Bio Spectrum Magazine - BioSpectrum India Dec 2024

In this issue

BioPharma’s Transformative & Strategic OUTLOOK 2025
The Indian biopharma industry witnessed notable transformative developments and
announcements, marked by innovation, regulatory advancements, and market expansion this year. From achieving global recognition in biosimilars to advancing biomanufacturing capabilities and precision therapeutics, the sector has solidified its role as a key player in the global pharmaceutical landscape. This progress underscores India’s strategic focus on leveraging its robust infrastructure, skilled talent pool, and government support to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. Key developments in 2024 include an increase in
biosimilar approvals, enhanced collaborations for biologics and vaccines, and a focus on potential investments in cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), continuous manufacturing, and automation through biofoundries. Looking ahead, the industry is well-positioned to align with emerging trends that are shaping the global biopharma landscape for 2025 and beyond.These include the growing emphasis on precision medicine, a shift towards sustainablebiomanufacturing practices, and an increase in demand for advanced therapies such as cell
and gene therapies. With over $200 billion worth of biologic patents set to expire by 2030, Indiancompanies are poised to play a pivotal role in driving the next wave of innovation and accessibilityin biologics and biosimilars.

Punjab unveils Stroke Care Model in partnership with CMC Ludhiana and Medtronic

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh has announced a transformative collaboration between the Government of Punjab, Christian Medical College (CMC) Ludhiana, and India Medtronic Private Limited.

1 min

Govt unveils 5 pioneering health research initiatives for medical innovation

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched five Department of Health Research- Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) health research initiatives planned under the 100 days agenda.

1 min

NPPA directs companies to reduce MRP on 3 anti-cancer drugs

In line with the government’s commitment to ensure the availability of drugs at affordable prices, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has issued an O.M. dated October 28, 2024 directing the concerned manufacturers to reduce the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on three anti-cancer drugs, Trastuzumab, Osimertinib and Durvalumab.

1 min

NPPA revises ceiling prices of 8 scheduled drugs

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has been receiving applications from the manufacturers for upward revision of prices citing various reasons like increased cost of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients; increase in the cost of production; change in exchange rate etc.; resulting in unviability in sustainable production and marketing of drugs.

1 min

OneSource Specialty Pharma receives equity commitments of Rs 801 Cr from marquee investors

Strides Pharma Science has announced that its associate company, OneSource Specialty Pharma (formerly known as Stelis Biopharma), Group’s Specialty Pharma CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organisation), has received confirmed commitments for fundraising of Rs 801 crore (~$95 million) from marquee domestic and foreign institutional investors and family offices, in the pre-listing round.

1 min

Bain Capital-backed 360 ONE Asset Management invests in A4 Hospitals

360 ONE’s Healthcare Opportunities Fund has entered into definitive agreements to invest in A4 Hospitals, a prominent integrated women’s healthcare chain based in Tamil Nadu, with a robust presence in Chennai.

1 min

WHO prequalifies Zydus's Typhoid Vi Conjugate Vaccine, ZyVac TCV

Zydus Lifesciences has received in principle acceptability from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for ZyVac TCV.

1 min

Boston Scientific launches AVVIGO+ Multi-Modality guidance system in India

Boston Scientific Corporation has announced the launch of AVVIGO+ Multi-Modality Guidance System, a next-generation intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) system with advanced software and hardware features designed to provide high-quality IVUS vessel imaging and physiology experience during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures.

1 min

Emcure Pharma strengthens derma portfolio with launch of Emcutix Biopharmaceuticals

Pune-based Emcure Pharmaceuticals is set to cater to a growing dermatology segment in India with the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary, Emcutix Biopharmaceuticals.

1 min

Meril opens advanced medtech manufacturing facility in Gujarat under PLI Scheme

Meril, one of India’s leading global medtech companies, celebrated a significant milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

1 min

Medprime Technologies secures funding to propel growth and AI innovations in health tech

Medprime Technologies, a Thane-based medical device company at the forefront of developing cutting-edge healthcare solutions in diagnostics, has announced the successful closing of its Preseries A funding, with investment from renowned investor Ashish Kacholia, Co-founder of Hungama Digital and one of India's top 10 investors.

1 min

Lifechart raises $500K to scale full stack AI-powered gut wellness solutions

Lifechart, a Gurugram-based full-stack gut wellness brand, has raised approximately $250K from Prajay Advisors LLP, with Mumbai-based Cignas from NA Shah Advisors LLP acting as the transaction advisors to the deal.

1 min

HealthPlix announces integration with Google to simplify healthcare access

HealthPlix Technologies, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software provider for doctors, has launched an integration with Google to simplify healthcare access.

1 min

MicrobioTx unveils first fingerprickbased test to profile gut microbiome

Bengaluru-based startup MicrobioTx, a new-age gut microbiome company, has announced the commercial availability of Gut Function Test (GFT) that profiles gut microbiome with just a few blood drops.

1 min

Egypt receives malaria-free certification by WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a significant public health milestone for a country with more than 100 million inhabitants.

1 min

WHO lists additional mpox diagnostic tests for emergency use

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance quality-assured testing options, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed two additional mpox in vitro diagnostics under its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure.

1 min

Pandemic Fund allocates second round of grants to boost preparedness in 50 countries

Concluding its second funding round, the Pandemic Fund’s Governing Board has approved $418 million in new grants designed to bolster pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) capacities in 40 countries across six geographical regions.

1 min

PAHO to facilitate access to maternal vaccines to protect babies from respiratory syncytial virus

Starting in the first quarter of 2025, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), through its Regional Revolving Funds, will provide countries of the Americas with affordable access to the vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of paediatric hospitalisation and death from respiratory infections during the first six months of life.

1 min

Sudan rolls out first malaria vaccines

Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has rolled out malaria vaccines for the first time in the country to bolster efforts to protect children from the deadly disease.

1 min

Immune-boosting bacterial platform to aid nasal vaccines

Researchers at Swedish biotech company Abera Bioscience are set to test whether their bacterial-based platform could strengthen intranasal vaccines being developed to protect against epidemic and pandemic threats.

1 min

BioPharma's Transformative & Strategic OUTLOOK 2025

The Indian biopharma industry witnessed notable transformative developments and announcements, marked by innovation, regulatory advancements, and market expansion this year.

10+ mins

Indian Lifesciences Industry Going Ahead in its Innovation Journey While Navigating Challenges

While India is a hub for biosimilar manufacturing and continues to build its capabilities to manufacture these complex therapeutics, Indian biopharma companies are building R&D capabilities and establishing public-private collaborations and Centre of Excellences (CoEs) to develop innovative biologics and advanced therapeutic modalities like cell and gene therapy (CGT) and mRNA vaccines and therapies, biopharma sector remained robust in 2023, accounting for $53.8 billion (35 per cent of the BioEconomy).

5 mins

What's dampening the GLOBAL AMR BATTLE?

Although there have been significant national and worldwide efforts to provide financial incentives for antibiotic research and development, it is still unclear how best to fortify the existing programmes to further spur antibiotic innovation.

10 mins

How To Control Indian Diabetes Growth

World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, reminds us of the growing impact of diabetes on global health and the urgent need for collective action to prevent, diagnose, and manage this chronic condition. In 2024, the theme 'Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps' underscores the critical importance of accessible, high-quality diabetes care, especially for underrepresented communities. The Government of India has taken many measures intending to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and alleviate its long-term complications, contributing to a healthier future for all citizens.

4 mins

How strategic angel investment is driving global expansion in medtech and diagnostics

India has firmly established itself as a key player in the global medtech and diagnostics sectors. With a burgeoning healthcare ecosystem and a growing focus on innovation, the country offers a fertile ground for startups looking to scale their solutions both domestically and internationally. Central to this growth is the role of strategic angel investment, which not only provides financial backing but also offers critical mentorship and strategic direction to help these companies expand their reach.

4 mins

Innovations in Urological Imaging: Transforming Patient Care in India

Despite advancements in urological imaging, challenges persist in India, particularly regarding cost and accessibility. Government initiatives and public-private partnerships should expand access to imaging facilities. Continued research investment is crucial for developing cost-effective solutions.

5 mins

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 Karnataka launches India's first GCC policy

The 27th Edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024, organised by the Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka and Software Technology Parks of India, Bengaluru, was inaugurated by Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka, in the august presence of other dignitaries, at Bangalore Palace on November 19.

8 mins

IIT Delhi launches MS (Research) programme in Healthcare Technology

As an innovative programme aimed at bridging the gap between medicine and engineering, the Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has launched an exclusive Master of Science (Research) programme in 'Healthcare Technology'.

1 min

IIT Madras partners with French University to offer sustainable biomanufacturing course

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) is partnering with University of Tours, France, to offer a course on ‘Sustainable Bio-Manufacturing of high-value Phytochemicals’.

1 min

Samsung R&D Institute, Noida and IIT Bombay sign MoU to pioneer research in digital health, AI

Samsung R&D Institute, Noida (SRI-Noida), has strengthened its commitment to industry-academia collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay).

1 min

IIT Kharagpur inks MoU with Central Council for Research in Homeopathy

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT KGP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Council for Research (CCRH) in Homeopathy on a collaborative study between IIT KGP and CCRH on the project titled “Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopic Study and Raman Study in Homeopathic Potentised Medicines and Characterisation, Standardisation and Analysis of the Imponderable Medicines (X-Ray, Electricity, Magnetis Polus, Australis etc.).

1 min

MyHealthcare appoints Diwakar Bhowmik as Co-Founder & COO

MyHealthcare, a Gurugram-based health tech company revolutionising patient care with its innovative digital healthcare solutions, has announced the appointment of Diwakar Bhowmik as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

1 min

Dr Bipin Chevale joins Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai as CEO

Dr Bipin Chevale has been named the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gleneagles Hospitals located in Parel, Mumbai.

1 min

Zynova Shalby Hospitals names Reny Varghese as Chief Operating Officer

Zynova Shalby Hospitals, Ghatkopar, Mumbai has announced the appointment of Reny Varghese as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

1 min

Dr Pooja Wadwa joins Marengo Asia Hospitals as Clinical Director, Critical Care Medicine & ECMO Specialist

Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, has taken a major leap in its critical care capabilities with the appointment of Dr Pooja Wadwa as Clinical Director of Critical Care Medicine and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist.

1 min

Shyamakant Giri to join as CEO of Gland Pharma

Gland Pharma’s Board has approved the appointment of Shyamakant Giri, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

1 min

Lupin appoints Claus Jepsen as President, Global Specialty

Global pharma major Lupin has announced the appointment of Claus Jepsen as President, Global Specialty.

1 min

INST develops unique drug delivery method to improve treatment of brain TB

Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have created a unique way to deliver Tuberculosis (TB) medicines directly to the brain bypassing the challenging blood-brain barrier (BBB) that limits the effectiveness of many brain TB medicines.

1 min

New way to create hydrogels from viral protein fragments for improving drug delivery

Researchers from Bose Institute, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in Kolkata, have discovered a new way to create hydrogels using tiny protein fragments of just five amino acids from the SARS-CoV-1 virus, that could help improve targeted drug delivery & reduce side effects.

1 min

Avantor opens new innovation centre for solving life science's biggest challenges

Avantor, Inc., a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries, has announced the opening of its new flagship Bridgewater Innovation Centre.

1 min

Waters unveils new software to deliver lab-centric business intelligence

Waters Corporation has announced the launch of waters connect Data Intelligence software, a new cloud-based application that helps customers in regulated industries improve how they access, organise, analyse, and drive productivity from laboratory information.

1 min

Thermo Fisher and Telangana to establish Bioprocess Design Centre for novel biotherapeutics

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana to establish a Bioprocess Design Centre (BDC) in Genome Valley, Hyderabad.

1 min

VFL Sciences announces launch of GreatFlo Parallel Bioreactors and Fermentors

Chennai-based VFL Sciences has announced the launch of GreatFlo Parallel, a range of seamlessly parallel Bioreactors and Fermentors at the IKMC 2024 event organised by IKP Knowledge Park at Hyderabad recently, by Dr Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC.

1 min

Agilent releases nextgen HPLC systems with enhanced automation and sustainability capabilities

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced the release of its next generation Agilent InfinityLab LC Series portfolio, which includes the 1290 Infinity III LC, 1260 Infinity III Prime LC, and 1260 Infinity III LC systems, all including the biocompatible versions.

1 min

Univercells Technologies launches miniaturised scale-X Nexo Bioreactor

Univercells Technologies has announced the launch of its latest innovation, the scale-X nexo bioreactor.

1 min

HIV Prevention Remains Elusive

On December 1, the world gathers every year to commemorate World AIDS Day, which serves as an important reminder that we must remain steadfast in our commitment to prevent new HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections and provide essential services to all people living with HIV globally.

2 mins

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Bio Spectrum Magazine Description:

India's leading publication that covers the business of bio-technology. With comprehensive analyses of policy issues, products and services across the bio-pharma, bio-informatics, bio-infrastructure and bio-agriculture segments, it is the industry's most authoritative source of information.