Category: health

Chakravarthi AVPS Honoured with Asia Business Leader Award for Strengthening India’s Global Healthcare Presence

Recognition reflects India’s growing influence in affordable healthcare, pharmaceutical innovation and patient-centric solutions

Hyderabad, Aug 04: Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical industry leader Mr. Chakravarthi AVPS, Chairman and Managing Director of Ecobliss India Private Limited received an international recognition for his contribution to strengthening India’s global pharmaceutical leadership and promoting patient-centric healthcare solutions.

He was conferred the CMO Asia Business Leadership & Excellence Award under the category Asia Business Leader of the Year – Indian Pharma at a ceremony held at the Pan Pacific Singapore on Tuesday evening.

The award recognises leaders who have made significant contributions to their industries across the Asia-Pacific region. Chakravarthi was honoured alongside distinguished business leaders from several countries, including Dr. Anne Phey, Founder & CEO of The School of Leadership; Rohit Gandhi, Group CEO of APAR Technologies Singapore; Munas van Boonstra, APAC Managing Director of TLC Worldwide; Charu Sethi of OpenRouter; Dr. Tarita Shankar, Chairperson and President Designate of Indira University, among others.

The citation noted that Chakravarthi was selected for his outstanding leadership in championing Indian pharmaceutical capabilities on global platforms, promoting patient-centric healthcare solutions, encouraging responsible pharmaceutical packaging, and building international collaborations that enhance trust in Indian healthcare.

For over three decades, Chakravarthi has represented India at numerous international pharmaceutical, healthcare and packaging forums, consistently advocating India’s strengths in affordable medicines, innovation and quality.

Under his leadership, Ecobliss India has emerged as a pioneer in patient-centric pharmaceutical packaging and medication adherence solutions, an area increasingly recognised worldwide as critical for improving treatment outcomes and reducing medication errors.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Chakravarthi said the recognition belonged to the entire Indian pharmaceutical ecosystem.

“I accept this honour with humility, not merely as a personal recognition, but as a tribute to the remarkable journey of the Indian pharmaceutical industry and to the many colleagues, mentors and institutions who have inspired me over the years.”

He said India today is recognised globally not only as the “pharmacy of the world” but also as a trusted healthcare partner.

“India’s contribution extends far beyond manufacturing medicines. We have made healthcare accessible and affordable for millions across the globe. From supplying life-saving generic medicines to leading the fight against HIV/AIDS with affordable antiretroviral drugs and expanding access to innovative cancer therapies, Indian pharmaceutical companies have transformed global healthcare.”

Highlighting the importance of patient-centric innovation, he added:

“Medicines save lives only when patients take them correctly. At Ecobliss India, we have always believed that packaging is not merely about protecting a product—it is about supporting the patient. Thoughtfully designed packaging improves adherence, enhances safety and ultimately contributes to better health outcomes.”

Chakravarthi also stressed that the future of healthcare depends on greater international collaboration.

“The future belongs to collaboration. When governments, industry, academia and global partners work together, innovation accelerates, trust deepens and patients everywhere benefit.”

Widely respected within India’s pharmaceutical and industrial ecosystem, Chakravarthi has been actively associated with leading industry bodies including FTCCI, CII, FABA, FOPE, Pharmexcil, the , and several pharmaceutical organisations. Through these platforms, he has consistently worked to strengthen global partnerships and showcase India’s pharmaceutical excellence on the international stage.

“Widely respected within India’s pharmaceutical and industrial ecosystem, Chakravarthi has been actively associated with leading industry bodies including FOPE, FABA, Pharmexcil, IPA, CII, FTCCI, INBA, LSSSDC, WPO, IIP among other organisations.”

The recognition comes at a time when India’s pharmaceutical industry continues to expand its global footprint, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s most trusted suppliers of quality, affordable medicines while increasingly contributing to pharmaceutical innovation, patient safety and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Mezzion Reports Positive In Vivo Results for Udenafil in ADPKD

Seoul, Korea, Aug 3: — Mezzion Pharma Co., Ltd. today announced positive results from a new in vivo study of udenafil, a novel phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In a preclinical ADPKD model, udenafil reduced kidney cyst burden and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), a blood marker linked to kidney function, compared with controls. Both findings were statistically significant and consistent across the treatment groups evaluated.

The study also showed evidence of activity on udenafil’s intended cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway in the kidney.

In addition, udenafil produced a statistically significant reduction in a preclinical measure of cardiac hypertrophy, or heart enlargement. Because cardiovascular complications are an important part of ADPKD, this finding supports further study of udenafil’s potential effects on cardiac remodeling.

The study was conducted at Mayo Clinic in Florida, with Fouad T. Chebib, M.D., serving as principal investigator. The results build on two earlier preclinical studies in which udenafil inhibited cyst growth and reduced cyst burden. Across these complementary ADPKD models, udenafil has shown activity on its intended cGMP pathway, reduced measures of cystic disease, and improved a biochemical measure used in kidney assessment. Together, the data support clinical evaluation in people with ADPKD.

“These findings strengthen the scientific rationale for advancing udenafil in ADPKD,” said Dong Hyun Park, Chairman and CEO of Mezzion. “As previously announced, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated that Mezzion’s nonclinical data package, together with its prior clinical and safety experience with udenafil, provides a reasonable foundation for clinical development. Udenafil has been studied in multiple clinical programs over approximately 20 years, including studies with multi-year exposure. This experience will help inform ADPKD study design and safety monitoring.”

“The consistency across multiple preclinical models is encouraging and supports evaluating udenafil in a well-designed Phase 2b study using established measures of ADPKD progression,” said Ronald D. Perrone, M.D., of Tufts Medicine.

“Patients with ADPKD need more treatment options for this serious, lifelong disease,” said Ridwan Shabsigh, M.D., FACS, President and COO of Mezzion. “Advancing udenafil in ADPKD gives Mezzion a second rare-disease development program alongside our ongoing Phase 3 FUEL-2 study.”

“The preclinical data provide a compelling scientific rationale for clinical evaluation in ADPKD. Unlike vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists, udenafil is being investigated through modulation of the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway, providing a mechanistically distinct therapeutic approach. We look forward to participating in the study,” said Professor Yong Chul Kim of Seoul National University Hospital.

ADPKD is a progressive genetic kidney disease affecting approximately 1 in 400 to 1,000 people worldwide. As kidney cysts grow, kidney function can decline and ultimately lead to dialysis or kidney transplantation. ADPKD is also associated with cardiovascular and other complications.

Mezzion plans to advance udenafil into a Phase 2b study in adults at risk of rapidly progressing ADPKD, subject to finalization of the protocol and receipt of regulatory and ethics approvals. The planned study is expected to evaluate kidney volume and function, disease-related biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability.

Global Grace Cancer Run 2026: 9th Edition announced

Hyderabad, Aug 01: The 9th Edition of Quambiant’s Global Grace Cancer Run 2026, powered by Evernorth Health Services, was formally announced at a grand launch event held at Hotel Daspalla, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, on Friday evening.

 The Global Grace Cancer Run 2026 will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad. The event will be conducted in both physical and virtual formats, with the Hyderabad edition being an in-person event.

 Renowned filmmaker Anil Ravipudi and popular actress Nidhhi Agerwal graced the occasion as Chief Guests and unveiled the official Global Grace Cancer Run 2026 T-shirt and Finisher’s Medal, marking the launch of this year’s global campaign against cancer.

 Speaking on the occasion, Nidhhi Agerwal said, “Doctors are the real heroes. This is not one of the usual events that I attend. Grace Cancer Foundation is doing remarkable work. Prevention is always better than cure. Once you cross the age of 40, make regular health check-ups a part of your life.”

 Addressing the gathering, Anil Ravipudi said that cancer cases are increasing rapidly and stressed the importance of listening to one’s body.

 “Your body is the greatest research centre. A sound body leads to a sound mind. Reduce stress and lead a pleasant life. Stress is the root cause of many ailments. That is why my WhatsApp display picture says ‘Happy Mind, Happy Life’,” he remarked.

 In his characteristic humorous style, he added, “People call doctors heart specialists. In my own way, I am also a heart doctor because I believe laughter is the best medicine. Through my films, I try to make people laugh and keep their hearts happy.”

 He also encouraged everyone to remain youthful in spirit, saying, “Always nurture positive thoughts. The imagination of being young gives you tremendous energy.”

 Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli, Senior Consultant Robotic Surgical Oncologist and Founder of GRACE (Global Research and Cancer Education) Cancer Foundation, said that cancer continues to be one of the world’s biggest public health challenges. However, a significant number of cancers can either be prevented or successfully treated when detected early.

 Dr. Sunkavalli also announced that Grace Cancer Foundation will soon be listed on the Social Stock Exchange of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), enabling greater transparency and wider public participation in supporting its mission.

 “The Global Grace Cancer Run is not merely a sporting event. It is a global movement that combines awareness, prevention, early detection and hope. Every participant becomes an ambassador in the fight against cancer, while every registration helps us reach underserved communities with life-saving screening services,” he said.

 He further stated that the funds raised through this year’s run will be utilised to screen one lakh economically disadvantaged people for cancer and other non-communicable diseases through mobile screening units. The initiative will also support HPV vaccination, awareness programmes, lifestyle modification and preventive healthcare, bringing quality cancer screening and treatment closer to rural communities.

 Dr. Pavan Gorukanti, Director, Yashoda Hospitals, emphasised that early detection of cancer significantly improves the chances of complete recovery and helps patients return to normal life. He urged everyone to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle.

 Mr. Yogendranath, Founder of Quambiant Developers, the Global Title Sponsor, said, “No one should ever suffer because of cancer. We are proud to continue supporting this noble cause and contribute towards saving lives through early detection.”

 Since its inception, the Global Grace Cancer Run has evolved into the world’s largest cancer awareness run, touching the lives of nearly 1.4 crore people across more than 130 countries.

 The Foundation’s vision is to alleviate the cancer burden in society through Education & Awareness, Early Detection, Treatment & Rehabilitation, and Cutting-edge Research.

 The theme for this year’s edition is: “Run for Grace. Screen for Life.”

 The Hyderabad edition is expected to attract around 35,000 participants, while the global event is expected to witness over one lakh participants from more than 130 countries spanning all seven continents.

 Participants can register in 2K, 5K and 10K categories. The event has also earned global recognition with six Guinness World Records.

 Dr. Pedda Reddy Talugula will serve as the Race Director for the 9th edition.

 The event is globally sponsored by Quambiant Developers and powered by Evernorth Health Services.

 More than 400 doctors, healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, cancer survivors, volunteers and supporters attended the launch ceremony, reaffirming their collective commitment to building a cancer-aware society and ensuring that early detection reaches those who need it the most.

 Those interested in participating in the Global Grace Cancer Run 2026 can register online at www.gracecancerrun.com or www.ifinish.in

Ayush Sector Gets AI Boost as Ministry Partners with IndiaAI for Digital Transformation

New Delhi, July 31: The Ministry of Ayush has partnered with IndiaAI under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in traditional healthcare, strengthen research capabilities, and promote digital innovation in the Ayush sector.

The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to develop AI-based solutions that can support research, improve healthcare practices, and enhance the use of technology across Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy systems.

Under the collaboration, the Ministry of Ayush will integrate with the AIKosh platform to share eligible healthcare research resources, including datasets, metadata, AI models, toolkits, and practical applications. This will help researchers, innovators, and healthcare professionals collaborate on developing responsible and effective AI solutions.

The initiative will focus on using artificial intelligence for evidence-based research, knowledge management, medicinal plant studies, drug administration, and capacity building, helping the Ayush ecosystem become more technology-driven and future-ready.

Officials said the partnership will bridge the gap between India’s traditional healthcare knowledge and modern digital technologies, creating new opportunities for innovation and improving access to research-based healthcare solutions.

The collaboration will also support the development of AI-enabled platforms under the Ayush Grid initiative, aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the Ayush sector.

By combining traditional medical knowledge with advanced AI capabilities, the initiative seeks to build a stronger, more innovative, and globally relevant healthcare ecosystem for India.

Sungkyunkwan University Team First to Show That Immune-Cell Timing Determines Glioblastoma Treatment Response

July 30: A joint research team led by Professor Sungsu Park of Sungkyunkwan University and Professor Sun-Ha Paek of Seoul National University College of Medicine has demonstrated for the first time that the sequence in which immune cells interact with cancer cells can critically influence the therapeutic response in glioblastoma. The findings reveal the importance of timing in tumor–immune interactions and suggest a new strategy for optimizing personalized cancer immunotherapy.

Glioblastoma , one of the most lethal brain tumors, is characterized by a strongly immunosuppressive microenvironment driven in part by the extensive infiltration of microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells.

Consequently, natural killer cells, which directly attack cancer cells, have limited ability to penetrate the tumor, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness. Conventional static cell culture models also have limitations in capturing the dynamic, time-dependent interactions between immune cells and tumor tissue.

To investigate these time-dependent interactions, the team developed a multi-inlet microfluidic platform that enables precise control over the timing and sequence of cell introduction in a 3D tumor model. Using the platform, the researchers compared identical combinations of cancer cells, microglia, and NK cells while varying only the order in which the immune cells were introduced.

The results showed that when microglia reached the cancer cells first, STAT3 signaling was activated, limiting NK-cell infiltration and promoting tumor growth. In contrast, when NK cells reached the cancer cells first, IL12A, a key immune-activating factor, was strongly upregulated in the cancer cells, leading to sustained tumor suppression. These findings demonstrate that even with the same cellular composition, the tumor immune response can differ markedly depending on which immune cells interact with the cancer cells first. Furthermore, the team demonstrated the translational potential of the platform using patient-derived glioblastoma cells.

When the STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 was combined with temozolomide, NK-cell infiltration into the tumor significantly increased. The combination also enhanced tumor cell death, demonstrating a synergistic therapeutic effect.

The study lays the groundwork for a patient-tailored precision medicine platform. By recreating a patient’s tumor immune microenvironment on a chip, the platform could help identify effective drug combinations and optimal treatment timing. The core technology has been commercialized by ORGANOPlus Inc. (https://organoplus.kr) as CANORGAN and is now available for research use.

Professor Sungsu Park said,

“I am pleased that we were able to elucidate the temporal interactions between immune cells within tumor tissue using engineering technology—interactions that have been difficult to observe using animal models or conventional in vitro culture. “We will continue to develop this technology as a patient-tailored drug screening platform for various refractory solid cancers.”

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The findings were published in Neuro-Oncology, a leading international journal in the field of brain tumor research.

Jan Aushadhi Strengthens India’s Affordable Nutrition Drive

Jan Aushadhi Brings Affordable Nutrition Solutions Closer to Indian Families Through New Nutraceutical Range

New Delhi, July 30: With growing awareness about health and nutrition, Indian families are increasingly looking for affordable ways to support their overall well-being. Addressing this need, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has expanded its nutraceutical range to provide accessible and quality nutrition products for people across different age groups and health needs.

The Jan Aushadhi nutraceutical basket includes protein supplements, immunity boosters, nutrition bars, malt-based nutritional foods, and specialised formulations designed to support children, working professionals, women, senior citizens, and individuals with specific dietary requirements.

The initiative aims to make nutritional support more affordable by offering quality alternatives to expensive branded supplements. Products such as Jan Aushadhi Protein Bar, Immunity Bar, Protein Powder, Women Protein Boost, Diabetes Care Protein Powder, and Renal Care Protein Powder cater to diverse nutritional needs while ensuring greater accessibility through the Jan Aushadhi Kendra network.

Experts highlight that nutrition plays an important role in preventive healthcare and maintaining overall wellness. With busy lifestyles and increasing health awareness, affordable nutrition options can help families make healthier choices without increasing financial burden.

The Jan Aushadhi Poshan range further supports everyday nutritional needs with vitamin and mineral-enriched malt-based food products available in different variants and pack sizes, making them suitable for regular family consumption.

By focusing on quality, affordability, and accessibility, PMBJP is strengthening its commitment to making healthcare and nutrition more inclusive. The expansion of the nutraceutical range reflects a broader approach towards supporting healthier communities and ensuring that essential nutritional support reaches more people across India.

NPPA Sets Prices for 3,845 Medicines, Strengthening Affordable Healthcare Access

New Delhi, July 28: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the retail prices of 3,845 new medicines, a move aimed at improving transparency and ensuring greater affordability for patients.

The government said the price regulation initiative is part of ongoing efforts to make essential medicines more accessible while maintaining a balanced approach for the pharmaceutical industry.

The decision will help bring clarity to medicine pricing and support patients by ensuring regulated rates for a wide range of medicines.

Officials said the government continues to monitor the pharmaceutical market and take measures to promote affordable healthcare and protect consumer interests.

The latest step highlights the focus on strengthening India’s healthcare system by improving access to quality medicines at reasonable prices.

India Aims to Build Global Pharma Hub Through Innovation: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, July 28: The government is committed to strengthening India’s pharmaceutical sector by promoting innovation, research, and global competitiveness, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.

Goyal said the focus is on creating a strong ecosystem that supports pharmaceutical companies, encourages research and development, and helps Indian firms expand their presence in global markets.

He highlighted that India’s pharma industry plays a crucial role in providing affordable medicines worldwide and has become an important pillar of the country’s healthcare and economic growth.

The minister said continued investment, technological advancement, and collaboration between industry and stakeholders will help India build a stronger and more innovative pharmaceutical sector.

The government remains focused on making the pharma industry more competitive, sustainable, and globally recognised, he added.

Preventive Care and HPV Vaccination Key to Ending Cervical Cancer

New Delhi, July 28: The HPV vaccine can play a significant role in preventing cervical cancer and reducing the global burden of the disease, an Indian-American radiation oncologist has said, underlining the importance of vaccination, early screening, and greater health awareness among women.

The oncologist said cervical cancer is among the most preventable forms of cancer, with a majority of cases linked to persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Expanding access to HPV vaccination and regular screening programmes can help identify risks at an early stage and save lives.

Highlighting the role of preventive healthcare, the expert said timely vaccination, routine medical check-ups, and awareness about cervical cancer symptoms are essential steps towards reducing the impact of the disease.

Health specialists noted that HPV vaccination provides the greatest protection when administered before exposure to the virus, particularly during adolescence. Along with vaccination, regular cervical screening remains a critical tool for detecting early abnormalities and improving treatment outcomes.

The latest health insights highlight the need to strengthen awareness campaigns and improve access to vaccination and screening facilities, especially in underserved communities.

Doctors said a comprehensive approach combining prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment options could bring the world closer to the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a major public health challenge.