Cough Syrup Horror: Banned Chemical Used, Pharma Firm Under Probe

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Coldrif cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has confirmed that industrial-grade diethylene glycol—a toxic chemical used in brake fluids and antifreeze—was present in the syrup that led to the deaths of 23 children, including 20 in Chhindwara district.

Key Findings from the SIT Investigation:

• Source of Contamination: The chemical was traced to Sresan Pharmaceuticals, owned by Ranganathan Govindan in Tamil Nadu. He allegedly procured banned industrial-grade diethylene glycol for production.
• Supply Chain Mapping: Investigators are now examining the entire supply chain—from raw material sourcing to distribution—to determine how long the chemical had been used and who else may be complicit.
• Accountability Focus: Authorities aim to fix responsibility at every stage, including suppliers, intermediaries, and production oversight. Govindan initially claimed ignorance, saying production was delegated.

Source: Times of India | The Indian Express [October 11, 2025] 

The Coldrif cough syrup tragedy was first reported by several national and regional outlets, but among the earliest and most locally grounded coverage came from India Today, on October 7, by reporter Ravish Pal Singh, based in Bhopal. The report highlighted the rising death toll in Chhindwara and Betul districts, naming victims and linking the deaths to Coldrif syrup containing toxic substances.

Regulatory Implications

This case has reignited calls for tighter pharmaceutical oversight and raw material traceability. It echoes past tragedies involving toxic syrups and highlights the urgent need for reform in drug manufacturing protocols.

Eli Lilly to Invest Over $1 Billion in India to Expand Global Drug Manufacturing

Eli Lilly and Company today announced plans to invest more than $1 Billion over the next several years into new contract manufacturing in India, expanding patients’ access to innovative medicines around the world. This strategic investment will further strengthen the manufacturing and supply capabilities to support our evolving portfolio.

In addition, Lilly will establish a new Manufacturing & Quality presence in Hyderabad. This new hub will offer advanced technical capabilities and oversight for Lilly’s contract manufacturing network across India. Recruitment will begin immediately, with openings across roles such as engineers, chemists, analytical scientists, quality control and assurance professionals, and management positions. This initiative reflects Lilly’s intent to leverage India’s highly skilled talent pool to support its global manufacturing growth and deliver medicines to patients worldwide. Since 2020, Lilly has committed more than $55 billion to build, expand, and acquire facilities in the U.S. and around the world. These facilities and investments address growth from potential new medicines to treat diabetes and obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and autoimmune conditions and prepare for medicines of the future.

Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, said, “Lilly’s continued expansion in Hyderabad highlights the city’s emergence as a powerhouse in global healthcare innovation. From the recent opening of its Innovation and Technology site to a new manufacturing collaboration and the establishment of a Manufacturing & Quality hub, Lilly is moving swiftly to expand its presence in Telangana — reinforcing the state’s position as a preferred destination for cutting-edge healthcare investments.”

Shri Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legislative Affairs, Telangana, added, “Lilly’s expansion in Hyderabad is a testament to Telangana’s dynamic industrial landscape and its growing influence in advanced healthcare manufacturing. The state’s focus on technology-driven infrastructure and ease of doing business continues to attract global leaders across sectors and lifesciences sector in particular has been on accelerated growth.”

Nivruti Rai, Managing Director & CEO, Invest India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, said, "Lilly’s investment in India reflects not only the country’s rise as a competitive global manufacturing and innovation hub, but also Lilly’s own commitment to growth, innovation, and advancing healthcare worldwide. This partnership reflects confidence in India’s skilled talent, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly policies, while supporting Lilly’s journey as a global leader in life sciences. Together, we are shaping a stronger future for healthcare and manufacturing. We are proud to support Lilly’s growth journey in India and wish them continued success in the years ahead."

“We are making significant investments to increase manufacturing and medicine supply capacity around the world to help ensure patients have access to the medicines they need,” said, Patrik Jonsson, Executive Vice President and President Lilly International, Eli Lilly and Company. “Working with trusted contract manufacturers expands our capabilities to deliver life-changing medicines at greater scale — with quality always at the core. This investment reaffirms our confidence in India as a hub for capability building within our global network.”

With a longstanding presence in India, including a commercial site in Gurugram and specialized sites in Bengaluru and Hyderabad that serve as important hubs supporting global innovation, Lilly is reinforcing its commitment to the country through strategic investments in local talent and technical capabilities.

About Lilly

Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable.

Laborate's Aqualab’s Direct-to-Retail Model Scales Fast: ₹100 Cr Achieved, ₹250 Cr in Sight

Aqualab, the Direct-to-Retail division of Laborate Pharmaceuticals India Ltd, has crossed the ₹100 crore revenue mark within three years of launch and now expects to touch ₹250 crore by FY 25–26. The growth has been driven by an expanding portfolio of over 800 SKUs and a network of 500+ retail stockists, with Tier-II and Tier-III markets contributing a rising share of sales.

Since its inception in 2022, the division has reported consistent year-on-year growth, moving from ₹76 crore in FY 2022–23 to ₹108 crore in FY 2023–24, Aqualab has focused on ensuring affordability and last-mile access, enabling its medicines to reach smaller towns alongside metropolitan centres.

“Crossing ₹100 crore in three years demonstrates how quickly the Direct-to-Retail model is scaling in India. We are now targeting ₹250 crore by FY 25–26, with non-metro markets expected to contribute 42% of incremental growth. Expanding therapeutic categories and strengthening last-mile delivery will remain our key focus areas,” said Arpit Bhatia, Managing Director, Laborate Pharmaceuticals.

Aqualab’s rise is in step with national priorities such as Make in India and the government’s PLI push to boost domestic pharma manufacturing. The retail pharmacy market, pegged at ₹18,700 crore in FY24, is projected to touch ₹31,200 crore by FY32, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% on the back of stronger generic penetration, greater health awareness, and organised distribution. Leveraging this momentum, Aqualab is preparing to expand into new categories, add facilities, adopt digital channels, and explore exports, consolidating its position in India’s retail pharma landscape.

Laborate’s WHO, GMP, and EU GMP-certified facilities have provided Aqualab with the infrastructure to scale rapidly while maintaining international quality standards. The company operates modern plants with advanced manufacturing and quality control systems, enabling compliance with stringent benchmarks. This foundation has not only supported Aqualab’s domestic expansion but also positions the division for potential export opportunities in the future.

About Laborate Pharmaceuticals

Founded in 1985, Laborate 1 is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in India, with capabilities in manufacturing, R&D, and global distribution. The company provides pharmaceutical products in therapeutic categories that include CVS, Diabetics, Pain Management, CNS, and other general categories, and has presence in 55 countries worldwide.

Laborate’s facilities are cGMP compliant with several regulatory agencies including WHO-GMP, and now EU-GMP compliance. With innovation, quality, and affordability as the cornerstones of its strategy, Laborate is able to provide drugs in both branded and contract manufacturing capacities, to its clients

Anthem Biosciences Wins Big with Oversubscribed IPO

Anthem Biosciences is making waves with its ₹3,395 crore IPO, which has been fully subscribed on Day 2 of bidding, reflecting strong investor confidence amid a global pharma pivot from China to India.

Company Snapshot

Founded in 2006, Anthem is a Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO).

• Offers end-to-end drug discovery, development, and manufacturing services.
• Specializes in fermentation-based APIs like probiotics, enzymes, peptides, and biosimilars.
• Facilities are cGMP-compliant, approved by USFDA, ANVISA, TGA, and PMDA.

IPO Highlights

• Price Band: ₹540–₹570 per share.
• Grey Market Premium (GMP): ₹116–₹121, suggesting a ~20% listing gain.
• Subscription Status (Day 2):
• Overall: 2.08x subscribed
• Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs): 5.75x
• Retail: 1.78x
• Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs): 44%
• Anchor Investors: Raised ₹1,016 crore from names like Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Norges Bank, and Societe Generale.
• Listing Date: Tentatively July 21, 2025, on BSE and NSE.

📈 Analyst Sentiment

Brokerages are bullish:

• Motilal Oswal: “Well positioned to capitalize on market opportunities.”
• Anand Rathi: “Profitable track record, strong growth potential.”
• SBI Securities: “Fairly priced with superior margins and returns”.

With big pharma diversifying away from China, Anthem is well-positioned to capture outsourced CRDMO demand, especially in biologics and specialty APIs.

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.

Pharma Companies Mallinckrodt, Endo in Talks to Merge

Pharmaceuticals companies Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and Endo International are reportedly in discussions about a potential merger. The deal, which could be valued at around $7 billion, would result in each company owning roughly 50% of the combined entity. The merged company is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Both companies have faced significant legal challenges in recent years due to their involvement in the U.S. opioid epidemic. Mallinckrodt emerged from its second bankruptcy in November 2023, while Endo returned from bankruptcy last year.

The merger could potentially help them navigate these challenges more effectively.

Notably, both Mallinckrodt and Endo have faced significant legal challenges, primarily related to their involvement in the U.S. opioid epidemic.

Mallinckrodt has been involved in extensive litigation related to opioid sales and pricing practices. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 to address its long-term debt and opioid obligations. As part of its financial restructuring plan, Mallinckrodt agreed to a $1.6 billion settlement to address claims related to the opioid crisis. The company also initiated examinership proceedings in Ireland to implement certain aspects of its financial restructuring.

Endo International has also faced significant legal challenges due to its involvement in the opioid crisis. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022 after agreeing to a $6 billion settlement with creditors to address outstanding lawsuits related to its marketing and promotion of opioid products.

Endo has also been involved in litigation with the FDA and bulk compounders over the production of vasopressin, a drug used to treat low blood pressure.

Both companies have taken steps to restructure their finances and address their legal obligations, but they continue to face challenges related to their past actions in the opioid crisis.

Impact of Merger in India Operations 

In India, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals operates through its subsidiary, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals India Private Limited. The company was incorporated on November 27, 2012, and is classified as a subsidiary of a foreign company. It is involved in the manufacture of basic Chemicals.

However, it appears that the company's operations in India are currently inactive, as its status is listed as "Strike Off".

Endo International has a more active presence in India. The company operates several manufacturing facilities in the country, including locations in Indore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Dhar.

Notably, Endo received U.S. FDA approval for its manufacturing facility in Indore, which is designed for the aseptic manufacturing of sterile injectable products. This facility is expected to significantly increase Endo's sterile injectable production capacity and expand its future growth potential.

The merger could lead to increased investment in these India facilities, enhancing production capabilities and expanding the range of products manufactured in India. Additionally, the merger could result in the consolidation of resources, leading to improved efficiency and cost saving.

The combined entity could leverage its expanded product portfolio to capture a larger share of the Indian pharmaceutical market.

India Develops Indigenous Technology to Produce Paracetamol Domestically and Reduce Import

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed indigenous technology to produce paracetamol, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. This innovation aims to reduce India's dependence on imported raw materials for paracetamol production, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd will utilize this breakthrough to produce affordable paracetamol domestically. This move is expected to make India self-reliant in paracetamol manufacturing and contribute to the country's pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.

Notably, India imports the key raw materials for paracetamol production from several countries. The primary sources include China, Germany, and France. This reliance on imports has been a significant factor in the development of indigenous technology by CSIR to produce paracetamol domestically.

India has made significant strides in developing indigenous drugs namely India’s 1st Indigenously developed Antibiotic- Nafithromycin to treat both atypical and typical drug-resistant bacteria.

Earlier, India has also conducted first successful trial of gene therapy for treating haemophilia, a blood disorder. The Modi government in India also led successful cultivation of lavender and other aromatic plants under the Aroma Mission initiative.

These advancements highlight India's growing capabilities in pharmaceuticals and other sectors. It's an exciting time for innovation in the country.

Eli Lilly Set to Become World's First $1 Trillion Drugmaker by Market Value

Eli Lilly is on the verge of becoming the world's first pharmaceutical company to reach a market value of $1 trillion. This milestone is driven by the soaring demand for its treatments for diabetes and obesity, such as Zepbound and Mounjaro.

According to Financial Times, "Wall Street's insatiable appetite for weight-loss drug stocks looks set to turn the company into the world's first $1tn drugmaker by market value. But investors wonder if Eli Lilly has reached 'peak enthusiasm'?"

The company's market capitalization has surged significantly, reaching around $898 billion as of July 2024.

Eli Lilly’s stock has surged about 58% in 2024, driven by the success of its weight-loss drugs and strong earnings.

This achievement would place Eli Lilly among an exclusive group of companies, mostly dominated by tech giants like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft. It's a remarkable testament to the company's growth and the increasing investor confidence in its innovative treatments.

Eli Lilly is making significant strides in the weight loss drug market with its two blockbuster drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound. These drugs have become highly popular due to their claims of being effective in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Very recently, Eli Lilly announced a $4.5 billion investment to build the Lilly Medicine Foundry in Lebanon, Indiana. This state-of-the-art facility will focus on advanced drug manufacturing and development, combining research and production in one location. It’s expected to open in late 2027 and will support the company’s growing pipeline.

The new facility will help increase the production of popular drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are in high demand for treating diabetes and obesity. This expansion aims to address current supply shortages and meet future demand.

The drugmaker has invested $20 billion in manufacturing facilities over the past four years.

The Lilly Medicine Foundry will enable the development of new production methods and technologies, which will be transferred to other manufacturing sites for full-scale production. This initiative is part of Lilly’s broader strategy to innovate and optimize its manufacturing processes.

Lilly is also expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Limerick, Ireland, with a $1 billion investment. This expansion aims to increase the production of its popular weight-loss and diabetes treatments, Zepbound and Mounjaro.

The company has 11 obesity drugs in its pipeline and is working on developing more treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and other brain diseases. This reflects Eli Lilly’s commitment to addressing a wide range of health challenges.

Besides this, Eli Lilly is planning to expand its research center in India. This move aims to leverage India’s growing capabilities in pharmaceutical research and development.

In October 2021, Eli Lilly has entered into a strategic partnership with Cipla to enhance access to its key diabetes products, such as Humalog and Trulicity. This partnership allows Cipla to sell, promote, and distribute these products in India, leveraging Cipla’s robust distribution network.

These initiatives highlight Eli Lilly’s ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its capabilities in drug manufacturing and development.

Eli Lilly’s stock has been buoyed by the high demand for its diabetes and obesity treatments, particularly Mounjaro and Zepbound, as well as its strategic investments in new manufacturing facilities.

Eli Lilly’s stock is performing strongly with Current Price of $891.07 USD. The stock has traded between $516.57 and $972.53 over the past year. The drugmaker's total revenue stood at $11.3 billion, a 36% increase from the previous year.

Eli Lilly’s revenue growth rate of 36% year-over-year is notably higher than the industry average, showcasing strong demand for its products. Notably Eli Lilly’s revenue is primarily driven by its successful diabetes and obesity treatments, such as Mounjaro and Zepbound.

While companies like Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer have higher overall revenues due to their diversified portfolios, Eli Lilly’s focused approach on high-demand treatments has led to impressive growth.

Hyderabad Distt Has the Largest Number of USFDA-approved Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Units in the World, Followed by New Jersey : Dr E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy

Dr E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy IFS, Special Secretary, Investment Promotion and  NRI Affairs, Joint MD, TSTPC speaking at the session

Business Session on CEPA and Related Business Opportunities held

It seems CEPA is more tailor-made to Telangana because the state has several sectors which have greater export potential: Dr E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, IFS, Special Secretary, Investment Promotion & NRI Affairs, Joint Managing Director (TSTPC) 

The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) in association with UAE-India Business Council (UIBC), New Delhi organised a Business Session on Comprehensive Economic Agreement (CEPA) and Related Business Opportunities in the city at Hotel Park, Rajbhavan Road on Thursday night.

FTCCI is the most vibrant regional chamber in India. UAE – India Business Council (UIBC) is the only Official Joint Business Chamber set up by both the Governments--India and the UAE for promoting economic synergy between the UAE and India.

The session aimed to highlight the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) & Related Business Opportunities between the UAE and Telangana, India. It focused on sectors such as Plastics, Pharmaceuticals, Gems & Jewellery many others informed Mr. Mukesdh Kalra, Head--Business, Development, UIBC.

Percy Avari, Sharad AgarwalHE Aref Alnuaimi, Consul General of UAE, Dr E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy and Meela Jajadev

H. E Aaref Alnuaimi, Consul General of UAE at Hyderabad and Dr E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, IFS, Special Secretary, Investment Promotion & NRI Affairs, Joint Managing Director (TSTPC) were Chief Guests.

Addressing the gathering Dr Vishnu Vardhan Reddy spoke about how Telangana could best use CEPA. CEPA is a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that is a free trade agreement between two countries. In this case, it is between UAE and India.

CEPA is more comprehensive than Free Trade Agreements. The CEPA provides preferential market access for over 80% of products traded between India and the UAE. The CEPA covers 11 broad service sectors and more than 100 sub-sectors, such as business services, communication services, financial services, tourism, and transport services. 

The Significance of the India-UAE CEPA is it is expected to increase bilateral trade in goods to USD 100 billion within five years of the signed agreement and increase trade in services to USD 15 billion, leading to wider social and economic opportunities in both nations.

Addressing the 200-plus trade gathering in this light of background Dr Vishun Vardhan Reddy said it looks like CEPA was more tailor-made to Telangana, not because the chief negotiator of this (Mr. Srikar K. Reddy), was from Telangana, but because of our export potential and strengths of several sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, electronics, chemicals and minerals as well as agro products.

The Telangana state stands to benefit from the agreements, Dr Vishnu Vardhan said. The state wants its exports to grow. Telangana has got huge potential. The state stands first in several areas in India. One-third of human vaccines are produced here. Accounting for 40 per cent of the total bulk drug production in India, Telangana is known as the bulk drug Capital of India. Hyderabad District has the largest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing pharmaceutical companies for a single province in the world which is 214 units. The second largest is in New Jersey with 189 units. he said.

Gems and Jewellery is another promising sector for exports, which are likely to record double-digit growth. Food Processing is another promising sector with export potential. Today we are a number of rice-producing states in India. Last year we beat Punjab in rice production. Five Colours revolutions---green, white, yellow, pink and blue to propel Telangana to the next phase of growth, he informed

Speaking further he added that soon India's largest freshwater aqua park is coming up in Telangana. India's biggest Textile Park "Kakatiya Mega Textile Park is coming up in Warangal spread over 1350 Acres. It is the largest Textile Park in India. It boasts of fibre to fashion. Chief Minister Mr K Chandra Shekhar Rao is likely to inaugurate it in September. The park is fully occupied. We have identified Furniture and Toys as a new emerging sector to focus on. A focused Toys Park, an exclusive Furniture Park, and a dedicated Gems and Jewellery Park are also coming up in the state. The state is also working on revamping its export strategies. We will have comprehensive strategies. The work is in progress and shared with the senior foreign affairs bureaucrat. UAE is a priority country for Telangana state for exports, he said.

Giving his welcome address, the newly sworn-in President of FTCCI Mr. Meela Jayadev said it is the first anniversary of India-UAE CEPA implementation. This business session is timely and topical too. CEPA is the growth engine for India-UAE bilateral trade and makes a significant impact on India's bilateral trade with the UAE especially India's exports to the UAE. India is UAE's second-largest trading partner accounting for 9% of its total foreign trade and 14% of non-oil exports. Also, the UAE is India's third biggest trade partner. FTCCI works with larger industries, MSMEs and small businesses and we have seen big potential in our exporter members from Telangana contributing significantly to our country's exports.

Mr Sharad Agarwal, CEO-India, Emirates NBD Bank and Board Member of UIBC gave opening remarks. India and UAE's long friendship was further cemented with CEPA. CEPA is a game changer. It helps in the speed of processing of trade.

A panel discussion on Business Opportunities Post India-UAE CEPA was held. It was moderated by Kunal Wadhwa, Partner PwC. Giving his opening remarks explained how CEPA is different from FTA (Free Trade Agreement)

Mr Anurag Sehgal, MD of Price Waterhouse & Co. LLP said the pandemic made every country release to the fact to have a reliable trade partner. The international trade community is looking at India as the most reliable and secure trade partner.

Unnikrishnan, Joint Director General of FIEO-The Federation of Indian Export Organisations an apex body of Indian export promotion organisations set up jointly by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India and private trade and industry. India signed 13 FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) so far for ensuring greater market access for domestic goods and promoting exports. The booming pharma and jewellery sectors have propped up Telangana's exports.

Another panellist R Uday Bhaskar, Director General Pharmexcil observed that the pact CEPA will boost bilateral merchandise trade and it is likely to expand the presence of Made-in-India medicines in Middle Eastern countries. India’s exports to the UAE hit US$31.3 billion in FY 2022-23 due to the CEPA trade deal. Indian companies are benefitting immensely from this he said.

Mr.Vidyasagar Hariharan, Vice President, Trade Product Manager, Global Transaction Banking, Mashreq India said CEPA is much more than FTA. It is a win-win pact for both countries. It benefits MSMEs. UAE is the gateway to Africa.

Mr. Ananthanarayana S. Partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP asked What is the difference in CEPA compared to other free trade agreements? CEPA is more comprehensive and ambitious than an FTA because it includes services, investment, IPR, government procurement, disputes, and regulatory aspects of the trade. An FTA, in contrast, focuses only on goods. The other salient features are the safeguard mechanism of domestic trade. Whenever imports surge and cause a threat to domestic industry, it safeguards. The mechanism is inbuilt in this among others he said.

Percy Avari, Country Manager, Aramex India spoke about the synergetic role of logistics in India-UAE CEPA's Triumph.

Ms Ebtesam Alkaabi, Head of Sales, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai making a presentation on it said that it is a community and ecosystem where industries such as logistics, e-commerce, petrochemicals and 14 other industries thrive.

Mr AVPS Chakravarthi, Chair of, the International Trade & Business Relations Committee, FTCCI said the Al Minhad area, the 84 km stretch, in the United Arab Emirates, renaming as 'Hind City' by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shows India and UAE affinity.

Mr Shubhransh Srivastav, Head of Corporate Affairs of DP World, an Emirati multinational logistics company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, specialising in cargo logistics, and port terminal operations, responding to Dr E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy's appeal to look at Telangana as an investment opportunity, said that the world view of the Telangana state was that of the most enabling state. We are keenly interested in Telangana. We have already heavily invested in India. You will see me and our company more often here. We ensure seamless and painless trade, he added.

Mr Suresh Kumar Singhal, Senior Vice President and Ms Khyati Naravane, CEO of FTCCI and others graced participated in the business session.

 

LAY SCIENCES Globally Launches 'ImmunIgY', the 1st Pre-formed Oral Antibody that Neutralizes SARS-COV-2 and All Known Variants Including DELTA and OMICRON

ImmunIgY, has been developed by ReaGene Biosciences, Kyntox Bio and ProdigY, and is an antibody-containing beverage (ImmunIgY™) that can potentially prevent viral entry, regardless of vaccination or infection status

Lay Sciences, Inc. announced today that its flagship product ImmunIgY, the first-in class product that contains pre-formed (instant) antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 virus. ImmunIgY is also effective against the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus. ImmunIgY when used as an “oral rinse and swallow” product is a useful addition in preventing the onset, transmission, and progression of the disease.

ImmunIgY – The “Instant Antibodies” in ImmunIgY is based on a futuristic IgY technology and established scientific principles which allows the antibodies to attach to the virus at the point of entry into our body and neutralizes it. The antibodies in ImmunIgY are derived from hyperimmunized chicken eggs and is safe for human consumption. It specifically targets the viral protein that binds to human cell receptors to gain entry to cells of the mouth and throat-a major access point for the virus. Formulated as an orange flavoured powder, ImmunIgY easily dissolves in drinking water and is used as a beverage following oral rinsing and swishing.

Passive immunity through preformed antibodies has the potential to provide immediate protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants. Preformed polyclonal antibodies in a single product that is safe, and which can broadly neutralize the binding of multiple viral variants to its human cell ACE2 receptors in oral and pharyngeal cavity may serve as a prophylactic measure to prevent onset of infection by current and future viral variants. ImmunIgY binds to SARS-CoV-2 viral variants and could offer an additional layer of protection unlike any other strategies currently employed, by neutralizing the virus in the oropharyngeal mucosa. ImmunIgY therefore, has the potential to prevent onset of infection for at least 3 hours following its use.

ImmunIgY may be used by both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals by augmenting the virus-neutralizing responses in the mucosal compartments where the infection onsets. Additionally, ImmunIgY has the potential to reduce viral burden and thus reduce transmission in infected individuals.

Lay Sciences officially launched ImmunIgY through its worldwide distributor HealthAngels Pvt. Ltd. (UK), in Europe, Asia and Africa, and is expected to be launched in other territories worldwide over this quarter. ImmunIgY has received the European market (CE-Mark) approval by the European Union.

“ImmunIgY offers yet another line of defence against the onslaught of rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 viral variants. ImmunIgY is simple to use: the orange flavoured powder is readily soluble in water, and the premeasured ImmunIgY in a sachet is pasteurized and manufactured under rigorous GMP and ISO conditions and is CE marked,” said Satish Chandran, Chief Executive Officer of Lay Sciences. He further added that, “This novel solution complements existing approaches by extending protection against Delta and Omicron strains. Our innovative approach of partnership amongst the three companies; Prodigy, ReaGene and Kyntox, through their proprietary technologies and skills have enabled us to rapidly bring ImmunIgY- a first-in class product to market.”

The ImmunIgY Discovery Team led by Dr. Uday Saxena, Chief Product Ideator of ReaGene Biosciences, added, “There is a significant unmet need for new technologies designed specifically to reduce the burden of COVID-19 pandemic. The future success of COVID-19 pandemic management and improving outcomes is dependent on the development of innovative technologies as ImmunIgY. ImmunIgY’s role is a critical one, cementing the gaps and in being able to deliver neutralizing antibodies to vaccinated, infected and unvaccinated individuals, including children.”

Dr. Abhay Chopada, a renowned Consultant Surgeon at NHS UK and a Strategic Advisor to Lay Sciences said, “ImmunIgY and its underpinnings of IgY technology opens a whole new exciting weapon in the fight against current pandemic and beyond.”

Speaking at the launch of ImmunIgY, Dr. Subrahmanyam Vangala, Chief Executive Officer, ReaGene Biosciences said, “Launch of ImmunIgY marks a major milestone for management of the pandemic and the company.” Dr. Gopi Kadiyala, Chief Executive Officer of Kyntox Biotech India, and Subramanian Iyer, CSO of ProdIgY Biotech welcomed this introduction of ImmunIgY as an Over the Counter (OTC) product and described it as, “a unique proactive and safe solution in combating the pandemic.”

About Lay Sciences

Inc. Lay Sciences is a global leader in the development and commercialization of innovative, high value-added solutions to advance clinical performance, define standard of care and improve patient outcomes. Using its patented and proprietary technologies licensed from its partnering companies, ReaGene Biosciences Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru, India, Prodigy Biotech, Inc. in the US and Kyntox Biotech India Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru, India, Lay Sciences is dedicated to developing and providing innovative products focused on treating and preventing diseases of the GI tract. The company’s flagship product, ImmunIgY, is the first-in-class antibody-based oral product developed to address the pivotal step in viral entry and infection.

For more information, please visit www.myimmunigy.com or www.laysciences.com

Goel Medicos Under the Leadership of Basant Goel Organizes Blood Donation Camp Every Year

Carrying forward the novel legacy of organizing blood camp for past ten years, Goel Medicos pharmacy under the benevolent leadership of pharmacist Basant Goel, organizes blood donation camp every year in an attempt to aid those in dire need of blood.

Even during the exponential surge of coronavirus cases, Basant Goel not surrendering to the whims of the notorious virus, efficiently arranged the blood donation camps, without violating the social distancing protocol to bridge the gap in the shortage of blood that was acutely intensified by the global crisis.

 
Every year the camp arranges more than 1000 units of blood but owing to the disruption due to COVID-19, he still managed to receive 200 and 240 units in the year 2020 and 2021 respectively. As a result of this philanthropic deed, Goel Medicos has been able to save 500-1000 lives every year.

To encourage the people to come forward and donate blood, every year the campaign offers special well thought out gifts meant for the welfare of the donors. Last year helmets were gifted with the selfless motive to save the lives of people.

The blood donation camp is organized in collaboration with Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital where the people in need of blood are issued unlimited card to avail the units of blood they require.

In addition to GTB hospital, Goel Medicos also organizes blood donation camp with NGOs like Gen X and Rotary Club.

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

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Koye Pharma raises Rs. 30 crores debt from BlackSoil Capital

Leading branded pharmaceutical company, Koye Pharma, has raised Rs. 30 crores in debt from Mumbai based NBFC - BlackSoil Capital. The company will primarily use the funds to strengthen its position in the domestic formulation market and for fueling its growth led working capital requirements.

Speaking on the debt raise, Ravindra Shenoy, Founder & Director, Koye Pharma said, “We are pleased to partner with an institution of the calibre of BlackSoil and strongly believe this association will further our long term aspirations and aid our continuous pursuit of a strong growth trajectory with enhanced focus on profitability.”  

Founded in 2013, by industry veterans Preetish Toraskar & Ravindra Shenoy with over two decades of experience each in transnational leading pharmaceutical companies like Lupin, Alkem, Novartis, Mylan, Aurobindo and Cipla.

Koye Pharma is one of the fastest growing mid-sized pharmaceutical companies offering branded pharmaceutical products across therapeutic segments including womens healthcare, respiratory care, primary care, diabetes care and consumer healthcare. The company has a pan India presence and robust distribution network covering over 1.4 lakhs retail pharmacies. It has grown at a CAGR of 42% over 4 years. The Mumbai based firm is backed by multi-stage investors Sequoia & PremjiInvest and raised significant  growth equity capital in the past 5 years. 

“Despite the changing regulation & prevailing market condition, the company has shown resilient revenue growth with work towards profitability on the back of strong network and nationwide presence, solid management team, differentiated fast growing brands and focus on niche therapeutic segments including consumer health & wellness ” said Ankur Bansal, Director, BlackSoil Capital Private Limited.

Blacksoil’s alternative credit platform has successfully concluded more than ~45 transactions to VC backed growth companies so far in the past 4 years and deployed more than 460 crores.

About Koye Pharma

Koye is a speciality pharma company which is focused on the Indian Pharmaceutical market with operations across the length and breadth of the country. It employs more than 400 qualified ambassadors who meet up more than 50000 doctors across the country every month. Koye strives to go the extra mile – to anticipate the needs of the people and provide care that exceeds expectations. Koye is set to grow widely, working towards a healthier and happier world. It is committed to heal, cure and provide general well being and happiness.

About BlackSoil

Launched in 2016 byM P Bansal and Ankur Bansal, BlackSoil is a new-age venture debt platform also focused on structured and real estate debt. Backed by family offices, Blacksoil investments have been sector agnostic as they have developed expertise in multiple domains such as Financial Services / Fintech, E-Commerce, SaaS, Logistics / Mobility, Healthcare, Consumer, travel, Industrial services, Real Estate, & many more. Some of their key investments have been in category leaders such as Oyo Rooms, EarlySalary, Chumbak, Lets Transport,Vogo, Rentomojo amongst others. BlackSoil has disbursed over INR 1600 Cr across 90+ deals in 4 years.

Atrimed Pharmaceuticals Plant Science Receives Breakthrough in Molecule Research for COVID-19 Cure by ICMR Approved Regional Centre for Biotechnology

Bangalore based Atrimed Pharmaceuticals, a pioneer in developing scientifically tested Plant based medication, announced that, three of our samples tested positive against SARS-CoV-2 in the ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) designated laboratory and the developed drug will be available as an Oral medicine. Company Leverages Proven Antiviral and Plant based medicinal expertise to evaluate the new approaches for treating the Novel Coronavirus Disease COVID-19. Atrimed Pharma is dedicated to develop a phytomolecule drugs for viral infections and other diseases, today takes pride that it has initiated a program to discover drug candidates for the treatment of patients infected with the novel coronavirus COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2.

[caption id="attachment_151117" align="alignleft" width="257"] Dr. Hrishikesh Damle MD & CEO, Atrimed Pharmaceuticals[/caption]

Commenting on the exclusive breakthrough Dr. Hrishikesh Damle MD & CEO stated, "Based on our proven track record in virology and our capabilities in rare diseases, we believe our core competencies position us well to discover a potential treatment for COVID-19, and we are delighted to establish that three molecules out of ten submitted are passed the test and ready for Human/Clinical Trial for developing drug for the treatment of Coronavirus." He further added that these molecules were ready for scientific research in the month of March 2020 itself but took so long for clearance. "Our decision to initiate a drug discovery for COVID-19 is a natural evolution of our work and mission. Regional Centre for Biotechnology has recognised and approved 3 effective plant molecules against COVID-19 and further studies will begin shortly."

The Drug Discovery and Development Process passes through various stages which begins with Target Selection leading to discovery where in high throughput screening paves for chemical synthesis and then prepares for Vitro/Behavioural Studies and finally for Clinical/Human trial, and it is great achievement for Atrimed to take their research to their drug development to the next level.

About Atrimed Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd.

Based in Bangalore, develops medicines from plant based molecules to develop drugs that cure diseases which have plagued humanity such as Psoriasis, Acne, Arthritis and more. It combines the traditional cures with the knowledge base created from computer aided drug design, biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence to establish a library of plant molecules, some 400,000 strong, the largest in the world. Its products cater to Skin and Hair care, Mother and Child care, and Bone related diseases, Nutrition, Metabolism and Allergies. The pharmaceutical company was sent to BIO 2019, Philadelphia, USA which is the largest Biotechnology Expo in the world by the Karnataka Government to showcase Karnataka's biotechnological ecosystem to learn more about the perspectives of high-level government officials, key thought leaders and experts from around the world on the new opportunities and challenges facing the global biotech industry.

For further information, please visit: www.atrimedbiotech.in.

A 17-Year-Old Kid's Pharma Startup Grabs Funding from Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata, who has pumped in hundreds of crores of rupees into start-ups since his retirement from the Tata Group, has invested an undisclosed amount in a 17-year-old kid's pharma start-up Generic Aadhaar, in his personal capacity.

Generic Aadhaar was founded by the Thane kid, Arjun Deshpande, in April 2019, when he was 16. It supplies quality generic drugs from reputed manufacturers at up to 80 per cent lesser cost and other medicines 20-30 per cent cheaper.



The boy, an alumni of DAV Public School, Thane, began his entrepreneurial journey with the aim of bringing affordable medicines to the poor, a statement issued by his PR agency said on Thursday.

It did not disclose how much Tata has invested.

The chairman emeritus of Tata Sons has so far invested in over a dozen start-ups since he retired from the group in December 2012 and all his investments are routed through his investment company RNT Associates. Some of his investments include Ola, Paytm, Snapdeal, CureFit, Urban Ladder and Avanti Finance.

Generic Aadhaar sources generic drugs directly from manufacturers and sells it to retailers, eliminating 16-20 per cent wholesaler margins.

The start-up boasts of an annual revenue of Rs 6 crore and is looking at a revenue of Rs 150-200 crore in the next three years, the statement said. It also claimed to have employed about 55 persons, including pharmacists, IT engineers and marketing professionals.

Deshpande plans to partner with 1,000 pharmacies on a franchisee-based model and expand his reach to Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Delhi, Goa and Rajasthan.

Generic Aadhaar will provide all the support to the unorganised sector by bringing the right technology, IT infrastructure and branding to the forefront.

"Our business model gives us an edge over others as we aim to bring affordable healthcare to millions. Our mission is to provide senior citizens and pensioner the care they deserve by delivering inexpensive medicines," says Deshpande.

Currently, it supplies diabetes and hypertension drugs but will soon start offering cancer drugs also at rates lower than the market price and has also tied up with four WHO-GMP certified manufacturers at Palghar, Ahmedabad, Puducherry and Nagpur.

It provides quality and affordable medicines directly from WHO-GMP facility and has tied up with 30 retailers from Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Odisha following a profit-sharing model.

"Tata got impressed with our business plan and decided to be a part of this mission in a personal capacity and help Generic Aadhaar to reach more and more poor people," Arjun Deshpande, founder and chief executive officer of the start-up, said.

Generic Aadhaar steps in to solve this problem as it aims to partner with 1,000 pharmacies on a franchisee-based model in the coming months and expand their reach to markets such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, New Delhi.

Generic Aadhaar supplies diabetes and hypertension drugs but will soon start offering cancer drugs at rates much lower than the market price. PTI BEN HRS

APAC to Dominate Coronavirus Testing Kits Market until 2025: Research

Growing cases of COVID-19 disease across the globe to drive the growth of global coronavirus testing kits market

According to TechSci Research report, “Global Coronavirus Testing Kits Market By Type of Test (Molecular v/s Serology), By Use (Disposable v/s Reusable), By Full Test Time (5 Minutes, 5- 15 Minutes, 15-60Minutes, 1 Hours- 5 Hours, 5 Hours-12Hours, 12 Hours-24Hours, More Than 1 Days), By Technology (RT-PCR, IgG, IgM ELISA Test, Microneutralization Assays), By Specimen Type (Nose & Throat Swab, Blood, Sputum, Nasal Aspirate), By Mobility (Portable v/s Stationary), By End Use (Hospitals, Clinics, Public Health Labs, Private or Commercial Labs, Physician Labs, Research Institutes, Others), By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2025”, the global coronavirus testing kits market is expected to grow at a robust rate during the forecast period on account of increasing R&D activities related to production of coronavirus testing kits by major companies and research laboratories around the globe.

Additionally, increasing funding & grants by various governments around the globe for development of testing kits, so that they can identify each case and take necessary preventive measures, is expected to foster the market over the next few years. Moreover, deployment of test kits at massive scale for testing suspects is anticipated to spur the market.

Furthermore, increasing healthcare spending and rising need to protect the population from the outbreak are positively impacting the growth of market. However, high cost of testing kits might hamper the growth of market especially in the developing economies. Additionally, non-availability and shortage of testing kits might hinder the growth of market. Besides, it has been found that some testing kits are not that efficient also, which is negatively impacting market growth.

Browse XX market data Tables and XX Figures spread through XXX Pages and an in-depth TOC on" Global Coronavirus Testing Kits Market".

The global coronavirus testing kits market is segmented based on type, use, full test time, technology, specimen type, mobility, end user, company and region. Based on type, the market can be bifurcated into molecular and serological tests. The molecular type of test segment is expected to dominate the market during forecast period since it looks for the signs of an active infection or symptom. A sample from the back of the throat is taken and sent for testing.

Additionally, the sample undergoes a PCR test to find out the presence of virus’ genetic material. The PCR confirms the diagnosis of COVID-19 if it finds two genes of SARS-COV-2 virus. Moreover, these tests are helpful in identifying the current cases of COVID-19 disease. The serological tests segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast years since these tests are done using blood samples and they detect the antibodies produced by the body against the virus. Such antibodies are present in an individual who has just recovered from COVID-19. Further, these tests are helpful in determining patients with mild or no symptoms.

Based on use, the market can be divided into disposable and reusable. The disposable testing kits segment is expected to witness significant growth in the market during the next five years since they are based on antibody tests and provide early diagnosis of the disease. Additionally, they provide faster diagnosis, are accurate and simple & convenient to use. Furthermore, they can be customized according to the requirements of the patient or doctor. Also, they are available at competitive prices coupled with fast delivery of the kits. Based on full test time, the market can be fragmented into 5 minutes, 5- 15 minutes, 15-60minutes, 1 hours- 5 hours, 5 hours-12hours, 12 hours-24hours and more than 1 day. The 5-12 hours segment is expected to dominate the market since the most preferable mode for testing RT-PCR, generally takes this much time for the diagnosis of COVID. The RT-PCR test is followed by gene fingerprinting which usually takes time. The 15- 60 minutes segment is also expected to witness significant growth during the forecast years because California-based molecular diagnostics company Cepheid has developed a rapid coronavirus diagnostic test with a detection time of about 45 minutes and has got the approval from FDA.

Also, Abbot Laboratories have developed a rapid test that will take around 5 minutes to diagnose the disease. Based on specimen type, the market can be segregated into nose & throat swab, blood, sputum and nasal aspirate. The nose & throat swab specimen type is expected to dominate the market since these are the two prominent regions where the coronavirus replicates and hence are preferred for taking the patient’s specimen or sample. Also, the blood specimen type segment is expected to grow rapidly during forecast period on account of the availability and growing preference for antibody based testing kits, since they provide faster diagnostics of the disease. Based on end user, the market can be grouped into hospitals, public health labs, private or commercial labs, physician labs and others. The hospitals segment is expected to dominate the market owing to the presence of sophisticated diagnostic and treatment facilities in them.

Abbott Laboratories, Altona Diagnostics, MyLab, Roche Diagnostics, Qiagen, BioMednomics, Getein Biotech, Sensing Self Ltd, Hangzhou Biotest Biotech, AmonMed Biotechnology Co, Beijing Tigsun Diagnostics Co Ltd, Biomaxima, CTK Biotech, Hunan Lituo Biotechnology Co, Vivacheck Lab, MD Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Siemens, Seegene Technologies, FastSense Diagnostics and others are some of the leading players operating in global coronavirus testing kits market. The companies operating in the market are using organic strategies such as product launches, mergers and collaborations to boost their share.

For an instance, in March 2020, Pune (India) based molecular diagnostic company Mylab became the first Indian company to have received the validation for its COVID-19 diagnostic test kits also known as the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests by the Drug Controller of India, after the National Institute of Virology validated its test. Today, the company along with companies like Altona Diagnostics and Siemens is supplying diagnostic kits to the world.

“Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global coronavirus testing kits market during forecast years since China was the epicenter of this novel coronavirus disease, hence witnesses a great demand for the testing kits. Additionally, many other countries in the region along with China have already developed their testing kits and are supplying them to the world. For instance, in March 2020, Seegene, a South Korean company, announced that Los Angeles, Government of U.S. has purchased 20,000 corona test kits from Seegene Technologies. Mylab (India) is also supplying kits to the world. Also, Japan Kurabo Industries Ltd., has apparently launched a new range of testing kits which are expected to give results within 15 minutes.” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.

“Global Coronavirus Testing Kits Market By Type of Test (Molecular v/s Serology), By Use (Disposable v/s Reusable), By Full Test Time (5 Minutes, 5- 15 Minutes, 15-60Minutes, 1 Hours- 5 Hours, 5 Hours-12Hours, 12 Hours-24Hours, More Than 1 Days), By Technology (RT-PCR, IgG, IgM ELISA Test, Microneutralization Assays), By Specimen Type (Nose & Throat Swab, Blood, Sputum, Nasal Aspirate), By Mobility (Portable v/s Stationary), By End Use (Hospitals, Clinics, Public Health Labs, Private or Commercial Labs, Physician Labs, Research Institutes, Others), By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2025”,” has evaluated the future growth potential of global coronavirus testing kits market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges and opportunities in global coronavirus testing kits market.

Identifying the Different Types of Steroids

When a bodybuilder or athlete wants to improve their strength and muscle mass they take steroids when an elderly person is diagnosed with arthritis, the doctors prescribe them with steroids. But are all steroids equal? Does a grandmother suffering from arthritis and a bodybuilder wanting to bulk-up take the same kind of medicines? The answer to those questions would be no. There are various kinds of steroids. It is essential for a person who is new into this field and wants to start taking a dosage of steroids to be able to identify amongst the various kinds of steroids and amongst things that are not steroids. 

The steroids that an arthritis patient is prescribed consists of anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling in the joints of the patient. These kinds of steroids are also administered to patients with wounds and other swelling problems. The steroids that bodybuilders use to bulk up and increase their muscle mass are known as anabolic steroids and are available in a wide range. There are also legal and illegal types of anabolic steroids available. To know more in detail about the legal form of anabolic steroids and read reviews and recommendations, visit https://secec.org/legal-steroids/. 

 It is also important to know that not all medicines that promote growth are steroids. For example, growth hormones do not come under the same umbrella as steroids. Growth hormones are naturally present in the human body as well as synthetic forms are available in many forms. The main function of the growth hormone is to promote cell, organ, tissue, and bone growth in children, whereas in adults, it is still present but in a very minute form. 

Synthetic growth hormones are prescribed to children whose natural systems have difficulty producing this hormone due to hormone-deficiency. Growth hormone medications promote the secretion of the growth hormone in the pituitary gland, thus helping children develop normally. However, growth hormones provide no benefit to the weight lifters and athletes as all their bones and organs are developed completely.

Similar to the growth hormone medications, creatine is also not a steroid. Creatine is produced from amino acids and falls in the category of a protein. It is naturally present in our body as well as found in the sources of proteins like meats and fish. It is responsible for the strength you feel in your muscles when lifting heavyweights. Many professional weight lifters have been known to ingest it in large quantities in hopes of improving their muscular strength and build muscle fiber. There have been studies conducted on the ingestion and use of creatine by athletes and no major side effects have been found.

When looking into buying steroids from an online source, it is important to make sure the source is credible and trustworthy. The website mentioned in this article provides its readers and customers with reviews and input of those individuals who have tried and tested the products they are offering and thus it proves their credibility. Many websites are scamming their users nowadays and it is important to research and gain knowledge about the product you are going to buy before finalizing the purchase.

www.indianweb2.com does not promote or advocate use of steroids. Steroids are harmful if taken without prescription and can cause fatal problems if taken without medical or doctors' supervision.

India based Stem Cell Research Firm to Test its Stem Cell Product for Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome (ARDS) COVID-19

• Stempeutics will test its stem cell product Stempeucel® for Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19 Pneumonia.


• Consortium consists of 12 entities from 8 countries (USA, UK, Germany, Israel, Italy, etc.). Consortium is led by Dr. Miomir Knezevic, CEO & Founder of Educell Ltd, cell therapy service, Trzin, Slovenia.


• Stempeutics is the only company from Asia in this consortium. Stempeutics will export its Stempeucel® product (clinical grade MSCs- mesenchymal stromal/stem cells) manufactured in its GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facility using its patented pooling technology (subject to regulatory approvals).


• The consortium has submitted a project entitled the Fight Against Corona! (FAC!) for Euro 8.3 million funding to the European Commission (EU funding programme H2020)


• Stempeutics is also working closely with agencies in India for making these solutions available in India

 

Stempeutics Research, a group company of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), announced today that it has partnered with Global Consortium of cell therapy companies seeking European Commission Funding to Fight Against Corona! (FAC!). Under this partnership, Stempeutics will export its stem cell product Stempeucel® (subject to regulatory approvals) for treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with lung disease. First the product will be clinically tested and upon successful outcomes, it intends to export the product on a regular basis. In this connection it is signing up an alliance with Educell Ltd, Slovenia.

Currently, no specific drugs or vaccines are available to cure the patients with COVID-19 infection. Mortality in COVID-19 infected patients with the inflammatory lung condition ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)is reported to approach 50%, and is associated with older age, co-morbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), higher disease severity, and elevated markers of inflammation. Current therapeutic  interventions (with the exception of ventilators/respirators which are in very short supply) do not appear to be improving in-hospital survival. Hence, there is a large unmet need for a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 infected patients, especially in severe cases. A promising new therapy for the ARDS, the terminal stage of COVID-19, using MSCs can quickly (2-4 days) reduce inflammation of the lung tissue, and allow patients to more quickly come off of the ventilatory support and hopefully fully recover with less significant lung damage.

Stempeucel® is an allogeneic, off the shelf, pooled mesenchymal stromal cells having anti- inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties which prevents the over activation of the immune system. Stempeucel® product exhibits a wide range of potent therapeutic properties. The product exhibits potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties which could help in reducing the inflammation caused due to the cytokine storm elicited by the body’s immune cells in response to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) related infection in the lungs. Also, the growth factor, Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is effective in reducing alveolar epithelium permeability in the lung. Hence it is envisaged, Stempeucel® will reduce the fatal symptoms of COVID 19 induced pneumonia and its progression to ARDS.

Commenting on this initiative, Dr. Miomir Knezevic, Leader of the Global Consortium and Founder of Educell said, “We are happy to partner with Stempeutics since its product Stempeucel® is already designated as an ATMP1 in Europe and also Stempeucel® technology has been patented in many countries in Europe. Stempeutics manufacturing process is scalable and the product is affordable – which are key to meet the demands of COVID-19 patients"

Mr. BN Manohar, CEO of Stempeutics said, “From the clinical data using Stempeucel® in different clinical trials in other indications it may be postulated that Stempeucel® has the potential capability for treating COVID-19 infection. Together with the safety profile observed from DCGI approved clinical trials involving more than 350 patients injected with Stempeucel® by different routes of injection, this therapy may help in mitigating the lung tissue damaging effects of COVID-19 infection".

Dr. Stephen Minger, Scientific Advisor for the Global Consortium and ex Global Director of R&D, Cell Technologies GE Healthcare added “The most severely affected CV-2 infected patients will often go on to develop ARDS which necessitates assisted ventilation to preserve breathing and lung function. Moreover, many ARDS patients will also experience an acute but severe life-threatening inflammatory response (cytokine storm) which can result in long-term damage to lung tissue and lung function. Treating ARDS patients with allogeneic expanded bone marrow derived MSCs could alleviate and ameliorate lung inflammation and compromised lung function and significantly reduce the time required for patients to be ventilated”.

Dr. Raviraja N S, Sr. Director Business Development and Innovation, Stempeutics, said, “Given the severe shortage of ventilators in the world, and the high mortality rate of patients who develop ARDS (approx. 50%), the clinical use of MSCs in COVID-19 ADRS patients could drastically impact on the healthcare burden currently occurring due to very large patient numbers, limited equipment and overworked medical personnel".

Mr. B N Manohar - MD & CEO, Stempeutics Research


Manohar is the MD & CEO of Stempeutics Research – a leading stem cell research and product development company in India. He earned his B.E. degree in Electronics & Communication from REC Trichy in 1977. Post that he did M.E. in Computer Science from College of Engineering, Guindy. Manohar has transformed Stempeutics – a life science start-up from R&D to Commercialization stage with Global recognition. Stempeutics has developed an innovative drug called "Stempeucel" for addressing major unmet medical needs in India and Globally.

This drug developed by an Indian company has received many Global Recognitions. Fourteen countries including US & Japan has granted patent for the novelty and inventiveness of the drug. Europe has recognized this drug by granting Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product classification and Orphan Drug Designation. Recently it became the FIRST stem cell product to be approved by DCGI for conditional marketing for treating patients suffering from life threatening disease call Buerger's Disease. Stempeutics has put India on the "World map of Regenerative Medicine". Under Manohar's leadership Stempeutics has been recognized as India's hottest start-ups by Business Today in 2008 and Karnataka Government bestowed "Emerging Company of the Year award" in 2011 and 2013. In 2017 Manohar was awarded "Biotechnologist of the Year" award by Wockhardt Foundation, India. He raised US$ 10M in 2009 by establishing business alliance with major pharma company Cipla. Recently Stempeutics has tied up with Alkem Labs for Osteoarthritis indication. Prior to Joining Manipal Group, Manohar has had 12 years successful stints at Wipro GE Medical Systems. At GE Medical he has handled multiple senior assignments including Vice President – Customer Service where he received GE Asia Service Award for highest revenue growth in 1998. Currently Manohar serves in the Boards of Stempeutics and MentisSoft.

Vaccine Firm Bharat Biotech is Developing 'CoroFlu' - One Drop COVID-19 Nasal Vaccine using a Proven Safety Platform

What makes ‘CoroFlu’ stand apart from other candidates is that it’s built on a flu vaccine “backbone” that has already been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in humans, in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. CoroFlu will also be delivered intranasally

Bharat Biotech announced today that a unique intranasal vaccine for Coronavirus ‘CoroFlu’ is under development. An international collaboration of virologists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the vaccine companies FluGen along with Bharat Biotech has begun the development and testing of a unique vaccine against COVID-19 called CoroFlu.

CoroFlu will build on the backbone of FluGen's flu vaccine candidate known as M2SR. Based on an invention by UW­–Madison virologists and FluGen co-founders Yoshihiro Kawaoka and Gabriele Neumann, M2SR is a self-limiting version of the influenza virus that induces an immune response against the flu. Kawaoka’s lab will insert gene sequences from SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19, into M2SR so that the new vaccine will also induce immunity against the coronavirus.

Sharing details about ‘CoroFlu’ far-reaching collaboration Dr.Raches Ella, Head of Business Development, Bharat Biotech said, “Bharat Biotech will manufacture the vaccine, conduct clinical trials, and prepare to produce almost 300 million doses of vaccine for global distribution. Under the collaboration agreement, FluGen will transfer its existing manufacturing processes to Bharat Biotech to enable the company to scale up production and produce the vaccine for clinical trials. Raches added, Bharat Biotech has commercialized 16 vaccines, including a vaccine developed against the H1N1 flu that caused the 2009 pandemic.”

Refinement of the CoroFlu vaccine concept and testing in laboratory animal models at UW–Madison is expected to take three to six months. Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad, India will then begin production scale-up for safety and efficacy testing in humans. CoroFlu could be in human clinical trials by the fall of 2020.

Four Phase I and Phase II clinical trials involving hundreds of subjects have shown the M2SR flu vaccine to be safe and well tolerated. This safety profile, M2SR’s ability to induce a strong immune response, and the ability of influenza viruses to carry sequences of other viruses make M2SR an attractive option for rapidly developing CoroFlu as a safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

“We are going to modify M2SR by adding part of the coding region for the coronavirus spike protein that the virus uses to latch onto cells and begin infection,” says Gabriele Neumann, a senior virologist in Kawaoka’s lab and co-founder of FluGen. “CoroFlu will also express the influenza virus hemagglutinin protein, which is the major influenza virus antigen, so we should get immune responses to both coronavirus and influenza.”

M2SR is a unique form of the flu virus. It lacks a gene called M2, which restricts the virus to undergoing only a single round of replication in cells.

“The single replication means the virus can enter the cell, but it can’t leave,” says FluGen co-founder, president and CEO Paul Radspinner. “So, in essence it tricks the body into thinking it’s infected with flu, which triggers a full immune response. But since it can’t replicate further, you don’t get sick.”

CoroFlu, like M2SR, will be delivered intranasally. This route of administration mimics the natural route of infection by coronavirus and influenza and activates several modes of the immune system. Intranasal delivery is more effective at inducing multiple types of immune responses than the intramuscular shots that deliver most flu vaccines.

The Kawaoka group will insert genetic sequences from SARS-CoV-2 into M2SR and then assess CoroFlu’s safety and efficacy in animal models at UW–Madison’s Influenza Research Institute. The institute has a high-level biosafety facility designated Biosafety Level 3 Agriculture with the ability to safely handle and study pathogens like highly pathogenic influenza viruses and the novel coronavirus.

M2SR was developed by FluGen and includes technology exclusively licensed through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), which manages patents for UW–Madison. “To confront a global challenge, this is collaborative discovery at its best,” says Erik Iverson, CEO of WARF. “The partners in this endeavor — University of Wisconsin researchers, a biotech startup, and an international vaccine developer — are moving forward with a sense of urgency and integrity incumbent upon us as scientists and world citizens.”

“The core mission of Bharat Biotech is to apply innovative technologies in addressing the healthcare concerns of the developing world and to provide them with affordable, high quality vaccines and therapeutics,” Raches Ella, expressed. “Ninety percent of our vaccines are sold in lower middle-income countries with affordable pricing being core to our business model. We will fervently work toward the successful development of an efficacious COVID-19 vaccine.”

THE BIG DIFFERENTIATOR OF ‘COROFLU’

• Mucosal immunity (derived in the lining of the nose and respiratory tract) is very critical for respiratory illness. CoroFlu is based on the influenza vaccine and will provide immunity to the H2N2 strain of seasonal influenza. Bharat Biotech is confident CoroFlu will be the most effective in the prevention of COVID-19.

Today, infectious diseases not only kill people, but hurt the economy of the country, says Dr. Raches Ella. Of Late, we have more seasonal flu problems in the country which is also getting into pandemic as recent evidence indicates in Delhi, Hyderabad, and other cities. We are attempting to solve both the problems together with a new approach for the first time in the world.

Potential Coronavirus Treatment Granted Rare Disease Status

The pharmaceutical giant that makes a promising coronavirus drug has registered it as a rare disease treatment with US regulators, a status that can potentially be worth millions in tax breaks and competition-free sales.

What that specialty status will actually mean for the marketing or profitability of the Gilead Science's experimental drug remdesivir isn't clear. The drugmaker did not immediately respond Tuesday to requests for comment.

Experts who have studied the so-called “orphan drug” program say the company's request — and the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant it — seem inappropriate given the rapidly expanding threat of the viral outbreak.

A financial analyst, though, called Gilead's request “pretty standard.” The FDA granted the status on Monday, according to the agency's website. If approved for coronavirus, Gilead Sciences would receive seven years of exclusive U.S. marketing for the drug and tax credits on its research and development costs.

Congress created the orphan drug program more than 35 years ago to encourage companies to develop drugs for niche diseases and conditions that might not otherwise be profitable. But since then, filing for orphan status has become a standard pharmaceutical industry tactic to extend the profitability of drugs and block competitors. Orphan drugs are also typically eligible for other special programs that speed up FDA reviews for approval.

The FDA defines a rare disease as one with fewer than 200,000 patients in the U.S. In a statement Tuesday, the agency said COVID-19 fit that criteria when the request was made. There are more than 50,000 cases in U.S. but many more expected in the coming weeks and months.

"It seems like a misuse of the Orphan Drug Act, even though technically it's within the bounds of the law,” said Dr. Aaron Kesselheim, a Harvard Medical School health policy expert.

"There's no expectation here that this drug wouldn't be able to generate appropriate revenue for the manufacturer.” Kesselheim said a number of the early AIDS drugs also received orphan drug status in the 1980s and 1990s, but then went on to generate billions in sales.

But Tyler Van Buren, a senior research analyst at the financial services firm Piper Sandler, called Gilead's filing “pretty standard.” “It says nothing about profiting off of the pandemic, but it does provide protection if remdesivir turns into a business in subsequent years," he said.

In recent years the orphan drug program has come under scrutiny from the media, Congress and government inspectors amid concerns that it is being misused to protect six-figure prices on specialty drugs. Roughly half of the 48 new drugs approved by the agency last year received orphan drug designation. Many were priced well above $100,000 for a year's supply, including drugs for cancer, muscular dystrophy and other genetic disorders.

The nonprofit Public Citizen group said in a statement that the U.S. government should be “urgently concerned” with the affordability of remdesivir.
Gilead's chairman and CEO, Daniel O'Day has previously said the company hasn't discussed with any governments how much remdesivir will cost.

"The topic of pricing comes up once you know the medicine works,” he said.

Remdesivir, given through an IV, is being tested in at least five separate experiments, and Gilead also has provided it to several hundred severely ill COVID-19 patients in the U.S, Europe and Japan under "compassionate use" provisions. The company said Sunday it was halting that program due to an unmanageable number of requests.

The drug interferes with virus reproduction and has shown some promise in lab and animal studies against other coronaviruses that cause similar diseases, MERS and SARS. It was also used briefly in some Ebola patients in Congo.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover.

Day said earlier this month at a press conference with other drug industry executives that his company has been working on the drug's development for a decade. He said Gilead has spent “really billions of dollars” developing the drug and plans to spend even more to scale up manufacturing facilities at Gilead and its partners.

Gilead didn't respond to questions seeking more details about the company's spending on remdesivir, including whether the figures used by O'Day included the U.S. government money spent on research by federal scientists and grants to universities. (AP)