellence driven by cutting-edge research with the highest standards of quality. MagGenome’s core competencies include Nanotechnology, Nucleic acid and Protein purification and Process automation.

MagGenome`s product line includes DNA and RNA extraction kits under the brand name XpressDNA and XpressRNA. MagGenome is now introducing several key products like Diagnostic and research-based applications. These products include XpressAutoMag kits (Automated nucleic acid extraction instruments and kits), XpressPure beads (Next generation sequencing size selection beads) and XpressDx kits (Nucleic acid-based diagnostic kits). One of MagGenome’s key strengths is the ability to quickly develop products with world-class acceptability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MagGenome developed and got regulatory approvals for its COVID-19 detection kits within a short time. Products developed by MagGenome were used for close to 25 million tests in India during the pandemic. 

MagGenome has recently started its operations in the USA with its subsidiary called MagGenome Inc. The company is poised to deliver several cutting-edge products and cover newer geographies in the times to come. 

About Centre for Biotechnology (Anna University)

The Centre for Biotechnology at Anna University was established in 1984 right after the emergence of the new technology globally. As a forerunner in Biotechnology education and research, it is aptly established in a premier technical university supporting multidisciplinary growth along with other engineering and technologies of wide diversity rarely seen in any other university or institution.

This centre has a unique commitment to educating a broad spectrum of students - including undergraduate, post-graduate, and research scholars. Starting with M.Tech Biotechnology for 12 students in 1985, the Centre has expanded into a large Department now offering B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD programmes in Industrial Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Food Technology and Computational Biology for 800 students and more than 100 research scholars respectively.

The students and scholars are well-placed all over the world, mostly abroad, and are in great demand in industries, academics, and research institutions. Its pioneering curriculum is a model for many other Biotech institutions across the country and its practical training in Bioprocess engineering, Stem cell technology, Recombinant technology, protein engineering, molecular cell biology, and Bioinformatics is highly valued. Significantly, a rapid detection kit for filariasis that is marketed in India and Africa, and industrial bioprocesses in operation are some of the product-oriented research outcomes. The department strives in imparting quality technical education and research in advanced and emerging areas of Industrial, Medical, pharmaceutical and food applications of Biotechnology.

The Pharma IPR Conclave is one of the leading Pharma IP Events in the world and this year, it will once again, bring together Pharma IP leaders from across globe. Slated to be hosted as an in-person event, the Indian chapter of Pharma IPR 2022, aims to attract key Pharma IP leaders and lawmakers to highlight best practices in litigation, licensing and trials; and their thoughts on achieving the next phase of growth in the Pharma IPR space. The conference is expected to witness 200+ pharma companies, 230+ speakers across pharma and IP regulatory bodies, 900+ Pharma IP professionals and 150+ law firms to develop a robust IP Management strategy. The key focus of this three-day symposium will be Patent infringement, New rules in the Trademark modernization act, Implications of China Pharma Design patent amendment, EU-UK strategy to promote biosimilars and biologics & Bio Innovators, Evolving Patent Landscape in India, WHO’s implication of COVID-19 treatment, Dissecting Trade Secrets in FDA, Patents and other diverse areas of intellectual property portfolios.

Concurrently, the 4^th edition of the Biopharma Conclave will begin on 15^th September and primarily will have parallel sessions covering Innovation & Novel Technology, Late Development, Regulatory & Operations and Commercialization & Marketing. This two-day comprehensive conclave will be a single-platform event for all Biopharma professionals who aim to gain insights on Planning to Execution such as Research & Development (R&D), Manufacturing, Clinical Trials, Patent Framework, Commercialization and Marketing of biopharma drugs. The objective of this conclave is to deliberate on the crucial and the most relevant topics of the industry to enlighten biopharma professionals with case studies, innovation showcases and interactive panel discussions. The symposium will bring together professionals from across Bioanalytics, Biosimilars, Biotech, manufacturing and production, clinical research, regulatory, and R&D portfolios. The conclave is expected to witness 500+ participants, 30+ exhibitors and 55+ industry speakers from key biopharma companies such as GSK, Kemwell, Zydus, Syngene International, Pfizer India, and Reliance Lifesciences to name a few.

Announcing both the events, Mr. Poornachandra Tejasvi.K, Senior Director, Emerging Markets-India, Pharma Intelligence, said, “Both Pharma IPR India 2022 and Biopharma Conclave 2022 are key platforms to discuss the potential and challenges of the global IPR fraternity and Biopharma landscape globally. We, at Pharma Intelligence (soon to become Citeline), are thrilled to be a part of both the conclaves as thought leaders in the pharma intelligence space reiterating our expertise in delivering vital, accurate, and timely intelligence and analysis on key diseases, clinical trials, drug approvals & launches, R&D activities, biosimilars, to create real-world opportunities for growth and to stay on top of the rapidly changing landscape with in-depth insight and intelligence on key industry, commercial, clinical, regulatory, and R&D events. I believe this is what connects us with Informa Markets every year for an exclusive Knowledge Partnership to share and exchange insight and analysis on key trends and challenges shaping the industry at a local and global level and strive towards enriching the pharma industry at every step, together. I am sure, that both Pharma IPR and Biopharma Conclave 2022 will witness overwhelming success, they are great platforms to reconnect with the professionals of the pharmaceutical world, and provide them with data intelligence and industry analysis covering all aspects of commercial, clinical R&D, patient engagement and recruitment, and regulatory compliance developments.”

Globally, biopharmaceuticals contribute to annual sales, worth over $200 billion, where industry revenue continues to grow at a steady rate of 15 per cent annually. Based on Pharma Intelligence’s ‘Indian Biosimilars Report’, India leads the way with 127 products, which is the highest number of approved biosimilars compared to any other major regions. This space is expected to grow further, and it is likely to shape the next decade for the Indian biosimilars market through intensive portfolio management decisions, pricing, manufacturing opportunities, clinical trials and with Government support. Moreover, global Biopharma alliances for 2021 was seen to achieve a total potential deal value (PDV) of $177.3bn from 1,133 transactions (373 with disclosed values), cited in the 2021 Deal-making Roundup report by Pharma Intelligence. The Indian deal-making landscape confirms that there were 11 acquisitions with a disclosed value of $4.1Bn in aggregate, involving Indian companies over the past 5 years, with the largest acquisition occurring in early 2022 as Biocon Biologics entered into a definitive agreement with Viatris Inc., for the acquisition of their Biosimilars business for the value of $3.33 Bn.

About Pharma Intelligence (soon to be Citeline)

Pharma Intelligence powers a full suite of complementary business intelligence offerings to meet the evolving needs of health science professionals to accelerate the connection of treatments to patients and patients to treatments. These patient-focused solutions and services deliver and analyse data used to drive clinical, commercial and regulatory related-decisions and create real-world opportunities for growth.

Our global teams of analysts, journalists and consultants keep their fingers on the pulse of the pharmaceutical, biomedical and medtech industries, covering it all with expert insights: Key diseases, clinical trials, drug R&D and approvals, market forecasts and more.

For more information on one of the world’s most trusted health science partners, visit Citeline.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets is owned by Informa PLC, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. Informa Markets in India (formerly UBM India) is India's leading exhibition organizer, dedicated to help specialist markets and customer communities, domestically and around the world to trade, innovate and grow through exhibitions, digital content & services, and conferences & seminars. Every year, we host over 25 large scale exhibitions, 40 conferences, along with industry awards and trainings across the country; thereby enabling trade across multiple industry verticals. In India, Informa Markets has offices in Mumbai and New Delhi.

For further details, please visit: www.informamarkets.com.

AVGEN Diagnostics address the $15bn global genetic diagnostic testing market through AvestaScan®, its portfolio of NGS-driven tests that cover Whole Genome Sequencing, Whole Exome Sequencing and CALiBRx® (Directed Panel Sequencing) for early diagnosis and risk management of heritable conditions. The portfolio addresses Cancers, Cardiac Care Diagnostics, Neurodegenerative conditions, Autoimmune conditions, Rare diseases, pharmacogenomics, ancestry analysis and a unique set of tests for women’s health-reproductive genomics and fertility testing, Carrier Screening, and Pre-Natal Diagnostics with precision analytics powered by Congenica, UK a digital health company, that enables precision medicine through its AI-powered diagnostic decision support platform for genomic data. 

The partnership with Congenica’s knowledge base of comprehensive disease risk associated genome variant panels, enables screening for more mutations than any other service. It comes amidst efforts in the genomics market to develop precision diagnostics for unique patient groups defined by a genetic profile. The portfolio offers a thorough and cost-effective diagnostic tool for individuals with distinctive clinical features and rapid interpretation of next-generation sequencing data with confidence, improving patient outcomes, and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

AVGEN Diagnostics will be uniquely supported by the R&D outcomes of its flagship, The Avestagenome Project®, which will provide accelerated and continuous innovation to create a pipeline of novel diagnostic tests, enabling best-in-class patient care.  The Avestagenome Project® uses Congenica’s variant prioritization platform for its projects that include screening of the Zoroastrian Parsi Female Reference Genome and the Male Reference Genome for Clinically actionable variants, Clinical study of Pancreatitis, Type 1 Diabetes and Ulcerative Colitis among Zoroastrian Parsi family cohorts from The Avestagenome Project®.

AvestaScan offers the best-in-class NGS sequencing services through Wipro Limited and its NABL 15289 and CAP-certified labs. Wipro, who is Avesthagen preferred partner for Avesthagen’s R&D project titled ‘“Cancer Risk Assessed by NGS profiling of Circulating free DNA and RNA for Lung Cancer Project related Genomics Sequencing services’” will develop a liquid biopsy-based test, for predicting early risk for lung cancer. The portfolio’s cutting- edge AI-driven genomics interpretation is powered by Congenica, Cambridge, UK, Avesthagen’s exclusive analytics partner in the Indian Market for its commercial genetic testing portfolio.

AvestaScan® will be offered through strategic partnerships with multi-speciality hospitals, super speciality clinics and Diagnostic chains for the India launch, followed by expansion in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the MENA through focussed B2B and B2C commercialization partners. 

Dr. Villoo Morawala Patell, Chairperson and Managing Director of Avesthagen and The Avestagenome Project®, said, “Our genetic testing service aims to consolidate all the critical genetic biomarkers into a single, effective, and comprehensive testing platform that de-risk individual health by identifying clinical variants especially in those with genetic predisposition to heritable disorders that would otherwise require time-consuming sequential gene tests. Our partnership with Congenica enables us to accelerate preventive and early diagnosis to deliver personalized medicine across India.” 

About Avesthagen 
Set up in 2001, Avesthagen is an India-based globally-focused biotechnology company with a corporate mission to utilize innovative science to develop new products and novel technologies for predictive, preventive and personalized healthcare through the convergence of food, pharmaceuticals and population genetics. Through the Avestagenome Project, it has been championing the cause of genomic data bias where India with 1.3 billion people represents 20% of the world’s population but contributes less than 1% of genomic data and insights.

For more information, please visit: www.avesthagen.com.

Launch of the BD MAX molecular diagnostic system and the BD MAX™ MDR-TB panel at a Scientific session

This MAX™ MDR-TB panel is included in WHO guidelines and now clinicians can use the test to simultaneously detect bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) and determine if the bacteria contain mutations associated with resistance to two important first-line drugs - Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) respectively. This molecular test enhances the information available to direct the optimal treatment for patients and rules out the need for a separate test for isoniazid (INH) detection.

“This new molecular test is a big step forward for clinical practice as antimicrobial resistance has made TB identification more complex. With the BD MAX™ MDR-TB panel and BD BACTEC™ MGIT™ products, we are confident that BD can offer laboratories a suite of tools for effective and accurate patient diagnosis and management,” said Vishal Taneja, Business Director, MDS & NT, BD India/South Asia. “Aligned to our purpose of Advancing the world of health, we continue to focus on improving the diagnosis of TB so that we can provide clinicians with the best tools for identifying effective treatments for patients,” he further added.

The BD MAX System is a fully integrated, automated platform that performs nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR thereby supporting Clinicians in prompt and accurate patient disease diagnoses. The state-of-the-art BD MAX System also empowers laboratories to automate their unique internally developed molecular assays, while accessing a rich and growing menu of world-class assays.

BD has a long history in TB diagnostics having launched the first automated liquid culture system, the BD BACTEC™ MGIT™ system for comprehensive testing for drug susceptibility and resistance. The new BD MAX™ MDR-TB assay complements this technology enabling clinicians to rapidly test for TB and multidrug resistance as a first-line test and then use the BD BACTEC™ MGIT™ system for broader drug susceptibility testing and patient monitoring.

About BD-India

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care.

Fermenta Biotech Limited and Kappa Bioscience - Strategic Partnership

Vitamin K2 controls the transport and distribution of calcium and has been found to work in synergy with vitamin D3. The arrangement between Fermenta and Kappa includes Kappa’s branded vitamin K2 MK-7 range of variants, K2VITAL^®, which is available in oil and powder formats for applications in the nutraceutical and food & beverage segments.

Jorg Buttinghaus, Executive Vice President Sales, Kappa Bioscience, commented on the partnership, “We are pleased to partner with Fermenta, a natural fit for us given the synergistic relationship between their vitamin D3 portfolio and our vitamin K2 expertise. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Kappa, and this partnership represents another step towards our vision of a truly collaborative and high-quality approach to nutrition. India offers a growing customer base for us, and we are confident that Fermenta’s capabilities will enable us to bring all the benefits K2 has to offer to the region.”

Mr. Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, Fermenta Biotech Limited, added, “Fermenta is proud to partner with Kappa, and this collaboration would add to our emerging portfolio of nutritional ingredients as well as premixes for oil and milk fortification, amongst other applications. Alongside vitamin D3, which has gained increasing importance for its role in immunity, we envisage vitamin K2 to also gain traction through its synergistic effect with vitamin D3.”

About Fermenta Biotech Ltd. (FBL)

Founded in 1951, Fermenta Biotech Limited (FBL) is the only manufacturer of vitamin D3 in India and a leading global player. It caters to over 350 customers across 60 countries with a worldwide distribution network for a variety of applications such as pharmaceuticals, dietary and nutritional supplements, food, animal nutrition and rodenticides. FBL’s manufacturing facilities in Kullu and Dahej are certified by global accreditations and its world class R&D centre is located in Thane. Apart from vitamin D3, FBL also possesses expertise in integrated biotechnology solutions such as enzymes for antibiotic synthesis and other niche APIs. FBL’s growing portfolio of nutritional ingredients includes vitamin AD2 for oil fortification and natural astaxanthin.

For more information about the company and its businesses, please visit www.fermentabiotech.com.

About Kappa Bioscience

Kappa Bioscience^® AS was founded in Oslo, Norway in 2006 when brilliant scientists, Inger Reidun Aukrust and Marcel Sandburg, made a game-changing discovery: the synthesis of pure, all-bioactive vitamin K2 MK-7, an essential vitamin needed to direct calcium around our bodies and keep hearts, bones, and lots of other functions healthy. Today, that pioneering spirit is still as strong as ever. With patented processes, innovative technology and renowned expertise, Kappa Bioscience^® AS produces K2VITAL^® and K2VITAL^® DELTA; vitamin K2 with unmatched purity and stability, in a wider range of formulations than anyone else, to bring the best possible benefits of vitamin K2 to everyone. From vitamin K2 and turn-key solutions, to research and marketing initiatives, to product launches and growth strategies, Kappa Bioscience^® AS believes in doing it right. That means developing products and services that set new standards of excellence, made with integrity, and through close collaboration. Together with their partners, Kappa Bioscience^® AS is helping the health and nutrition industry turn a corner, without cutting corners.

For more information, please visit www.kappabio.com/company.

About Vitamin K2 and K2VITAL^®

Vitamin K2 is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that has synergistic effects with vitamin D3, providing complementary roles for bone and heart health. K2 MK-7, or menaquinone-7, activates the osteocalcin proteins that incorporate calcium into bones, and the matrix-Gla proteins that bind calcium to prevent deposits in arteries and smooth muscle walls. K2VITAL^® is K2 MK-7 in its purest form, with a minimum of 99.7% all-trans content, and is identical to the vitamin K2 found in nature.

Safe Harbor

Statements in the document relating to future status, events, or circumstances, including but not limited to statements about plans and objectives, the progress and results of research and development, potential project characteristics, project potential and target dates for project related issues are forward-looking statements best of estimates and the anticipated effects of future events on current and developing circumstances. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are not necessarily predictive of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.

Advances in Clinical Flow Cytometry Tour (ACFC) May 2022

Commenting on the ACFC initiative, Pavan Mocherla, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “Over the years, flow cytometry has proven to be an invaluable asset in several clinical applications and plays an important role in clinical diagnostics and research. Cognizant of this and aligned with our purpose of Advancing the World of Health, BD has been organizing the Advances in Clinical Flow Cytometry (ACFC) knowledge sharing sessions for clinicians and hematologists across the country since 2018. Our objective is to provide a platform to discuss new processes, and leading technology best practices to enable better patient outcomes and I am happy to share that we engage with more than 150 leading clinicians and medical professionals annually under this platform."

At this edition of ACFC, several clinical applications and importance of quality were discussed by eminent speakers from the clinical fraternity. Key highlights of the discussions were:

• Case studies on Leukemia and Lymphoma as well as Minimal Residual Disease amongst others.

• Deliberation on standard operating protocols, accuracy and standardization of flow cytometry assays. 

• Importance of Quality and standardization of assays in clinical flow cytometry.

Commending the ACFC initiative, Dr. Arun Kumar Arunachalam - MD, PDF, Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology Christian Medical College, Vellore, said, “Advances in clinical flow cytometry is a wonderful initiative by BD towards bringing together the people who are involved in clinical flow cytometry in the country. The event provided a wonderful platform for discussion and interaction among the participants on various topics that are important and relevant in today's era.”

Present at the event, Dr. Ananthvikas Jayaram - Pathologist, Neuberg Anand Reference Laboratory, Bengaluru said, “The ACFC meet organized by BD brought pathologists who practice flow cytometry together in-person after the last two years of virtual meetings. The lengthy discussions on assay parameters, troubleshooting, utility of different markers and the debate on standardization were all testament to the quality of the program and the interest it generated among attendees. We look forward to many more such meetings in the future."

Flow Cytometry is a process used to sort, separate and examine microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes. It plays an important role in clinical diagnostics and research. BD offers a growing portfolio of flow cytometry instruments for Leukemia/Lymphoma phenotyping, stem cell research, immunology, and CD4 testing.

About BD-India

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care. 

Chairperson and Speakers

In patients with blood cancer, monitoring of minimal or Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) offers a way to assess early treatment response and risk of relapse. The strong correlation between MRD levels and risk of relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia is well established; studies in adult patients also support its prognostic value. Hence, results of MRD studies can be used for risk-stratification of leukemia patients after initial chemotherapy and identifying patients who may benefit from more intensive chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this educational symposium, eminent pathologists from India shared their experience with MRD studies using flow cytometry technology and discussed about standardization and validation of MRD assays.

Dr. Arun Kumar Arunachalam - MD, PDF, Assistant Professor, Department of Haematology Christian Medical College, Vellore, said, “It was a wonderful initiative from BD Life Sciences – Biosciences to conduct this academic event “Advances in Clinical Flow Cytometry (ACFC) in the commemoration of World Cancer Day”. It is important for practising hematopathologists across the country to gain insights into the advances being made in the field of measurable residual disease. I am sure all the participants found the sessions to be useful and the healthy discussions following each session should have clarified some of the concepts in MRD for them. Looking forward to more such events from BD. I congratulate and thank the entire BD team for successfully conducting this academic program and their efforts in expanding the flow cytometry reach across the country.”

Flow Cytometry is a technology used to examine and sort microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes. It plays an important role in clinical diagnostics and research. BD offers a growing portfolio of flow cytometry instruments for leukemia/lymphoma phenotyping, stem cell research, immunology and CD4 testing.

Dr. Kunal Sehgal, Hematopathologist and Flow Cytometrist Director, Sehgal Path Lab said, “The user group format of the ACFC meeting followed by Q and A is an excellent initiative and will help in setup and standardization of complex assays like MRD. I look forward to participating in similar programs in the future.”

This program was attended by over 200 participants across the country. It was a great learning experience from the experts in the field of MRD analysis.

About BD-India

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care.

Dr. Rajiv Dahiya, Dr. Ragin Shah, Dr. Aditi Bariya and other dignitaries attending the 15th Indo-US conference organized by Arihant School of Pharmacy

The conference was launched by Dr. Ragin Shah, Principal of the esteemed Institute who stated the need of the global-level conference in his opening statement. He said, “The whole world is dealing with communicable and non-communicable diseases that cause millions of deaths every year. The conference shall showcase incredible researches that can cure world’s biggest health problems such as cancer and we are determined to advance these researches in Gujarat.”

Various pertinent issues were addressed by dignitaries and scientists across the world at the conference. Prof. Alekha Dash delivered a session on ‘Liposomes & Transferomes in Topical Drug Delivery’, Dr. Isha Patel addressed ‘HPV Vaccine Uptake & Completion’ and Dr. Radhika V. Kumar spoke on ‘Studies on Novel Sulfur Containing 9-Anilinocridines as Cytotoxic'.

Chief Guest, Dr. B. N. Suhagia, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, DD University praised the initiative to say, "Exemplary work has been done by Arihant School of Pharmacy & Bio-Research Institute & APP to further the pharmacy profession for the betterment of the community and society at large.”

This conference, which is the brain-child of Dr. Rajiv Dahiya, hosted several other dignitaries such as Prof. Palanisamy Selvamani, Dr. Saurabh Kumar Banerje and Dr. Saurabh Dahiya. Dr. Vandana Patel graced the event as Chief Guest of Valedictory and Mona Kaushal co-ordinated throughout the event.

Healthcare concern is now a global phenomenon and the initiative taken by APP Pharma will connect countries to combat the communicable and non-communicable diseases through mutual coordination and cooperation. The outbreak of any disease will unify the healthcare policies of the countries and largely escalate a better society. 

At the moment, Genome sequencing has the greatest impact in diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, characterising genetic diseases, and personalized genetic health. Not to forget, sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 has helped develop vaccines in record time and helped track emergence of new viral variants and develop timely strategic plans to control the spread.

The newly acquired NovaSeq 6000 to strengthen capabilities of Clevergene

Clevergene has clearly led the path for other aspirational government and private research & clinical setups to make strides in the Genomic millennium, which we will all be a witness to. Clevergene’s CEO, Tony Jose stated that, “Genomics is taking the central stage in lifesciences research and there is no better time than now to invest in the NovaSeq 6000 platform which is coveted as world’s most advanced DNA sequencer. The NovaSeq will significantly bolster Clevergene’s position in Discovery Genomics and Genetic Diagnostics markets. We aim to undertake large global genomics projects involving hundreds of samples and specialised applications such as single cell gene expression that require significantly high amount of sequence data. We are also expanding our footprint in paediatric genetic disease diagnostics, non invasive prenatal testing and carrier screening with the scaled up sequencing capacity.”

The Indian genomics industry is supported & facilitated by Premas Life Sciences, channel partners of Illumina, who have been pioneering to introduce game-changing technologies for several years now. The organization has literally hand-held this industry with technical support to academic as ambitious private customers. Their vision to support breakthrough discoveries in Genomics & Cell Biology is fuelled by empowering aggressive adoption of cutting-edge tools by the research and clinical community. Yogeendra Dawalkar, National Sales Manager at PLS explains “Currently there is a gap which exists between demand and supply in India. Customer requirements of high-quality data with fast turnaround time (TAT) cannot be met by service providers in India due to the insufficient capacity and hence samples are being outsourced to companies outside India. The need of the hour is to create capabilities in India to fulfil this demand for services locally and avoid sending the samples outside India. This is also in line with the larger motive of a self-reliant India.”

Mestastop Lab
 

Founded in the year 2018, this start-up aims to out-license, collaborate, or partner with their IP to promote new drug discovery, drug repurposing, and predictive diagnostics for metastasis. The company is based in Koramangala, where they have their laboratory in the state-of-the-art BioNEST facility of IKP Eden. Dr. Arnab Roy Chowdhury, with his better half, Dr. Debabani Roy Chowdhury are the brains behind this start-up that looks at bringing a revolution in cancer treatment.
 

“Our vision is to be ‘the metastasis specialists’, by creating a world-class R&D focused on metastasis, leveraging the unique strengths of being in India. We are bringing together a cross-functional team, trained in discovery, diagnostics, and AI,” says Arnab, the Founder of Mestastop Solutions.
 

Mestastop is in the business of creating IP. The two biggest challenges in metastasis research were the lack of understanding and elucidation of the metastasis biology & the characterization of the actual metastatic cells. The first year was spent by Mestastop in researching and deciphering these two puzzles. Now, they are into the translational research area where patient tumour samples are collected and isolated. The characterization of the patient tumors via the proprietary assay platform & the subsequent information derived from it helps the team in creating a predictive platform for metastasis diagnosis.
 

In a very short time, Mestastop Solutions has gained significant recognition on global platforms. Their work has been selected for presentation at the two most prestigious international conferences on cancer, the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Conference 2021 (AACR) and also the European Association of Cancer Research 2021 (EACR). Mestastop Solutions has also been vetted by the largest Scientific outsourcing platform Science Exchange and is listed on their website as authorized service providers. 
 

On asking Arnab how money was raised, he said, “That was the toughest part as I needed others to see what I was seeing, so I had to take the complexity away from the problem and present it simply. However, the paradox was if the problem was simple, why was it not solved? If it was complex, how can you solve it?”.
 

Mestastop Solutions was born due to the trust friends and families had in the cause. Arnab was backed by a solid leadership team, including eminent scientists and clinicians, that supported his vision. With the numbers and experimental data, Mestastop could also bring Mumbai Angels, Vistari Ventures, IKP, and key opinion leaders like Dr. Arjun Surya, CSO of Curadev Pharma, on board. However, this is just the start for them. With the current patient data they have, the founders believe that multiple investors will flow in and the company will be out in the public domain shortly.
 

Mestastop Solutions has exciting plans for the future wherein they have partnered with a group in South Korea, Immunobiome Inc., which is working on Mestastop engineered cell-based proprietary animal models. Once these are standardized, they will have substantial proof of concept from in vitro to in vivo studies, along with patient-derived xenografts which will help them in raising funds for expansion and designing the discovery and diagnostic arms under one roof.
 

With visionaries such as Arnab and Debabani who believe that India can be the hub of Biotechnology innovation; not production, not services, not only generics or biosimilars, we have to see what Mestastop Solutions are going to do, to shift the paradigms in cancer cure and treatment.

Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Manjiri Bakre, CEO and Founder, OncoStem said, “We are honoured to be recognized as winners in the category of Innovative diagnostics. At OncoStem, innovation is not just an idea/concept, it’s a process that we have followed at every stage of the product. This award is a huge recognition of our exemplary teamwork and we hope this award will help us in our goal to reach every eligible breast cancer patient in India via our government’s universal health scheme - Ayushman Bharat. More importantly, I really hope this award given to many start-ups like ours will help India achieve its goal to become “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” as a nation.

OncoStem’s CanAssist Breast is an innovative, cost effective test that can help clinicians to plan tailor made treatment for each breast cancer patient based on tumor biology.

The risk of cancer recurrence is dependent on tumor type, stage and on the biology of each patient’s tumor. ‘CanAssist-Breast’ determines the proteomic fingerprint of the tumor. This information is then used by OncoStem’s proprietary machine learning-based algorithm that stratifies patients as ‘low or high’ risk for cancer relapse. Patients classified as ‘low risk’ of relapse can potentially avoid chemotherapy and its associated side-effects while patients who are at ‘high risk’ of relapse would benefit from the addition of chemotherapy to their treatment regimen. Use of CanAssist Breast thus allows doctors to devise treatment plans that are in tune with the prognosis, maintaining a balance between the benefits and side effects of chemotherapy.

About OncoStem Diagnostics

OncoStem Diagnostics is a Bangalore based startup company that develops innovative multi-marker prognostic tests to enable personalized treatment of cancer patients. Founded by Dr. Manjiri Bakre in 2011, OncoStem’s flagship product ‘CanAssist Breast’ has been in use in the Indian subcontinent for the past 3 years. OncoStem is currently working on similar tests for other subtypes of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. OncoStem has raised ~ US $9 million in funding from Sequoia Capital and Artiman Ventures.

AqCure copper-based technology products effective against SARS-CoV-2

According to different types of materials, Nanosafe Solutions offer active copper products to various polymer and textiles manufacturers as well as cosmetic, paints and packaging firms. Actipart Cu and Actisol Cu are their flagship products in powder form and liquid form respectively which can be used while formulating paint and cosmetics. Other than these, Nanosafe Solutions also have AqCure range of masterbatches suitable for every type of plastic items and Q-Pad Tex suitable for converting fabrics to antimicrobial. Overall, their comprehensive copper-based products can be used in every type of everyday materials.

Dr. Anasuya Roy, CEO, Nanosafe Solutions said, "Till now, 80% of antimicrobial products are imported by India from developed countries. As ardent promoters of indigenous technology, we would like to bring a change to that scenario. Also, we would like to discourage the use of silver-based antimicrobial compounds imported from such countries, as silver is a very toxic element. On the other hand, copper is an essential micronutrient having no toxicity issues."

India is home to many bright young researchers and has developed many cutting-edge technologies in institute and research laboratories. But there is no systematic approach to bring those technologies to the commercial marketplace where industries can adopt them. Nanosafe Solutions aims to bridge the gap with a vision aligned with "Atma Nirbhar Bharat".

NSafe mask, a 50 times reusable antiviral mask and Rubsafe sanitizer, a zero alcohol 24 hour protection sanitizer were products launched by Nanosafe in lockdown times. With such innovative technology based products in their portfolio, Nanosafe Solutions is also looking for raising the next round of investment so that AqCure technology will reach millions faster.

Fluidigm Advanta Dx SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kit

COVID-19 has brought with it the need for SARS-CoV-2 tracking, surveillance & diagnosis. Countries that adopted testing strategies early on were able to test, track & isolate individuals that showed disease symptoms & hence were better able to contain the disease spread. While antibody testing was initially taken up for screening, it was soon evident that Real-time PCR alone had the power for accurate diagnosis, making it the gold-standard confirmatory test for SARS-CoV2. At the start, the sample collection process for RT-PCR testing involved painful & inconvenient nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab collection. This requires skilled technicians, who would additionally run the risk of exposure. This has even led to a couple of neo-natal deaths in India, due to inappropriate sample collection (3).

More recently, saliva-based testing methods are gaining popularity after studies suggested saliva specimens and nasopharyngeal swab specimens have similar sensitivity in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 (4).

Fluidigm’s Advanta Dx SARS-COV-2 RT-PCR kit is a saliva based diagnostic test (5). This kit facilitates SARS-CoV-2 detection from saliva samples easing the sample collection process & eliminating the need for Viral RNA extraction process. The kit is compatible with Fluidigm’s high-throughput Biomark HD platform. Fluidigm claims that with certain configurations, the Biomark HD system can run a maximum of 6000 samples & controls per day. Modular workflow supports concurrent parallel runs to achieve high throughput (6).

This FDA-EUA approved kit has also now received DCGI-CDSCO license for use in India by ICMR approved testing labs as per their guidelines. This test kit from Fluidigm is sold & marketed by Premas Lifesciences Pvt Ltd, New Delhi in India.

With schools, colleges, corporate offices opening up, saliva-based testing using Biomark HD can add great value for faster, non-invasive & safer testing. Several universities in the US have already started utilizing Fluidigm’s saliva-based assays & Biomark HD for testing their students (7). Fluidigm is also a recipient of a prestigious NIH-RADx grant. The RADx initiative fast-tracks development and commercialization of innovative technologies to significantly increase U.S. testing capacity for SARS-CoV-2. Fluidigm’s assay was utilized in labs supporting the US Government’s surge testing efforts for ramping up testing (8).

It is noteworthy that even before the launch of Fluidigm’s saliva kit, many testing labs across the globe had already started deploying their own in-house workflows for SARS-CoV-2 testing using the Fluidigm Biomark HD platform. Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), Lab24Inc, Ohio consultative genomics, Gnome Dx, Bioexpedia, Denmark & iGLS, Spain are some of the notable examples on this list.

With Dengue, Malaria, Influenza and other respiratory diseases also being prevalent currently, additional panels for screening can be added with ease without much change in the cost per sample. As some of these other conditions also have overlapping symptoms with COVID-19, such panels & technologies would help making testing more affordable & relevant to current times.

Mr. Praveen Gupta, MD, Premas Lifesciences says, “Fluidigm’s much-needed non-invasive saliva-based test comes at a critical time in the pandemic, and we are pleased to be able to facilitate availability of the Advanta assay in India.”

India's reported coronavirus cases have surpassed 9 million, a total so far exceeded only by the United States. In a recent Fluidigm announcement, President & CEO Chris Linthwaite said “Since announcing our Emergency Use Authorization in the United States for saliva-based PCR testing, we have seen growing interest in our technology. License to market our Advanta Dx SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay in the world’s second-most populous nation will enable an effective and scalable way to get non-invasive saliva-based testing across India as a possible second wave of infections approaches.”

“We are now in discussions with potential customers, which include private testing labs as well as academic institutions and government medical centres. We are honored for the opportunity to advance the availability of non-invasive saliva-based COVID-19 testing in India at this critical time.”

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) were discovered in bacteria in 1987, but their function as antivirus defence system of bacteria was elucidated in 2000s. Bacteria take sections of a virus’s DNA into their own genome using Cas enzyme. The resulting CRISPR sequences allows them to detect a subsequent viral attack and fight back.

Dr. Ratna Kumria, Director-Biotechnology, AAI

Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier showed in 2012, that the bacterial defence system could be turned into a ‘cut and paste’ tool for editing gene sequences. The tool is cheaper, less laborious than other available tools for editing genes and is more precise. Beyond just reading and synthesizing gene sequences, CRISPR empowered scientists to edit genes to modify and correct changes. This application in editing was put forward in 2012 for the first time and has won the scientists a Nobel within eight years. This prompt acknowledgement and awards reiterate the potential of the technology in various aspects of scientific study.

Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India

“Gene editing technology can help eliminate human inherited disease, protect endangered species, address climate change and improve crops for resilience and better yields. Of the various gene editing techniques, CRISPR is widely accepted and adopted due to its simplicity as well as efficiency. Asia Pacific is considered to be a prominent region for gene editing providers. It is estimated that the APAC gene editing market may register more than 15% CAGR with Japan, China and India being the prominent players,” said Dr. Ratna Kumria, Director- Biotechnology, AAI.

The technology can have the most positive impact in agriculture. It can improve yield, increase food diversity, improve nutrition, develop disease and pest resistance, control food waste and support sustainable agriculture. The above listed ongoing improvements will make crops high yielding while using minimal soil resources by making their efficient use. The gene edited plants would require minimal pesticide sprays, reducing GHG emissions, increased shelf life to reduce wastage and enhanced vitamin, protein and mineral levels for consumer health.

However, its success as an efficient and inexpensive tool rests at the hands of the regulators who make the policies of the use of this technology. A prompt recognition of this tool by the Nobel committee is a testament of its potential, which is also a clear direction of the future research and product development. A cautious approach will make it inaccessible and expensive, therefore, unattractive for small size enterprises. On the other hand, a more practical technology management, aligned with major economies in Asia Pacific and around the world will allow the optimum usage of CRISPR as a tool to improve agriculture. 

"India can take leadership in the region with available competency and intense demand for technology to improve agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner. Our farmers are dealing with salty soils, lowering water tables over and above the vagaries of climate change, including drought, flooding and increasing temperatures. They need traits in their crops that ensure yields as well as have enhanced consumer traits for better market acceptability and profits. Our trading partners may follow our lead in regulating and managing the products of gene editing in agriculture. Therefore, the technology presents an opportunity for self-reliance and to take up a leadership role in innovation and trade in the region," said Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).

Alliance for Agri Innovation is a special interest group of Federation of Seed Industry of India.