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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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