Karnataka home to hundreds of startups in med, pharma sectors: Minister MB Patil

BENGALURU: Karnataka is emerging as a key player in the dermatology and cosmetic medical treatment sectors, with significant investment opportunities coming up, particularly in the upcoming KWIN City project, said Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil on Friday.

At the inauguration of the Bharat Summit of Laser Medicine and Surgery 2025, Patil highlighted the state’s advancements in medical device manufacturing and pharmaceutical startups and noted that Karnataka currently manufactures 350 critical medical instruments and is home to hundreds of startups in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, which are actively driving healthcare innovation.

Patil emphasised that Karnataka is at the forefront of producing medical IT solutions, PCR machines, stents for heart treatments, insulin pens, and other key medical devices.

He added that the medical devices, digital health, and diagnostics sectors are undergoing rapid transformation, with state-based companies leading technological advancements in these areas.

During the four-day international conference, Patil stressed that affordable healthcare and speedy treatment are essential for building credibility in the industry. The conference, which will conclude on Sunday, March 23, brought together over 1,200 delegates from around the world for discussions.

Source : The Indian Express

Popular diabetes drug, Mounjaro, launched in India

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A breakthrough drug for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity, has been released in India. The drug has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

India, a country of more than 1.4 billion people, has seen an increase in obesity rates. A government survey conducted between 2019 and 2021 showed that 24% of women and nearly 23% of men between the ages of 15 and 49 were either overweight or obese, up from 20.6% of women and 19% of men in 2015-2016.

“It is the first drug to target both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors, offering a new approach to metabolic health management,” the manufacturing company Eli Lilly and Company has said. “The dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India. Lilly is committed to collaborating with the government and industry to promote awareness and improve the prevention and management of these diseases,” Winselow Tucker, President & GM, Lilly India, told the media.

Mounjaro is available in single-dose vials, with pricing set at Rs3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and Rs4,375 for a 5 mg vial, leading to a monthly cost of Rs14,000-Rs17,500, depending on dosage. In the U.S., Mounjaro carries a list price of $1,086.37 for each fill “Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL injection, is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose). It is not known if Mounjaro can be used in people who have had pancreatitis. Mounjaro is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes. It is not known if Mounjaro is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age,” the company has said on its website.

Misuse of the drug is a big concern

According to Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head – Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Healthcare, “obesity rates in India are rising at an alarming pace, fueling an increase in diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and related conditions. Managing obesity has become a significant challenge, and the ultimate solution lies in prevention. It is important to focus on promoting healthy eating habits from infancy through adulthood.”

“Historically, anti-obesity drugs have been plagued by failures, often proving ineffective or unsustainable. However, a new class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists has shown remarkable promise. Originally developed for diabetes management, these drugs were later found to have profound weight-loss effects. Among them, semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) have gained significant attention. I think they are a huge advancement, and it’s very good that they will now be accessible to the Indian public at a slightly more affordable price. Previously, patients had to obtain them from abroad, where they were very expensive. A large proportion of the urban middle class will now have access to this medication, which makes me optimistic,” he added.
“However, my only concern—and I have voiced this repeatedly—is the potential for misuse. Those considering these drugs should only take them under the supervision of an endocrinologist or physician. Do not make the mistake of using them as a cosmetic drug or casually purchasing and injecting them. Remember, these drugs will be available only by prescription,” he said.

Side effects and warning

The common side effects of the drug are nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion and stomach pain, as per Eli Lilly.

Warning: Eli Lilly advises against the use of Mounjaro if one has symptoms like a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. Do not use Mounjaro if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Do not use Mounjaro if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Do not use Mounjaro if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients in Mounjaro.

Soruce : Times Of India

Centre raises alarm on adverse reaction caused by widely used life-saving beta blocker drugs

Concerned over the widely used life-saving beta blocker drugs causing adverse drug reactions, the government’s Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued an alert about the same.

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is a harmful, unintended result caused by taking medication. ADRs may occur following a single dose or prolonged administration of a drug or may result from the combination of two or more drugs.

This is important as doctors widely prescribe the beta blocker medication to manage abnormal heart rhythms, prevent heart attack and migraine.

During a recently conducted analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), the commission found that the use of drugs such as metoprolol, propranolol, and atenolol can cause “Hypokalaemia”—a life-threatening condition due to potassium deficiency in the body.

Medically, the drugs metoprolol, propranolol and atenolol are used to treat hypertension in adults, functional heart disorders, migraine prophylaxis, cardiac arrhythmias, management of angina; essential and renal hypertension and other heart disorders.

“The analysis of adverse drug reactions from Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database revealed that beta blocker drugs (Metoprolol, Propranolol, and Atenolol) to cause adverse drug reaction,” stated IPC’s drug safety alert reviewed by Mint.

India’s beta-blocker market is currently valued at $11.06 billion and is expected to touch $15.08 billion by 2030.

India is one of the largest producers of quality medicines and has a robust pharmacovigilance system to monitor the safety profile of marketed pharmaceutical products.

“Healthcare professionals, patients or consumers are advised to closely monitor the possibility of the above ADR associated with the use of above suspected drug. If such a reaction is encountered, please report to the IPC,” it said.

IPC monitors adverse drug reactions among Indian population and helps the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) take regulatory decisions for the safe use of medicines.

From March till December, around 13 different drugs were found to be showing adverse drug reaction as declared by IPC.

Source : Live Mint

Cipla rolls out mobile application for asthma screening

Drug firm Cipla on Monday said it has launched a mobile application designed to enable the first line of screening for asthma in India. According to the Global Burden of Disease report, the total burden of asthma in India is estimated to be around 34.3 million.

India has a three-fold higher mortality rate and two-fold higher asthma-associated disability burden compared to the global proportion.

This can be attributed, in part, to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of asthma.

“By leveraging the power of next-gen technologies, we are developing solutions that are fundamentally transforming patient care and enabling better diagnostic, treatment, and management outcomes,” Cipla Managing Director & Global CEO Umang Vohra said in a statement.

The mobile application — CipAir will be available on Android and will be subsequently rolled out on iOS devices, the company stated.

Source : Economic Times

CDSCO Releases Draft Standard Evaluation Protocols For Issuing License For IVDs

New Delhi: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have together released the draft standard evaluation protocols for the purpose of issuing license for in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) under the Medical Devices Rules (MDR), 2017.

The drug regulator has said that licensure of IVDs under the MDR requires a detailed evaluation protocol for the performance evaluation of IVDs to evaluate their quality and performance and these protocols would be used by IVD manufacturers testing labs in India.

The aim is to facilitate the availability of quality-assured diagnostic kits appropriate for use in India. The guidelines shall establish uniformity in performance evaluation of IVD kits. The performance evaluation is to independently verify the manufacturer’s claim regarding IVD performance.

It has come out with a draft performance evaluation and field evaluation protocols for 14 tests, seeking response from the stakeholders within February 15, 2025.

The tests for which the draft protocol has been formulated include performance evaluation protocol for Chikungunya IgM ELISA, Chikungunya IgM RDT, Chikungunya real-time PCR, Dengue NS1 RDT, Dengue NS1 ELISA, Dengue IgM RDT, Dengue IgM ELISA, Dengue NS1/ IgM combo RDT, Dengue real-time PCR, and Zika virus real-time PCR, and field evaluation protocol for Dengue NS1 RDT, Dengue NS1 ELISA, r Dengue NS1/ IgM combo RDT, and Dengue real-time PCR.

“The protocols are now being placed in the public domain for comments from relevant stakeholders. This window of opportunity will close on 15th February 2025, and, once finalized, there will be minimal scope for change in these documents. Therefore, all interested stakeholders are requested to provide their comments before 15th February 2025…,” said the drug regulator while releasing the draft protocols.

Once the public consultation period concludes, all comments will be reviewed and considered in finalizing the draft protocols before final clearance by ICMR and CDSCO.

After following due procedure as defined in the guidelines for various tests, once any kit is found to be Not of Standard Quality (NSQ), no request for repeat testing of the same kit will be acceptable thereafter, said the drug regulator. Any request for re-validation from the same manufacturer for the same test type will only be entertained if valid proof of change in the kit composition is submitted.

It may be noted that the Central government and the Central drug regulator has been putting various rules and guidelines in position to ensure the safety and quality of medical devices in the market, following the implementation of the MDR, 2017, after the medical devices has been brought under the purview of drug regulators.

Source : Pharmabiz

Dabur India expects low single-digit revenue growth in Q3

Dabur India on Friday said it expects to garner “low single-digit growth” in terms of consolidated revenue during the December quarter and a “flattish” operating profit growth. The company also said it continued to see the impact of inflationary pressures in some segments during the December quarter. At the same time it expects FMCG demand to revive in the coming months.

The FMCG major said that rural consumption for FMCG was resilient during the quarter under review and continued to grow at a faster clip than urban consumption. It noted that modern trade, e-commerce and quick commerce channels continued to post strong growth but the general trade channel was still under pressure.

“Dabur’s consolidated revenue is expected to register low single digit growth during Q3 FY25.We anticipate flattish operating profit growth (in Q3).,” Dabur India stated in its quarterly preview for December quarter in a regulatory filing.

In the Indian market, the company expects the home and personal care segment to post growth of “mid-to-high-single digits”. However, due to the delayed onset of winter, it expects health care segment growth to be “flattish”.

Even the beverages portfolio is expected to report muted performance, it added.

However, the company’s food business is expected to post strong double-digit growth on the back of strong performance of its brands ‘Hommade’ and ‘Badshah’ during Q3.

“ The International Business is expected to register double-digit growth in constant currency terms, led by good momentum in the MENA region, Egypt, Bangladesh and US business.”

Dabur India said it had to take tactical price hikes to partially mitigate inflationary pressures that it witnessed in some segments during the December quarter. The company also leveraged on cost-efficiency initiatives to manage costs during this period.

“With improving macroeconomic indicators, we expect FMCG growth to revive and sequential improvement in demand going forward. We remain committed to delivering superior performance across all business segments and enhancing market share within our portfolio,” the company noted in its regulatory filing. It added that its strategic priorities continue to be focused on brand building, sustained profitable growth, and long-term value creation.

Source : Business Standard

NPPA sets retail prices for 65 drugs, revises ceiling for 20 formulations

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed retail prices for 65 new drug formulations and notified ceiling price fixation of 13 formulations. The regulatory body, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, also revised the ceiling prices of seven other drugs to include the impact of the 0.00551 per cent increase in drug prices in the National List of Essential Drugs (NLEM), based on the changes in the wholesale price index (WPI) for 2024.
The decision to revise the prices of the formulations was taken during the authority’s 128th meeting on December 12. Prices have been fixed for drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, bacterial infections, and painkillers, whereas drugs with revised ceiling prices include vaccines for rabies, tetanus, and measles, among others, according to multiple notifications from the NPPA.
The revision and fixation of retail and ceiling prices is a routine exercise undertaken by the NPPA. The drug pricing regulator is vested with the responsibility of fixing and revising the prices of pharmaceutical products, enforcing provisions of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), and monitoring the prices of both controlled and decontrolled drugs.
In a recent government notification, retail prices of essential fixed combination drugs (FDCs) such as a combination of atorvastatin and ezetimibe tablets, used to treat high cholesterol, by reducing “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels have been fixed. FDCs are drugs that contain a combination of two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a single form, usually manufactured and distributed in a fixed ratio.
Other FDCs included in the list include the combinations of dispersible amoxycillin and potassium clavulanate used to treat bacterial infections such as sinusitis, and gliclazide and metformin hydrochloride, which is used to treat Type 2 diabetes. The list also includes dietary supplements such as oral cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) tablets and antifungal itraconazole capsules.
The 20 drugs whose ceiling prices have been revised include 13 new drugs such as injectable immunoglobins for rabies, tetanus, measles, and BCG, whereas prices of the other seven drugs have been revised after review order to include WPI rate impact.
This list of seven essential formulations includes injectable version of thiamine (Vitamin B1), versions of lignocaine (local anesthetic), tablets for ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and tablet and liquid versions of clarithromycin (antibiotic).
The government notification mentioned that manufacturers of scheduled formulations selling its branded, generic, or both versions at a price higher than the ceiling price (plus Goods and Services Tax as applicable), shall revise the prices of all such formulations downward not exceeding the ceiling price specified.

Healthcare, pharma sectors raise Rs 14,811 crore via IPOs in 2024

India’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors raised Rs 14,811 crore through initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2024, the largest since 2019, driven by strong domestic demand amid expanding global opportunities.
According to data, key contributors to the record fundraising included Sai Life Sciences (Rs 3,043 crore), IKS Health (Rs 2,498 crore), and Sagility India (Rs 2,107 crore). Despite fewer IPOs this year (13 compared with 21 last year), the average issue size saw a considerable jump.
The pharma industry in India is among the top sectors attracting investments. According to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) of Sai Life Sciences, “Resilient and sustainable long-term growth has been evident in the global pharmaceutical industry, particularly driven by an increase in chronic diseases, sedentary lifestyles, growth of the geriatric population, and increasing health consciousness.”
The global pharmaceutical market, valued at $1,451 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2 per cent and reach $1,956 billion by 2028.
In India, the pharmaceutical sector is among the top ten attractive industries for foreign investment, with exports reaching over 200 countries, including regulated markets like the US and Europe. “India accounts for 20 per cent of global generic drug exports by volume, positioning it as the largest global provider. Pharmaceutical exports totaled $ 25.3 billion in FY23, with March 2023 alone contributing $2.48 billion,” according to the DRHP of Zenith Drugs.
Experts feel that global drug shortages allow Indian drug makers to tap the export market.
“Branded generics drive the domestic market, while export opportunities, especially in the US, have rebounded due to elevated product shortages and facility shutdowns and compliance issues. Emerging categories like biosimilars, GLP-1 drugs, patent expiries and injectables are poised to provide significant future growth, opportunities over mid to long term” said industry expert Shrikant Akolkar, Vice President – research, Nuvama Institutional Equities.
The hospital sector has seen a post-pandemic resurgence, as evidenced by high subscription rates for new IPOs. Companies like Sagility India and IKS Health, which are focused on healthcare service delivery, reflect investor optimism in non-traditional segments of the healthcare ecosystem.
Upcoming opportunities in the sector include off-patent products, biosimilars, and innovative therapies. Analysts also point to the rising demand for healthcare services in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, contributing to long-term growth.

India’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are poised for consistent growth, supported by domestic consumption and export opportunities.

“The strong historical performance, new capex and R&D programs and promising future outlook have instilled confidence in investors, leading to increased interest and investment in the sector,” Akolkar noted.

Source : Business Standard

Fake Degrees Seized From Pvt Institute In Hisar

Hisar: A team of CM Flying Squad on Thursday raided a institute located in Dwarka Puri, Sirsa, and recovered fake degrees and certificates of many universities. These include BSc agriculture and engineering degrees, as well as classes 10 and 12 certificates.

During the raid, fake seals, signature stamps, documents, forms and material for printing fake degrees were also recovered from the institute. The seals found in the institute are of Chhattisgarh Education Board and many universities of Uttar Pradesh, as well as open schools. After the raid, the team sealed the institute.

CM Flying Squad sub-inspector Rajesh Kumar said that this institute is registered in the name of a person called Sitaram. In the initial investigation, it is suspected that fake degrees were being made and sold under the guise of this institute. Now, the whole matter will be handed over to the local police for further investigation, he said.

“The institute has no staff. It seems this institute was established only to make and sell fake degrees,” said a source.

According to sources, the Sirsa DC had received information of fraud in the institute, after which a team was formed for the raid.

Source : The Times Of India

Karnataka To Restructure Drugs Control Dept, Strengthen Procedures

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is attempting to restructure the drugs control department and take a fresh look at current procedures in its medical facilities, including tendering and auditing, to put in place checks to avoid a repeat of incidents such as the maternal deaths in Ballari.

The efforts include the auditing of deaths of new mothers in the immediate past to probe if any of them were caused by substandard or contaminated drugs, and bringing the Karnataka State Drugs Control Department under the commissioner of food safety.

Calling the drugs control department’s functioning “non-transparent”, Dinesh Gundu Rao, the state’s health & family welfare minister, said the cabinet had decided to bring it under the purview of the food safety commissioner.

“The drugs control department is a closed organisation. It’s like those who work within the organisation stay within the organisation. We need somebody from the outside to look at it,” Rao told ThePrint.

He added that a committee led by an IAS officer has been formed to look into existing procedures that can help improve quality checks and the tendering process.

“We have changed a few things, including the tendering process. From a one-year tender, we are now shifting to a two-year tender for procuring medicines,” the minister said.

The Karnataka government has been under immense pressure to bring in more accountability after a spate of maternal deaths were reported at the Ballari district hospital last month. The role of a substandard intravenous fluid in the matter is being probed.

Even though the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has seen a steep decline across India, concerns about the procurement of substandard or contaminated drugs have been on the rise.

According to the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group’s 2020 report titled ‘Trends in maternal mortality 2000 to 2020’, India’s MMR has declined from 384 in 2000 to 103 in 2020.

The average annual rate of reduction in global MMR during the 2000-2020 period was 2.07 percent while India’s MMR declined by 6.36 percent, according to a government statement in February.

Maternal deaths in Karnataka declined from 662 in 2019-2020 to 348 in 2024-2025 (up to November), according to data released by the state government.

Source : The Print