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Themis Medicare launches VIRALEX approved by DCGI
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Prof Savitri Srivastav
Paediatric cardiologist Prof Savitri Srivastav has recently passed away. She was a highly respected teacher at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and a great clinician. Her special interests were in paediatric and congenital heart diseases, echocardiography and noncoronary interventions. She played an important role in the formation of the Indian Academy of Echocardiography as the Founder President of the Society in 1995. She started the Paediatric Cardiac Society of India, as the founder President in 1998. In 1995, she left AIIMS and her team to join the Fortis/Escort Heart Institute. She was also joined by an iconic couple from AIIMS – Dr Krishna Iyer, a paediatric cardiac surgeon and his paediatric cardiac intensivist wife Parvathy Iyer. Together, during the past 27 years, they made a trailblazing clinical and academic work at Fortis / Escorts that has been globally acclaimed.
Themis Medicare’s VIRALEX- Inosine Pranobex is the new option for COVID-19 treatment that is effective irrespective of the new variants. The benefit of VIRALEX is that it is effective not just in COVID-19 but also in other viral respiratory infections. The safety and efficacy have been demonstrated through a double-blind, randomised placebocontrol (considered as a gold standard in clinical research) multicentre trial in India with the drug showing significantly early clinical response and cure. The trials were conducted during the Delta wave of COVID-19 and showed early improvement and complete relief from symptoms in patients who received VIRALEX.
Medulance has announced a collaboration with e-RaktKosh powered by Paytm. By using the e-RaktKosh’s QR codes, Medulance will get real-time information about the blood availability in the nearest blood bank. e-RaktKosh is a national platform developed by C-DAC under the Blood Cell National Health Mission by the Indian government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is a centralised blood inventory management system to track blood availability in blood banks across India. As a one-of-its-kind initiative, e-RaktKosh connects, digitizes, and streamlines the workflow of 2,100+ blood banks across the nation. The centralised blood bank management app is successfully integrated into Paytm.
PM inaugurates 500-bed hospital in Navsari
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a 500-bed, stateof-the-art, multispecialty and cancer hospitals complex at Navsari and a centre of excellence encompassing a skill-building centre, primary, secondary and higher secondary schools at village Kharel in south Gujarat. The hospitals are part of an eight-acre AM Naik Healthcare Complex which also includes a residential enclave for consultants, specialists, nurses and paramedical staff. In proximity to the schools are hostels for students and accommodation for the faculty and principal.
Health tech hav. raises $400k
Rewards-based health-tech platform hav., which has been operating in stealth mode has announced the launch of its operations formally. The company has raised $400,000 in a round led by USbased VC StartUp Health. Funds raised will be used for growing the user base and achieving PMF. Started in 2021 by Abdul Paravengal (ex-CFO & CBO, Shipper & an angel investor) along with Lajesh Kolath (ex-AVP, Open Financial Technologies) and Sajith Nair (ex-Yahoo!) hav. is a free app that tracks various health parameters to help 20 to 40-year-olds middle income and below individuals to reduce the probability of lifestyle-related diseases.
United Way of Bengaluru, Thermo Fisher partner to set up 30-bed modular facility in Mon, Nagaland
United Way of Bengaluru and CSR partner Thermo Fisher came forward and set up a 30-bed modular facility, type C ambulance, dental and paediatric medical equipment as an extension to the existing community
The health centre at Tobu Block of the Mon District in Nagaland
health centre at Tobu Block of the Mon District in Nagaland. This modular setup has been equipped with advanced medical equipment that would benefit patients as well as the medical fraternity. The 30bed modular facility has been designed by Modulus Housing, a start-up from IIT Madras. These units have long durability, for at least 20 years.
Researchers develop N95 mask with nanoparticle coating using 3D printing tech
Researchers have developed a reusable, recyclable, washable, odourless, nonallergic and anti-microbial N95 mask by using 3D printing technology. The fourlayer mask whose outer layer is made up of silicon has a shelf life of more than five years depending upon the use. Dr Atul Thakur, Dr Preeti Thakur, Dr Lucky Krishnia and Prof PB Sharma, Dinesh Kumar research scholar from Amity University Haryana (AUH) and Prof Rakesh Srivastava from the University of Nebraska, USA have jointly developed this product that has immense potential as a prophylactic.
Glenmark Pharma, USA buys approved ANDAs from Wockhardt
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced that its fully owned subsidiary Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, USA (Glenmark) has acquired the approved Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) for Famotidine Tablets USP, 10 mg and 20 mg (OTC), Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 5 mg and 10 mg (OTC), Lansoprazole DelayedRelease Capsules USP, 15 mg (OTC) and Olopatadine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.1 per cent (OTC) in the US from Wockhardt.
Cipla to invest more in digital tech company GoApptiv
Cipla has agreed to acquire an additional stake in digital tech company GoApptiv for Rs 25.90 crore, increasing its total stake to 22.02 per cent on a fully diluted basis. The investment will be made in equity shares and Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares. It had earlier invested in the company in June 2020 and has yielded growth and expanded Cipla’s channel reach across lower-tier towns in India. The investment will be made in equity shares and Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares and is likely to be completed within 30 days or such other date mutually agreed between the parties and shall be subject to fulfilment of necessary closing conditions.
Dr Prathap C Reddy conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by IMA
Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Young Doctors Leadership Summit. The award was presented on the occasion of the World Young Doctors Day conference hosted by the Indian Medical Association Tamil Nadu State Branch (IMA TNSB), Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors Network (IMA JDN), and Indian Medical Association Medical Students Network Tamil Nadu (IMA MSN TN).
Crysta IVF has recently appointed Dr Sweta Gupta as Medical Director. In her new role, Dr Gupta will be responsible for overseeing the organisation’s clinical effectiveness and operational strategy to get superior treatment results. A stalwart in the fertility sector both in India and overseas, Dr Gupta’s rich experience has benefitted families at large. With over 25 years of experience, her work pedigree specifically in NHS (UK), is commendable.
The inauguration of Wellness Forever’s store in Nagpur
Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Wellness Forever’s first store in Nagpur
Wellness Forever Medicare, an omnichannel retail pharmacy with a network in western India has announced the opening of two stores in Nagpur, to further its presence in Maharashtra. The chain also has its presence in Goa and Karnataka. The stores are located in Nagpur at Darodkar Square and Trimurti Nagar. The stores aim to provide a distinctive shopping experience, with a wide assortment of pharmaceutical and lifestyle products which include FMCG products, nutraceuticals, medical equipment along with medicines.
Hyd-based pharma co Austrak launches nephrology and urology division
Indian pharmaceutical company, Austrak based in Hyderabad, Telangana, launched its new super speciality division to focus on around 73 valued products in nephrology and urology. With a strong presence in the segment of ophthalmology for the last 12 years, Austrak is one of the leading innovation-driven healthcare group, whose core businesses are pharmaceuticals and surgical. Austrak aims to supply products and services that significantly improve people’s lives by helping to prevent, diagnose and treat disease.
Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences names John Kuriyan as dean
Vanderbilt University has named John Kuriyan, one of the world’s leading structural biologists, as its next dean of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, C Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, announced. Kuriyan’s appointment, effective January 1, 2023, will advance the university’s goal of expanding its global research impact by leveraging fundamental investigations in molecular, cellular and developmental biology into foundational advances in drug discovery, pharmacology and genetic engineering.
Le Crest Hospital, AVISA launch smart hospital in Ghaziabad
AVISA Smart Hospitals in association with Le Crest Hospital announced the launch of the first smart hospital in Ghaziabad. The 250-bedded Le Crest Hospital is getting upgraded and transformed into a smart hospital with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The association between Le Crest and AVISA Smart Hospitals is expected to increase the footfall of the hospital by nearly 100 patients over the next six to eight months through an efficient turnaround strategy, strong marketing reach and bringing star doctors adding multiple specialisations. Patient acquisition and retention, which is atop priority, is also slated to increase by up to 60-70 per cent because of the association.
Avesthagen in strategic alliance with Wipro
Avesthagen, a biotechnology major that specialises in predictive, preventive and personalised healthcare through the convergence of food, pharma and population genetics, has entered into a four-year strategic alliance with Wipro, a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, for making its genetic testing portfolio commercial. The portfolio includes genome panels offering highly specific, disease-centric analysis for conditions including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders and rare disease conditions.
The upgraded Ayush Wellness Centre in the President’s Estate, New Delhi was inaugurated by President of India Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State for Ayush
The President unveils Ayush Wellness Centre in the President’s Estate, New Delhi
Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai and other dignitaries. First lady Savita Kovind also graced the inauguration ceremony. Ayush Wellness Centre (AWC) at President Estate started on July 2015, as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Ayush and the President Secretariat. The AWC has treatment facilities in the streams of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy, and it caters to the medical needs of the President, and officials of the President’s Secretariat and residents of the President’s Estate. The upgraded infrastructure along with facilities for the Ayush system will follow standard protocols of treatment.
MyHealthcare partners with Ashoka University
MyHealthcare has partnered with Ashoka University to build evidence-based, clinical research across hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. With the growing need for chronic care management in India, the partnership aims to research and build clinical models that will help deliver better care outcomes. MyHealthcare focuses on bridging the healthcare delivery gap, by creating an integrated healthcare ecosystem. The ecosystem uses effective data-driven care protocols to help clinicians and doctors deliver effective treatment to their patients. Building on this foundation, MyHealthcare will work with Ashoka University to improve clinical data collection, curation, and analytics and help develop an evidence-based clinical decision support system across key chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.
SaveIN ties up with MyKareHealth
SaveIN, the buy now, pay later platform for healthcare has partnered with MyKare Health, a tech-enabled, full-stack and asset-light healthcare chain consisting of small and medium-size hospitals to expand its care now pay later offerings across India.Through this partnership, SaveIN would be able to extend its paperless instant checkout finance for standardized and elective healthcare procedures across the network hospitals of MyKareHealth.
ESI Corporation to set up 23 hospitals across India
ESI Corporation has decided to set up 23 new 100-bedded hospitals across the country. Six hospitals in Maharashtra at Palghar, Satara, Pen, Jalgaon, Chakan and Panvel; four hospitals in Haryana at Hissar, Sonepat, Ambala and Rohtak; two hospitals each in the state of Tamil Nadu (at Chengalpattu and Erode), Uttar Pradesh (Moradabad and Gorakhpur) and Karnataka (Tumkur and Udupi), one ESI hospital each in the state of Andhra Pradesh (Nellore), Chhatisgarh (Bilaspur), Goa (Mulgaon Goa), Gujarat (Sanad), Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur), Odisha (Jharsuguda) and West Bengal (Kharagpur)will be set-up by ESIC.
Lupin Diagnostics launches regional reference lab in Patna
Lupin announced that Lupin Diagnostics has launched its first Regional Reference Laboratory in Patna, Bihar. The new Regional Reference Laboratory at Patna has capabilities to conduct a broad spectrum of routine and specialised tests in the fields of molecular diagnostics, cytology, microbiology, serology, haematology, immunology and routine biochemistry. By establishing a presence in Patna, the company now looks forward to making a deeper foray into Bihar. Earlier this year, Lupin Diagnostics opened its Regional Reference Laboratories in Assam and West Bengal.
Piramal Pharma Solutions appoints Herve Berdou as COO
Piramal Pharma Solutions announced the appointment of Herve Berdou as Chief Operating Officer, Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS). Berdou joins Piramal Pharma Solutions from Lonza, where he was the Global Head of Operations, Cell and Gene Technologies. He has more than two decades of experience across the global supply chain, procurement, and operations, including manufacturing and site head positions at both small and large facilities. At Lonza, Berdou led a network of contract services sites across the globe. Before that, he worked with many wellrespected pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca & MedImmune and Novartis.
Amrita Hospital with 2,400 beds to open in August 2022 in Faridabad
The 2,400-bed Amrita Hospital, the biggest private sector hospital in India spread across 133 acres of land in Faridabad, is all set to begin operations in August 2022. This would be the second large-scale Amrita Hospital in India after the iconic 1,200-bed Amrita Hospital in Kochi, Kerala, which was established 25 years ago by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math. The sprawling facility at Sector 88, Faridabad, will have a total built-up area of 1 crore sq ft, including a 14-floor-high tower that will encompass the key medical facilities and patient areas.
The opening of Apollo Dental clinic
Apollo Dental opens 110th clinic in Hyderabad
Apollo Dental, a subsidiary of the Apollo Hospitals Group has launched its 110th dental clinic at Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The new clinic will provide all oral healthcare services under one roof including facilities for tooth or gum trouble, braces, dentures, aligners as well as more complex treatments like dental implants, emergency maxillofacial surgeries, cosmetic dentistry or laser and microscopic assisted procedures.
India’s first mRNA vaccine from Gennova gets DCGI approval
Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, announced that its mRNA vaccine – GEMCOVAC-19 – against COVID-19 received the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the office of the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). GEMCOVAC-19 is the very first mRNA vaccine developed in India and the only third mRNA vaccine to be approved for COVID-19 in the world. These vaccines are highly efficacious because of their inherent capacity of being translated into the protein structure inside the cell cytoplasm. mRNA vaccines are considered safe as mRNA is non-infectious, nonintegrating in nature, and degraded by standard cellular mechanisms. Notably, this technology provides flexibility to quickly tweak the vaccine for any existing or emerging variants of the virus and this technology platform will empower India to be pandemic ready.
Narayana Health’s SRCC Children’s Hospital, Indian Cancer Society launch ACT clinic
SRCC Children’s Hospital-Managed by Narayana Health, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society, has set up an After Completion of Therapy (ACT) clinic. The objective is to facilitate the cancer survivors through apt assessment of their present condition and guidance to chart out the future course for the best possible outcomes in the context of the physical, and psycho-social effects that may have arisen from their cancer treatment.
Cipla buys stake in Achira Labs
Cipla has signed definitive agreements for the acquisition of a 21.05 per cent stake (on a fully diluted basis) for an amount of Rs 25 crores in Achira Labs engaged in the development and commercialisation of point of care (PoC) medical test kits in India. The investment will facilitate a Cipla entity’s strategic participation in the PoC diagnostics and AMR space through the design, development, and manufacturing of microfluidics-based technologies. A PoC that enables rapid identification of the bug causing an infection would be extremely helpful in choosing the appropriate antibiotic early in the treatment process. Achira is developing POC immunoassays and molecular assays across the clinical areas of infectious diseases, anti-microbial resistance (AMR) and hormone analysis among others.
Collaboration between Apollo Cancer Centre collaborates with Datar Cancer Genetics
Apollo Cancer Centres in association with Datar Cancer Genetics brings a revolutionary blood test that can detect breast cancers at early stages in asymptomatic individuals with high accuracy, thus enabling timely diagnosis and treatment to save lives. With an easy draw of a small quantity of blood, now, EasyCheck- Breast can help in the detection of breast cancer even before the first stage. The EasyCheck will be available across India at all Apollo Cancer Centres. achieved through a training programme that blends essential elements of medical care (ophthalmic care, in this instance) and engineering (optics, biomechanics, and controls engineering, in this instance).
IIT Hyderabad, LVPEI Hyd announce MTech prog in Ophthalmic Engineering
Centre for Interdisciplinary Program (CIP), IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration (IITH) with the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), is launching a blended Master of Technology (MTech) programme in ophthalmic engineering through their combined expertise in ophthalmic care and engineering and technology from this academic year (August 2022). The collaborative MTech programme aims to bridge the gap between clinicians and the medical practitioner working in Eye care with qualified technologists from related engineering streams. This may be
Novotech, Medidata expand partnership
Medidata, a Dassault Systèmes announced its renewed, expanded partnership with Novotech, a leading contract research organisation (CRO), to continue scaling clinical studies in various therapeutic areas from 2022. Leveraging Rave EDC, Rave RTSM, eCOA and eConsent technology from Medidata, Novotech is equipped with flexible, configurable tools that can address clinical research needs at scale and facilitate accelerated drug and device development in Asia Pacific and the US.
ENTOD Pharmaceuticals launches nanotech-based under-eye product
ENTOD Pharmaceuticals has developed nanotechnology-based Eyecirque under eye gel serum in collaboration with the UK-based cosmetic research laboratory NuSkin London. Its ground-breaking nanotechnology-based bio cellular formula contains carefully curated, safety-tested, and scientifically proven plant-based natural ingredients that are thoroughly tested for the safety of the skin around the eyes.
Fermenta Biotech and Kappa Bioscience (Kappa), a Norwegian entity, have announced a strategic partnership that positions Fermenta as the distributor of Kappa’s K2VITAL MCT and MCC range of vitamin K2 for the Indian market. The collaboration combines Kappa’s market leading, high purity vitamin K2 manufacturing capabilities with Fermenta’s robust distribution network and market expertise in India.
Karkinos Health launches centre for cancer diagnostics and research in Kochi
Karkinos Healthcare, a technology-driven, oncology focussed managed health care platform, launched ‘Advanced Center For Cancer Diagnostics and Research’ in Kochi. The centre was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan. Other dignitaries present at the event were: P Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, Government of Kerala and Prof Mohanan Kunnummal, ViceChancellor, Kerala University of Health Sciences. The Advanced Center for Cancer Diagnostics and Research will serve as a central lab for the Karkinos’ global oncology network, analysing specimens at molecular and genomic level to aid in personalised targeted therapy, predicting possible response to treatment as well as to evaluate response by liquid biopsy.
Glenmark launches asthma drug Indamet
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has launched the novel fixed-dose combination (FDC) drug – Indacaterol + Mometasone for patients suffering from uncontrolled asthma, in India. The company has launched this FDC under the brand name Indamet. The drug will be available in three strengths with a fixed dose of Indacaterol 150 mcg and variable doses of Mometasone 80 mcg, 160 mcg, and 320 mcg respectively, to be taken once daily.
Dr Khalida Parveen
Neuberg Anand appoints Dr Khalida Parveen Adnan as Chief of Lab, Karnataka
Neuberg Anand Reference Laboratory has appointed Dr Khalida Parveen Adnanas as Chief of Lab, Karnataka. Dr Khalida has extensive experience of over 12 years in the clinical diagnostics industry, and her areas of expertise encompass the entire spectrum of laboratory and quality management systems which makes her one of the recognised laboratory professionals in India. She is the former Managing Director of MB Diagnostics and Healthcare Services, Bangalore. She will play a key role of technical advisor, responsible for serving customers by constantly exceeding their expectations in terms of quality, service, value and time, in alignment with the moto and strategy of Neuberg Anand Reference Laboratory.
RYA Cosmo Madras opens multi-speciality cancer detection centre at Ayanavaram, Chennai
The Chief Justice of Madras High Court e-inaugurated Manoharraj Kamala Kankariya RYA Cosmo Cancer Detection Center. Besides cancer detection, the centre is also creating medical facilities for dialysis, dental, wellness, therapy and community hall through a well-equipped dispensary. Partnership between Apollo Hospitals and Imperial Hospital, Bangladesh Apollo Hospitals partners with Imperial Hospital, Bangladesh
Apollo Hospitals has joined hands with Imperial Hospital Ltd (IHL) to strengthen its presence in Bangladesh to enable access to world-class treatments. Apollo hospitals will manage IHL, a 375-bedded multi-specialty tertiary care hospital based out of Chittagong, Bangladesh. In line with the mission to bring healthcare of International standards within the reach of every individual, Imperial Hospital and Apollo Hospitals have signed a Brand licensing, Operations, and Management (BOMA) agreement. The state-of-theart facility in Chittagong shall have experienced medical staff, clinicians, and administrative staff intending to provide outstanding services to patients. Apollo Hospitals shall manage the day-to-day operations and clinical service delivery, utilising their clinical and managerial capabilities, perfected over decades.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories launches generic version of Nexavar tabs in US market
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has announced the launch of Dr Reddy’s Sorafenib Tablets, USP, 200 mg, a therapeutic-generic equivalent of Nexavar (sorafenib) Tablets in the US market following the approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). Dr Reddy’s Sorafenib Tablets, USP, are available in 200 mg tablets in bottle count sizes of 120.
Tredence’s HealthEM. AI wins NASSCOM’s Healthcare Innovation Challenge 3
Tredence, a leading data science solutions provider, announced that its care-management platform HealthEM.AI won NASSCOM’s Healthcare Innovation Challenge 3 in the ‘inpatient volume prediction based on outpatient Volume’ category. Organised by NASSCOM Centre of Excellence (CoE) – IoT & AI, the initiative aims to support tech innovation in health care by making it efficient, effective, and easily accessible.
Robotic Urology Forum joins hands with Intuitive India
Robotic Urology Forum, a national organisation of surgeons practising the art of robotic urological surgeries, has joined hands with Intuitive Surgical, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of roboticassisted surgery (RAS), to conduct their 4th annual conference. The three-day-long conference named RUFCON’22 was aimed at familiarising surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals with the clinical application of the latest techniques in the treatment of urological disorders. The conference, organised at Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital, Nadiad was attended by experts of Urology from across the country.
Preeti Futnani
Sanofi India appoints Preeti Futnani as GM, Vaccines
Sanofi India announced the appointment of Preeti Futnani as the Company’s General Manager – Vaccines, with effect from June 1, 2022. She transitions from Sanofi’s Greater Gulf MCO (a cluster of six countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait) where she was the Franchise Head for Dupixent Dermatology. Futnani has over two decades of experience in delivering growth and transformation that spans several therapeutic areas and functions within healthcare (primary and speciality care, medical technology) and finance.
Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar launches Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight – 2022
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar launched the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF)-2022 in the presence of Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Health Minister of Manipur. IDCF programme is being implemented till June 27, 2022, in the States/UTs. The goal of IDCF is to attain zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea.
Cipla, DNDi launch child-friendly 4-in-1 antiretroviral treatment for HIV children in SA
Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved a sweet-tasting, heat-stable, ‘4-in-1’ fixed-dose combination of four antiretroviral (ARV) treatments composed of abacavir, lamivudine, lopinavir, and ritonavir that is specifically designed for infants and young children with HIV. This combination treatment has been developed by Cipla and the not-for-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).
Cabinet approves MoU between India and US in field of health sector
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Biotechnology, Government of the Republic of India (DBT) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), USA to contribute towards the development of new, improved and innovative biomedical tools and technologies to prevent and treat HIV, TB, covid and other emerging infectious and neglected diseases.
Etihad Cargo, B Medical Systems in MoU for pharma transportation solutions
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Luxembourg-based B Medical Systems to develop and launch an airlinespecific passive temperature-controlled solution for the transportation of lifesaving drugs, vaccines and high-value pharmaceuticals. Sustainable temperaturecontrolled container units will be developed that utilise passive cooling technology to retain temperatures from -80 to 25 degrees Celsius for up to five days without requiring an external power source, thereby reducing carbon emissions, with load capabilities ranging from two to 1,500 litres. The containers’ robust design and multi-use capabilities enable an operational life of over ten years.
MediSim VR launches VR Lab at PIMS
MediSim VR, a med-tech company working in the field of healthcare simulation, has set up India’s first fully automated Virtual Reality (VR) lab in the Puducherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for MBBS students to enhance their key medical skills and train them for the future. MediSim VR recently closed a pre-series A round of funding. The company was also backed by funds from IIT Madras & Dept. of Science & Technology (DST) for R&D. Supported by AI-powered technical advancement, the medical field is expected to undergo radical transformation with benefits like expert medical advisory, digital diagnosis, wearable health monitors, and digital simulations. MediSim develops virtual reality platforms designed to make comprehensive medical training accessible and affordable across the world.
CoviEasy
Genes2Me launches CoviEasy
Genes2Me has launched CoviEasy SelfTest Rapid Antigen test kit for COVID-19 that is easy to use and gives faster results in 10 minutes. Backed by AI-driven Mobile App, this IVD product delivers a high level of sensitivity and concordance of more than 98 per cent accuracy. CoviEasy has undergone stringent quality checks at ICMR approved Validation centre and further received approval from CDSCO India. CoviEasy test can be easily performed by following simple instructions provided on the Mobile App (which is available on both Android and iOS platforms) leading to Automated Reporting of test results from this Mobile App itself.
University of Glasgow officially opens Mazumdar Shaw Advance Research Centre
The University of Glasgow announced the official opening of the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre by the Nobel Laureate, Professor Sir David MacMillan, who also unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the building. The £118 million Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) will be the creative and collaborative heart of crossdisciplinary research at the University of Glasgow. The Mazumdar Shaw ARC will be home to over 500 researchers from a range of disciplines, facilitating world-changing collaborative research. It will provide a unique environment for delivering world-changing research and will act as a catalyst for strengthening relationships between the University of Glasgow and its stakeholders, funders, Industry, civic bodies and the public.
DBT, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation renews MoU to accelerate R&D for global health
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), originally signed in 2012, to support innovative approaches for developing new preventions, therapies and interventions needed to solve health (human and animal), food and nutritional inequities on June 7, 2022, in New Delhi.DBT and the Gates Foundation had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of health and development issues on July 18, 2012, for five years, which was further renewed for five years till July 17, 2022. Under this joint partnership, in the last 10 years, programmes in diverse areas under maternal and child health, nutrition, sanitation, infectious disease, and data science approaches have been undertaken.
Karnataka’s IT min inaugurates software dev centre of Laerdal Medical and Impelsys
Impelsys, a leading global provider of digital transformation services, and Laerdal Medical, a world-leading provider of training, educational, and therapy products for lifesaving and emergency medical care, announced the launch of a new world-class Software Development Center in the central business district of Bengaluru. The centre was launched by Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, the Minister of Information Technology – Biotechnology, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship & Livelihood of Karnataka, India.
ProteoGenix, Aseem Healthcare, Trident Biopharm announce antibody cocktail for SARS-CoV-2
ProteoGenix (market-leading antibody provider), Aseem Healthcare (global healthcare company), and Trident Biopharm Solutions (life science consultancy agency) have announced the development of a new antibody cocktail effective against major variants of SARS-CoV-2. The cocktail of four fully human neutralising antibodies (AH-5-COV) was generated by screening the plasma of a COVID-19 survivor using ProteoGenix’s phage display platform. The new treatment is undergoing preclinical evaluation and will be ready to start clinical trials in 2 months.
Dr CN Ashwath Narayan inaugurating software development centre of Laerdal Medical and Impelsys
Novaseq 6000 Redcliffe Labs adds ‘Novaseq 6000’ sequencing system to its portfolio
Redcliffe Labs, a unit of Redcliffe Lifetech in the US, has announced the addition of ‘NovaSeq 6000’ sequencing system to their diagnostic technology portfolio at its Noida National Reference Lab.Ease of access to NovaSeq 6000 sequencing system will prove to be very useful, as currently there’s no mass-level testing protocol rolled out by the states for genetic diseases. Following the successful adoption of NovaSeq 6000 technology, high throughput speed and flexibility will be available to conduct research or tests that need the processing of massive amounts of data more efficiently and costeffectively.
Care4Parents has partnered with Dial4242 Ambulance service. As a part of this tie-up, users of Care4Parents will be able to book an ambulance in seconds. This service is available 24X7. To book an ambulance, Care4Parents users will have to click on the HELP button in the app, followed by the Ambulance button. As soon as one presses this button, the call will be placed to the 1800 number of Dial4242 Ambulance service. Care4Parents customers will not have to pay any joining fees to use this service and only pay for the ambulance that they are hiring. The ambulance will be available within 30 minutes in over 500 cities across the country.
Pristyn Care announced the acquisition of the health-tech platform Lybrate to bring in synergies on overall healthcare delivery and foray into primary care. In the coming days, the companies will work towards combining the business operations seamlessly. With this partnership, Pristyn Care plans to expand its existing healthtech capabilities and offerings in primary care.
Innova Captab files DRHP to raise funds via IPO
Haryana-based Innova Captab has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The issue with a face value of Rs 10 per equity share consists of a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 400 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) up to 9,600,000 equity shares by Promoter and selling shareholders, which comprises up to 3,200,000 by Manoj Kumar Lohariwala, up to 3,200,000 by Vinay Kumar Lohariwala (Promoter Selling Shareholders) and up to 3,200,000 by Gian Parkash Aggarwal (Other Selling Shareholders).
Practo has appointed Amit Kumar Verma as Head of Engineering (SVP), Consumer Business. The appointment comes at a time when Practo is working towards strengthening its tech capabilities as it continues to develop and expand its product portfolio. As the country witnessed high adoption of digital healthcare, Practo is using technology so that patients can have a more proactive approach to illness, improving affordability while reducing the TAT of doctor consultations further. In his new role, Verma will be responsible for the overall product engineering & development of the company.
Deal signing between AVISA Smart Hospitals and UAE-based Royal Hospital AVISA to launch first smart hospital in Sharjah
Healthtech company Avisa Smart Hospitals has signed a deal with the UAE-based Royal Hospital to bring the first smart hospital to Sharjah. AVISA has inked a nine-year contract with the Royal Hospital, owned by the Sultan of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, to take over its operations and management and transform it into a smart healthcare establishment named Royal Smart Hospital. The Super Specialty Royal Hospital in Sharjah has a state-ofthe-infrastructure and the interiors are akin to that of a palace. Following the collaboration with Avisa Smart Hospitals, the Royal hospital is being equipped with cutting-edge healthcare technologies and expertise which includes almost every speciality of a hospital with reputed Doctors and high-end equipment.
Infosys Foundation launches Lab Built on Wheels in Bengaluru
Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic and CSR arm of IT major Infosys, announced the launch of four mobile laboratories also called ‘Lab Built on Wheels’ to provide cost-effective diagnostic solutions. The Foundation had signed an MoU with Rotary Bangalore Southwest Charitable Trust (Rotary Trust), to support with a grant of Rs 4 crore to make these laboratories. The launch event was also attended by the Executive Vice President Director of Medical Education | Director of Nirmala Multispecialty hospital & President of Tirupati Surgical Society and Dr Poorna Chandran, Medical Superintendent, Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani. People who visited the launch event received free medical advice from the experts.
and the Group Head of Human Resource Development, Infosys, Krish Shankar and other dignitaries from the government and Rotary Trust.
Fortis Healthcare opens health information centre in Tirupati
Fortis Healthcare has opened its information centre at Viltis Diagnostic, Tirupati as part of its commitment to provide the best healthcare services accessible to the people in and around Tirupati. The centre was inaugurated by Dr N Venkata Ramanaiah, (Gen) Additional
Neuberg Diagnostics ties up with Abha Laboratory
Neuberg Diagnostics and Abha Laboratory based out of Surat have formed a joint venture to inaugurate a state-of-theart central laboratory in Surat. The new company called Neuberg Abha Clinical Laboratories was inaugurated in the presence of Darshana Jardosh, Union State Minister of Railways and Textiles, Dr GSK Velu, CMD, Neuberg Diagnostics, Dr Sandip Shah, Executive Director, Neuberg Diagnostics, Dr Bhavini Shah, Director, Neuberg Supratech Reference Laboratories, Dr Kirit Naik, MD, Neuberg Abha Clinical Laboratories and Dr Prashant K Naik, Deputy MD, Neuberg Abha Clinical Laboratories.
Medtronic launches device to treat brain aneurysms
India Medtronic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medtronic — a global leader in healthcare technology, announced the launch of CE marked fourth-generation
Pipeline Vantage with Shield Technology flow diverter, Pipeline Vantage with Shield Technology for endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms. Pipeline Vantage with Shield Technology is a new flow diverter with enhanced design features for both the delivery system and implant. These features allow physicians to deliver, deploy and treat brain aneurysms and intracranial aneurysms with greater ease and reliability while providing a scaffold that promotes the growth of cells in the inner lining of the target blood vessel.
C2i Genomics partners with Karkinos Healthcare
C2i Genomics announced a strategic partnership with Karkinos Healthcare, a technology-led managed care platform for cancer, to co-develop the minimal residual disease (MRD) market in India. The partnership enables C2i Genomics to bring innovative cancer detection technology to drive R&D, future pharma partnerships and clinical use in India and supports the company’s long-term goals to scale pharma R&D projects around the globe. The partnership will expand MRD monitoring within the Karkinos’ health system and its partners using the C2i Genomics’ ultrasensitive whole-genome analysis.
CORBEVAX gets DCGI nod as heterologous COVID-19 booster dose
Biological E (BE), a Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical and vaccines company, announced that its CORBEVAX COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) as a heterologous COVID-19 booster dose for individuals aged 18 years and above after six months of administration of primary vaccination (two doses) of COVAXIN or COVISHIELD vaccines for restricted use in an emergency. BE’s CORBEVAX is the first such vaccine in India to be approved as a heterologous COVID-19 booster.
MedTech startup EzeRx raises undisclosed amount from promoters of Mankind Pharma
EzeRx Health Tech, has received seed funding from certain promoters of Mankind Pharma, including Sheetal Arora, the CEO of Mankind Pharma. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening the healthcare infrastructure while integrating more advanced screening solutions accessible across the country, taking a more patientcentric approach. The fund raised will be used for scaling up its operations and marketing along with boosting its sales in various markets across India, Africa, and South East Asia, seeking global certifications and boosting its R&D efforts.
Dozee bags ISO 13485:2016 certification for quality management systems
Dozee has recently received the ISO 13485:2016 certification from Intertek for its Quality Management System (QMS). ISO 13485:2016 is an internationally recognised quality standard for enterprises in the medical device industry that comprises strict standards for quality management systems. The company’s quality management system conforms to the recognised International Standard for the design and development, manufacture, distribution, installation, and service of medical devices. Intertek India is a NABCB accredited body.
Sandoz announced the launch of a new global initiative called ‘Act4Biosimilars’ to help address health inequity and inequality worldwide. Act4Biosimilars aims to increase patient access to advanced medicines by facilitating greater approvability, accessibility, acceptability and affordability (the 4 A’s) of biosimilars. The initiative is supported by a multidisciplinary Steering Committee of patient advocacy leaders, healthcare professionals, biosimilar experts and industry leaders from around the world, with a mission to increase the global adoption of biosimilar medicines by at least 30% in 30+ countries by 2030.
Launch of Sandoz Technical Operations
Sandoz Technical Operations launches manufacturing plant in Maharashtra
Sandoz Technical Operations, a Novartis division, inaugurated its manufacturing plant for medicines and therapies at Kalwe in Mumbai. The plant, which marks a new chapter for Sandoz, will further strengthen the company’s operations in India to support growing healthcare needs globally. The new facility will manufacture oral cancer medicines for the global market and will play a key role in enabling the delivery of high-quality cancer treatment. Spread across 32000 sq mt, and housing state-ofthe-art production technology, the plant is built to cater to the export markets, with Olaparib tablets, Darolutamide tablets and Lenvatinib capsules being the top molecules to be manufactured here.
Boehringer Ingelheim and A*STAR in global licensing agreement
Boehringer Ingelheim and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) announced a global licensing agreement under which Boehringer Ingelheim will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to research, develop and commercialise products based on a panel of innovative, tumour-specific antibodies from A*STAR. Boehringer Ingelheim aims to use these antibodies to direct therapeutic effector mechanisms such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and T-cell engagers exclusively to tumour cells, and to that end develop a range of highly targeted cancer treatments.
Apex Labs launches advanced Supra Bioavailable Itraconazole 65 and 130 mg caps
Chennai-based Apex Laboratories has launched an advanced form of Itraconazole Capsules Supra Bioavailable 65 and 130 mg, a potent therapeutic choice to effectively control fungal infections. Supra Bioavailable Itraconazole capsules deliver a higher percentage (90 per cent) of active medicine to the biological system, at a lesser dose. This advanced preparation also ensures lesser inter-individual variability which might translate into enhanced efficacy in the management of fungal infections.
NMC issues guidelines to stop unethical practices on social media websites
The National Medical Commission (NMC) in its recently issued guidelines has called for a stop to unethical practices on various social media websites.NMC has recently released the draft of the Registered Medical Practioner Professional Conduct Regulations, 2022 in the public domain inviting comments on the same from the various stakeholders. Given the rise of the use of Internet media in particular social media, for the first time, the NMC has introduced and section within the ethics guidelines called the conduct of CONDUCT of RMPs on SOCIAL MEDIA.
European Fertility Genetics Architect
Dr Joep Geraedts, Emeritus Professor of Genetics and Cell Biology at Maastricht University has been instrumental in developing clinical genetics and assisted reproduction
Source: OBM Genetics Editorial Office Dr Joep Geraedts is a Dutch scientist, professor and specialist in the field of human genetics and reproduction. He is known for the introduction and development of preimplantation genetics. Dr Geraedts (1948) obtained a BSc (1969) and MSc (1972) in general biology at the University of Nijmegen. At Leiden University he defended his PhD thesis in 1975. From 1982 to 2013 he was a professor of Genetics and Cell Biology at Maastricht University and head of the Department of Clinical Genetics of the University Hospital. In 1995 he started the first and only licensed PGD programme in the Netherlands. He was chairman of the Dutch Society of Human Genetics (1984-1988); chairman of the Dutch Association of Clinical Genetics Centers (2000-2013), and chairman of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (20072009) and member of the Dutch Health Council.
Dr Joep Geraedts, Emeritus Professor of Genetics and Cell Biology at Maastricht University Background and education
Dr Geraedts was born in the Netherlands in a small village in the Province of Limburg, near the German border. He decided to go to the University of Nijmegen to study General Biology. After he obtained Bachelor's degree, he had to select three optional subjects for my Master's. From the beginning, it was clear to him that genetics would be the main subject and chemical cytology and zoology the minors. His research for all three topics was quite successful and resulted in either presentations at conferences or journal articles. He is still very grateful that his teachers were all enthusiastic and inspired him tremendously.
Dr Geraedt's supervisor in genetics was Dr Lee T Douglas from the US. He used Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to study irregularities of the Mendelian laws like meiotic drive, segregation distortion and distributive pairing. He was allowed to present his findings at the 2nd European Drosophila Research Conference in Zürich in 1970.
Besides the progress reports of the experimental work of each student during one afternoon a week, new journal articles and books were presented and discussed. He became very interested in human genetics after discussing 'Man and his Future' and 'Genetics and the Future of Man' from 1963 and 1965. Thereafter he was looking for a PhD position in this area. He obtained one at Leiden University. His supervisor and promotor was Peter Pearson, who was one of the leading cytogeneticists introducing differential chromosomal staining techniques. He used these to study the normal and abnormal variation of chromosomes and especially chromosomal polymorphisms. In 1975, the year that the University of Leiden was exactly 400 years old, he defended my thesis.
Teaching journey
Over the years he was involved in education at all sorts of levels: teaching at the undergraduate level, practical training in the laboratory and supervising his Master's and PhD thesis. He was also been dean of a socalled Transnational University in which the University of Hasselt (Belgium) and the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands together offered a bachelor's training programme in the life sciences. Furthermore, as a biologist, I have been the chairman of the exam committee of the medical faculty.
Main research area
From the beginning, he has been interested in genetics and reproduction. Reproductive genetics deals with the relationship between the genetic material and reproduction and includes the transmission from one generation to the next and also the effects of genetic abnormalities which can hamper reproduction. Finally, he has always been interested in the diagnosis of genetic abnormalities in gametes and embryos. Cutting-edge technologies in the research field
When he started in the early 70s there was still limited knowledge regarding genetics and the only human reproduction that was possible was natural. Therefore, how couples with an increased risk could avoid transmitting genetic disease or chromosomal abnormalities was limited as well: to refrain from having children; sperm donation and in some cases prenatal diagnosis. After more genetic knowledge became available and especially molecular methods to study genes at the DNA level new diagnostic options arrived. After Steptoe and Edwards had introduced IVF the number of treatment options increased spectacularly. At the end of his career, the following topics could be added: Donation of oocytes; Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis (PND) for almost all genetic disorders; NonInvasive Prenatal Diagnosis (NIPD); Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD); Spindle transfer or pronuclear
transfer to avoid MtDNA defects and genome editing. Challenges and development
According to Dr Geraedt, many of the challenges are less technical but the clinical application has more ethical and societal aspects and impact.
"About 20 years ago, I was able to bring together experts from the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) to discuss the developments at the interface between clinical genetics and assisted reproduction. Among other topics, the need for proper genetic counselling before any new technique can be applied and the lack of randomised clinical trials to substantiate that newly developed techniques are both effective and efficient was clear. Studies are also needed to address issues related to the impact of assisted reproduction on epigenetic reprogramming of the early embryo."
Furthermore, the legal landscape regarding assisted reproduction is evolving but remains very heterogeneous and often contradictory. The lack of legal harmonisation and uneven access to infertility treatment and preimplantation and prenatal genetic diagnosis fosters considerable cross-border reproductive care in Europe and beyond. Applied research in clinical Practice
Applied research should be beneficial for the patient who is asking for help. In case of a rare disorder, the diagnosis will be welcomed. However, unless in other medical disciplines treatment of patients presenting with a genetic disease is only possible in a very small minority of cases. However, treatment at the level of the family, which means stopping the transmission of the disease, is helping the next generation. Benefits to patients
the introduction and development of preimplantation genetics. My centre in Maastricht was and still is the only one in the Netherlands having a license to perform this. Over the years the number of patients making use of this alternative has grown from a few to more than 500 each year. To avoid the need to come to Maastricht for IVF there is a cooperation with another three hospitals in the country. They do the IVF and take it to biopsies which are then sent to the diagnostic centre in Maastricht."
Work-life balance
He says, "I have never worked according to standard working hours. Furthermore, I have been travelling abroad quite a lot. This means that my family was not seeing me regularly. I tried to be at home as many weekends as possible and we spent the winter and the summer holidays. Only now after two years of COVID-19, I have the idea that Zoom and Teams could have been a good replacement making many travels unnecessary."
Plans
He adds, "At the end of my scientific career and at my age the number of plans is limited. I am writing a biography and of course, I hope to keep contributing to medical journals and OBM Genetics."
Ref: OBM Genetics Editorial Office. An Interview
with Dr. Joep Geraedts. OBM Genetics 2022; 6(1): 148; doi:10.21926/obm.genet.2201148.
Photo Source: maastricht-university
Leveraging AI in Assisted Reproduction
Application of AI is a recent advancement in digital medicine for treating infertility is becoming the new norm
Dr. Sravan K. Payeli, Ph.D. Chief Innovations Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) enables millions of infertile couples to fulfill their dream of conceiving a child. As per WHO estimates, infertility is affecting 40-60 million couples and 186 million individuals globally. According to ISAR (Indian Society for Assisted reproduction), about 10-14 per cent of the adult population in India (27.5 million) are infertile with every one in six couples impacted. This data suggests that there is a high demand for treatment solutions such as ART. Annually, about 2.6 million ART cycles are performed with 0.5 million babies born worldwide. Thus, current ART success rates remain very low at <30 per cent. Despite, the rise in infertility, the broader application of ART is restricted due to lack of accessibility, affordability, low success rate and complexity of the procedure. Moreover, ART is a highly skilled and manual procedure, thus induces several variables. Although some variables are inherent to the patient, many variables are rooted during the procedure starting from assessing good quality gametes (oocyte and sperm) for fertilisation to a selection of embryos. Indeed, infertility specialists and embryologists can be trained to be successful by mastering the ART procedure over the years, however, it is subjective and timeconsuming. Thus, improving the systems
for the procedure and the objectivity in ART procedures through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) opens a new arena for ART accessibility and success rates.
An overview of Human Reproduction and ART procedure
During the reproduction, the cycle couple undergoes natural intercourse. Over time, when this intercourse coincides with ovulation (right time) there is a possibility of conception, which is called natural conception. If natural conception does not occur within two years of uninterrupted intercourse, the situation is considered to be infertility/subfertility. The risk factors associated with infertility are obesity, stress, late marriages, changes in lifestyles, food habits and genetics. Assisted reproduction technologies (assistance of physicians with ovulation induction and/or in vivo or in vitro artificial insemination and/or gamete donation or surrogacy) help to treat infertility/subfertility and facilitate bypassing this condition.
The application of AI is a recent advancement in digital medicine for treating infertility. By definition, AI is coming from the training of the algorithms to identify/assess patterns and summarise with the help of human intelligence. Due to its capability to recognise a subtle difference at a high speed on varied big data sets and patterns, it has become an add-on/ asset to human intelligence. Within the last decade, AI has influenced largely innovation and research in ART procedures such as, assessing the gametes quality, sperm selection during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), selection of embryos for implantation and/or cryopreservation and assessing endometrium for embryo implantation. Furthermore, AI can be also applied in ART labs for predictive maintenance of lab QA/QC by automatically extracting and analysing key performance indicators to carry out quality control (4).
Areas of AI Application in ART
Artificial intelligence in assisted reproductive technologies is implemented majorly for the best viable embryo selection. Overall it starts with analysing and selecting the sperm based on morphology and motility parameters. On the other hand, oocyte morphology, time-lapse-based image processing for morpho kinetics and D5 blastocyst morphology sources are utilised to conclude the embryo selection process. In addition, the morphometric analysis of endometrium thickness in a cycle through image processing was well being considered for determining the potential implantation window. For the first time, we have implemented a system that is a step closer to understanding oocyte quality by touch and feel without any additional invasive steps called OVA Kr (Oocyte Viability Assessment). In addition, we combine SAna (Semen Analyzer powered by AI), to help in providing the best possible outcomes in given scenarios of IVF treatment kinetics. Furthermore, AI can also be applied to assess the endometrium
morphometrics for preparing to implant embryos.
In the recent past, a variety of morphology and morphokineticsbased embryo selection software and AI algorithms have been implemented. Embryo selection is a process of evaluating the quality of blastocysts to select the best of them within a patient cohort for subsequent transfer and/or cryopreservation. These AI models are trained and evaluated for their ability to predict and rank the embryos with a high chance of achieving successful implantation and pregnancy based on the trained data (4). However, the ART success rate claimed to improve by these AI models over existing is around 1015 per cent. Therefore, there is a huge scope for evolving better and alternate AI models for evaluating oocytes and sperm for improved ART success.
Recently, morphology-based AI algorithms are also being developed for oocyte quality assessment, the ability of these AI models for predicting and ranking oocyte quality is yet to be reported. However, objective oocyte quality assessment methods are very much needed in ART labs, where it is determined partially by visual observation or with the subjectivity of embryologist assessment.
Over the last few decades, several research groups published the significance and correlation of oocyte biomechanics and inherent quality using a variety of advanced techniques. Nevertheless, no such method has reached clinical implementation bedside from the research bench.
On the other hand, male factor contribution to infertility is around 40-50 per cent. By nature sperm production is an error-prone process as millions of sperms are produced at once. Moreover, recent reports suggest that sperm quality is deteriorating with more than 90 per cent of sperm produced being malformed and unable to fertilise eggs. Therefore, sperm diagnosis and selection for ICSI is a crucial step in achieving high ART success rates. Similar to the embryo and oocyte assessment, software and AI algorithms are developed for sperm quality analysis based on morphology and motility. However, achieving high resolution and objectivity are important during sperm analysis and selection. Our AI algorithm SAna.ai has been trained and developed to analyse as per WHO guidelines and assess the quality with a clinical touch of the samples.
Our AI methods, OVA Kr.ai and SAna.ai show the proof of concept of reproducible oocyte quality measurement accurately on day 0 (Day of ICSI) and objective analysis and selection of high-quality sperm, respectively. We believe that these two AI methods would become an asset to reproductive technology platforms that are a step closer to understanding oocyte biology, sperm health and better patient experience and care. Moreover, cloud-based big data technologies allow the analysis of gametes quality based on the different demography and ethnic origin with some insights into gametes evolution. In addition, our AI methods provide a landmark/gateway for developing algorithms to objectively integrate other clinical non-clinical parameters for further improving the ART success rates.
References:
• https://www.who.int/healthtopics/infertility#tab=tab_1 • https://www.isarindia.net/ index.php • ESHRE_ARTFactSheet_2022 • Kragh & Karstoft (2021).
J. Assisted Reproduction and
Genetics; 38: 1675-1689 • Kort & Behr (2017).
Fertility and Sterility; 108 (5): 738-741 • Priel et al., (2020). Scientific
Reports; 10 (1): 14066 • Maziotis et al., (2020).
Scientific Reports; 10 (1): 19235 • https://slman.com/health/spermhealth-101
Team: IVF Precisions Collaborators: Bmom, Santaan
Improving Fertility Treatment Outcomes
Kiran Gadela, Co-Founder and MD, Oasis Fertility Dr Durga G Rao, Co-Founder & Medical Director, Oasis Fertility
It is not common to see innovation as a driving force for a fertility service provider. But you would be surprised to know how small service providers are using innovation as their core value proposition. These providers have embraced innovation as a critical strategic platform. Some of them have partnered with companies and some have their in-house scientific collaboration. These providers see innovation as the path to the future. These are some of the most innovative fertility service providers in India and their story needs to be told. Fertility services market
India is a huge market for fertility services due to the number of couples seeking fertility treatments. It is also known for surrogacy and good medical care which lays the foundation for foreign nationals to seek treatment here. Today, fertility treatments are not only available to those who can afford them but it has also reached the poor marginal people. Treatments like in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and surrogacy are available abundantly in India.
According to the report published by Allied Market Research, India's in vitro fertilisation market stood at a revenue of $793.27 million in 2020 and is predicted to amass $3.72 billion by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 16.45 per cent from 2021 to 2030.
Growth drivers
The rise in accessibility and increasing proximity of healthcare facilities act as growth drivers of the market incessantly. The recent spike in modernisation along with all the research and development sectors also boosts the market growth. The insurance coverage for IVF procedures and an increase in the number of IVF procedures due to male infertilities and ovarian failures spike up the demand for fertility services. Late parenthood as a lifestyle coupled with rising disposable income also triggers market growth.
Challenges and Prospects
Like many medical segments, the fertility service is also impacted by the high cost of care. The devices used in IVF and the highly specialized manpower impacts the cost of these treatments. Even though many centres have been able to innovate to bring down the costs, the cost of drugs and imported devices has not been curtailed. This is a challenge for the providers.
Innovations in IVF Technologies such as embryo scope and capsule IVF have led to increasing demand and leverage of fertility services. Apart from this, the rise in the utilization and emergence of fertility clinics and the rampant increase in the same-sex marriage trigger lots of innovations in procreation techniques. This provides lucrative opportunities for the expansion of the market.
Innovative Centers
• Jaslok Hospital (Department
Of Assisted Reproduction And
Genetics), Mumbai • Oasis Fertility, Hyderabad • Bmom Fertility and Research Center,
Bangalore • OSHERM
• Bavishi Fertility Institute,
Ahmedabad • Chennai Fertility Centre • Centre for research in assisted reproduction and fetal therapy (CRAFT), Kochi • Sabine Hospital & Research Centre,
Kochi • Indira IVF, Udaipur • NU Fertility, Bengaluru Dr Firuza Parikh, HoD, is a well-known name in the fertility service circle. Dr Parikh and her team have several firsts to their credit including South-East Asia's first micromanipulation baby in 1994 and the first laser-hatching pregnancy in 1999. More recently, she introduced the technique of CumulusAided Embryo Transfer (CAT) to the world.
“I was very fortunate to work at Jaslok, it has a very forward-looking perspective. We have a very cohesive unit here. There was a time when we used to get patients with low sperm count and mobility so we started doing our initial work with micro-manipulation which is intra-cytoplasmic sperm injections. Now this was so new all over the world that there were hardly any centres doing this and people were surprised that we were doing this here,” she shares. Oasis Fertility, Hyderabad
Oasis Fertility is a pioneer in reproductive medicine in the country and has been offering an outstanding treatment experience to couples in their parenthood journey. Highly personalised fertility treatments backed by cutting-edge technologies make Oasis stand out from the crowd.
Talking to IndiaMedToday exclusively interview, Kiran Gadela, Co-Founder and MD said, “Breaking the barriers to parenthood has been our prime focus since we started way back in 2009. There was a lack of an institutional setup in the fertility segment and I alongside Dr Durga G Rao, a globally renowned fertility specialist began this single speciality centre backed by technology and advanced research to offer all advanced fertility treatments under one roof to both men and women.
From just one centre in 2009, we have grown to 25 centres pan India today. We have been able to offer higher success rates due to our holistic approach, high-end technology, expert fertility specialists, and the finest embryologists. Ethics and transparency are the core principles that drive Oasis. Being the trusted experts in fertility, we aspire to spread our wings far and wide.”
Being a single-speciality clinic, Oasis Fertility has created a niche for itself. Oasis has a laser focus on offering a convenient and highly satisfying treatment experience to couples. Every step of treatment is explained in detail which enables the couple to make informed decisions. State-of-the-art technology, competent specialists, and robust patient engagement channels enable Oasis Fertility to provide services on par with international standards. Data analytics and research team help in interpreting huge volumes of patient data enabling predictive analysis and personalised treatment options. “Male infertility is rising steadily but men either deny or ignore it due to the social taboo around it. To give a hassle-free treatment experience to male patients, we have an exclusive male fertility clinic AndroLife catering to male fertility issues. We respect the sensibilities and apprehensions of males and hence with a team of highly specialised andrologists, and hi-tech equipment, we have been enabling men to achieve fatherhood. We help men even with very low sperm count achieve fatherhood through MicroTESE, a highly advanced sperm retrieval procedure that is being offered by very few centres in the country,” says Dr Durga G Rao, Co-Founder & Medical Director, Oasis Fertility. Bmom Fertility and Research Center, Bangalore
Bmom (meaning Becoming a mom) Fertility and research Center was founded in the year of 2014, in Sahakaranagar, Bengaluru. A group of five like-minded fertility specialists, radiologists and researchers got together with the idea of providing top-notch treatment possibilities for the patients that would be patientcentric. The focus of the Bmom fertility
and research centre is to provide transparent, effective and cost-effective solutions to all those who come seeking treatment.
The team integrated Assisted reproductive technologies from both the clinical and lab side to provide the best possible patient care and experience. Bmom fine-tuned the unbiased, cumulative success rates over the period to approximately 50 per cent. In addition, we have also observed that success rates can be achieved significantly higher up to 80 per cent with the addition of options such as donor gametes and surrogacy from registered donor banks. Our core strength relies upon in-house QA/QC protocols, total embryo formation KPIs (OPU, Screening, sperm selection & ICSI), embryo selection strategies and effective embryo transfer methods (Differential embryo transfer technique). We are very particular in getting the maximum outcome from in-house protocols as well as understanding the deep causes of the failed cycles to enable patients to initiate their parenthood with the best possible way of preserving their genetic identity. Innovations
The patient-centric approach makes Oasis bring out innovations in every sphere. Through IVF@Home, a firstof-its-kind initiative in India, Oasis delivers IVF treatment to the couple’s doorstep. This is a unique concept that helped many patients undergo IVF via a contactless program during the pandemic.
“We intend to offer best-in-class services to couples through tech-powered treatments. EWS (Electronic Witnessing System) is our unique technology that ensures the prevention of manual errors and mismatch of samples in an IVF process thereby enabling couples to embrace their biological child. Through this, each step in IVF is verified, recorded, and monitored using RFID,” says Dr Durga G Rao. OSHERM
As Oasis firmly believes in research and technology, it has an exclusive Research and Academic wing OSHERM (Oasis School for Human Embryology & Reproductive Medicine) which is committed to equipping medical/ science graduates with the latest advancements in the fertility industry through long and short-term courses. From simulation labs to hands-on experience, OSHERM helps aspirants to acquire academic excellence through cutting-edge technologies.
Gadela added, “We have been empowering couples through our outreach programmes, online campaigns, and various fertility consultation camps in tier-II and tierIII regions all over India and trying to create awareness about the tremendous treatment options that are available to infertile couples. Our commitment and evidence-based approach helped us to gift the joy of parenthood to over 60000+ couples. Improved patient outcomes have become possible due to technologies like ERA, PGT, etc. The fertility industry is set to grow at a faster rate in the coming years. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are set to change the landscape of IVF in future.” Bavishi Fertility Institute, Ahmedabad
Founded and led by the well-known experts in IVF Dr Himanshu Bavishi and Dr Falguni Bavishi, BFI clinics offer meticulous attention of the highest order in a pleasant environment to patients. Working in the field of women's health since 1986, Bavishi implemented newer technology in sonography, endoscopy, infertility etc.
Cutting-edge technology and continuous upgrades help BFI provide the best of the technology in the world. Be it IVF lab, Sonography, Endoscopy operations equipment, to patient safety monitors, the clinic uses the latest technology available. Their patient data management, record-keeping, double witnessing etc., meet international benchmarks.
Chennai Fertility Centre
Chennai Fertility Center was founded in the year 2010 by Dr VM one of the forerunners who brought in fertility treatments. He brought in the most high-end and cutting-edge fertility treatments within a highly appealing hospital atmosphere. Chennai Fertility Center has made the best progress over the years with the number of patients flowing in and getting the kind of care
and treatment they deserve. Chennai Fertility Center over the years has achieved unshakable trust with stateof-the-art infrastructure and excellent capabilities of the team at Chennai Fertility Center.
There are several high-end and rare treatments at Chennai Fertility Center that are performed with accuracy and utmost care to achieve success for the patients. The best part about Chennai Fertility Center is that all facilities are under one roof.
CRAFT specialises in fertility research and treatment with a team of experts and specialists who are dedicated to helping couples to combat and overcome infertility issues. With a fullyfledged, state-of-the-art department of gynaecology and obstetrics, infertility, embryology, medical genetics and PGD, paediatrics, foetal medicine, laparoscopic surgery and neonatology (level 4), urology, paediatric surgery, and diagnostic imaging. CRAFT is well equipped and loaded with a wide range of the latest diagnostic & therapeutic equipment.
CRAFT has a medical team consisting of 12 senior consultants, eight registrars and nine embryologists. This team of expert specialists is indeed the crux and backbone of CRAFT.
Sabine Hospital & Research Centre, Kochi
Sabine Hospital and Research Centre is a progressive, hi-tech hospital offering successful programmes in infertility, assisted reproductive technology, obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatology, paediatrics, general surgery and genetics. The hospital was founded in 2010 by Dr Sabine Sivadasan.
“Our success is based on its excellence and commitment to the speciality. To grow, prosper and remain sustainable we embrace technology and transformation. Teamwork, speed and quality are the cornerstones of Sabine Hospital. These qualities permeate the hospital’s entire organisational culture. Shared commitment, clear intent and a solid plan of action ensure we remain the best in the field of infertility treatment,” Dr Sivadasan. Indira IVF, Udaipur
Indira IVF was founded in 2014 by Dr Ajay Murdia, Dr Kshitiz Murdia, Nitiz Murdia, Ashish Lodha and Manish Khatri. It offers infertility treatments at 59 centres across 16 states in India. Indira IVF is a technology-first company and is constantly looking to add new cutting-edge technologies to make IVF treatments cost-effective and at the same time safe.
Dr Kshitiz Murdia, Co founder and CEO, Indira IVF says, “Assisted reproductive technologies have grown leaps and bounds in the last four decades, and it is primarily credited to advanced technology. We have invested in the latest equipment including electronic witnessing systems, closed working chambers, microfluidics, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning. All these technologies are mainstreamed with our strict SOPs. Our trained embryologists across all our centres in the country and an entirely scalable model make Indira IVF stand apart and have helped us notch a success rate of ~74 per cent.”
Indira IVF is also trying to stay ahead of the curve by deploying artificial intelligence (AI).
NU Fertility, Bengaluru
NU Fertility Bangalore started a journey in the year 2015. The centre is equipped with comprehensive assessments for both male and female infertility-related problems. The embryology laboratory is built according to the ESHRE guidelines and the quality is constantly monitored, ensuring the appropriate culture and conditions are maintained. Some of the advanced techniques used at the centre are the endometrial receptivity array, an advanced test to find out the personalized window of implantation in cases of patients with repeated implantation failure.
Dr Prasanna Venkatesh, MD - NU Hospitals says, “NU Fertility @ NU Hospitals apart from offering the above, specialises in the treatment of male factor fertility as we are aware that 60 per cent of infertility is caused by male factor issues. Dept of Andrology and men’s sexual health at NU Hospitals offers the entire gamete of evaluation and treatment for these complex conditions."
Is the Fertility Specialist on Instagram
Why it is rewarding to connect with the millennial generation utilising fertility services and the fertility community at large on Instagram
Alexandra Peyser, Liat Goldstein, Christine Mullin & Randi H. Goldman; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwell Health, North Shore University Hospital, USA Social media has rapidly become an integral part of our daily routines. Communication via user-generated content enables interaction and collaboration among healthcare communities and patients. Most patients utilise social media to inquire about information about their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Online availability of health-related information has increased significantly in recent years. Social media has changed the way people seek and share information on healthcare despite the potential lack of information quality control. However, little information is available on the use, risks, and benefits of using social media to educate the general public, patients, and healthcare professionals.
What is Insta
Instagram (Insta) is a free online social networking service that is currently used by 67 per cent of American young adults aged 18–29 years and 47 per cent of adults aged 30–49. The platform enables users to post pictures and videos to their profiles, add a caption, and use hashtags (# symbol) to describe photos
and categorise posts into searchable topics that other users can find. Users can follow specific hashtags and any number of accounts to view a steady stream of personalised content. Users can also search by hashtag to view desired content posted in aggregate and “share”, “like”, or “comment” on posts. A recent poll showed that the average user spends 21.2 minutes on Instagram each day, with the 18–29 age group spending the most time at 30 minutes. Fertility journey on Instagram
Increasing numbers of patients are now sharing their (in) fertility journeys through Instagram. Using hashtags, patients can share their experiences or find others going through similar circumstances. Whereas, physicians utilize Instagram as a platform for sharing evidence-based medical education to inform the public on any health care subject.
Despite the rising influence of this particular platform, the literature remains scarce regarding the use of Instagram within the field of reproductive medicine and infertility. Few peer-reviewed studies quantitatively evaluate fertilityrelated content on Instagram, and more importantly, limited published reports are indicating who is responsible for these posts.
A recent article by Blakemore and colleagues analysed individual accounts from 'Fertility Influencers' on both Twitter and Instagram to determine the topography of fertility-related information on social media. They found that the majority of influential accounts were from patients, with a paucity of a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialists contributing to this space.
The authors analysed the five most recent posts by fertility influencers (39 on Twitter and 28 on Instagram) and reported the top 11 hashtags most used by those influencers. While that study focussed on fertility influencers and they are most commonly used hashtags, this study was designed to determine what a first-time patients desiring fertility treatment may find as they begin their search on Instagram.
Our study
We tried to look for prevalence, authorship, and types of fertility-
related information targeted toward new fertility patients on Instagram and compared the content of posts authored by physicians versus patients.
We made a list of ten hashtags consisting of fertility terms which included: IVF, Infertility, Fertility, IVF Journey, Infertility Awareness, IVF Support, Fertility Awareness, IVF Success, Egg Freezing and Egg Retrieval. These terms were chosen based on what a first-time IVF or planned oocyte cryopreservation patient may search for as they gather information regarding fertility options. Top posts were determined by Instagram via a proprietary algorithm consisting of parameters including the number of likes, comments, and user engagement on the posts.
What we found
Our study demonstrated an abundance of information related to fertility on Instagram with 66 per cent of posts directed toward patient experience and authored by patients. Only 10 per cent of posts were authored by individual physicians. 10 per cent of posts were advertisements directed at reproductive-aged women. Physicians be online
Despite the recognised role of social media in providing health-related information, many medical providers and public healthcare institutions are reluctant to use social media platforms. Providers need to be wary of maintaining patient confidentiality online and abiding by HIPAA. Providers must also be aware of workplace policies surrounding the use of social media, the time commitment of posting content, and the implications of engaging in discussions online. Many medical societies have published guidelines on the appropriate use of social media.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) was one of the first to offer guidance to physicians. Their recently revised committee opinion in 2019 states that social media is “not only acceptable for the modern practising physician but has become a necessary element for relating to patients and practising medicine.” The American Medical Association (AMA) describes six considerations for ethical use of social media, encouraging the protection of patient privacy, realising permanence, alerting colleagues to suspected inappropriate use, maintaining patient boundaries, realising that actions online may negatively affect their reputation amongst patients and colleagues, and considering creating separate personal and professional accounts. Conclusion
Social media provides a powerful tool to inform, engage, and communicate with the fertility community. It will exponentially grow larger as the millennial and Gen Z generations begin to reach their reproductive prime. Physicians have an opportunity to connect with and educate a large number of patients looking for support by authoring evidence-based posts on social media.
Modified from: Peyser, A., Goldstein, L., Mullin, C. et al. Fertility education: what’s trending on Instagram. Fertil Res and Pract 7, 3 (2021). https:// doi.org/10.1186/s40738-021-00095-6
Authorship of the top 50 and most recent 50 posts for each hashtag were as follows:
patients 67 per cent)
physicians (10 per cent)
allied health professionals (4.5 per cent)
for-profit commercial groups (6 per cent)
professional societies (1 per cent) and other (11 per cent)
Of these posts, 60 per cent
related to patient experiences,
10 per cent
were outreach,
10 per cent
were advertisements,
8 per cent
were educational,
and 6 per cent were
personal posts unrelated to diagnoses
