Bio Spectrum - March 2025

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10 Women ‘Power Players’ of Bio Research & Policy
As revealed in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Economic Survey 2024-
25, for the first time in seven years, India’s female labour force participation
rate (FLFPR) has seen a significant rise, jumping from 23.3 per cent in 2017-18 to 41.7 per cent in 2023-24. The Economic Survey underscores how womenled businesses thrive under government support. As of October 31, 2024, over 73,151 startups with at least one woman director have been recognised under the Startup India Initiative, nearly half of all registered startups in India. Additionally, Union Budget 2025-26 has listed new initiatives to support women
entrepreneurs across various sectors within the industry. While the number of
women entrepreneurs in the country has been increasing over the years, there has not been much change at the women leadership level in both the public and private sectors. There are very few women leaders who have the opportunity to take charge of an entire academic institute or a government posting, thereby contributing to the growth of our country.

Budget Undershot?

When it comes to the healthcare sector, the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, no doubt, brings relief to patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, rare and severe chronic diseases, with making 36 more life-saving drugs basic customs duty free and reducing the duty on six more drugs to concessional 5 per cent.

2 mins

India inks health and pharma partnership with Indonesia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto recently held comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including political, defence and security, maritime, economic, health and pharmaceuticals, food and energy security, amongst others.

1 min

Centre establishes India's first Ferret Research Facility at THSTI

India's commitment to cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation has taken a significant leap forward with the dedication of the nation's first Ferret Research Facility at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad.

1 min

GV Research Platform and BeCytes partner to advance biopharma research in India

Hyderabad-based GV Research Platform (GVRP), a leading provider of preclinical research solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Spanish startup BeCytes Biotechnologies to expand access to high-quality human and animal-derived biological materials for drug discovery and toxicology research in India.

1 min

Metropolis & Roche introduce HPV DNA testing to accelerate cervical cancer screening

Metropolis Healthcare has announced its collaboration with Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets to introduce the self-sampling human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test for cervical cancer screening.

1 min

"We are expanding our single-use solutions portfolio with next-gen innovations that directly address industry needs"

With a five-year vision to establish Shah Brothers as the most trusted and innovative partner for single-use technologies in India, the company is making aggressive investments in expanding its manufacturing footprint, enhancing customer engagement, and building a world-class team.

2 mins

Union Budget 2025 targets healthcare, medical education & Al, omitting medical devices.

The overall macro-economic and policy direction measures announced in the Union Budget 2025, particularly focusing on cancer care, medical education, AI, R&D and innovation, is appreciable. There are many key points in the budget announcements that will strengthen the economy and propel the GDP growth. However, without any mention of investment promotion measures for the 70 per cent imports-dependent medical devices sector in the budget speech, industry disappointment was an expected reaction. Let's delve further.

6 mins

10 Women 'Power Players' of Bio Research & Policy

As revealed in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Economic Survey 202425, for the first time in seven years, India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has seen a significant rise, jumping from 23.3 per cent in 2017-18 to 41.7 per cent in 2023-24.

10+ mins

PPPs Transforming Chronic Diseases Burden Among Indian Women

More and more Indian health research institutions and the World Health Organization (WHO) are realising that medical interventions alone are insufficient to alleviate the burden of chronic diseases among women.

4 mins

"Quality shouldn't be an afterthought but an integral part of manufacturing process"

At the 63rd Annual Day Celebrations of the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) held in Mumbai on February 8, Dr Rajeev Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), emphasised the importance of execution over excessive regulation.

2 mins

"There is limited investment in the area of infection control in Indian hospital settings"

Getinge, a Swedish medtech company, has recently opened its new Experience Centre in Mumbai, which is designed to recreate hospital and other healthcare settings including operating rooms and intensive care units.

5 mins

"We recognise the growing demand for skilled talent in fields like Al, Gen Al, Robotics, and Data Analytics"

Takeda, a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation from Japan has opened its Innovation Capability Center (ICC) in Bengaluru.

5 mins

"Our goal is to make new molecules with new mutations to develop an RSV vaccine in India"

Dr Raghavan Varadarajan, Professor, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has won the Tata Transformation Prize 2024 in the healthcare category, with a prize money of Rs 2 crore.

2 mins

Biopharma Chromatography: Segregating Opportunities of all Sizes

Chromatography systems are essential in a variety of fields, including the biological sciences. Biopharma accounts for almost 30 per cent of this market, making it a key sector for chromatography systems. The main forces behind India's dominant market position would be the enabling government policies and the growing number of foreign research and industrial contracts. Beginning in 2028, India will create a demand for more than 1000 biopharma chromatography systems yearly.

4 mins

Exploring Careers in Clinical Research: Pathways, Roles, and Future Prospects in India

With India's evolving regulatory landscape, business environment and technological advancements, the future of clinical research in the country is promising and full of potential. This is creating the demand for proficient researchers which is increasing and offering exciting career opportunities for individuals prepared to influence the future of Medicines, Vaccines, Diagnostics, and Medical Devices.

4 mins

How India's Vaccine Renaissance Rests on Innovative & Equitable Solutions

Thanks to its strong R&D ecosystem and smart partnerships, India will be able to play a bigger role in redefining global health equality by making innovative vaccines accessible. The Indian vaccine environment will undergo a dramatic transformation in the next few years due to a spike in investments in innovative vaccine technologies, production platforms, and logistics solutions.

5 mins

Protect Public Health by Safeguarding Indian Gloves Sector

The global demand for high-quality protective gloves has been steadily increasing, and India's domestic manufacturing sector is in position to offer safe, compliant, and cost-effective alternatives to the substandard chlorinated gloves that continue to flood the market illegally. By shifting to the widespread use of nitrile gloves, India could significantly impact its pharmaceutical industry, tackling key issues related to public health, safety, and environmental sustainability.

2 mins

We're on a mission to make India a global leader in Frontier Tech: Debjani Ghosh

“From AI breakthroughs revolutionising healthcare to bioengineering innovations addressing food security and renewable energy advancements driving sustainability, Frontier Technologies offer solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow & Chief Architect - NITI Frontier Tech Hub, NITI Aayog, New Delhi.

2 mins

UPES announces strategic partnership with Medical University of the Americas

The School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST) at UPES, a multi-disciplinary university in India, has announced a strategic first-of-its-kind partnership with the Medical University of the Americas (MUA).

1 min

Dvara Health Finance, IIHMR unveil diploma in community health and digital healthcare operations

Dvara Health Finance (DHF) and the Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Bengaluru, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and launch a Diploma in Community Health and Digital Healthcare Operations.

1 min

Bhavin Mukund Mehta Vice-Chairman steps in as of Pharmexcil

Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), a leading authorised body of the Government of India for promotion of pharmaceutical exports from India has appointed Bhavin Mukund Mehta, Wholetime Director, Kilitch Drugs (India) Limited as the Vice-Chairman of the council.

1 min

Roche Pharma India appoints Rajwinder Mehdwan as new Country General Manager

Roche Pharma India has announced the appointment of Rajwinder (Rajji) Mehdwan as country General Manager, effective April 1, 2025. She will also join the CEETRIS (Central Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia & Indian Subcontinent) region leadership team, reporting to Francois du Toit, Area Head of CEETRIS, Roche Pharmaceuticals.

1 min

Lilly India names Winselow Tucker as President and General Manager

Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has announced the appointment of Winselow Tucker as President and General Manager for Lilly India, effective immediately.

1 min

Dr Cyrus S. Poonawalla receives 2nd Dr. K. Anji Reddy Memorial Fellowship

The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT Mumbai), under its flagship initiative, the Mumbai Biocluster, has awarded 2nd Dr. K. Anji Reddy Memorial Fellowship for Affordable Biopharmaceuticals to Dr Cyrus S. Poonawalla, Chairman, Serum Institute of India, a revolutionary entrepreneur, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to biopharmaceutical innovation and global healthcare. Dr Cyrus S. Poonawalla’s extraordinary contributions to global healthcare have established India as a hub for affordable vaccines, saving billions of lives worldwide.

1 min

Intuitive announces new Vice President and General Manager in India

Medtech firm Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery, has announced its appointment of Rohitt Mahajan as vice president and general manager for India.

1 min

Centre announces winners of Padma Awards 2025

The government has announced Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, on January 25.

1 min

INST Mohali develops drug delivery system to revolutionise treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed an innovative “self-actuating” drug delivery system that could revolutionise the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by targeting inflammation directly within the joints so that therapeutic agents are released only when needed.

1 min

IIT-G designs multistage clinical trial method for revolutionising personalised medical care.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G), in collaboration with leading institutions worldwide, have developed an innovative multi-stage clinical trial method aimed at revolutionising personalised medical care.

1 min

JNCASR brings new system for wearable devices that can detect stress

Using a silver wire network on a stretchable material, scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, have developed a device that senses strain, mimics pain perception and adapts its electrical response accordingly.

1 min

IIIT Hyderabad and NIMS create pathology datasets for cancer & kidney disease

In a boost to India-centric clinical research and development, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H), in collaboration with Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad has unveiled publicly available datasets comprising digitised histopathological images of brain cancer and kidney disease (Lupus Nephritis).

1 min

Shimadzu strengthens business operations in India with new plant in Bengaluru

In order to strengthen business operations in India, which is expected to experience high economic growth, Japan's Shimadzu Corporation will establish the manufacturing subsidiary Shimadzu Manufacturing India Private Limited (SMI) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

1 min

Revvity unveils revolutionary solution for cellular imaging

Revvity, Inc. has unveiled its groundbreaking new Phenologic.AI software. Designed to redefine cellular imaging workflows for Revvity’s Harmony and Signals Image Artist software packages, the Phenologic.AI software leverages pre-trained deeplearning models to analyse brightfield images, providing an additional multiplexing channel and streamlined workflows for live cell analysis.

1 min

Agilent introduces IDP-35 and IDP-45 dry scroll pumps for highcapacity applications

US-based Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced the launch of Agilent IDP-35 and IDP-45 dry scroll pumps, designed to provide quiet, efficient, oil-free, and worryfree vacuum solutions for applications requiring higher pumping capacity.

1 min

VFL Sciences announces cooperation with RocGene Technology

Chennai-based VFL Sciences and RocGene Technology, based in China, have signed an agreement of cooperation wherein VFL Sciences will exclusively sell the entire range of products from RocGene in India.

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.