Bio Spectrum - August 2024

In this issue

Why INDIA must turn BIOSIMILAR POWERHOUSE by 2030
Biosimilars could potentially enhance patient access to treatment of various malignant and nonmalignant conditions by reducing costs. Since the introduction of the first biosimilar in 2000 in India, a vaccine for hepatitis B, the development and utilisation of "biosimilars or similar biologics" have experienced significant growth. Each year, regulatory bodies are approving numerous similar biologics for the management of both cancerous and noncancerous illnesses. India has firmly positioned itself as a key player in the global production of similar biologics, benefiting from its large population. Despite the considerable potential and high expectations for India, there are substantial challenges that must be overcome to
maintain this leadership position. To realise their full potential and sustain their global leadership, Indian biopharmaceutical companies must enhance their technological capabilities and enhance the skills of their workforce. This will require a supportive environment from both the government and regulatory agencies.

Ministry of Ayush strengthens standardisation protocols to ensure safety of ayurvedic medicines

In a significant development aimed at advancing the field of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences - Captain Srinivasa Murthy Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CSMCARI), Chennai, under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and the Commissionerate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (CIM&H), Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

1 min

Kerala to launch Institute of Organ Transplantation in Kozhikode

The Government of Kerala has decided to establish an Institute of Organ and Tissue Transplant at Kozhikode. It is being established as an Apex Institute for research, training and patient care in the area of organ transplantation and allied activities.

1 min

AstraZeneca invests Rs 250 Cr to grow Global Innovation and Technology Centre in India

AstraZeneca India has announced an investment of Rs 250 crore ($30 million) to expand its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which includes close to 1,300 roles focused on driving innovation, enhancing efficiency, and streamlining operations across the company globally.

1 min

Navin Molecular injects $35 M for expanding manufacturing capabilities

Navin Molecular, a Madhya Pradesh-headquartered Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO), has announced a significant investment of Rs 288 crore (approximately $35 million) to expand its GMP manufacturing plant in Dewas.

1 min

Takeda signs patent licence agreement with Cipla, Sun Pharma to commercialise GERD drug in India

Mumbai-based pharmaceutical firms Cipla and Sun Pharma have signed a non-exclusive patent licence agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company for 'Vonoprazan' for the Indian market for treating acid-related illnesses among patients.

1 min

Union Budget Drives Home.'VIKSIT BHARAT' MANTRA

Presenting the Union Budget for the seventh time in a row on July 23, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to abolish 'angel tax' for all classes of investors and announced several measures like operationalisation of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) for basic research and prototype development and setting up a mechanism for spurring private sector-driven research and innovation at commercial scale with a financing pool of Rs 1 lakh crore in line with the announcement in the interim budget.

5 mins

Why India Must Turn Biosimilar Powerhouse By 2030

Biosimilars could potentially enhance patient access to treatment of various malignant and nonmalignant conditions by reducing costs. Since the introduction of the first biosimilar in 2000 in India, a vaccine for hepatitis B, the development and utilisation of "biosimilars or similar biologics" have experienced significant growth.

9 mins

Cementing India's place as global leader in biosimilars

Over the past decade, biologics and biosimilars have taken centre stage in medical advancements. Their potential in treating diseases previously considered untreatable, such as certain types of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare genetic conditions, has changed the face of healthcare. India, with its robust biotechnology and information technology sectors, has embraced this shift and is making significant strides in the development and manufacturing of biological drugs.

4 mins

Addressing Rare Disease Treatments with Biosimilars and Orphan Drugs

Approximately 10,000 rare diseases (RDS) impact about 400 million people worldwide, with 30 million in the United States alone.

4 mins

VEGFR1 enzyme holds key to medical solutions for colon and renal cancers

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata have decoded the molecular mechanism in which a cell surface receptor belonging to the family of enzymes that bind growth factors, regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, metabolism, and migration, prevents cancers.

1 min

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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.