Boosting Medicinal Plant Farming: Govt & Industry Join Hands to Help Farmers

A recent Stakeholder Consultation in New Delhi focused on boosting India's medicinal plant sector through collaboration, regional clusters, and industry partnerships. Officials emphasized the need for policy support, dedicated markets, and financial incentives to empower farmers and foster sector growth.

Key discussions included:

• Mission-mode program for medicinal plant cultivation, identifying best practices and efficient techniques.
• Industry-farmer partnerships to ensure stable markets and fair pricing.
• Region-specific clusters for medicinal plants to streamline production and marketing.
• Expansion of AYUSH sector, which has grown eightfold in the past decade, highlighting export potential.

The consultation underscored the economic opportunities in medicinal plant cultivation, particularly in light of rising global demand for natural and holistic healthcare products.

In his opening remarks, Shri. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, highlighted that there is a scope to increase domestic production of medicinal plants as inter-state trade and export of medicinal plants. He highlighted the need for better convergence between Ministry of AYUSH and Agriculture departments and collaboration with State Medicinal Plant Boards, to promote medicinal plants at national level. He also mentioned that important medicinal plants have been included under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme, DA&FW. He stressed that there is a need for a mission-mode program for medicinal plant cultivation, identifying good practices of cultivation, efficient techniques, etc., which will help in the upliftment of the sector.

Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH highlighted that there is a huge possibility of growth in the sector. The AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown by 8 times in the last 10 years and has vast export potential. The sector has enormous economic opportunities, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for AYUSH products including medicinal plants has grown immensely.

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.

The Future of Medicine: Robots, AI, and Personalized Treatments

The field of medicine is undergoing a transformative shift with the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and personalized treatments. These advancements are revolutionizing patient care, improving diagnostic accuracy, and optimizing treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

The Role of Robotics in Surgery and Rehabilitation

Robotic-assisted surgeries are enhancing precision and reducing recovery times for patients. Systems like the da Vinci Surgical System allow for minimally invasive procedures with greater accuracy and reduced risk of complications. Additionally, robotic exoskeletons are aiding in rehabilitation, helping patients regain mobility after spinal cord injuries or strokes.

According to a recent report by BBC News, robotic technologies are also being developed for remote surgeries, enabling specialists to perform procedures on patients in different locations through advanced telemedicine solutions.

Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics and Treatment

AI is playing a crucial role in diagnosing diseases at an early stage and personalizing treatment plans. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of medical data to detect patterns that may be overlooked by human physicians. AI-driven tools are improving radiology, pathology, and even mental health diagnostics by providing faster and more accurate results.

Furthermore, AI is being integrated into drug discovery processes, significantly reducing the time and cost of developing new treatments. AI-driven platforms help identify potential drug candidates by analyzing molecular interactions and predicting their effectiveness against diseases.

Personalized Medicine: Tailoring Treatments to Individuals

Advancements in genetic research and biotechnology have paved the way for personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored based on an individual's genetic makeup, lifestyle, and medical history. This approach is particularly effective in treating conditions like cancer, where targeted therapies can improve outcomes and minimize side effects.

The field of biopharmaceuticals is also leveraging analytical method qualification to ensure the safety and efficacy of personalized treatments, optimizing drug formulations for specific patient needs.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While the future of medicine looks promising, challenges remain. The integration of AI and robotics raises ethical questions regarding patient data privacy, decision-making authority, and accessibility of advanced treatments. There is also the need to ensure that personalized medicine remains affordable and widely available to patients globally.

A recent article from The New York Times highlights concerns about bias in AI-driven healthcare systems and the importance of developing equitable algorithms that benefit all patients.

Conclusion

The future of medicine is being shaped by robotics, AI, and personalized treatments, offering unprecedented possibilities for improving healthcare outcomes. While challenges remain, continued advancements in technology and research will play a crucial role in ensuring these innovations benefit patients worldwide. As the medical landscape evolves, embracing these advancements responsibly will be key to a healthier and more efficient healthcare system.

[Top Image by Pavel Danilyuk] 

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.

Ayush Ministry To Co-Host 1st-Ever Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

• WHO and the Ministry of Ayush to host the first-ever Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
• The highly anticipated event is set to take place on 17th-18th August at Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• The Global Summit will place India at the forefront of advancing Traditional Medicines: MoS Ayush

A first-of-its-kind global summit on Traditional Medicine, organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and co-hosted by the Ministry of Ayush, is set to take place on August 17-18, 2023, at 

Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The summit will take into account the vast experience and expertise of the country and this highly anticipated event will serve as a platform for experts and practitioners to delve into the latest scientific advancements and evidence-based knowledge in the sector, with the ultimate goal of ensuring health and well-being for all.

The esteemed Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will inaugurate the event in the presence of Minister of Health Shri Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. G20 health Ministers, Regional Directors of WHO and eminent invitees from countries across WHO's six regions are expected to grace the event along with scientists, practitioners of traditional medicine, health workers and members of civil society organisations. Union Minister of State for Ayush, Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai gave this information in a press conference today at New Delhi.

Speaking about the event in a press conference, Dr Munjpara stated that the summit's outcome will be a declaration, and this declaration will assist WHO in shaping the future of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. He also stated, “It is very natural that after the foundation laying ceremony of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar last year, we are going to witness this first global event in India. It testifies to the multi-dimensional strides taken by various traditional medicine systems of our country in the recent past.”

“By blending traditional practices with contemporary practices aided by visionary policies and digital initiatives, India has demonstrated a path for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through traditional medicine systems.” He added.

Director, Department of Health Systems Development (WHO South East Asia Regional Centre) Shri Manoj Jhalani stated that the summit is expected to develop a roadmap toward creating a more holistic and healthier world for future generations by recognizing the interconnectedness between human health, planetary harmony, and technological advancement.

An array of distinguished speakers will be spearheading discussions on key focus areas, namely research, evidence and learning; policy, data and regulation; innovation and digital health; and biodiversity, equity and traditional (healthcare) knowledge.

Another added milestone will be the exhibition of Traditional systems of medicine from across the globe and the Ministry of Ayush. This exhibition serves as a comprehensive display of Traditional Medicine worldwide and will showcase the interconnectedness of Traditional Medicine with the natural environment in the form of ‘Kalpavriksha’, along with scientific and technological advancements spearheaded by various regional centres of WHO and the Ministry of Ayush.

In a detailed presentation, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Shri Rahul Sharma, laid down the salient features of the event and the exhibition by WHO regional Centres and the Ayush exhibition zone, which has the theme, 'Ayush for Planetary Health & Wellbeing', This exhibition will display WHO regional centres’ prowess apart from highlighting Ayush's efficacy and rich biodiversity of medicinal plants. Some very interesting experiential and interactive kiosks will also be there.

The ministry will also be organising yoga and meditation sessions at the Convention Centre. There also will be yoga and meditation sessions at hotel venues, as well as short Yoga breaks at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre between sessions.

In 2022, WHO, with the support of the Government of India, established the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone of WHO-GCTM last year in the presence of the Director-General, WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The centre is a collaborative project of the Ministry of Ayush of India and the World Health Organization (WHO) and is the first and only global outpost for traditional medicine across the globe. The WHO GCTM will provide leadership on all global health matters related to traditional medicine as well as extend support to member countries in shaping various policies related to traditional medicine research, practices and public health. In a significant move, this year's highly anticipated event in the form of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine is taking place.

Notably, India is revolutionising traditional medicine using digital methods. From Ayush hospital management system to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), the harmony between ancient wisdom and modern technology is evident in various key digital projects by Ayush Ministry, Government of India.

Haoma Medica Completes First-in-Human Trial for NaQuinate, a Novel Treatment in Development for Osteoporosis

LONDON , Nov. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Haoma Medica announced today the completion of a first-in-human trial for NaQuinate, a naphthoquinone carboxylic acid, which is being developed as a novel orally administered therapeutic for osteoporosis.

The first-in-human trial initiated last year in healthy adults studied single and multiple doses of NaQuinate. The primary objective was to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics.

''We are delighted that the first-in-human study has completed its last dosing. There were no significant safety or tolerability concerns up to the highest doses tested which underlines our expectation that NaQuinate is safe and well tolerated,'' said Dr Cenk Oguz , Haoma Medica's Chief Medical Officer.

"Our pre-clinical research has revealed an exciting feature of NaQuinate where it appears to have the capacity to work in harmony with the body's natural response to weight bearing exercise to synergistically enhance bone formation when and where required – now that would be a 'smart' drug," said Dr Steve Deacon , Haoma Medica's CEO. "Together with the safety data from this first-in-human study, this supports the potential that NaQuinate treatment could provide a safe, novel and smart therapeutic approach to bone disorders like osteoporosis and better maintain healthy skeletal aging."

About NaQuinate

Previous studies have shown NaQuinate to protect against reduction in bone quality and quantity that occurs in response to ovariectomy in rodent models.  In a mechanical mouse loading model, a surrogate for weight-bearing exercise, NaQuinate synergistically enhanced the body's normal response to loading by forming bone, targeting relevant cortical bone regions. This synergistic interaction between NaQuinate and mechanical loading suggests the functional use of bones' mechanostat, a term which describes how mechanical loading affects bone structure, in the regulation of bone mass and architecture. NaQuinate is currently being evaluated using a curative model of osteoporosis versus a bisphosphonate and a loading model versus an anabolic; results are expected early next year.

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent disease often not presenting with any signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs. It thus remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated disease.

Osteoporosis results in bone loss and changes in bone quality and strength that occurs through the normal aging process leading to fragile bones. Fragile bones lead to fractures, which progresses into a downward spiral of disability, loss of independence and increased mortality with considerable social and economic burden. Fragility fractures are a major obstacle to healthy aging. Worldwide there is a fragility fracture every 3 seconds.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, about 200 million suffer from the disease worldwide. A combined lifetime risk of fractures is 40% and is equivalent to the risk of cardiovascular disease. In women over 45 years of age, osteoporosis results in more time in hospitals that many other diseases such as breast cancer, heart attacks, and diabetes.

About Haoma Medica

Haoma Medica is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of therapeutics to maintain bone and vascular health.

For more information, please visit www.haomamedica.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Name: Carmen Greco

e-mail: carmen.greco@haomamedica.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1251548/Haoma_Medica_Logo.jpg

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