MEDICINE
Study across six states shows causal link between air pollution & poor mental health
“We see recurring seasonal exacerbations in patients—especially around festive and post-festive periods—which provides a critical window to screen their mental health,” said Dr Sam Bennihin D L, associate consultant, pulmonary medicine at Rela Institute & Medical Centre in Chennai.
18 patent applications for HIV drug lenacapavir may delay affordable generics in India
Gilead Sciences has filed 18 patent applications in India for lenacapavir, raising concerns among patient groups. They argue these applications may hinder the availability of affordable generic versions of the HIV drug. Consumer advocates have approached the patent office, seeking a rejection of these filings as they may constitute evergreening. If granted, these patents could remain valid until 2042, extending exclusive rights.
NASA is hiring astronauts for future Moon missions: Who can apply, what tests must you pass and how to get selected?
NASA is recruiting its next class of astronauts, with selected candidates potentially preparing for future Moon missions and living at a lunar base. The agency is accepting applications from qualified US citizens, including candidates with master's-level nursing degrees. Here's a look at the eligibility criteria, experience requirements, $164,395 starting salary and application deadline.
Compulsory licensing of drugs only after exhausting all other measures: Department of Pharmaceuticals secretary Manoj Joshi
The government plans to address the high costs of innovative medicines by first negotiating prices. Compulsory licensing will be considered only after other alternatives are exhausted. Trade margins on high-cost drugs are being examined to enhance affordability. Discussions are ongoing with pharmaceutical companies to improve access and affordability of patented drugs. The government is also working on initiatives to support the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
AYUSH, herbal sector now worth lakhs of crores: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the economic growth of India's AYUSH and herbal product sectors. He noted that exports are increasing due to high demand for products like turmeric. The establishment of the National Turmeric Board aims to enhance production and quality standards. Additionally, the government introduced the e-AYUSH visa facility to facilitate foreign tourists seeking traditional treatments.
NPPA issues strict guidelines for trade margin rationalisation on 137 cancer drugs to benefit patients
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has implemented strict monitoring of Trade Margin Rationalisation for certain anti-cancer drugs. Compliance with revised prices has been mandated for manufacturers, retailers, and hospitals. They must display updated price lists to inform patients effectively. Complaints about overcharging or drug shortages can be reported through designated channels. State Drug Controllers have been instructed to submit compliance reports to ensure adherence by 16 November 2026.
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Meet country singer Mark McGuinn's wife, Dr Stacey McGuinn, who has kept a low profile. Where is she now?
Beloved country singer Mark McGuinn has sadly passed away at 58, leaving his two cherished children behind. His family obituary highlighted his strong bond with Dr. Stacey M. McGuinn and underscored how his kids were his most significant joys. Information about Stacey's career remains mostly confidential, while the specific cause of Mark's passing has not been made public by his family.
AYUSH economy crosses lakhs of crores as herbal exports surge: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the growth of India's AYUSH and herbal product sectors at golden jubilee celebrations of Prasanthi Kutiram in Bengaluru. He noted the increase in exports and the establishment of the National Turmeric Board to enhance production. The government has also introduced the e-AYUSH visa to attract foreign wellness tourists. He said yoga is being recognised globally, with India promoting its traditional practices more widely.
Who is Indian-origin Aarti Shah, who decided Jensen Huang’s fate along with other Nvidia board members?
Jensen Huang has stepped down as the CEO of Nvidia after a long tenure of 33 years. Colette Kress, the chief financial officer, will be acting as the interim CEO during this transition. The board of directors is now involved in the search for Huang's permanent successor. Here's a look at Indian-origin board member Aarti Shah and the other directors involved in the company's leadership transition.
What will happen to Kimberly Powell after Jensen Huang's resignation from Nvidia?
The resignation of Jensen Huang from Nvidia has cast shadows over Kimberly Powell's position in the company. Allegations arise suggesting that both individuals had extramarital affairs, complicating the narrative. Huang admitted to infidelity but refrained from naming anyone, while Powell, an 18-year Nvidia veteran who heads the healthcare division and supports AI in medicine, faces uncertainty. Nvidia remains silent on her job's future amidst this controversy.
IIT Kharagpur becomes first IIT to offer NMC-accredited postgraduate medical degrees
IIT Kharagpur is set to become the first IIT to offer postgraduate medical degree programmes. The inaugural cohort of MD students will begin in the academic session 2026-27 at the Dr B C Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre. Admissions will be conducted through the NEET-PG online counselling process for qualified candidates. Six MD disciplines will be offered, each with two available seats.
Amish Shah, Pia Dandiya join centrist New Democratic Coalition
Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya have recently joined the New Democrat Coalition, increasing its membership to 142. The New Democrat Coalition, which is the largest ideological group in the Democratic Party, welcomed 40 new members this week. Shah is a physician with roots in Gujarat, while Dandiya has a background in education and policy leadership.
Dario Amodei says AI could make cancer, Alzheimer’s ‘relics of the past’ in less than a decade as Anthropic expands AI-driven drug discovery push
Anthropic is collaborating with several pharmaceutical companies to utilize AI in drug development processes. These partnerships aim to improve the efficiency of drug discovery, addressing complex challenges in medical research. Notable projects include redesigning therapeutic molecules and accelerating antibody designs for various diseases. Anthropic has also initiated its own research on rare childhood muscular dystrophies, targeting potential clinical trials by late 2028.
NECTAR to host international workshop on cold plasma and pulse power in Shillong
The Northeast Center for Technology Application and Reach will hold the COFHA workshop in Shillong in December 2026. Participants will include scientists, engineers, and researchers from India and abroad. The workshop aims to explore cold plasma applications in various sectors, including food and agriculture. Sessions will cover food safety, seed treatment, and biomedical applications, focusing on emerging technologies. Keynote speakers will include experts from prominent universities around the world.
Sichuan Neautus shares surge 119% in Hong Kong IPO debut
Sichuan Neautus Traditional Chinese Medicine shares soared in their Hong Kong debut after the company raised HK$262 million through an IPO. Strong retail investor demand, reflected in massive oversubscription, drove the stock sharply higher despite weakness in the broader market.
BDR Pharma to acquire Acme’s oral solid formulations business
BDR Pharma will acquire a controlling stake in Acme Formulation’s oral solid formulations business from existing shareholders, led by private equity firm PAG. The deal will strengthen BDR’s contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) platform by adding capabilities in thyroid, women’s healthcare and general medicines.
Delhi air pollution: Health experts warn of health risks as even healthy people report symptoms
Doctors from AIIMS and Apollo Hospitals report that Delhi's severe air pollution causes respiratory issues among healthy individuals. Dr. Vijay Hadda emphasizes that green crackers only partially mitigate harmful emissions from conventional firecrackers. Young people aged 20-50 are also complaining of symptoms, indicating widespread health effects. Continuous exposure to high pollution levels can lead to persistent symptoms appearing within hours.
Over 1,300 anti-cancer drugs to get cheaper
India's National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority is set to cap trade margins on anti-cancer drugs starting November 2026. The initiative aims to save around ₹2,500 crore annually for cancer patients. The list includes 1,366 drug brands, with substantial price reductions for several high-cost medications. However, some patented drugs will maintain their prices despite the changes. Patients and medical institutions are directed to display revised prices prominently.
Cancer drug prices revised from today; patients may save Rs 3,540 crore annually
The government has revised the prices of 1,364 anti-cancer medicine formulations effective from November 9. This decision aims to limit trade margins and reduce consumer costs for cancer drugs. According to official reports, this measure is expected to save consumers Rs 3,540.38 crore each year.
Morepen Laboratories launches Desloratadine (Rx) generic drug product in US market
Morepen Laboratories has launched its prescription generic product Desloratadine in the United States market. This launch is managed through the company's subsidiary, Morpen Bio. Inc. The product will be available in 100-count and 500-count packs to consumers. Additionally, Morepen has submitted an Abbreviated New Drug Application for Sitagliptin Phosphate Tablets to the US FDA. The submission is currently undergoing regulatory review, which is an important step for their expansion.
Pharma industry steps up API investments to cut import dependence, move up value chain
India's pharmaceutical sector is shifting towards high-value medicines and reducing reliance on imports through local manufacturing. Investments in active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced therapies are on the rise to meet new healthcare demands. Industry leaders highlight the significance of supply-chain resilience and advancements in manufacturing capabilities. Recent data indicates strong domestic market growth and increasing pharmaceutical exports.
Rich countries benefitted more from COVID-19 vaccine's return on investment than poor ones: Study
COVID-19 vaccines generated economic benefits worth USD 60 to USD 809 for every dollar invested in their development and distribution, a global study of 173 countries has found. However, high-income countries gained more due to earlier access and faster rollouts, while delayed vaccine availability limited benefits in poorer nations.
Who are Dominic Roy and Cooper Bruce? Tulane University students discover new muscle attachment that could reshape hip surgery
In a groundbreaking discovery, Tulane University students Dominic Roy and Cooper Bruce uncovered a new muscle attachment during a cadaver dissection. This pelvic structure holds potential implications for understanding hip pain and surgical procedures. Collaborating with Dr. R Shane Tubbs, they validated their findings through further examinations. This breakthrough could reshape treatment strategies for hip-related ailments, igniting Roy and Bruce's aspirations to enter the medical field.
FDA flags persistent data-integrity lapses, insanitary conditions at Indian drug facilities
The US FDA continues to identify serious data integrity issues in Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. During inspections, inspectors found discarded documents related to key manufacturing processes, highlighting compliance concerns. To ensure safe medicines, drugmakers are urged to scrutinize their supply chains and monitor suppliers effectively. Additionally, human errors contributed significantly to production incidents, affecting operations and batch release timelines.
Iran lifts Hormuz transit curbs for ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar, could ease pressure on India’s oil and gas supply
Iran has announced the lifting of transit restrictions for vessels from India, China, Iraq, and Qatar. This decision aims to enhance regional cooperation and facilitate trade, particularly in medicines from India. Iranian officials have noted that American forces do not intercept these ships, showing Tehran's strategic interests.
NPPA updates list of reduced MRP of 1,085 anti-cancer drugs
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority updated the maximum retail price for 1,085 anti-cancer medicines. This revision follows a previous decrease of prices for 543 anti-cancer drugs announced on October 28. The updated list contains prices based on information submitted by pharmaceutical companies up to November 3. The NPPA will continuously update this list as more manufacturers submit revised prices.
Cancer drug prices fell in 2019 too, but mark-ups of up to 700% are back
The government's latest cancer drug price cuts may offer patients some relief, but the impact could be short-lived. An analysis of medicines covered in the 2019 exercise found that mark-ups had risen to as much as 700% by 2026, raising questions about whether one-time price cuts can keep cancer treatment affordable.
Sun Pharma’s specialty portfolio, Organon deal to drive growth
Sun Pharmaceutical achieved notable revenue growth in the September quarter, driven by strong performance in India and specialty medicines. The company anticipates medium-term growth from therapies like Ilumya and ongoing innovative projects. Although profitability was affected by acquisition and litigation costs, the domestic market share increased to 8.6% from last year. R&D investments are expected to rise in the second half of FY27 as development accelerates.
Karnataka govt pauses circular on medicine price disclosure by hospitals
In a significant move, the Karnataka government declared it would not proceed with a disputed circular aimed at mandating hospitals to disclose medicine pricing information. This decision emerged during a High Court review related to the circular's compliance and repercussions. The proposal required hospitals to clearly present procurement costs, MRP, and patient billing in their invoices.
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