33 C Health & Fitness / The Economic Times
Driven by the success of Wegovy and Mounjaro, numerous pharma companies are developing anti-obesity drugs, with over 170 in various stages. While giants like Novartis and GSK are cautious, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk lead the race. Research expands beyond GLP-1 targets, exploring oral options and addressing conditions like MASH and CVD.
Zydus Lifesciences received tentative USFDA approval for its generic Ibrutinib tablets, used to treat various blood cancers like CLL/SLL and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. The tablets, available in 140 mg, 280 mg, and 420 mg strengths, will be manufactured in Ahmedabad. Ibrutinib tablets had significant US sales, reaching USD 2148.9 million annually.
The Chinese parent has diversified investments that range from healthcare to football clubs, asset management, banks, estate, hospitality, fashion and industrials. The conglomerate has a presence across the pharma value chain from manufacturing to diagnostics and medical devices. Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Co. had acquired an 86% stake in Gland Pharma in 2016 from KKR for a record deal value of $1.26 billion.
Indias pain relief market has exploded post-pandemic, doubling to nearly 16,000 crore in just five years. From gels and sprays to pills like Dolo and Zerodol, pain meds are now a daily fix for everything from gym soreness to chronic stress. The shift is lifestyle-driven and increasingly normalised, but experts warn against unchecked self-medication. As the over-the-counter space booms, driven by awareness and ease of access, the line between relief and risk is getting worryingly thin.
Kenvue, makers of Benadryl, introduces 'Cough Clinics' in partnership with the Association of Physicians of India. This initiative aims to establish ten Centers of Excellence across India. These clinics will enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge of cough evaluation. The goal is to promote science-backed approaches to treatment. The clinics will offer specialized training and tools for physicians.
Doctors at PGIMER Chandigarh have achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully performing India's first robot-assisted vasovasostomy. The urology team, led by Dr. Aditya Prakash Sharma, used the da Vinci Surgical System for enhanced precision in the male infertility surgery. This innovative approach offers new hope for couples seeking natural conception after vasectomy, marking a significant advancement in andrology and microsurgery.