Delhi High Court Intervenes to Revive Rare Disease Crowdfunding Platform

In a landmark move to address India’s rare disease treatment crisis, the Delhi High Court has ordered the formation of a four-member expert panel to oversee and revamp the national crowdfunding platform hosted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The platform, designed to support patients with life-threatening rare diseases, has so far failed to mobilize adequate public and corporate donations.

Judicial Trigger: A Mother's Plea for Life-Saving Treatment

The court’s intervention was prompted by a petition filed by the mother of an infant diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)—a genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle wasting and respiratory failure. The child requires Zolgensma, a one-time gene therapy injection costing ₹17.5 crore, available only overseas. Despite being registered on the government’s crowdfunding portal, the family had received negligible financial support.

Justice Sachin Datta, presiding over the case, expressed concern over the platform’s underperformance. Of the 3,981 patients registered, only ₹3.91 lakh had been raised in total—highlighting a systemic failure in public outreach and donor engagement.

Understanding Rare Diseases and Their Costs

Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, affect a small percentage of the population but often require high-cost, precision therapies such as gene replacement, enzyme infusions, or biologics. These treatments are typically not covered under standard insurance or public health schemes due to their exorbitant costs and limited availability.

India’s National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 aims to address this gap by enabling innovative funding mechanisms, including public donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.

Panel Composition and Mandate

The newly constituted committee includes:

• A Joint Secretary from the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance
• Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Experts in CSR strategy and public health policy

The mandate:

• Boost CSR and public donations through strategic outreach
• Ensure transparency in fund allocation and patient prioritization
• Enhance platform credibility to attract sustained donor engagement

Crowdfunding Platform: How Donors Can Help

The official portal—https://rarediseases.nhp.gov.in—allows individuals and companies to:

• View verified patient profiles with medical documentation
• Donate securely via UPI, net banking, or card
• Receive tax benefits under Section 80G (subject to eligibility)
• Contribute under CSR mandates with official acknowledgment

Why This Matters

India faces a growing burden of rare diseases, with thousands of families unable to afford life-saving therapies. While government schemes offer partial support, crowdfunding can bridge the financial gap—but only if platforms are well-managed, transparent, and widely promoted.

The Delhi High Court’s directive is a critical step toward systemic reform, ensuring that India’s rare disease patients are not left behind due to funding failures.

Visakhapatnam Launches World's First MedTech University

India is setting a global precedent with the launch of the Global MedTech University at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam.

• Location: Within AMTZ, one of the world’s largest medtech manufacturing clusters
• Launch Timeline: Academic operations begin in 2025–26
• Programs Offered:
  • MBA in Medical Regulatory Approvals & Entrepreneurship
  • MTech in Medical Technology Devices
  • MTech in Bioengineering
  • PhD in Medical Technology & Regulatory Affairs

Purpose & Impact

• India currently imports 80% of its medical devices, including diagnostic and imaging tools.
• The university will develop skilled professionals tailored to industry needs, reducing reliance on imports.
• Students will gain hands-on training from experts within AMTZ’s 140+ medtech companies.

Global Collaboration

• Created through a public-private partnership, the university will collaborate with global institutions to boost research and innovation.
• Led by Founding Director Prof. Hanumanthu Purushotham, it’s envisioned as a hub of healthcare technology and self-reliance.

Hillchol®: Bharat Biotech’s Oral Cholera Vaccine Demonstrates Success in Phase III Clinical Studies

Bharat Biotech’s Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol® has demonstrated against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes, proving non-inferior in healthy Indian adults and children, supporting its potential as an effective OCV.

The above study findings have been published in the ScienceDirect, Vaccine journal 126998 to assess a double-blind, randomized phase III clinical trial to evaluate safety, immunogenicity, non-inferiority & lot-to-lot consistency of single component oral cholera vaccine Hillchol® in comparison to a comparator vaccine in a diverse participant group of 1,800 individuals, from infants to adults, across 10 clinical sites in India. In this study, participants were divided into three age groups: adults over 18 years, children aged 5 to under 18 years, and infants aged 1 to under 5 years. They were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive either Hillchol® or a comparator vaccine.

The primary endpoint focused on the proportion of participants achieving >4-fold increase in vibriocidal antibody titres against Ogawa and Inaba serotypes 14 days after two doses. While secondary endpoints included Geometric Mean Titre (GMT) measurements and safety.

Key highlights from the findings:

• Robust Immunogenicity: Hillchol® demonstrated a greater than 4-fold rise in vibriocidal antibodies against both Ogawa (68.3%) and Inaba (69.5%) serotypes, proving non-inferiority to licensed vaccines.
• Strong Safety Profile: Adverse events were mild and comparable between the two vaccines. Broad Age Coverage: The vaccine was well-tolerated and immunogenic across all age groups—including infants (≥1 year), children, and adults.

"This publication reaffirms our commitment to advancing vaccines built on rigorous research, thorough clinical trials, and reliable clinical data. It highlights our continued commitment to providing affordable, effective, and accessible vaccines for the populations who need them the most,” said Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech.

Dr. Ella added, “Cholera is a vaccine-preventable disease that has faced a surge in outbreaks along with a huge shortage of vaccines. The new generation Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol®, featuring a simplified single stable O1 Hikojima strain, inducing robust antibodies against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes, aims to enhance production efficiency and affordability, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries where waterborne diseases continue to pose serious health threats.”

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Studies have estimated that 2.86 million cases and 95,000 deaths occur annually.

HillChol® Pack

With Hillchol®, Bharat Biotech strengthens its commitment to combating global infectious diseases through innovation and clinical excellence. As cholera continues to threaten communities lacking clean water and sanitation, Hillchol® provides a streamlined, scalable solution designed to support global health programs and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

Global demand for OCVs is close to 100 million doses a year, and given that only one manufacturer supplies them, there is a global shortage. Bharat Biotech's facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar have a capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol®.

Published in the ScienceDirect, Vaccine journal: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X25002956?via%3Dihub

About Bharat Biotech:

Bharat Biotech has established an excellent track record of innovation with more than 145 global patents, a wide product portfolio of more than 19 vaccines, 4 biotherapeutics, registrations in more than 125 countries, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-qualifications. Located in Genome Valley in Hyderabad, India, a hub for the global biotech industry, Bharat Biotech has built a world-class vaccine & bio-therapeutics, research & product development, Bio-Safety Level 3 manufacturing, and vaccine supply and distribution. Having delivered more than 9 billion doses of vaccines worldwide, Bharat Biotech continues to lead innovation and has developed vaccines for influenza H1N1, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis (JENVAC®), Rabies, Chikungunya, Zika, Cholera, and the world’s first tetanus-toxoid conjugated vaccine for Typhoid.

Bharat’s commitment to global social innovation programs and public-private partnerships resulted in introducing path-breaking WHO pre-qualified vaccines BIOPOLIO®, ROTAVAC®, ROTAVAC 5D®, and Typbar TCV® combatting polio, rotavirus, typhoid infections, respectively. HILLCHOL®, an oral vaccine against cholera, was launched in 2024. The acquisition of Chiron Behring Vaccines has positioned Bharat Biotech as the world's largest rabies vaccine manufacturer with Chirorab® and Indirab®. To learn more about Bharat Biotech, visit www.bharatbiotech.com.

Indian Ophthalmologist Performs Asia’s First AI-Designed Intraocular Lens Implantation

Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and CMD of Nethradhama, became the first surgeon in Asia to carry out the procedure, which helps cataract and astigmatism patients achieve clear vision across all distances with reduced dependence on glasses.

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, a pioneering institution in eye care, has performed Asia’s first AI-designed intraocular lens implantation. Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman & Managing Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital and Founder Trustee of Shraddha Eye Care Trust, the hospital achieved this milestone, making him the first surgeon in Asia to carry out the procedure using Rayner RayOne Galaxy and Galaxy Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs).

“Our goal is always to provide the best solutions for our patients, and this innovation allows us to offer superior vision outcomes with minimal side effects,” said Dr. Sri Ganesh. “By leveraging AI-driven technology in intraocular lens design, we can achieve greater precision, enhanced customization, and improved patient satisfaction.”

This represents a notable advancement in AI-driven vision correction and a significant step forward in refractive cataract surgery, bringing us closer to more personalized vision solutions.

“The biggest challenge with previous IOLs has been balancing vision quality with night vision clarity,” explained Dr. Sri Ganesh. “This new lens overcomes this by using AI to optimize light distribution, giving patients an exceptional visual experience. It revolutionizes vision with its non-diffractive, AI-optimized spiral design, ensuring seamless clarity at all distances while enhancing contrast sensitivity. Unlike traditional trifocal lenses, it evenly distributes light across all focal points, reducing halos and glare for improved night vision. Its innovative optical structure enhances contrast even in low light, and the toric variant offers optimal rotational stability for precise astigmatic correction."

Dr. Sri Ganesh 

These lenses are specifically designed for patients with cataracts and astigmatism who seek reduced dependence—or complete independence—from glasses.

“For our patients, achieving true spectacle independence has always been a priority. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who require excellent vision across all distances while maintaining good night vision for driving and other low-light activities,” noted Dr. Sri Ganesh.

According to Dr. Sri Ganesh, the initial post-operative results have been extremely promising, with patients reporting excellent visual clarity within the first 24 hours. He added that long-term studies will continue to assess patient-reported experiences, particularly in real-world conditions like night driving and low-light environments.

Dr. Sri Ganesh is widely recognized for his expertise in high-risk surgeries, earning a stellar reputation in the field of advanced eye care. With an impeccable track record, he has performed over 100,000 Phaco surgeries and 50,000 Refractive surgeries, demonstrating exceptional surgical precision and innovation. His expertise is highly sought after on the global stage, serving on the advisory boards of leading companies such as Carl Zeiss Meditec Germany and J&J Vision USA. Beyond surgery, he has played a pivotal role in ophthalmic innovation, holding multiple patents for groundbreaking solutions that continue to shape the future of eye care.

To ensure an informed decision-making process, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital offers comprehensive counseling and visual simulation sessions for patients considering these AI-designed IOLs. These sessions allow patients to preview their expected vision outcomes, including night vision improvements.

“With AI-driven advancements like these, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in ophthalmology. Our mission at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital is to continually push the boundaries of innovation to provide our patients with the best possible visual outcomes. We are thrilled to bring this revolutionary technology to Asia and look forward to its impact on the future of vision correction,” added Dr. Sri Ganesh

Under Dr. Sri Ganesh’s leadership, Nethradhama is committed to innovation and excellence, continuously integrating state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the best possible visual outcomes for patients. Through its dedication to research, training, and compassionate care, it has established itself as a trusted name in eye health, both in India and globally.

Venus Remedies Secures Exclusive In-Licensing Rights to Develop and Commercialize MET-X in India

• MET-X, a novel metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) inhibitor, has shown best-in-class performance in preclinical studies and could be game-changing for patients suffering from Gram-negative, MBL-resistant infections
• Meropenem resistance in India is as high as 62-87%, with up to 50% linked to MBL prevalence, according to ICMR report
• India faces a significant burden of MBL-producing pathogens in hospital settings, and no approved MBL inhibitors currently exist in the country

Venus Remedies Ltd. (NSE: VENUSREM, BSE: 526953), a leading Indian pharmaceutical company renowned for its longstanding expertise in combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), today announced that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Infex Therapeutics, a UK-based anti-infectives specialist for the clinical development of MET-X. This agreement authorizes Venus Remedies to spearhead the clinical development, registration, and commercialization of MET-X, an innovative metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) inhibitor. The initial development phase will focus on integrating MET-X with meropenem to tackle drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, with Venus Remedies holding exclusive marketing rights within India.

In India, meropenem resistance is reported to be as high as 62-87% in WHO critical priority pathogens like K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii as per the ICMR’s Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network-Annual report 2023, with as high as 50% being directly attributable to MBL prevalence.

Under the terms of the agreement, Venus Remedies will commence with a Phase I trial involving healthy volunteers in India, evaluating MET-X in combination with meropenem. Following successful Phase I outcomes, the focus will shift to Phase II/III trials targeting drug-resistant Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTIs), prevalent in hospital settings.

This strategic move is aligned with Venus Remedies’ extensive experience in antibiotic R&D and critical care, enhancing its leadership in the Indian critical care landscape. The company’s formidable position in meropenem marketing and manufacturing will facilitate the integration of MET-X into existing and prospective antibiotic strategies.

All trials conducted in India will adhere to international standards, compliant with regulations from the FDA, EMA, and MHRA, which will also support further development and global commercialization efforts for MET-X. The agreement grants both Infex Therapeutics and Venus Remedies the option to expand their collaboration to include other MET-X/beta-lactam combinations under mutually agreed terms.

MET-X is Infex Therapeutics’ broad spectrum MBL-inhibitor, targeting Gram-negative bacteria. These pathogens produce MBL enzymes to deactivate beta-lactam antibiotics, such as meropenem, and evade antibiotic clearance of disease. MET-X blocks MBL resistance, restoring antibiotic activity. The drug is being developed to be one of the first broad-spectrum MBL inhibitors to address a wide range of bacterial species and MBL-resistant strains, such as E.coli and K.pneumoniae. The treatment has shown best-in-class performance in animal studies to date. The development of new agents to overcome MBL antibiotic resistance in such Gram-negative bacteria is a World Health Organisation (“WHO”) critical priority.

Mr. Saransh Chaudhary, President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies Ltd and CEO, Venus Medicine Research Centre, said: “This early-stage introduction of MET-X into the Indian market leverages our decades-long dedication to AMR-focused R&D and our prominent role in critical care and antibiotic therapies. This partnership is perfectly poised to enhance our antibiotic arsenal with meropenem and explore further beta-lactam combinations, ensuring high-quality research and a significant market presence.”

Mr. Pawan Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director, Venus Remedies Ltd, added, “The in-licensing of MET-X is a major step forward in providing breakthrough solutions for drug-resistant infections, a serious threat to India’s healthcare ecosystem. Our aim is to develop an effective solution against MBL-producing pathogens, fulfilling a critical healthcare need and continuing our commitment to transformative therapies and sustained innovation in critical care.”

India faces a significant burden of MBL-producing pathogens in hospital settings, and no approved MBL inhibitors currently exist in the country. The development and exclusive in-licensing of MET-X underscores Venus Remedies’ commitment to providing a cutting-edge solution where it is needed most and creating long-term value for stakeholders.

Dr. Peter Jackson, CEO of Infex Therapeutics, said: “I am delighted about this agreement with Venus Remedies, which will facilitate the comprehensive clinical development of our MET-X program in India. By leveraging Venus Remedies’ robust expertise in critical care antibiotics, we can accelerate MET-X as our second clinical-stage drug program. Crucially, the international standards of these trials will also support future regulatory filings in the UK, U.S., Europe, and other global markets. MET-X has shown best-in-class performance in preclinical studies and could be game-changing for patients suffering from Gram-negative, MBL-resistant infections.”

About Venus Remedies Ltd (venusremedies.com)

Panchkula-based Venus Remedies Ltd (NSE: VENUSREM, BSE: 526953) is among the 10 leading fixed-dosage injectable manufacturers in the world. Having a commercial presence in 90+ countries with a portfolio of 75 products spread over Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Commonwealth States, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean region, the company has nine globally benchmarked facilities in Panchkula, Baddi and Werne (Germany), apart from 11 overseas marketing offices. The company holds the GMP approvals from European- GMP (INFARMED), PIC/S (Malaysia & Ukraine), SAHPRA, UNICEF, TGA, INVIMA & WHO-GMP, alongside key ISO certifications for quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety management.

Central to its mission, Venus Remedies is a frontrunner in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through its dedicated research division, Venus Medicine Research Centre (VMRC). The company is pivotal in developing advanced antibiotics and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations aimed at tackling multidrug-resistant pathogens. Its notable initiatives like GASAR provide essential data on antibiotic resistance, while the PLEA Trust fosters antibiotic stewardship. As an influential member of the AMR Industry Alliance, India AMR Innovation Hub, and Vivli AMR Registry, Venus Remedies shapes global AMR research and policy. Through strategic collaborations with academic and health organizations worldwide, the company enhances AMR surveillance and supports innovative drug development, affirming its leadership in global healthcare.

About Infex Therapeutics (www.infextx.com)

Infex Therapeutics Holdings plc is a leader in critical-priority infectious diseases, with a broad and diverse pipeline of innovative best-in-class and first-in-class drug candidates to address the urgent global shortage of novel anti-infective treatments. The Company is building a differentiated pipeline through in-house drug discovery, acquisition, co-development and in-licensing of early stage/pre-clinical candidates, developing them to clinical proof of concept before licensing to commercial pharma partners.

Imported Medical Gloves Violate Every Safety Norm in the Book Says IRGMA, Files Complain to DGCA

The Indian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association (IRGMA) has intensified its continuous fight against prohibited medical gloves which come into India through extensive unlawful import channels and distribution activity. The unsafe practices endanger healthcare providers as well as patients and their caregivers while making it impossible for the sector to operate in a fair, regulated market environment.

In a complaint to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), IRGMA has cited four major importers of medical gloves that are violently flouting safety norms, mislabelling their products, and evading all norms under the Medical Device Rules, 2017 and the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. These violations include importing expired and otherwise mislabelled gloves, repackaging of gloves in unhygienic conditions, as well as conferring inaccurate certification, placing in jeopardy the safety associated with critical medical procedures, including those relating to radiation and chemotherapy.

Mr. Vikas Anand, spokesperson for IRGMA said,

These unsafe medical gloves are being allowed into the Indian market due to complete lack of enforcement. IRGMA has provided indisputable proof of these violations to the relevant authorities and demands immediate action. If left unchecked, the sale of substandard gloves will continue to endanger lives while simultaneously crippling compliant domestic manufacturers who adhere to stringent quality norms. We call upon all stakeholders - the Government, healthcare institutions, and the policymakers to take immediate remedial action in response to these violations.

IRGMA’s findings have revealed a disturbing pattern of malpractice, raising serious concerns about the integrity of India’s medical supply chain:

• Expired gloves are being repackaged in unhygienic conditions, exposing users to significant health risks
• Many imported gloves contain 18-20 hazardous chemicals, making them unsuitable for chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Companies are falsely leveraging CE and ISO 13485 certifications to mislead buyers on product quality
• Importers are engaging in large-scale tax evasion by under-invoicing shipments and misrepresenting import values, causing substantial revenue losses to the government
• Bulk shipments of medical gloves are transported in non-sterile sugar bags, violating essential hygiene and import regulations
• Foreign suppliers are exploiting loopholes in the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to flood India with rejected, low-quality gloves, severely impacting MSMEs in the organized sector.

The widespread import of inferior quality gloves has caused two major problems that harm both public health security and local glove manufacturing stability. According to IRGMA data, substandard exports valued between ₹1 million and ₹6.6 million originating from Malaysia and the USA persist to enter Indian markets while evading essential regulatory conventions. Such importers have consistently failed to adhere to packaging regulations, display of MRP and country-of-origin, resulting in severe revenue losses under GST through measures of under-invoicing and tax evasion. Furthermore, the loophole of 0% import duty under the ASEAN FTA has resulted in noncompliance to virtually flood the Indian market with rejected gloves, which unequivocally harms the MSMEs upholding stringent quality requirements in India.

The IRGMA has demanded prompt regulatory intervention to ensure compliance under MDR 2017 along with the CDSCO Gazette Notification. The organization demands strict consequences through blacklisting and heavy fines for non-compliant companies that participate in illegal trading activities together with an instant ban on substandard medical gloves used in healthcare facilities. Additionally, IRGMA stresses the need for mandatory declarations of MRP, country of origin, and certification details to enhance transparency and consumer safety. To protect the organized sector from unfair competition, the Association insists on closing the FTA loophole that allows rejected gloves to flood the Indian market.

IRGMA remains committed to ensuring that only high-quality, safe medical gloves are available in the Indian marketplace. The Association continues to work closely with regulatory authorities, relentlessly monitoring violations, and advocating for stricter enforcement to protect both healthcare workers and the integrity of India’s medical device industry.

One of the Complaint Letters

Faridabad Gets India’s First Ferret Research Facility, for Vaccines R&D

Representative Image

The newly inaugurated Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) Ferret Research Facility is a significant milestone for India's biomedical research capabilities. 

Being India’s first ferret research facility, this state-of-the-art research facility is located in Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, and was inaugurated on February 3, 2025. It's designed to adhere to global biosafety and research standards and will serve as a critical resource for vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and infectious disease research.

This facility will enable critical research on viral pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, bolstering India's pandemic preparedness.

The facility will enable studies on viral pathogens that require ferrets as an experimental model, such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and emerging zoonotic. This positions India at the forefront of global health security efforts and strengthens its ability to respond to future pandemics.

This pioneering facility will serve as a crucial resource for vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and research into emerging infectious diseases, significantly bolstering India's pandemic preparedness strategy and positioning the nation at the forefront of global scientific endeavors.

Ferrets

Ferret Research involves using ferrets as animal models to study various diseases, particularly those affecting the respiratory system. Ferrets are small, domesticated mammals that belong to the weasel family, Mustelidae.

Ferrets are especially valuable in research on influenza and other respiratory viruses because their respiratory system is similar to humans. Ferrets are susceptible to many human pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and human influenza viruses.

Ferret research is crucial for advancing our understanding of infectious diseases and developing effective treatments and vaccines. It's a fascinating field that plays a significant role in global health security efforts

It's an important development for India's biomedical research capabilities.

However, Ferret research, like any animal research, raises important ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.

Research involving ferrets is subject to strict ethical standards and regulations to ensure humane treatment. These standards are designed to minimize pain and distress for the animals. Research facilities are often required to have oversight by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) or similar bodies to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and to monitor animal welfare.

Researchers are encouraged to use alternative methods whenever possible and to reduce the number of animals used in experiments. This includes using in vitro (test tube) methods, computer modeling, and other non-animal techniques.

While ferret research is valuable for advancing medical knowledge and developing treatments, it is essential to balance scientific progress with the ethical treatment of animals.

Tata Group and IISc Partner to Establish Medical School

The Tata Group today announced a partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to establish the Tata IISc Medical School in the IISc Bengaluru campus.

Under an MoU signed today, the Tata Group will make a contribution of Rs 500 crore to support the establishment of the medical school.

The Tata IISc Medical School will be a centre of excellence that seeks to catalyse a unique model of clinical research and medical education in India, by bringing basic science and engineering to bear on clinical science and practice. It will focus on a variety of specialities including oncology, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, diabetes and metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, integrative medicine, and public health.

The Tata IISc Medical School will offer integrated MD-PhD and other dual degree programmes to create a new cadre of physician-scientists and medical technologists. These students will be trained simultaneously in the medical school as well as science and engineering labs at IISc, combining cutting-edge clinical practice with scientific research. The medical school seeks to establish a unique model of clinical research and training that can be emulated nationwide. It will also collaborate with renowned medical schools from across the world to enable students to acquire global expertise, knowledge and practices.

On this occasion, Mr N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons said:

Healthcare is one of India's biggest challenges and also one of its greatest opportunities, given the scale at which technology will be able to transform everything from diagnosis to care and community health. We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Tata IISc Medical School. In time, the institute’s emphasis on cutting-edge research and global collaboration will create a highly qualified cadre of physician-scientists trained in the latest approaches to modern medicine. Their effect will be felt across the spectrum of healthcare, and will help individuals access quality treatment. I believe that the Tata IISC Medical School will play a significant role in keeping our communities healthy and positioning India at the forefront of the global healthcare revolution.

“We are very grateful to the Tata Group for their generosity,” said Prof G Rangarajan, Director, IISc.

After a century of contributions to science and engineering, we now have a unique opportunity to create new frontiers in medicine. The Tatas and IISc have a century-old legacy of commitment to excellence. The Institute owes its existence to the munificence and far-sighted vision of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, who was unparalleled in his philanthropy towards education in India. We are firmly committed to carrying forward this legacy and breaking new ground in creating affordable healthcare solutions for India and the rest of the world.

Key Milestone in India’s Clinical Research Ecosystem: ICMR To Begin First-In-Human Clinical Trials for 4 Promising Molecules

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently signed Memoranda of Agreements (MoAs) with several industry and academic partners to advance First-in-Human Phase-1 clinical trials.

This initiative marks a key milestone in India's clinical research ecosystem, focusing on four promising molecules:

1. Multiple Myeloma: Collaborative research with Aurigene Oncology Limited.

2. Zika Vaccine: Development in partnership with Indian Immunologicals Limited.

3. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Trials coordinated with Mynvax Private Limited.

4. CAR-T Cell Therapy: Advancement study for chronic lymphocytic leukemia with ImmunoACT.

This collaboration aims to establish India as a leader in the clinical development of pharmaceutical agents, ensuring affordable and accessible cutting-edge treatments for all citizens.

First-in-Human (FIH) clinical trials are a critical phase in the development of new medical treatments. FIH trials are the first time a new drug or treatment is tested in humans. They primarily focus on assessing the safety and tolerability of the treatment. These trials help determine the appropriate dosage range for the treatment, identifying the maximum tolerated dose and any potential side effects.

FIH trials study how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body (pharmacokinetics) and its biological effects (pharmacodynamics). Successful FIH trials pave the way for subsequent phases of clinical trials, which further evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment in larger populations.

These trials are essential for ensuring that new treatments are safe and effective before they become widely available to patients.

By collaborating with industry and academic partners, the ICMR can expedite the development of new treatments, ensuring they reach patients faster.

Besides, Industry-Partnerships can reduce the financial burden on any single entity, making the research and development process more cost-effective. This can lead to lower costs for the end treatments. Moreover, combining the strengths of industry and academia brings together a wealth of knowledge and resources, improving the quality and efficiency of the research.

Developing treatments within India can reduce dependency on international pharmaceuticals, potentially lowering costs and improving accessibility for Indian citizens. Successful FIH trials can streamline the regulatory approval process, ensuring that safe and effective treatments are available to the public sooner.

By focusing on diseases like multiple myeloma, Zika, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, these trials address significant public health challenges, aiming to provide cutting-edge treatments that are both affordable and accessible.

This initiative not only strengthens India’s position in global clinical research but also promises to make advanced medical treatments more accessible to its population.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri J P Nadda, commended the strategic collaboration between ICMR and prominent industry and academic partners, emphasizing it as a key milestone in the pursuit of affordable and accessible cutting-edge treatments for all citizens. He noted that this initiative positions India to emerge as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research & Director General, ICMR, emphasized the transformative potential of the project, stating, “This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing clinical research in India through strategic public-private partnerships. Establishing Phase 1 clinical trial infrastructure is a key component in fostering the development of indigenous molecules and cutting-edge treatments. Our vision is to expand this network further, ensuring that India continues to lead in the development of innovative and affordable healthcare solutions.”

Cipla Gets Approval to Introduce Zemdri® (Plazomicin) Injection in India, for Treatment of cUTR

Cipla Limited (BSE: 500087; NSE: CIPLA EQ) received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to market the novel antibiotic plazomicin in India.

Plazomicin is a new intravenous (IV) aminoglycoside indicated for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis. UTIs are a global health problem affecting approximately 150 million patients each year. The emergence of drug resistant uropathogens has posed a big challenge in management of UTIs. A pivotal clinical trial and in-vitro studies demonstrated efficacious and safe results in comparison to meropenem. It also highlighted plazomicin’s ability to retain in-vitro activity against strains resistant to older aminoglycosides. Plazomicin's introduction in India underscores Cipla's proactive response to the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Cipla USA Inc., a subsidiary of Cipla, holds the patent for plazomicin sulfate, an intravenous aminoglycoside administered once daily. The company possesses global rights for this molecule, excluding Greater China, and is the innovator of the brand called ZEMDRI®. Cipla USA Inc. currently markets the product in the USA, where it received approval from the US FDA in 2018. ZEMDRI®, for an appropriate time, held the designation of a new technology add-on payment (NTAP) status granted by the US Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) - specifically for hospital administration.

Commenting on the approval, Mr. Umang Vohra, Managing Director, and Global CEO, Cipla, said, “The introduction of plazomicin in India is an important step forward in bringing solutions that address the evolving healthcare challenges of our time. Cipla remains steadfast in building capabilities and driving stewardship activities to counter the global threat of AMR. Our focus remains on developing a robust antimicrobial portfolio, forging partnerships with thought leaders and industry alliances to ensure global access to antimicrobial drugs for a healthier life.”

As a part of Cipla’s extensive efforts to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the company is also implementing EHS management programs, strengthening wastewater and solid waste management, adhering to local environmental regulations, and providing vital training towards its sustainability initiatives.

Cipla and CSIR-CDRI to Jointly Develop a Novel Ophthalmic Formulation for Fungal Keratitis

Cipla Limited announced, on Thursday, that the company has entered into a collaborative research agreement with CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) , Government of India, to jointly develop a novel ophthalmic formulation for fungal keratitis. The collaboration aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both organizations to develop a safe and efficacious drug for fungal keratitis.

Globally, approximately 1.2 million cases of fungal keratitis are reported every year with tropical countries recording a higher incidence. Fungal keratitis often occurs following ocular trauma and exposure to fungal pathogens from organic matter, thus putting agricultural workers at greater risk. Other risk factors include the use of local steroid eye drops, injury, poor personal hygiene, and regular contact lens wear. Left untreated, the condition can result in corneal destruction, leading to a profound loss of vision. Existing therapies have limitations, such as the need for prolonged and frequent use of drugs, and emerging drug resistance.

CSIR-CDRI has developed a prototype formulation for an antifungal drug to optimize its delivery in the eye. In preclinical studies, this formulation supports faster resolution of the infection. Cipla will scale up the product, conduct the required studies and seek regulatory approvals for commercialization, ensuring accessibility for those in need.

Commenting on this association Mr. Umang Vohra, Managing Director, and Global CEO, Cipla, said, “At Cipla, our growth is centered on our commitment to patients, extending care to communities through patient-centric innovation. This collaboration with CSIR-CDRI is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and top-quality healthcare solutions to all those in need, encompassing drugs, devices, and diagnostics. With this, we are sustaining our antimicrobial resistance stewardship by investing in anti-infectives and leading industry voice in the fight against AMR.”

Welcoming this partnership, Dr Radha Rangarajan, Director CSIR-CDRI said, “Our research focuses on finding innovative, cost-effective solutions for India’s unmet clinical needs. CDRI scientists have developed a unique ophthalmic formulation of the antifungal drug. This in turn, is expected to accelerate cure and lead to better outcomes. Our collaboration with Cipla will enable the translation of the research into a drug product, with the potential to reduce the burden of disease.”

This research and development endeavor unites both Cipla and CSIR-CDRI in their commitment to affordable healthcare. The two partners have an ongoing collaboration for the development of Levormeloxifene for contraception.

Eyestem Files for IND Approval for Its Product to Treat Geographic Atrophy, the Largest Cause of Incurable Blindness in the World for People Over 50

Dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) is the largest cause of incurable blindness in the world for patients over 50 years. 170 million people suffer from this disease around the world, 25 million of which are in India. These numbers will unfortunately increase in the coming decades as our population ages. The more severe version of dry AMD is geographic atrophy,and no therapy is available to arrest or reverse this loss of vision.

(L to R) Dr Jogin Desai, Dr Rajani Battu & Dr Rajarshi Pal

Eyestem Research today announced the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the Central Drugs Standards Control Organization, India (CDSCO) to begin first in-human trials of Eyecyte-RPE™for subjects with medium- and late-stage geographic atrophy, secondary to dry AMD.

Dr. Rajani Battu, Chief Medical Officer, Eyestem Research, said, “We are excited to start human trials for Eyecyte-RPE™. Dry AMD is a huge disease burden, and this therapy has the potential to make a meaningful difference in our patients’ lives.”

Dr. Jogin Desai, Chief Executive Officer, Eyestem Research, said, “Most cell and gene therapy products under development in the West are estimated to cost over US$ 200,000.Our vision is to democratize access to such treatments at a fraction of these costs and begin disruption of the current status quo with our Eyecyte-RPE™ product.”

Eyestem Research is a deep science company incubated at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, Bangalore, and supported by DBT-BIRAC as well as prestigious Indian and global healthcare investors. The IND submission for Eyecyte-RPE™is supported by robust GLP toxicology data from Dabur Research Foundation in India and excellent efficacy/safety data in animal models at Oregon Health and Science University. Validation of the injection technique and dose-finding studies were done in advanced animal models at the Singapore Eye Research Institute.

About Eyecyte-RPE™

Eyecyte-RPE™ is a patented suspension of iPSC-derived fate-committed retinal pigment epithelium cells, which are highly potent, safe, and efficacious in in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The cells are derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, are allogeneic in nature, and can be stored for long periods of time.

About Eyestem Research

Headquartered in Bangalore and Delaware, Eyestem Research is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, which was started by a founding team with several decades of experience in pharmaceutical product development, ophthalmology, and cell biology. It has won significant accolades with the most recent one being named the top innovator in the country across all sectors in 2022 by the prestigious The Economic Times newspaper. It is also the recipient of several prestigious grants from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and has been feted at high-profile government functions as one of the most successful startups in the country. In addition to being backed by global investors in Switzerland and South Africa, it is backed by two of the most prestigious venture capital firms in the country – Kotak Investment Advisors and Endiya Partners. Its most recent fundraise was backed by a consortium of three multi-billion dollar Indian pharmaceutical companies –Alkem Laboratories, NATCO, and Biological E.

Indian American Dr M.S. Reddy Discovers A Revolutionary Method to Control the COVID Pandemic by Inactivating RNA and DNA, Gets Patent

Dr. M.S. Reddy already holds 150 American patents to his credit. Dr. He was nominated over 9 times for the Nobel Prize for his contributions to science

Dr. M.S. Reddy, an Indian American Scientist, widely known as 'Cheese Reddy' gets a patent for his research to curb the spread of COVID. Dr Reddy, a global figure, who holds 150 American patents to his credit, discovered a method to control the COVID pandemic and disclosed this in a press note issued in Hyderabad today.

Dr Malireddy Srinivasulu Reddy (Dr M.S. Reddy) says by inactivating viral RNA we can control the spread of the COVID virus. He opines that in future we can control life-threatening viruses like COVID before they spread. Dr Reddy has registered for a patent on this method with the U.S. Patent Department. The good news is that the American Government has recently awarded a patent for him on this subject.

Experts say this is a revolutionary step in the field of science. It is learnt that we can curb the spread of viruses by inactivating RNA and DNA. So far experts have never thought that naked genetic material is more dangerous than the virus. Applauds are pouring in from different quarters for Dr Reddy for thinking in this direction and also for finding a solution. 

Many Indians, especially Telugus, who have settled in America made the country proud with their achievements. Prominent among them is Dr Malireddy Srinivasulu Reddy (Dr M.S. Reddy). Dr Reddy, who hails from Nellore and settled in the U.S., has got many patents to his credit. He graduated from A.P. Agriculture University in Tirupati and earned his M.S. PhD from Iowa University. He did his higher studies in Food Technology, Bacteriology and Virology and at present he is functioning as Chairman and President of American Dairy and Food Consulting Laboratories and International Media and Cultures. He was honoured with many awards for his research programmes.

Dr Reddy is a world-renowned scientist in the field of Microbiology. He has been conferred with 160 national and international awards. He got the prestigious American Dairy Science Association Richard M. Hoyt memorial award. It is worth mentioning that he is the only foreign-born U.S. Citizen to receive this prestigious national award. He has got many patents for his research work in America. His research on Cheese made him very popular and he is referred to as 'Cheese Reddy'.

He has got over 150 American patents, and written over 140 articles in scientific journals and over 30 e-journals and varied books which made him a global figure. Dr Reddy has been acting as Chairman and Advisor for many organisations. The famous Telugu association in America, NATA, honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Reddy has been nominated over 9 times for the Nobel Prize for his contributions to science, at the world level.

During the COVID crisis, through his shows on TV, he has created awareness among the people on steps to control the virus. His webinars and speeches have become viral with over 10 million hits on YouTube. Recently, he has got a patent for his research to curb the spread of COVID.

Clinical Study Reveals An Ayurvedic Formulation’s Efficacy in Infertility Management; 85.23% Women Achieve Ovulation in 3 months

Gynoveda’s Ayurvedic formulation becomes an evidence-based and safe ally for women in enabling gift of motherhood

• “Clinical Evaluation of Ayurvedic Formulation Jeehv for its Ovulation Promoting Action in Females Suffering From Anovulation” by Dr. Aarati Patil, Dr. Divya C.S, and Dr. Gauri More published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research
• Gynoveda’s Ayurvedic supplement were found to be effective in assisting timely ovulation and thus can be useful in the management of infertility associated with gynecological disorders like PCOS, Irregular periods etc
• The product was also found to be safe without causing any adverse effects
• Gynoveda’s Ayurvedic supplement presented a success rate of 85.23% with 127 out of the 149 participants achieving ovulation in the span of 90 days at the latest
• The clinical study is symbolic of Gynoveda’s vision of empowering women in India with an evidence-based medicinal system that delivers on-ground and tangible impact in women's healthcare by harnessing the power of Ayurveda

Gynoveda.com, an Ayurveda-backed women healthcare brand has taken a significant stride for women dealing with infertility issues. Its Ayurvedic supplement, recognized by European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, was found to be effective in assisting timely ovulation and thus can be useful in the management of infertility associated with gynecological disorders like PCOS, Irregular periods etc. Conducted at Dhanwantari Ayurveda Centre, Pallakad, Kerala, India and amongst 149 participants (age group - 25-35 years) across India, the study reported 85.23% women achieving ovulation on time after consuming the Gynoveda’s Ayurvedic supplement (within 3 months). Moreover, no adverse drug reaction was observed offering women an opportunity to experience a safe motherhood.

Dr. Aarati Patil (MD, Ayurveda Gynaecology), Chief Doctor, Co-founder, and R&D Head, Gynoveda speaking about the breakthrough Ayurvedic formulation says, “With 15 years of experience in providing treatment to women grappling with severe gynecological disorders such as PCOS, fibroid, infertility, and endometriosis, I and my team are elated to have introduced a groundbreaking Ayurvedic supplement that possesses the potential to alleviate these disorders and conceive naturally.”

Gynoveda's Ayurvedic supplement has proven to be instrumental in assisting thousands of women in overcoming complications and achieving natural conception. This research paper is a testimony to Gynoveda’s mission to enable women to embrace the gift of motherhood.

Across the nation, women have enthusiastically shared their success stories, highlighting the efficacy of Gynoveda in their journey towards motherhood.

Gynoveda Co-founders (R- L) — Rachana, Vishal, Aarati

Sneha Chourasia from Madhya Pradesh says, "After seven years of marriage, I found success in conceiving with the help of Gynoveda. When I consulted doctors, they diagnosed me with PCOS, which made my journey to pregnancy more complicated. I tried different conventional methods to conceive, but they proved to be long and unsuccessful. As a last resort, I decided to give Gynoveda’s Ayurvedic supplement a try, incorporating it into my daily routine. To my delight, It worked its magic, enabling me to conceive naturally”

Minni Sharma from Lucknow says, “I spoke to gynaecologists and they told me about follicular study. They suggested inducing forceful ovulation injections; which was a very painful and an expensive process for me. I came across Gynoveda’s Ayurvedic supplement which is much more cost effective and efficient. Within just six months of incorporating it into my routine, I conceived naturally “

Abha Kumari from Patna says, "I can personally vouch for the remarkable benefits of Gynoveda’s Ayurvedic supplement when it comes to overcoming complex pregnancy challenges. Despite being diagnosed with fallopian tubal blockage, poor egg quality, and an ovarian cyst, I refused to give up. After trying various medical interventions, including the lengthy and fruitless process of IUI, I turned to Ayurveda supplement as my last hope. Incorporating it into my daily routine allowed me to conceive naturally “

Chetna Jain from Mumbai says, “Gynoveda’s 3x program which includes Diet, Medicine and Doctor support is an all rounded plan that helped me in my journey of a successful pregnancy. Before turning to Ayurveda, I opted for IVF and it did not give me the result I was hoping for. As a last resort, I incorporated Gynoveda’s Ayurvedic supplement in my daily routine and it helped me conceive naturally and give birth to a healthy baby”. 

Sunayani Bhowmik from Bangalore, whilst carrying her one and a half day old baby in her arms says, "Throughout my pursuit of a successful pregnancy, I explored the realms of allopathy and homeopathy for assistance. Unfortunately, these avenues failed to yield positive results. As a last recourse, I discovered Gynoveda's Ayurvedic supplement. To my delight, the initial evaluation following my utilization of Gynoveda’s supplement showcased a reduction in cystic growth. First thing I noticed after 2 months was that I had started having my regular period cycle and then I started taking PCOD pills religiously for two years."

Furthermore, the study also reported that 123 women(82.55%) had complaints of irregular menstrual cycle which was normalized in 98 women. No adverse drug reactions were observed and the study products were well tolerated.

Despite being informed that conceiving would be unattainable, women who had spent significant time and resources on modern medicine were able to fulfill their dream of motherhood through the Gynoveda’s breakthrough Ayurvedic supplement. Gynoveda proudly celebrates mothers and mothers-to-be with their continuous effort.

About Gynoveda

Gynoveda is the World’s first Ayurveda FemTech brand. It combines Ayurveda, Technology, Content & Community for women's healthcare, especially menstruation. Husband-wife duo Rachana & Vishal Gupta as founders of Gynoveda are on a mission to make Ayurveda as world’s first choice for women’s health from puberty to menopause. Gynoveda’s ayurvedic proprietary medicines with FDA approval have helped over 4 lakh women treat the root cause of disorders related to PCOS, irregular periods, infertility, pregnancy, skin, hair & general wellness. The company has delivered over 2 lakh orders across 20,000 pincodes in 58 major cities.

The company raised $10 million in March 2023 in Series A funding led by India Alternatives Fund. Since then its e-commerce platform Gynoveda.com is growing rapidly at 25% month-on-month and it's on track to cross ₹100 crores ARR in the current financial year. Gynoveda founders along with a team of doctors & scientists invented the world’s first Period Test, a gynecology bot that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to self-diagnose her reproductive health by answering a few questions on her mobile in just 2 minutes and getting results instantly.

Cardekho Adds Medulance on Its Platforms to Provide Emergency Medical Services to 60 Million Visitors

Aiming to support people with quick medical care, CarDekho has on-boarded ambulance service provider Medulance on its mobile app and website. Amit Jain, the new Shark on Shark Tank India show, decided to add Medulance, a GPS-based platform enabling fast ambulance services that pitched its business on the show, to CarDekho without any financial transaction. Amit Jain, Co-Founder and CEO of India’s largest auto tech company – CarDekho Group – did this with an aim to expand the reach of the emergency first care service and help bring down the number of road accident fatalities. This offer was made by Amit Jain in succession to his offer of Rs. 5 crore for 5% equity in Medulance, the biggest offer in the history of Shark Tank India., 

This free-of-charge integration of Medulance on the CarDekho app and website will enable users to call for an ambulance from the app and website in case of a mishap. This is in line with Amit Jain’s view of supporting cause-based businesses and will seek to prevent road accident fatalities in India.

Present in 500 cities, Medulance is India's first, GPS-based technology platform that enables fast and reliable first-point medical attention. Started in 2017, Medulance intends to make finding an ambulance as easy as finding food or taxis these days to assist lives. It is an integrated emergency response support provider, ambulance booking and tracking system designed to provide first-point medical attention.

Speaking on this partnership, Mr Amit Jain, CEO and Co-Founder, CarDekho Group, said, “India reports one of the highest numbers of fatalities caused by road accidents every year, cutting short great life stories. About half of these lives can be saved if the injured receive timely access to medical care, and Medulance is playing a pivotal role in bridging this gap. As a responsible group, CarDekho has integrated Medulance on its mobile app and website, and is playing its part in helping create awareness about a service that can help save lives.”

Pranav Bajaj, CEO, Medulance, said, “Medulance was started with an aim to help people call for early first care in case of an accident. Our efforts have save hundreds of lives so far and this social gesture by Shark Amit Jain will further amplify the reach of Medulance, allowing timely availability of ambulances and curbing loss of lives.”

Shark Tank India 2.0 is witnessing increased participation from entrepreneurs that are battling societal odds and are keen on solving problems through their businesses. Amit Jain has been at the forefront of promoting such ventures by looking beyond profit and investing in businesses that help India move forward.

Founded in 2008, CarDekho Group is credited for completely transforming the vehicle ownership ecosystem in India through its several companies. A $1.2 billion Unicorn, CarDekho Group operates companies in Insuretech (InsuranceDekho), Fintech (Rupyy), new vehicle, and used car segments.

CarDekho Group also operates India’s leading automobile content portals such as CarDekho.com, Gaadi.com, ZigWheels.com, BikeDekho.com, and PowerDrift.com. Leveraging innovation and technology, CarDekho Group has become one of the fastest-growing players in the industry, clocking INR 2400 crore ARR (Annual Revenue Run Rate) in Mar’22.

The group is GPTW (Great Place to Work) gold standard certified and has adopted 5 of the UN sustainable development goals as part of its ESG charter. CarDekho Group is backed by marquee investors like Sequoia, Hillhouse, CapitalG, RatanTata, Leapfrog (ESG-focused investment fund) amongst others.

Cannabis Wellness Startup Awshad Launches Its Cannabis Medicinal Capsules Named 'Calmasule'

Delhi-based cannabis wellness startup Awshad has announced the launch of their new prescription product - a cannabis medicinal capsule line branded as ‘Calmasule’. The objective behind this roll-out of the new product line of Awshad is to help people experience the healing qualities of cannabis in the form of a capsule in order to enable them to alleviate pain, insomnia, stress and various other lifestyle ailments through an all-natural solution and thus aid their overall well-being. Interestingly, the naming of Calmasule is inspired by the first and foremost effect of this capsule, which is to calm down one’s nerves to further help an individual with managing anxiety, pain and sleep issues.

With this new line of products, Awshad intends to expand its target audience and customer base and thereby increase sales and revenue in order to consolidate market leadership. Thisin turn will help Awshad infuse more resources in educating and spreading awareness to destigmatize cannabis and spread awareness on its myriad wellness benefits, which till date remains the biggest hurdle in this industry.

Awshad has been working with leading cannabis manufacturing and formulation teams in India in a bid to come out with these superlative, pure cannabis extract capsules that have been proven to have very high efficacy and showed extremely promising results amongst the focus groups. Only if and when they have a prescription, the customers would be able to buy Awshad’s newly-launched capsule products directly from the Awshad website or via aggregator marketplaces like CBD Store, It’s Hemp and others.

Awshad’s new range of capsules have been made available under two variants: Calmasule and Calmasule Plus; the main difference between these two variants lies in the concentration/ratio of CBD and THC (both of them being compounds present in cannabis) present in the product. Calmasule is the milder product variant which is more versatile and can be used by a wide range of users. With 10mg CBD and 5mg THC (2:1 CBD: THC ratio), Calmasule helps patients combat anxiety, stress, insomnia and mild pain issues. On the other hand, Calmsule+ is a much stronger product variant with 15mg CBD and 15mg THC (1:1 CBD: THC ratio), thus especially recommended for those facing chronic and more serious ailments like chronic pains, chronic insomnia, Cancer, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, Arthritis, etc.

Speaking on the launch of the new product, Shivam Singhee, Co-Founder & CEO, Awshad said, “We at Awshad are extremely pleased and excited to introduce our and India’s first cannabis extract-based capsules to the market, called Calmasule and Calmasule Plus. These newly-launched Awshad capsules are meant to derive the best efficacy and results for our discerning Indian customers. Also, these capsules will be the strongest products among our current offerings, and is geared towards people who are looking for highly effective products to deal with their more serious ailments. In the long run, we understand the importance of a variety of products under a trusted brand can lead to bigger market acceptance, and knowing that our customers come from diverse backgrounds and situations, we shall continue to strive to serve them all with appropriate products that will help them achieve their health and wellness goals.”

Richa Jaggi, Co-Founder & CMO, Awshad adds, “As a brand in a nascent industry, it is imperative that we continue to innovate and our biggest inspiration comes from our customers and we always listen to what they require from us. Some of our customers wanted an easier to carry and an easier product to administer (instead of using the dropper for Vijaya Oils). And we also found out that a lot of people are more comfortable with capsules and pills over edible tinctures. We further recognized that we were interacting with a lot of people who are looking for stronger cannabis products in the market, as the current offering isn’t satisfying their needs. Following these findings and active listening to our customers’ feedback, we are glad to now introduce Awshad’s new medicinal cannabis capsules. Looking at the growing acceptance in the market, we are very certain Calmasule will create a huge demand in the Indian cannabis space and help Awshad to consolidate its leadership in the Indian medical cannabis space.”

Notably, Awshad’s dynamic website has multiple onboarded in-house doctors who can help patients to get valid prescriptions for the product, and would also diagnose and provide answers to any queries a patient may have. If one already has a valid prescription, he/she can simply upload the prescription during the checkout process while purchasing the product on the Awshad website.

Previously, Awshad had also launched its flagship prescription product named ‘Awshad Full Spectrum Vijaya Oil’. While Awshad’s Vijaya Oil product offers more value for money and last longer for the consumers, but their latest offering, i.e. the Calmasule capsules are meant for people who prefer pills over edible oils. The Awshad capsules have no taste, are easy to swallow, and would help people with more consistent dosages. In the near future, Awshad will continue to innovate constantly with newer formats of medical cannabis while attempting to move closer to their vision of revolutionizing the wellness sector in India. Notably, all of Awshad’s products are intensively lab-tested and certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.

About Awshad

Awshad is a South-Delhi based cannabis wellness startup co-founded and bootstrapped by Shivam Singhee, CEO and Richa Jaggi, CMO. Awshad’s clinically-tested, vegan and gluten-free Full-Spectrum CBD products are made using the highest quality cannabis extract in a bid to provide better health and wellness to people across all ages and backgrounds. However, the products are especially targeted towards those dealing with lifestyle ailments such as stress, insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, epilepsy and inflammation, among various other lifestyle issues. The startup works with the objective and vision to revolutionize the wellness space in India, while providing profound and long-term physical and mental health and wellness benefits to their customers.

Medical Apparel Brand KNYA Med Raises Seed Funding from DSG Consumer Partners, Narayana Health and Cipla Health

KNYA Med, India’s leading online medical apparel brand, has raised seed funding, led by DSG Consumer Partners, with participation from the promoter family of Narayana Health and Cipla Health amongst others. The brand was founded in 2021, in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic by husband-wife duo, Vanshika and Abhijeet Kaji. The aim was to fill in the gap of functional and fashionable medical apparel for the medical industry across the country at multiple levels.

KNYA Med has over 120 SKUs and has developed proprietary medical scrubs and lab coat aprons, which are backed by science and technology to offer comfortable and fashionable medical apparel. Since inception, KNYA Med products have been delivered to 900+ cities and 200+ medical institutes across India. The brand is currently growing month on month at 50% and supplies across B2B and B2C retail formats.

The capital fund raised will be used for product R&D, hiring across the company, as well as for branding and marketing.

Commenting on the funding, Mr. Hariharan Premkumar, Head of India, DSG Consumer Partners said, “We are super excited to partner with Vanshika and Abhijeet on their mission to serve and celebrate our medical heroes with the best quality products. Since founding KNYA in 2021, they have been working closely with the medical fraternity through the pandemic to build world-class products for them. They share our ethos on building businesses sustainably. We are very excited about the growth potential of this category and the opportunity to build a category-defining brand in medical apparel.”

Adding to the vote of confidence, Mr. Viren Shetty, Executive Vice Chairman, Narayana Health said, “Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and medical technicians are among the hardest-working professionals and KNYA Med is dedicated to ensure their comfort in the hospital. We are delighted to partner with KNYA Med in their journey towards building India’s most loved brand among medical professionals.”

Doctors and Nurses work an average 12-15 hours per day and performance apparel is the need of the hour to help enhance their performance. There are close to 8 million medical professionals in India out of which 3 million have joined in the last 5 years. The government of India has been focused on increasing the penetration of doctors and nurses to support the rise in disease rates. KNYA Med aims to address the gap in making doctors lives’ more comfortable with their medical apparel.

Commenting on the funding and mission of the brand, Abhijeet and Vanshika Kaji, Founders, KNYA Med said, “KNYA Med is razor focused to build a brand to celebrate medical professionals with the most comfortable scrubs and aprons; if we celebrate cricketers and actors, why not doctors and nurses? We are thankful to our community for making KNYA Med the most trustworthy, and loved scrub brand in India”

About the Founders:

Abhijeet Kaji & Vanshika Kaji — Co Founders KNYA Med

Abhijeet Kaji is a Stanford University MBA and was previously a Chief of Staff at Reliance Industries and a Vice President at Warburg Pincus.

Vanshika Kaji is a 4th generation textile entrepreneur and holds a BA from LaSalle College of Arts, Singapore.

KNYA Med is India’s leading online medical apparel brand which ensures our medical superheroes can have high-quality garments to safely carry out their heroic work. The brand was conceived and shaped in 2021 during the Covid 19 pandemic. In the past couple of years, KNYA Med has established itself as one of the leading suppliers of medical scrub suits and lab coat aprons with multiple SKUs and variations. Since its inception, the brand has catered to 200+ medical institutions including Reliance HN Hospital, Narayana Health, Jupiter Hospital, Jaslok Hospital etc.

To know more about us and future associations log onto www.knyamed.com

Paralyzed People May Walk Again as Israeli Researchers Successfully Engineered World's 1st 3D Human Spinal Cord Tissue Transplant

Representational Image

Israel’s TAU Breakthrough Offers New Hope to Help People with Paralysis Walk Again

Researchers from the Tel Aviv University successfully engineer world's first 3D human spinal cord tissue transplant

Paralysis from spinal injury has long remained untreatable. Could scientific developments get people affected on their feet again sooner than imagined? In a worldwide first, Tel Aviv University researchers have engineered 3D human spinal cord tissues and implanted them in a lab model with long-term chronic paralysis, demonstrating high rates of success in restoring walking abilities. Now, the researchers are preparing for the next stage of the study, clinical trials in human patients. They hope that within a few years the engineered tissues will be implanted in paralyzed individuals enabling them to stand up and walk again.

How to Reverse Spinal Injury?

"Our technology is based on taking a small biopsy of belly fat tissue from the patient,” explains Prof. Tal Dvir who’s research team led the study. “This tissue, like all tissues in our body, consists of cells together with an extracellular matrix comprising substances like collagens and sugars. After separating the cells from the extracellular matrix we used genetic engineering to reprogram the cells, reverting them to a state that resembles embryonic stem cells – namely cells capable of becoming any type of cell in the body."

TAU - Visualization of the next stage of the research - human spinal cord implants for treating paralysis

From the extracellular matrix the researchers produced a personalized hydrogel, that would evoke no immune response or rejection after implantation. They then encapsulated the stem cells in the hydrogel, and in a process that mimics the embryonic development of the spinal cord, turned the cells into 3D implants of neuronal networks containing motor neurons.

The human spinal cord implants were then implanted in two different groups of lab models: those who had only recently been paralyzed (the acute model) and those who had been paralyzed for a long time (the chronic model) – equivalent to one year in human terms. Following the implantation, 100% of the lab models with acute paralysis and 80% of those with chronic paralysis regained their ability to walk.

The ground-breaking study was led by Prof. Tal Dvir's research team at the Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tel Aviv University. 

TAU (Left to right) Dr. Yona Goldshmit, Prof. Tal Dvir and Lior Wertheim Credit Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology

The team at Prof. Dvir's lab includes PhD student Lior Wertheim, Dr. Reuven Edri, and Dr. Yona Goldshmit.  Other contributors included Prof. Irit Gat-Viks from the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Prof. Yaniv Assaf from the Sagol School of Neuroscience, and Dr. Angela Ruban from The Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, all at Tel Aviv University. The results of the study were published in the prestigious scientific journal Advanced Science.

Getting Patients Suffering from Paralysis Back on Their Feet

Encouragingly, the model animals underwent a rapid rehabilitation process, at the end of which they could walk quite well. This is the first instance in the world in which implanted engineered human tissues have generated recovery in an animal model for long-term chronic paralysis – which is the most relevant model for paralysis treatments in humans.

“Our goal is to produce personalized spinal cord implants for every paralyzed person, enabling regeneration of the damaged tissue with no risk of rejection,” says Prof. Dvir.

Based on the revolutionary organ engineering technology developed at Prof. Dvir's lab, he teamed up with industry partners to establish Matricelf (matricelf.com) in 2019. The company applies Prof. Dvir’s approach in the aims of making spinal cord implant treatments commercially available for persons suffering from paralysis.

Prof. Dvir, head of Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology, concludes -

We hope to reach the stage of clinical trials in humans within the next few years, and ultimately get these patients back on their feet. The company's preclinical program has already been discussed with the FDA. Since we are proposing an advanced technology in regenerative medicine, and since at present there is no alternative for paralyzed patients, we have good reason to expect relatively rapid approval of our technology.

ABOUT STUDY IN ISRAEL: 

The Council for Higher Education of Israel launched the Study in Israel initiative to promote internationalization in the Israeli higher education system and attract international students. The initiative focuses on increasing awareness of Israel’s excellent academia and research while communicating the distinctive, engaged approach to education that Israel offers students. Through “Study in Israel” students from all over the world are invited to “Engage in Excellence”. For further information, log onto - https://studyisrael.org.il/.