Microbioz India, October 2023 Healthcare edition

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Microbioz India, October 2023 | 6 16 18 10 17 24 10 18 Cover Story Transforming Healthcare: The Rise of Personalized Diagnostics Featured Article The Future of Critical Care: Exploring the Latest Technological Advancements Business News Veramed expands its global footprint by acquiring Data Management, Biostatistics and Medical Writing services company Clinical Trial Data Services (CTDS) Product Launches llumina expands genomics capabilities in India with opening of Solutions Center 10 12 26 31

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Microbioz India, October 2023 | 8 Disclaimer: Neither the Microbioz India nor its publishers nor anyone else involved in creating, producing or delivering the Microbioz India (in printed, web or CD format) or the materials contained therein, assumes any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in the Microbioz India Magazine (in printed, web or CD format), nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of the use of the Microbioz India magazine. ear Readers, Welcome to the latest issue of Microbioz India-Healthcare and Diagnostic special edition. It's a true pleasure to have you with us once again, and we hope you find this edition as captivating and inspiring as ever. In this issue, we're thrilled to delve into the intriguing world of Transforming Healthcare: The Rise of Personalized Diagnostics our cover story of the month. Our team has worked tirelessly to curate content that we believe will both entertain and enlighten you, from thought-provoking features to stunning visuals that capture the essence of our chosen theme. We are excited to showcase some incredible contributors, whose expertise and creativity have graced the pages of this magazine. Their passion for digital healthcare and innovation shines through in every article, photograph, and piece of art. Be sure to check out our special product showcase section, where you'll find latest product launches and stories. It's a testament to our commitment to providing you, our readers, with diverse and engaging content. As always, Microbioz India is a reflection of our dedication to delivering top-quality journalism, exquisite design, and stories that resonate with you. We're immensely grateful for your continued support and readership, which drives us to keep raising the bar. We encourage you to connect with us through our social media channels, where you can share your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions. Your voices are what inspire and guide us in our mission to bring you a magazine that truly speaks to your interests and passions. Thank you for choosing to spend your time with us. We hope you thoroughly enjoy this issue and that it leaves you inspired, informed, and entertained. Enjoy the read!

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Microbioz India, October 2023 | 10 Transforming Healthcare: The Rise of Personalized Diagnostics prominent and developing field of research that examines the application of customized diagnostics in the process of healthcare transformation is Transforming Healthcare: The Growth of Customized Diagnostics. Personalized diagnostics is the process of adapting medical examinations and diagnostic procedures to each patient's unique characteristics, such as their genetic composition, lifestyle, and medical history. This innovative approach to contemporary medicine aims to improve patient outcomes, disease prevention and management, and treatment program optimization. When contemplating the rise of individualized diagnostics in healthcare, the following should be kept in mind: Genomic Medicine: In personalized diagnostics, genomic sequencing is widely used to identify genetic variations that could predispose patients to specific diseases or disorders. Using this information, customized treatment plans and prevention measures can be created. A Cover Story

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 11 Targeted Therapies: The development of customized medicines is made possible by the identification of specific molecular targets for diseases through the use of tailored diagnostics. Given the increased use of precision medicine in cancer treatment, this is very crucial. Early Disease Detection: Personalized diagnostics can increase early disease detection and enable intervention before symptoms show up through the identification of biomarkers. This is crucial for conditions including cancer, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular illnesses. Pharmacogenomics: In order to enhance effectiveness and minimize adverse effects, doctors can choose the optimum medications and dosages for each patient with the use of tailored diagnostics. Diagnostic Testing: The precise and sensitive detection of genetic changes, cancer markers, and other illness indications depends on cutting-edge diagnostic techniques like liquid biopsies and next-generation sequencing. Patient Empowerment: Individuals who receive individualized diagnostics are better prepared to take a more active role in their healthcare decisions as they become more aware of their inherited risks and the potential benefits of specific treatments or preventative actions. Big Data and AI: The development of personalized diagnoses is strongly correlated with the application of big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze vast quantities of patient data and provide more accurate and individualized medical insights. Ethical and Privacy Considerations: The gathering and use of sensitive patient data for customized diagnostics raises significant ethical and privacy considerations, including as data security and informed consent. Cost and Accessibility: Although personalized diagnostics have a lot of potential, concerns regarding their cost and accessibility may limit their use in general. Regulatory and Healthcare System Challenges: Regulatory organizations and healthcare systems must adjust to the changing landscape of customized diagnostics if the benefits are to be realized without endangering patient safety and the standard of treatment. In essence, the development of customized diagnostics represents a profound change in the state of healthcare. This technology has the potential to profoundly alter how illnesses are detected, treated, and prevented, resulting in improved and individualized patient care methods. It is critical to carefully consider the possible advantages and challenges it brings out for the healthcare sector, patients, and society at large as the field of healthcare continues to grow and change. Cover Story

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 12 The Future of Critical Care: Exploring the Latest Technological Advancements variety of cutting-edge technological advancements are expected to influence the future of intensive care. These innovations have the potential to further improve patient care, clinical outcomes, and healthcare delivery efficiency. Here are some of the latest technological advancements that are likely to play a pivotal role in the future of critical care: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI algorithms will develop more and become more complex in their analysis of patient data. They will support treatment plan optimization, patient outcome prediction, and early detection of deteriorating diseases. AI-driven decision support tools will help medical professionals make better decisions. Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: Critical care will incorporate telemedicine more and more. Tele-ICUs and remote monitoring devices can be used to provide care for patients who live in remote locations or who need long-term monitoring. Access to specialized critical care services will thus be improved. Wearable Devices: Wearable medical technology will spread more widely, enabling patients to continuously check their vital signs and health state. These gadgets will give healthcare professionals and patients access to realtime data, allowing for earlier chronic condition management and early intervention. Robotics and Automation: In order to help with duties like medicine administration, patient transportation, and routine monitoring, robots and automated technologies will play a bigger part in patient care in the future. A Featured Article

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 13 They can lessen the effort for medical workers and lower the possibility of human error. Advanced Imaging: Medical imaging advancements like portable, high-resolution CT scanners and MRI equipment will make it possible to diagnose and monitor patients in critical care more quickly and accurately. By doing so, problems will be identified earlier and treatment choices will be more informed. Genomic Medicine: Critical care will incorporate genomic sequencing more and more. Knowing a patient’s genetic predispositions can be used to customize medications and treatment strategies, increasing their efficacy and lowering side effects. Precision Medicine: Precision medicine developments will make it possible to customize therapies depending on each patient’s particular traits. This strategy will produce medications that are more focused, effective, and have fewer adverse effects. Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals: New choices for critical care patients will be made available by the development of new pharmaceuticals and biotechnological therapies, such as gene therapies and regenerative medicine, which may facilitate tissue regeneration and recovery. Data Integration and Interoperability: Health care systems will be able to share patient data more easily, minimizing the need for repeated testing and ensuring that healthcare practitioners have access to complete patient information as a result of improved data integration and interoperability. Patient Engagement Tools: Platforms for patient involvement will increase in personalization and interactivity. Through userfriendly interfaces, patients will have access to their health information, treatment plans, and educational resources, increasing their involvement in their care. Ethical and Legal Considerations: The need to address ethical and legal concerns relating to data privacy, patient consent, and liability in the use of new critical care technologies will grow as technology develops. Environmental Considerations: Healthcare facilities will put more emphasis on environmental impact and sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices and technologies into critical care units. In conclusion, a convergence of cutting-edge technologies that improve clinical decisionmaking, enhance patient care, and encourage patient engagement is poised to revolutionize the future of critical care. These developments promise to deliver crucial care that is more accurate, tailored, and effective, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and the healthcare experience as a whole. Featured Article

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 14 How Critical Care Technology is Revolutionizing Patient Monitoring ritical care technology is always evolving and has revolutionized patient monitoring in a variety of ways. These improvements have improved patient outcomes, increased healthcare delivery efficiency, and supplied doctors with useful data to make informed decisions. Here are some ways in which critical care technology is revolutionizing patient monitoring: Real-time Data Monitoring: Using critical care technology, medical professionals can continually and in real-time monitor vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and breathing rate. These realtime data make it possible to immediately identify even the smallest changes in a patient’s state, enabling prompt actions. Remote Monitoring: Critical care technology now allows for remote patient monitoring thanks to telemedicine and wearables. Patients who require long-term care or those who reside in rural places can particularly benefit from this. Healthcare professionals can keep an eye on a patient’s vital signs and get warnings if anything is out of the ordinary. Advanced Sensors: Advanced sensors that can measure a variety of physiological markers are available in critical care units. The discomfort for patients and the danger of infection are decreasing as these sensors become more precise and minimally intrusive. Integration of Data: Electronic health records (EHRs), medical imaging, and laboratory findings are just a few of the data sources that modern critical care technology combines. This integration offers a thorough picture of the patient’s health, assisting clinicians in making educated choices. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: C Featured Article

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 15 Large volumes of patient data are being analyzed using AI and machine learning algorithms to spot patterns and trends. These algorithms can help clinicians forecast changes in a patient’s condition, improve treatment regimens, and even spot possible infectious disease outbreaks. Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics is used in critical care technology to forecast patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals can more effectively allocate resources to high-risk patients by assessing recent trends and past patient data. Tele-ICU: Technology is used by tele-intensive care units (Tele-ICUs) to link remote intensivist teams with local healthcare professionals. This makes it possible to monitor and consult patients aroundthe-clock, increasing patient care and lessening the workload for staff who are on-site. Mobile Apps and Patient Engagement: Patients can take an active role in their care by using patient portals and mobile apps. Patients can share data with their healthcare professionals and monitor their vital signs at home. These tools encourage patient participation and aid in the more efficient management of chronic illnesses. Non-Invasive Monitoring: The necessity for intrusive operations has decreased and patient comfort has increased thanks to improvements in non-invasive monitoring techniques such continuous glucose monitoring, non-invasive ventilation, and transcutaneous monitoring. Data Visualization and Decision Support: Healthcare professionals can use decision support systems and user-friendly data visualization tools thanks to critical care technology. Making quick clinical choices and deciphering complex data are made simpler by these instruments. Improved Alarm Systems: Health care professionals have less alarm fatigue because to improved alert systems with clever algorithms. Based on the seriousness of the problem, these systems prioritize alarms, minimizing unneeded interruptions and speeding up reaction times. In conclusion, by enabling real-time, remote, and indepth data analysis, critical care technology is transforming patient monitoring. These developments enhance patient outcomes while streamlining healthcare professionals’ workflows and enabling them to provide more effective and efficient critical care. Critical care monitoring will become progressively more precise and patientfocused as technology develops. Featured Article

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 16 World Osteoporosis Day – 20th October 2023 Osteoporosis “a silent thief of your bone” steoporosis frequently called as “silent disease or silent killer or silent thief” because the bone mass is lost gradually over a period of time with no signs or symptoms. It is a disease that is characterised by decreased bone mass and strength that makes bone fragile so there is increased risk of fractures. Susceptibility to fracture mainly seen in bones of Hip, spine and wrist. As a result, Patients suffer from illness, pain, functional limitations, reduced quality of life, loss of independence, inability to do personal works. Sometimes these fractures were undetected causing significantly rise in mortality risk. Why it is a major health problem? Osteoporosis considered as a modern epidemic. Worldwide, over age of 50, 1 in 3 women / 1 in 5 men have osteoporosis. 80 % of those suffering from osteoporosis are women. Affects 75 million persons in the US, Europe and Japan. Osteoporosis is responsible for 1.3 million fractures each year. Approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their remaining lifetime. Peak incidence, western - 60-70 years, India - 50 - 60 years. In India the estimation is that more than 61 million Indians have osteoporosis with 61% of them were women. Who Gets Osteoporosis? Older age, Family history of osteoporosis, Low body weight (< 58 kg.), Estrogen deficiency, early menopause
(<45 years), Alcoholism, smoking, Poor Health, Low calcium intake, Low vitamin D intake, Excessive intake of protein, salt and caffeine, Inactive lifestyle, inadequate physical activity Certain medications, such as some cancer medications, steroids and kidney, liver diseases increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. In females With the onset of menopause (mid-forties or fifties), diminishing estrogen levels lead to excessive bone loss that is not fully compensated by an increase in bone formation. Bones affected by osteoporosis become so fragile that fractures occur spontaneously or as the result of: Minor falls, such as a fall from standing height that would not normally cause a break in a healthy bone. Normal stresses such as bending, lifting, or even coughing. symptoms of hip fracture include severe hip pain, inability to walk or stand without support. Symptoms of spine fracture include severe back pain, loss of height, or spine malformations such as a stooped or hunched posture (kyphosis). Management Diet changes: For all individuals, a well-balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. In all individuals older than 60 years, recommended vitamin D intake of at least 600 IU per day (up to 1000 IU/day) in addition to the calcium requirement of 1200 mg per day. Calcium contributors - Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, cottage cheese, and fortified orange juice or soy products. O Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 17 Most vitamin D comes from sun-induced skin conversion. Vitamin D contributors - fatty fish, fish liver oil, mushrooms, fortified juices, eggs, Physical activity-weight bearing and muscle. strengthening exercises. Exercise improves bone strength by 30%to 50%. Exercise should be lifelong. Cessation of smoking, alcohol, high caffeine intake. Adequate sun exposure. PREVENT FALLS Avoid sedating medications. Remove household hazards to reduce the risk of fractures. Make sure your vision is good. Avoiding walking alone on watery floors Wearing well-fitting shoes. Dr Balavardhan Reddy Orthopaedic Specialist Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. World Thrombosis Day – October 13th 2023 ealthcare professionals worldwide should be acutely aware of the risk of blood clots in clinical settings. Blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), together venous thromboembolism (VTE), pose a significant health threat to patients. These potentially life-threatening conditions can manifest silently and without warning, making vigilance and knowledge crucial. Healthcare providers should recognize the risk factors, which include prolonged immobility, surgery, trauma, cancer, and certain medications, among others. Timely risk assessment, prophylaxis, and early detection are essential components of preventing thrombotic events. Moreover, understanding regional and patient-specific factors that may influence clotting risk is paramount, as individual susceptibility can vary. By staying informed about the latest research, guidelines, and preventive strategies, healthcare professionals can play a pivotal role in reducing the global burden of thrombosis-related morbidity and mortality. World Thrombosis Day, a global campaign of the ISTH, provides healthcare professionals with up-to-date scientific research, news and clinical recommendations. I am a vascular surgeon who works with patients that have different types of blood clots. At an early age, I realized that I wanted to be a doctor and it stuck with me throughout my years in school. I have been fortunate to work with many physician role models and mentors. I am very happy with where I ended up as vascular surgeon, who takes care of blood clots in patients. My patients with blood clots are my true motivators to do this work on this subject every day and being a part of caring and treatment teams for improving the health of VTE? DVT/PE patients which is very rewarding. Blood clots can either be provoked or unprovoked. Provoked blood clots are associated with known risk factors, while unprovoked are those where no obvious risk factor can also be identified. Most blood clots diagnosed are provoked, the commonest cause being recent hospital admission. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can affect men and women of all ages, races and ethnicities. People at the highest risk (e.g., people with admitted to hospital, especially those with cancer, having surgery, or with major trauma and/or immobilization) should receive preventative treatments. So, people admitted to the hospital should ask about their need for VTE prevention. H Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 18 Blood clots can affect anyone regardless of location, age, ethnicity or race. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from a life-threatening blood clot is to learn if you are at risk. Know the signs and symptoms and contact your healthcare professional immediately if needed. The signs and symptoms of a blood clot, as well as the recommended treatment, hinge on the location within your body where the clot forms and the potential harm it might inflict. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) typically manifests with symptoms such as swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the affected limb. On the other hand, pulmonary embolism (PE), can present with chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Collectively known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), DVT and PE are conditions in which blood clots develop within veins. While these symptoms may vary, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital for preventing complications and ensuring the best possible outcome. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of VTE is crucial, as it empowers individuals to seek medical attention promptly, potentially saving lives. Prompt treatment may be life-saving Treatment of blood clots can differ by the patient but typically includes blood-thinning medication to prevent new clots from forming. There are three main treatment goals. 1). Prevent the clot from getting bigger. 2). Prevent the clot from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs. 3). Reduce the chances of reoccurrence. Please talk to your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for your unique health needs. For an overview of treatment options, continue reading below. Dr Pinjala Rama Krishna Vascular Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. World Arthritis Day: Advocating Awareness and Advancements 12th October 2023 rthritis, a prevalent condition affecting millions globally, is characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, often leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility. The burden of arthritis is immense, impacting individuals, families, and societies, both economically and emotionally. As we observe World Arthritis Day, it is crucial to shed light on the gravity of this condition and emphasize the importance of spreading awareness to alleviate its effects on individuals and communities. The World Health Organization estimates that over 300 million people worldwide suffer from arthritis, making it a significant public health concern. This number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades due to factors such as an aging population and lifestyle changes. Arthritis not only affects the elderly but also afflicts a considerable number of young adults and even children, contributing to its widespread impact. A Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 19 Spreading awareness about arthritis is key to reducing its burden. Education about the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments empowers individuals to seek timely medical attention and adopt healthier lifestyles. Public campaigns and community outreach programs play a vital role in dispelling misconceptions and fostering a supportive environment for those affected. Advancements in medical science, especially in the field of joint replacements, have revolutionized the lives of arthritis patients. Joint replacement surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements, offer renewed mobility and relief from chronic pain, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities and significantly enhance their quality of life. Latest advancements such as Robotic-assisted surgeries in joint replacements, like knee and hip replacements, offer enhanced precision and improved outcomes. Robotics enable surgeons to create personalized treatment plans, providing a higher degree of accuracy during surgery, ultimately leading to faster recovery, less pain, and improved functionality for patients. These procedures, coupled with advancements in pain management and rehabilitation, have improved outcomes and recovery times, marking a significant milestone in arthritis treatment. In conclusion, World Arthritis Day provides an essential platform to raise awareness about the impact of arthritis, not only on the individual but on society as a whole. By advocating for increased understanding, early detection, and advancements in treatment, we can collectively work towards alleviating the burden of arthritis, ensuring a better quality of life for those affected. Let us unite in our efforts to improve the lives of millions, driving positive change and embracing hope for a future where arthritis is better understood and effectively managed. Dr K J Reddy Orthopedic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Apollo Launches Hyderabad's first Homecare Recovery Program Integrated with Cardiac Surgery! n the occasion of World Heart Day, Apollo Hospitals, the leading cardiac surgery program in Hyderabad, introduced the concept of 'Home Discharges' for all patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Apollo Hospitals. The Homecare Recovery program is part of an integrated offering with cardiac surgery thereby constituting an end-to-end continuum of care for cardiac patients from admission to full recovery. This 2-week program promises faster recovery, reduced medical complications, roundthe-clock care and is fully integrated with the discharge advice of the cardiac surgeon. This is the first time such a program is being offered in Hyderabad and aims to set a new benchmark in post-discharge clinical care. Dr Sangita Reddy, JMD, Apollo Group said, “This integrated care offering is a step forward in our vision of providing an effective continuum of care for patients. We believe in being part of a patient’s lifelong health journey. Every heart patient who gets treated at Apollo becomes part of our Healthy Hearts Club. The program design as well as outcomes are on par with best in the world and reinforce our values of clinical excellence. The Cardiac team at Apollo Hospitals has been doing outstanding work over the years. Apollo Hospitals has been serving the community for over four decades and in this time frame we reached a hundred thousand milestone, something which no other institution in the world has done. More importantly the fact that the success rate has been extremely high. O Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 20 This was possible because we are in constant pursuit of better methodology to treat the patients, to cure the patient, keep them comfortable and prevent heart disease. Each of our specialists from the cardiac team has done multiple innovations, whether it’s in angioplasty, multiple ways of doing angioplasty, using advance machines like OCT to enhance the success rate, among the first ones to do the structural heart work like the TAVI or TAVR. Dr Sangita Reddy added, Today, I am going to talk about an interesting innovation, which is a combination of technology and being dedicated to what the patient prefers. Patients always prefer to be at home to recover. We are working to ensure the shortest stay of patient at the hospital, quicker and better recovery, but more important is with the comfort and the support of everyone in the hospital being available at home, either directly on the call, doctors or nurses visiting, remote monitoring, physiotherapy coming home and putting this into a neat clinically validated package and implementing this through Apollo Home care. Hyderabad has been at the forefront of innovation, we have completed 600 patients in an extremely successful pilot, which is clinically successful but more importantly the patient satisfaction is much more superior. They go home and say we feel superbly comfortable, not just the patients, their spouses, their family feel that comfort and assurance of the doctors being always available, watching, monitoring, even when the patient is at home. Such a combination of technology, remote care patch, telemedicine, central monitoring station, a unique patient care protocol is being launched. Need based appropriate home care support is what we are offering, this is a highly successful program. I see this program going across the country and I congratulate the doctors for working with the home care team and making this a reality. This is one more step toward a healthy population. Cardiac continues to remain the most major ailment in the world, it is estimated that 23% to 34% of all mortality is because of cardiac problems and more importantly 52% of the world’s cardiac patients are in India. We need to do much more, towards this. We are also making sure that every post heart incident patient, whether it is an angioplasty or an MI or heart surgery patient, everybody joins the healthy hearts club, because we want them not just to get cured and to recover but also stay healthy, we will ensure continued additional care for our cardiac patients. The heart will remain the heart of Apollo’s care. The heart care at home is included in the insurance package, with no additional cost to the patient, yet they get the support.” Patients who undergo heart surgery often face a long and challenging recovery process postdischarge. While there are a number of organised and unorganised providers who offer nursing and physiotherapy services, these services often not overseen by a doctor, do not follow the discharge advice of the surgeon and are not standardised in terms of quality and protocols. Therefore, patients and their families often struggle with post-surgery challenges such as pain management, wound care, mobility issues, medication management, BP and glucose level fluctuations, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Their recovery in the short term and long term may not be optimal and they may not reach the goal of desired quality of life. Being in continuous contact with the surgeon for advice in all these situations can be challenging and many hesitate in doing so, thereby adding to their stress. Recognizing these hurdles, Apollo arrived at the conclusion that surgery is not complete upon hospital discharge; rather, it should extend into the patient's home in the form of a professionally executed, planned recovery program. Therefore, in conjunction with Apollo Homecare, it has devised a curated and personalized 2-week recovery program which is benchmarked with the global best-in-class cardiac surgery recovery programs. This program is conducted by a team of qualified medical professionals including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and care coordinators who work collaboratively to deliver expert medical care and rehabilitation, all under the watchful guidance of the cardiac surgeon. Planned recovery is ensured through a structured day-to-day plan with physical and virtual follow through with specific measurable goals and outcomes. Dr AGK Gokhale, Sr Consultant Cardiac Surgeon said, “Adherence to the discharge advice is very important to the patient’s recovery and long-term health outcomes. A planned recovery program not only helps patients to follow the discharge advice but also helps them recover faster through proactive mobilization and rehabilitation and helps manage majority of the post-surgical complications. We are certainly seeing this benefit being achieved for our patients”. Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 21 Dr PV Naresh, Sr. Consultant Heart and Lung Transplantation and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, said, through the home care services we are extending the follow up of the patients to their home. Minor issues can be taken care of at home, they need not rush to the hospital for such problems. 93% of pain management can be taken care of at home and there is no need for him to come to hospital. Constant counselling while at home will help patient to get advice and recover faster. Sometimes follow up is needed for a longer period of six months to one year, which the patient can do by seeking counselling from home, without coming to hospital frequently. The program offers multiple advantages. Patients benefit from a faster recovery, often up to two weeks faster than those who don’t opt for a planned recovery program. This accelerated recuperation leads to better long-term outcomes as well. Moreover, patients receive care for common postdischarge medical conditions which reduces postsurgery complications, wound dressing, ongoing parameter monitoring, assistance with medication adherence, round-the-clock support from a dedicated coordinator and overall improved compliance to the surgeon’s post-discharge advice. In cases of emergencies, the hospital and cardiac surgeon are readily accessible, providing patients and their families with much needed access and peace of mind. Most importantly, this program offers patients careful hand-holding and support throughout their recovery journey until they are restored to their best possible health. To date, Apollo Hospitals has successfully extended this program to more than 300 to 500 patients and their families. Encouraged by their overwhelmingly positive response, Apollo has decided to incorporate Home Discharges into the standard care plan for every cardiac surgery done at the hospital. About Apollo Hospitals Apollo Hospitals Group is the world's largest integrated healthcare provider. Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad is the first corporate hospital in Hyderabad and a leader in cardiac surgery in the city with more than 35,000 cardiothoracic surgeries performed till date. It has pioneered several surgical techniques like bypass surgery on a beating heart, use of internal mammary artery graft and radial artery bypass graft. Apollo Hospitals Group is also the country's largest heart team with more than 375 specialists across 38 hospitals in India. Set up in 1988, Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad is the first corporate hospital in Hyderabad and recently completed 35 years of service. Apollo Hyderabad has four branches in the city namely Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Apollo Hospitals Secunderabad, Apollo Hospitals Hyderguda and Apollo Hospitals DRDO. About Apollo Homecare Apollo Home Healthcare, a subsidiary of Apollo, is a leading integrated primary healthcare provider set up to address the holistic needs of preventive care, assistance during ailments, pre and post hospitalisation care, disease management programs and healthy ageing through a comprehensive technology enabled model and compassionate care providers. Apollo Medical College, hosts 'White Coat Ceremony' to welcome the Class of 2023 students! Chief Guest Dr PC Rath, presents White Coats to the students pollo Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (AIMSR), Hyderabad; hosted the White Coat Ceremony, for the Class of 2023 students, at the RNR Auditorium, Jubilee Hills, today. Chief Guest Dr P C Rath, Visiting Faculty - Interventional Cardiology, University of Rouen, France and Sr. Consultant & HOD of Cardiology Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad; presented the White Coats to students on the occasion. Dr Manohar, Director, Post Graduate Medical Education, AIMSR; Dr Surender Reddy, Principal, AIMSR and Ms Aparna Reddy, COO, AIMSR; along with the faculty from the Institute and parents of students, were present at the momentous Ceremony. Dr P C Rath speaking on the occasion said, this white coat ceremony wasn’t there when I did my MBBS, it’s nice to have this ceremony as it provides dignity and responsibility to students, it brings parents and students closer to the profession and faculty. The medical profession you choose is a lifelong pursuit of education, learning in this profession is continuous to update and keep pace with the latest developments. A Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 22 During this pursuit you need the support of your parents, to become a good doctor family’s backing and support is critical to the student. As a medical professional you need to dedicate your life to constant pursuit of knowledge and patient care. The dynamics of medical profession and education keeps changing, as newer technology, Artificial intelligence bring about a paradigm shift in the profession. When Covid happened, we didn’t know how to treat patients, we re-learnt how to treat patients. Every day is different, every patient is different, so there are multitude of challengers and when we provide succor to the patients in distress there is enormous satisfaction. Future is bright if you pursue this profession with passion. White coat is the initiation of the students to the medical profession, this initiation comes with lot of commitment and responsibility. Dedication to the profession, dedication to the patient and dedication to ethics has to be constant and lifelong in this. You are role model for the patient and the society, it is incumbent upon you to maintain the highest standard in all aspects. You not only need to work hard but should have compassion towards the patient. Apollo Medical College is today the premier and number one private medical college in the state and 70% of the students at the college are girls. Dr Manohar said, in the next four years the rigorous training with a new curriculum will ensure you become a thorough professional, with integrity, compassion you should inculcate the trait to innovate. To become a good doctor, you should imbibe certain qualities of patients’ interest being prime while showing empathy towards them. Having a strong foundation is critical to succeed in this profession. Ms Aparna Reddy said, the white coat ceremony symbolises the entry of a medical professional in their journey to pursue this noble profession. It is the culmination of their dreams and of their parents. With the white coat they commit themselves to provide compassionate care. The White Coat Ceremony is a memorable occasion for the students as they take their first steps into the medical college, entering the noble medical profession. One hundred and fifty students of the 2023 batch of the Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, were welcomed into the medical fraternity by the faculty and were ceremonially "cloaked" with their white coats. The students dressed elegantly in white, later took the Hippocrates oath. World Alzheimer's Day - 21st September 2023 Lesser-known symptoms of Alzheimer's disease lzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the world. The most common symptom of AD is memory loss. However, some patients with AD may present with lesser-known symptoms too. It is important to recognize these symptoms to enable early diagnosis of AD. 1. Loss of smell: Impaired sense of smell is an early feature of AD. Clinical observations suggest that approximately 85% of patients with early-stage AD exhibit olfactory dysfunction. It is important to detect patients with olfactory deficit (via odour identification test), as this will help in early diagnosis of AD. Therapies for AD are most effective in early stage. 2. Language dysfunction: In some cases of AD, memory impairment may not be the first or the most important complaint. Instead, they present themselves with difficulty in finding appropriate words while speaking and impaired comprehension while talking to others. They may also have difficulty in naming objects and repeating words or sentences. This variant of AD is known as logopenic variant of AD. A Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 23 3. Prominent and early visual disturbances: Patients may have visuospatial disorientation. They may find it difficult to locate the toilet or kitchen in their own homes or may not be able to locate a Kirana store or friend’s home that they often visited earlier. They may have difficulty in identifying objects or understanding their functions despite having normal vision. These visual symptoms occur in a variant of AD, known as posterior cortical atrophy. 4. Early personality and behavioral changes such as disinhibition, apathy or compulsiveness. This is seen in “frontal variant” of AD. Dr Sudhir Kumar Sr. Consultant Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. HealthNet Global (HNG) Provides Tele-ICU Solution to Apollo Spectra, Ushering in a New Era of Critical Care ealthNet Global (HNG), a pioneering HealthTech innovator, is proud to announce the launch of a cutting-edge Tele-ICU program at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, located in Chirag Enclave, New Delhi. This groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine the landscape of intensive care, connecting Apollo Spectra's ICU facility to the Apollo Hyderabad Command Centre through HNG's state-of-the-art Tele ICU platform. The program marks a significant milestone in healthcare, enabling the delivery of critical care services with unprecedented precision, transcending geographical boundaries. Through the integration of telemedicine platforms, HNG empowers healthcare providers to offer uninterrupted, expert medical attention to patients, regardless of their location. With this Tele-ICU solution, Apollo Spectra is poised to deliver enhanced critical care services to a wider demographic. The integration of HNG's platform ensures that patients have immediate access to expert medical attention, exemplifying Apollo Spectra's steadfast commitment to providing top-quality healthcare services. By leveraging technology to bridge geographical gaps, HNG and Apollo Spectra are collectively ushering in a new era of accessible and top-tier critical care for patients across the region. Vikram Thaploo, CEO, HealthNet Global, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to introduce Tele ICU in Apollo Spectra, a revolutionary step in advancing critical care. This state-of-the-art solution brings expert medical attention directly to patients, transcending physical boundaries. With a blend of cutting-edge technology and compassionate healthcare, we aim to enhance the quality of care and save lives. HNG remains committed to pushing the boundaries of healthcare excellence, and this initiative reaffirms our dedication to delivering high-quality medical services. We look forward to transforming the landscape of intensive care and ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of attention and expertise." H Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 24 Better eye health could boost Indian economy by US$27bn (₹2.2trn) this World Sight Day 1. New research released this World Sight Day shows avoidable sight loss costs India US$27 billion (₹2.2trn) per year in lost productivity. 2. The Indian economy loses more to avoidable sight loss than any other country bar China and the US. 3. 30% of people with sight loss experience a reduction in employment, 90% of vision loss is avoidable with early detection and treatment. 4. The Love Your Eyes campaign urges business leaders to put eye health on the workplace wellbeing agenda. voidable sight loss would add US$27 billion (₹2.2 trillion) per year to India’s economy, according to new research released this World Sight Day. The Love Your Eyes campaign is releasing the figures to highlight how improved eye health boosts productivity, urging business leaders to put eye health on the workplace wellbeing agenda this World Sight Day. The study, conducted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Prof. Kevin Frick from Johns Hopkins, calculated the costs of avoidable sight loss among people over 50. India had the third-highest potential savings of all countries in the study. As technology transforms the world of work, the future economy will be dominated by service industries and office-based jobs involving the prolonged use of screens. Without proper precautions, this can lead to eye strain and negatively impact eye health. Sight loss costs the global economy US$411 billion every year, according to the Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health. An estimated 30% of people with sight loss experience a reduction in employment, with women, people in rural communities and ethnic minority groups among the groups most affected. However, 90% of sight loss is avoidable with early detection and treatment. In India, there are currently 70 million people with visual impairment. Preventing sight loss with early detection and treatment for eye conditions like cataracts and myopia is vital to protect livelihoods and allow businesses to thrive. Vinod Daniel, CEO of India Vision Institute says: "People from disadvantaged and rural communities lack adequate access to eye care, and are thus denied vision screenings and a pair of corrective glasses. This means uncorrected refractive error is costing the country billions in lost productivity, and valuable earnings for the individuals affected. "Early detection is crucial to preventing blindness. We work directly with communities, schools and workplaces to provide free vision screenings and spectacles to those who otherwise wouldn't have access. Preventing vision loss changes everything for them and allows them to thrive in work and life." Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB and Love Your Eyes campaign spokesperson says: “Business leaders have played a vital role in raising awareness of workplace wellbeing, from mental health to menopause. Today, World Sight Day is an opportunity for employers to add eye health to their well-being agenda and encourage workers to love their eyes. “Our eyes are central to our ability to earn a living. Sight loss has a profound impact on one’s personal and professional life, with cataracts and simply not having reading glasses among the leading causes of avoidable sight loss. A Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 25 Women, people in rural communities and ethnic minority groups are even more likely to experience sight loss and be excluded from employment and services. “Whether it’s through eye health education, connecting employees with eye health services, adding eye health to insurance plans or adjusting screen settings, there are many ways to build a vision-friendly work environment and create healthier, happier workers. “Nobody should experience avoidable sight loss, and no business should miss out on the boost that better eye health brings to their bottom line.” Kasturba Medical College, Manipal’s Clinical Embryology Centre Recognized as a 'Centre of Excellence' by Merck Foundation, Germany he Merck Foundation is passionately committed to enhancing healthcare access in underserved communities. Their flagship initiative, 'Merck More Than a Mother', created in partnership with several African governments, is a testament to this commitment. It addresses the pivotal need for improved fertility care in regions that lack adequate resources. Since 2017, the Clinical Embryology centre at KMC Manipal has been a crucial global collaborator in these capacity-building projects. Through the joint efforts of the Merck Foundation and KMC Manipal, approximately 100 clinicians and scientists spanning 27 countries have undergone top-tier embryology training in Manipal. These trained professionals are now at the forefront of infertility care in their respective nations. The recognition was conferred during the Merck-Africa-Asia-luminary conference on October 18, 2023, in Mumbai. Distinguished attendees included Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, and first ladies from fourteen African nations. Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE, and Dr Satish Adiga, Head of Clinical Embryology programs at KMC Manipal, proudly received the accolade. Regarded as one of the premier IVF-Embryology training hubs in Asia, KMC Manipal's program boasts a notable record. It has equipped hundreds of doctors and scientists with the skills to assist infertile couples worldwide. T Hospital Watch

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 26 Veramed expands its global footprint by acquiring Data Management, Biostatistics and Medical Writing services company Clinical Trial Data Services (CTDS) pecialist Biometrics CRO, Veramed, today announced the acquisition of Boston-based data management, biostatistics and medical writing company, CTDS. The deal will enhance Veramed’s global presence and broaden the company’s data management capability. “The combination of CTDS and Veramed will grow our team to over 350 trusted statisticians, programmers and data managers globally and enhance our ability to provide end-to-end biometrics support. We believe that the benefits of the combination will be felt by the customers and staff of both organizations and open the door to exciting opportunities with new partners,” Matt Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Veramed commented. “We are excited to have joined the Veramed family and to bring together our teams of talented biostatistics, data management and medical writing experts to create a comprehensive and dynamic offering in the market,” commented Terri Sampo, Principal Consultant and Founder of CTDS. Specialized biometrics and data management providers are proving to be an effective solution to the biotech industry's need for flexibility, speed and agility. These providers offer specialized expertise in data collection and analysis, ensure accurate results; maintain data quality and regulatory compliance; enhance resource efficiency; expedite decisionmaking; and provide tailored solutions to sponsor companies. Collaborating with companies like Veramed mitigates risks, provides access to advanced tools, and boosts credibility with biotech investors, contributing to more effective research, quicker decision-making, and improved prospects for funding and success. Founded in 2005 by Terri Sampo, Clinical Trial Data Services supports small to midsize sponsor companies helping them to take the next step towards market approval for their drug or device product. CTDS’s meticulous oversight, personalized service and understanding and dedication to process is a perfect fit for Veramed’s existing reputation for quality and delivery. “We were immediately impressed with CTDS’s core values and clear dedication to providing tailored solutions to their clients. We are confident this is a great fit and are looking forward to the future,” commented Emma Jones, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Statistics at Veramed. About Veramed Veramed is a high-performing partner for statistical consultancy, data management, clinical trial reporting and automation, DMC services, and evidence and value generation. It was awarded “Best Contract Research Organization – Specialist Providers” at the 18th Annual Scrip Awards in 2022 and certified as a B Corp for the first time in 2020. The company is a pioneering CRO that is redefining intelligent healthcare decision-making. The talented Veramed team is paving the way for pharma and biotech clients by offering tailored biometrics solutions that scale and adapt as needs grow. This takes a variety of forms; from getting the basics of study design and analysis of clinical trials right, to Automation on sponsor systems, Real World Evidence, visualizations using R, and industryleading involvement in Dataset J-SON and the OpenSource OAK project. The company works hard to customize solutions and adapt to client needs, whilst always staying true to the founding culture of promoting work-life balance for their staff and happiness within the workplace. Veramed is an accredited B Corp and is passionate about making a difference to patient communities around the world. Being uniquely practitioner-led, the company challenges how advanced biometrics services can be used to help to move the needle on the speed, quality and effectiveness of pharma and biotech pipeline delivery. Veramed is a tech-savvy CRO that cares. S Business News

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Microbioz India, October 2023 | 28 Apollo and SAIL bring World Class Healthcare Services to Rourkela Apollo Rourkela aims at providing affordable, accessible, quality healthcare services to over 70 Lakh people in the Western Odisha region 1. 290-bed hospital will offer services across multiple super specialty disciplines such as Cardiac Sciences, Neurosciences, Advanced Orthopaedics, Oncology and Urology, Nephrology Critical Care etc 2. To offer rich expertise of Apollo Hospitals Group for complex cases of Cardiac surgeries, Neuro Surgeries, Intensive care, first time in the Western Odisha region pollo, the world’s largest integrated healthcare provider, today announced the launch of its first, state-of-the-art, multiSuper specialty hospital through partnership with the Steel Authority of India (SAIL), in Rourkela. With an aim to improve the healthcare landscape for the large, underserved people of the state, Apollo Rourkela managed IPGISSH (Ispat Post Graduate Institute & Superspecialty Hospital) is focused on bringing quality & affordable healthcare under this Public Private Partnership model. With a team of 25 full time clinical experts, supported by general duty physicians and well skilled nursing staff, Apollo at Rourkela will deliver the highest standards of patient care serving the people in some of the remotest pockets of the country. Prominently located in Sector-19, next to Ispat General Hospital Road, the 290-bed super specialty hospital will provide high quality multidisciplinary care in over 10 specialty areas starting with Cardiac, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Urology, Nephrology, Oncology. With 7 operation theatres and 80 critical care beds, the hospital boasts of stateof-the-art modern facilities provided by Steel Authority of India and further augmented by the Apollo Hospital group to deliver enhanced care and unmatched patient experience. In addition to this, Apollo Rourkela also offers smart, super and advanced emergency services to provide the patient with quick and exceptional care right from their doorstep. The emergency services include GPS-enabled advanced life support ambulances that can be booked through Apollo’s centralised emergency number - 1066. Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo said, “Our commitment to providing high-quality medical care continues to be our guiding light. We are excited that we are able to bring the best care and clinical expertise to the region. The Western Odisha region is a large, underserved area which requires multi-specialty services, and it is our firm belief that working along with the government, we will be able to bring a qualitative difference to the healthcare services in the region. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to ensure good quality healthcare is accessible and affordable for all. We believe, public-private partnerships are powerful drivers of community-focused solutions for improved services and such PPP models will be the next growth catalyst for the healthcare industry in India.” Mr. Atanu Bhowmick, Director In-Charge, Rourkela Steel Plant and Bokaro Steel Plant, and Chairman, Rourkela Ispat Trust said, “Since its very inception, Rourkela Steel Plant has been committed towards the health of its stakeholders. Ispat General Hospital was set up by RSP in the year 1959, which is also the year of tapping of the 1st ton hot metal in the Steel Plant. Since then, the Steel Plant has been relentlessly providing quality health services to the people of this region. However, keeping in view the growing health care needs of the people and the lack of super specialty facilities in this region, the Ispat Post Graduate Institute and Super Specialty Hospital was set up with state-of-the-art facilities. I am sure that, with a renowned institute like the Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, that is known for pioneering modern healthcare and providing the best-in-class treatment to patients, managing the hospital, it will be a boon for the entire region. Patients will no longer need to travel more than 400 kilometers for accessing superspecialized health care services. May the hospital set an excellent example in providing affordable, accessible and quality healthcare services.” A Business News

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 29 Apollo Rourkela also has plans to begin Post Graduate teaching courses under the National Board of Examinations (India) across departments and will serve as the first nurturing ground for super specialists in Western Odisha. Furthermore, of upskilling paramedical staff and nurses will also be undertaken in the near future. Keeping with the core philosophy of equitable distribution of quality healthcare services, Apollo’s partnership with SAIL focuses on treating patients who need super-specialty care closer to their homes. Through this public private partnership, the Western Odisha region will benefit from various State and Central Government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna, bridging the provider deficit gap in the healthcare ecosystem. Over the years, Apollo has signed MoUs with several government bodies across the country that focus on improving the rural healthcare system. In fact, back in 2001, Apollo partnered with Coal India to introduce the very first Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery multi-specialty unit in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, offering care to over a million patients in the last 23 years. About Apollo Apollo revolutionized healthcare when Dr Prathap Reddy opened the first hospital in Chennai in 1983. Today Apollo is the world’s largest integrated healthcare platform with over 10,000 beds across 71 hospitals, nearly 6000 pharmacies and over 200 clinics and diagnostic centers as well as 150 telemedicine centers. It is the world’s leading cardiac center with over 200,000 surgeries and the world’s largest private cancer care provider. Apollo continues to invest in research to bring the most cutting-edge technologies, equipment and treatment protocols to ensure patients have the best available care in the world. Apollo’s 100,000 family members are dedicated to bringing you the best care and leaving the world better than we found it. Unveiling DAMS - PLAB Preparation Course for UKBound Medical Professionals elhi Academy of Medical Sciences (DAMS) is proud to announce a pioneering PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) preparation course, tailored to meet the needs of ambitious medical professionals planning to practice in the United Kingdom. This cutting-edge PLAB course, now accessible through the comprehensive eMedicoz app, marks a significant milestone in medical education. DAMS-eMedicoz's PLAB preparation course not only imparts essential medical knowledge but also places a strong emphasis on cultivating practical skills and expertise in alignment with the UK healthcare system. What sets this course apart is its unwavering focus on critical communication skills, a fundamental requirement for success in UK hospitals. This program ensures that students develop the ability to engage effectively with patients, colleagues and healthcare professionals, a crucial aspect of medical practice in the UK. The PLAB exams, overseen by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK, encompass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB 1 evaluates a candidate's medical knowledge and understanding of common clinical scenarios, while PLAB 2 assesses clinical skills, communication prowess and the capacity to integrate medical knowledge into real-world patient interactions. The DAMS-eMedicoz PLAB course is meticulously crafted by a faculty comprising NHS (National Health Service) accredited doctors, each boasting over a decade of hands-on experience within the UK healthcare landscape. This seasoned team of professionals will impart their wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring students benefit from unparalleled guidance and mentorship. D Business News

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 30 Dr. Sumer Sethi, Founder of DAMS, commented, “Annually, approximately 3,000 doctors from India undertake the PLAB exams in the UK, incurring significant expenses. They often overlook the vital skill of effective communication in UK hospitals when preparing for the exam. With the introduction of our PLAB preparation course, aspiring candidates will gain comprehensive insights into the UK healthcare system, medication practices and communication protocols. This holistic approach not only streamlines the preparation process but also positions candidates for success in their future medical careers in the UK.” The comprehensive DAMS-eMedicoz PLAB course, accessible on the eMedicoz app, spans a duration of 100 hours, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential topics. Going beyond conventional learning, the course incorporates valuable simulation exercises. Moreover, eMedicoz will host workshops with simulation components, providing students with hands-on experience to enhance their readiness for the PLAB exams. About DAMS DAMS is a prestigious institution renowned for its excellence in coaching for postgraduate medical and dental entrance exams. Committed to innovation and delivering quality education, DAMS aims to equip the next generation of medical professionals for success on a global scale. Cytiva opens new manufacturing facility and experience center in India 1. The manufacturing facility in Pune will double Cytiva’s manufacturing capacity in India and the Experience Center will provide critical training programs to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics. 2. According to Cytiva’s 2023 Global Biopharma Resilience Index, the manufacturing of biologics in India is likely to increase over the next three years. s India works to become a biologics manufacturing hub, global life sciences leader Cytiva is expanding with the opening of a 33 000 ft2 manufacturing facility in Pune. The new facility will manufacture Cytiva’s bioprocessing equipment including tangential flow, virus filtration, and inactivation systems. The facility will also be home to the Cytiva Experience Center which will provide immersive training programs for upstream and downstream technologies as well as digital and automation software. Additionally, customers will have greater access to thought leadership events and to demonstrations of Cytiva’s market-leading products, such as ÄKTA, Allegro, iCELLis and Sepax. Rajan Sankaran, Commercial General Manager, India, Cytiva, says, “Fortifying our manufacturing footprint in India is critical to Cytiva’s operations in Asia-Pacific and long-term growth strategy. We must also play a key role in developing and nurturing the talent needed to meet the demand for biologic medicines. Our Cytiva Experience Center will provide the ongoing learning and development needed to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics and help India deliver on its Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and mission.” According to Cytiva’s 2023 Global Biopharma Resilience Index, 65% of biopharma executives in India say that the manufacturing of biologics in their country is likely to dramatically increase over the next three years. This is 15% higher than the global average, and in line with India’s National Biopharma Mission to make India a hub for the development of novel and affordable vaccines and biologics to address the population’s health concerns. Additionally, 46% of biopharma executives in India say that they are focusing on onshoring drug manufacturing or increasing domestic sourcing over the next 12 months to boost supply chain resilience. However, 20% of executives say that access to new equipment has become worse over the last two years, indicating a need to improve local access to equipment so that Indian companies can deliver affordable life-changing therapeutics domestically and to the region. A Business News

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 31 Illumina expands genomics capabilities in India with opening of Solutions Center Story Source/Credit: Illumina Illumina Inc., a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, announce the opening of a new office and state-of-the-art Illumina Solutions Center in Bengaluru, India. llumina's expansion comes after 16 years of working closely with the company's channel partner in India, Premas Life Sciences. Now with its own permanent facility, Illumina will continue to collaborate with Premas to grow the genomics market in India, recognized by the United Nations as the most populous country in the world with more than 1.4 billion people. Expanding access to genomics in this important market will help unlock opportunities for advancing health care and combating the effects of climate change in South Asia. "Expanding Illumina's presence in India allows the company to collaborate and be part of a vibrant biotech ecosystem with skilled labor, strong research and development resources, and supportive government policies," said Gretchen Weightman, senior vice president, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. "In our 25th anniversary year, it's a very exciting time to be growing our physical presence in India to drive access and the further adoption of genomics to transform human health, particularly in oncology and infectious disease." Tuberculosis is one infectious disease of concern and a prevalent problem in India. Globally, nearly 500,000 new cases of TB are detected each year, and India accounts for nearly 30% of those cases. Illumina has supported TB surveillance over the last seven years in India through the FIND Seq&Treat project, which aims to increase uptake of nextgeneration sequencing (NGS) for affordable, scalable, and rapid TB drug-susceptibility testing. I Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 32 Illumina has also supported initiatives to increase access to sequencing capability in India; this includes philanthropic funding with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation to support COVID-19 surveillance. Illumina employs over 30 people in India, in sales, operations, marketing, government relations, and human resources, and more hiring is expected as Illumina moves to scale operations there. The business is led by Abhishek Gupta, country manager. Gupta is responsible for achieving Illumina's commercial business objectives in India, spearheading the country's go-to-market strategy, managing relationships with primary stakeholders and key opinion leaders, and growing customer relationships. "Abhishek brings vast knowledge and experience to Illumina India, and we look forward to supporting him and the team as they collaborate with and support our customers," said Weightman. She also emphasized the opportunity the new Solutions Center presents to pursue equitable access and more diverse data: "Democratizing genomics and making it available to the many and not just the few will take a collaborative approach. We must better reflect diversity in genomic data and drive awareness for, access to, and adoption of genomic technologies, through partnership." The new Illumina Solutions Center features a fully equipped laboratory housing the latest NGS and array technologies, and it is fully resourced with field applications and service engineers to offer Illumina's partners and customers broad genomics capabilities. The center will support Illumina's growing number of channel partners in the region by providing training and education to increase local technical expertise and access to genomics. About Illumina Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. In 2023 we celebrate 25 years of innovation, which has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. Drug Screening Assays Now Available on Diazyme’s Benchtop Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Story Source/Credit: Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corp. arolina Liquid Chemistries Corp. now offers urine drug screens on the Diazyme DZ-Lite c270 benchtop clinical chemistry analyzer. The menu additions expand the instrument’s extensive test menu to over sixty total tests and now includes: 6-Acetylmorphine, Amphetamine, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Benzoylecgonine (a Cocaine metabolite), Buprenorphine, Cannabinoids, EDDP Specific (a Methadone metabolite), SEFRIA Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Opiates, Oxycodone, PCP, and Tramadol, all supported by CLC. C Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 33 Carolina Liquid Chemistries is known for general chemistry reagents for routine and commonly performed tests, such as glucose, kidney function tests, liver function tests, and more, the company says. Carolina Liquid Chemistries’ sales and technical support team to manage the drug screening products on the DZ-Lite c270. Further reading: Diazyme Gets CE-IVD for SemiQuantitative SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Test “There is strong demand for a small benchtop with a comprehensive menu. Space is tight, and the more you can do on a small footprint the better. Having drug screening reagents along with general chemistry tests to perform comprehensive metabolic tests as well as special chemistry tests is a game changer for clinical laboratories that might not have space or large equipment budgets,” says Phil Shugart, CEO of Carolina Liquid Chemistries. “Historically, the menu the DZ-Lite c270 offers would have to be performed on much larger floor model chemistry analyzers with high costs and a lot of maintenance. Now, a small clinical lab can run both special and general chemistries along with drug screening tests on the DZ-Lite c270. For larger clinical labs, it makes a lot of sense to use the DZLite c270 as both a dedicated special chemistry analyzer and as a backup or extra capacity for their general chemistries or a dedicated drug screening platform.” The DZ-Lite c270 distributed by Carolina Liquid Chemistries is a fully-automated, open system, benchtop analyzer with throughput up to 270 tests per hour, 36 reagent positions, and 30 sample positions. With its compact footprint and fast performance, this analyzer can be used in all types of clinical laboratory settings such as reference laboratories, hospitals, physician offices with clinical labs, pain practices, addiction centers and more. Photo: Diazyme Scientists reverse drug resistance in prostate cancer by targeting 'hijacked' white blood cells Story Source/Credit: The Institute of Cancer Research, London New treatment re-sensitises advanced prostate cancers to treatment by stopping tumours hijacking myeloid white blood cells to help fuel their growth rostate cancer’s resistance to treatment can be reversed in some patients by stopping hijacked white blood cells from being ‘pulled into’ tumours, according to new research published in Nature. In an early clinical trial, researchers showed that blocking the messages cancer uses to hijack white blood cells can re-sensitise a subset of advanced prostate cancers to treatment – shrinking tumours or halting their growth. The research provides the first proof in a human trial that targeting 'feeder' myeloid white blood cells – which are co-opted by tumours to help fuel cancer growth, progression, and resistance to treatment – can reverse drug resistance and slow tumour progression. P Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 34 The research, led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and The Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) in Switzerland, represents a major scientific advance following a decade of work into understanding how myeloid cells fuel treatment resistance. The study was funded by Prostate Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK, the Swiss Card Onco grant organisation, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, AstraZeneca, Wellcome and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), with support from the Experimental Cancer Medicines Centres (ECMC) Network. Researchers tested a combination of AZD5069, an experimental drug which prevents myeloid cell recruitment to tumours, and enzalutamide, a hormone therapy commonly used to treat prostate cancer, in 48 patients with advanced disease. Five of 21 (24 per cent) patients had evidence of their tumours responding to therapy. This meant their tumours shrunk by over 30 per cent, they saw dramatic decreases in circulating levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker secreted by the prostate which is often elevated by cancer, or their blood levels of circulating tumour cells dropped, in response to the combination. Blood levels of myeloid cells also dropped in patients who received treatment, and biopsies following treatment also revealed fewer myeloid cells within their tumours. The research builds on over a decade of work by teams at the ICR, The Royal Marsden and IOR working to understand how myeloid cells fuel prostate cancers. This began with a surprising observation that patients with aggressive and resistant prostate cancer had much higher levels of myeloid RNA in their blood. Research by this international team has since shown that myeloid cells within tumours enter a sleep state called 'senescence', and become "hormone factories," manufacturing signals which support tumour growth, division and survival. They then send further signals to the bone marrow to recruit more 'conspirator' myeloid cells to enter the tumour and the cycle continues. The new study is the first to prove that blocking this pathway has anti-tumour activity in humans with prostate cancer. It is an example of a treatment that works by disrupting the cancer ecosystem - a pioneering approach to cancer treatment which is a key focus of the ICR's latest strategy, Defeating Cancer. The treatment AZD5069 prevents myeloid cells being recruited to tumours by blocking a receptor on myeloid cells called CXCR2, which acts as a mailbox for recruitment messages sent by myeloid cells already residing in tumours. These messages encourage myeloid cells to travel towards places of inflammation, such as tumours, and infiltrate them. Study leader Professor Johann De Bono, Professor in Experimental Cancer Medicine at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This research proves for the first time that targeting myeloid cells rather than the cancer cells themselves can shrink tumours and benefit patients. This is tremendously exciting, and it suggests we have an entirely new way to treat prostate cancer on the horizon. "We've been studying these myeloid cells at the ICR for many years. More than a decade ago we first noticed that they were elevated in patients with much more aggressive tumours, and showed these tumours were more treatment resistant. Professor Andrea Alimonti at the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) then demonstrated in laboratory studies that these cells could promote prostate cancer growth, with their inhibition blocking tumour progression. “It's hugely rewarding to see our theory proven in a trial of patients with this disease. Myeloid cells may be implicated in treatment resistance in a range of cancers, so the impact of this research could be very broad, across multiple cancer types." "It's a major achievement to plan and run a clinical trial on predominantly charity funding. We're incredibly grateful to the charities like Prostate Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Swiss Card Onco grant organisation, who made this research possible." Professor Kristian Helin Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London said: "It’s fantastic to see such an innovative approach to treatment showing benefits in a clinical trial. It helps to act as a proof of principle for disrupting cancer’s supportive ecosystem, as a smart new way of targeting tumours. "I look forward to seeing how this work progresses and hope it will pave the way to a new treatment that is beneficial to people with prostate cancer, and potentially also many other cancer types." Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 35 Dr Matthew Hobbs, Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK, which part-funded the research commented: “A man living with advanced prostate cancer needs treatments that will control his disease to give him years more life, feeling as well as possible. Sadly, for many men, their cancer resists treatments, ending too many lives far too soon. “Six years ago, Prostate Cancer UK brought together some of the world’s top experts in the field to work out how prostate cancer is using the immune system to evade treatments, and how we can disrupt this. Since then, we’ve moved from initial ideas to laboratory research, and now to a clinical trial that shows us a completely new, safe, effective way treat advanced prostate cancer without resistance. “I’m extremely excited by these results, and proud that we’re funding such revolutionary research. Now we want to see pharmaceutical companies working with researchers to develop new drugs based on what we’ve learnt, and to test them in larger trials — turning research into reality for men.” Revvity Expands Access to Base Editing Technology with Aim to Accelerate Discovery to Cure Story Source/Credit: Revvity, Inc Launch of Pin-pointTM base editing reagents improves access to newgeneration editing technology evvity, Inc., unveils its groundbreaking Pinpoint™ base editing platform reagents, providing researchers with unparalleled access to implement the advanced gene editing technique in their preclinical laboratories. Base editing represents a pivotal advancement in CRISPR gene editing, providing the capability for complex and safe multi-gene editing, which can result in enhanced functional genomics insights for optimizing drug development, as well as streamlining cell line and cell therapy development and manufacturing. The Pin-point platform is one of the few established base editing technologies currently being employed in clinical settings, positioning it as both a discovery and therapeutic tool. Michelle Fraser, head of cell and gene therapy at Revvity, underscores the importance of providing broad access to this technology: "Base editing has been extensively demonstrated in numerous studies to safely and precisely control the correction of single base changes at multiple target sites, simultaneously. This streamlined approach simplifies complex multi-gene editing, holding great promise for the development of new cell therapies targeting rare inherited genetic diseases, cancer, and in the creation of universal donor cells as the foundation of allogeneic cell therapies." The initial reagents launch includes mRNAs for nCas9 and rat APOBEC, as well as three guide RNAs designed to knockout the TRAC, CD58 and PDCD1 loci. These reagents have undergone extensive validation and have demonstrated their performance in T-cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Furthermore, Revvity offers the flexibility of ordering custom guides for other targets through its Dharmacon™ custom gRNA ordering tool for the Pin-point base editing platform, supporting diverse research applications. Increasing Access to Accelerate Discovery to Cure The introduction of Pin-point base editing reagents signifies a momentous stride toward democratizing access to base editing. Until now, base editing reagents were either custom-ordered by end-users or obtained by non-profit laboratories as individual components. However, with the newly launched reagents, scientists now have the ability to fully evaluate the Pin-point base editing platform inhouse. R Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 36 Alan Fletcher, senior vice president of life sciences at Revvity, emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between discovery, diagnosis and cure: "In an era where the lines between precision and personalized medicine are increasingly blurred, translating genomic insights into clinically relevant actions is pivotal for us to expedite tomorrow's groundbreaking therapies and drive innovation from target identification to cure. Revvity is uniquely poised to drive these translational breakthroughs by offering accessible technologies like the Pin-point platform that seamlessly span the journey from discovery to therapy." Furthering that aim, Revvity announced earlier this year it entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with AstraZeneca, granting access to its Pin-point base editing technology to help advance the biopharma company’s work in cell therapy for the treatment of cancer and immune-mediated diseases. About Revvity At Revvity, “impossible” is inspiration, and “can’t be done” is a call to action. Revvity provides health science solutions, technologies, expertise and services that deliver complete workflows from discovery to development, and diagnosis to cure. Revvity is revolutionizing what’s possible in healthcare, with specialized focus areas in translational multi-omics technologies, biomarker identification, imaging, prediction, screening, detection and diagnosis, informatics and more. With 2022 revenue of more than $3 billion and over 11,000 employees, Revvity serves customers across pharmaceutical and biotech, diagnostic labs, academia and governments. It is part of the S&P 500 index and has customers in more than 190 countries. Promega Developments in the Biotech Space Significantly Accelerate the Discovery Process Story Source/Credit: Promega UK Ltd Promega, a leading manufacturer of products for the life sciences industry, has developed CRISPR-generated Knock-In Reporter Cell Lines containing a proprietary, small bioluminescent tag, which can reduce drug development lead times by up to 12 months. he breakthrough will not only accelerate products to market, but also may significantly improve the success rate of biotech businesses. A contributing factor to the relatively high (approximately one third) failure rate of biotech startups is that, at a high burn rate of their funds, they run out of money before they achieve sufficient progress to attract second round funding. T Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 37 Industry figures from a key financial services provider to the Biotech industry bear this out. In the US market, during the 18-month period, between 1st July 2020 and 31st December 2021, 356 biotech companies raised Series A funding. However, only 102 of the Biotech companies announced a Series B in 2022. Over two-thirds of startups last year struggled to progress past infancy at a potential cost of £2.3 billion to investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Philip Hargreaves Ph.D, Director of Strategic Marketing & Business Development at Promega UK, comments: “The field of drug discovery is hugely competitive, with substantial rewards for those businesses than can show progress, transitioning from an early-stage platform to a commercialised product. However, they’re typically spending between £100k and £500k a month. For them, time is of the essence. Biotechs need to be able to demonstrate that their idea is viable before they run out of financial runway.” CRISPR-generated Knock-In Reporter Cell Lines can take up to 12 months to develop, a period which could burn up to £6 million worth of cash. Using Promega’s optimised, ready-to-use products, startups can begin work with them immediately upon receipt. Consequently, the time taken to commercialise the biotech’s lead compounds or biologic entities is significantly shortened. Hargreaves continues: “It is extremely costly and, perhaps more importantly, time-consuming for any pharma or biotech company to develop the required range of consistent, highly quality controlled, flexible knock-in cell lines with the desired reporter tag for their development needs. We’re massively reducing these constraints by offering a proven, ready-to-go product. It’s a real breakthrough. In addition to accelerating the development process, Promega’s CRISPR-generated Knock-In Reporter Cell Lines free up R&D resource so that biotechs can look at a broader range of target molecules and projects, reducing and spreading their risk. Hargreaves concludes, “We’re giving biotechs the gift of time. By the time their Series A funding runs out, a company using our technology should be in a much better position. They’re more likely to have hit key milestones, which fosters that all-important trust amongst investors, and the biotech is much more likely to have something tangible in the pipeline for investors to get excited about.” Bio-Rad Launches PTC Tempo 48/48 and PTC Tempo 384 Thermal Cyclers Story Source/Credit: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Superior thermal performance and enhanced usability for PCR applications, such as sequencing, cloning, and genotyping. io-Rad Laboratories, Inc., a global leader in life science research and clinical diagnostic products, announce the launch of its PTC Tempo 48/48 and PTC Tempo 384 Thermal Cyclers, designed to support PCR applications in basic and translational research, process development, and quality control. The PTC Tempo 48/48 and PTC Tempo 384 Thermal Cyclers are the latest additions to the BioRad portfolio of conventional PCR thermal cyclers. The PTC Tempo Thermal Cyclers are built with a refreshed, intuitive user interface and flexible connectivity features for streamlining protocol management, including monitoring capabilities on the BR.io cloud platform. B Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 38 Engineered to maintain superior thermal performance, the PTC Tempo Thermal Cyclers offer scientists the flexibility to scale within the laboratory. The PTC Tempo 48/48 Thermal Cycler features separate dual blocks with manual lids, allowing two independent protocols to run simultaneously. Optimized for laboratories working with higher sample throughput, the PTC Tempo 384 Thermal Cycler features a motorized lid for automation compatibility and integration with robotics. “We are excited to bring the PTC Tempo 48/48 and PTC Tempo 384 Thermal Cyclers to the market, expanding the PTC Tempo family and completing the refresh of the 1000-Series Thermal Cyclers for research use,” said Steven Blakely, Senior Director of Marketing for Bio-Rad’s gene expression business. “These PCR instruments offer enhanced usability with features designed to support academic, commercial, and biopharma labs.” Please visit bio-rad.com/ptc-tempo for more information about the PTC Tempo Thermal Cycler. About Bio-Rad Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb) is a leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. Based in Hercules, California, Bio-Rad operates a global network of research, development, manufacturing, and sales operations with over 8,200 employees and $2.8 billion in revenues in 2022. Our customers include universities, research institutions, hospitals, food safety and environmental quality laboratories, and biopharmaceutical companies. Together, we develop innovative, high-quality products that advance science and save lives. Leica Microsystems and The University of Oxford Establish a New Colllaborative Centre of Excellence for CuttingEdge Microscopy Story Source/Credit: Leica Microsystems GmbH From right to left: Prof Francis Barr (Head of Department, Biochemistry), Dr. Lothar S. (Micron BioImaging Scientific Lead), Deirdre Kavanaugh (Micron Facility manager), Darin Stell (Leica VP Commercial Ops), Niloufer Irani (Micron Assistant Facility Manager) Leica Microsystems has announced an exciting new collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry at The University of Oxford UK, in the fields of optical and super resolution microscopy, artificial intelligence, correlative microscopy and EM specimen preparation. he Centre of Excellence will be hosted by the world-class Micron Bioimaging Facility within the Department of Biochemistry at The University of Oxford and will feature cuttingedge imaging solutions from Leica microsystems, such as the STELLARIS 5 Confocal Microscope Platform and Mica Microhub. T Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 39 In pursuit of a joint mission to advance scientific research and promote state-of-the-art microscopy techniques, this new partnership brings together the expertise of Leica Microsystems, known for its precision microscopy and imaging instruments, with the academic excellence of one of the world's leading universities. Integral to the Centre's mission is the advancement of learning by establishing a collaborative culture of training and nurturing a network of future talent. It will provide a place for experts from across the scientific community to come together and share knowledge through workshops and seminars. Furthermore, immersive training sessions will help scientists harness the latest microscopy and imaging technologies, such as super resolution live cell imaging with the STELLARIS STED Microscope or correlations between cryo EM and microscopy using Cryo CLEM. "We are excited to partner with the University of Oxford's Department of Biochemistry to establish this Centre of Excellence” says Darin Stell, Senior VP Global Commercial Operations at Leica Microsystems. “By combining our technological expertise with the academic strength of Oxford, we aim to accelerate scientific discoveries and inspire the next generation of scientists”. Throughout its nearly 175-year history, Leica Microsystems has prided itself on partnerships with some of the world’s leading research institutions. Darin says, “This new collaboration with the prestigious University of Oxford is part of our strong commitment to the UK scientific community, helping scientists to stay at the forefront of cuttingedge global research”. To celebrate the start of the collaboration, an inauguration day was held at Micron Oxford on September 22, 2023, attended by representatives from The University of Oxford and Leica Microsystems. The event featured scientific talks from renowned researchers as well as microscopy showcases that provided the chance to get handson with the latest innovations. About Leica Microsystems Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Ever since the company started as a family business in the nineteenth century, its instruments have been widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology. It is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopes. Charles River & PathoQuest Publish Headto-Head In Vitro Alternative to Animal Testing Study Story Source/Credit: Charles River NGS assay demonstrated a broader detection range than standard in vivo tests with comparable or higher analytical sensitivity harles River Laboratories International, Inc. and PathoQuest SAS, a leader in the development and provision of nextgeneration sequencing (NGS) testing services for biopharmaceuticals, have announced the publication of the results of a seminal study in Vaccine. This unique study demonstrated that PathoQuest’s proprietary, good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade NGS-based assay had a greater capability of detecting viral contaminants when compared to in vivo assays. C Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 40 While the classical approach to testing for viral contaminants in biologics includes animal- and eggbased methods, the long turnaround time, limits in the ability of current methods to detect viruses, and increased demand for in vitro testing are major concerns for the pharmaceutical industry. The results presented in this publication document that PathoQuest’s proprietary NGS approach is an effective and more robust replacement to in vivo adventitious virus testing of cell substrates used in the production of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, cell and gene therapies. What was the Study? The objective of the study was to compare classical in vivo testing methods used to screen cell lines for adventitious viruses with a GMP-compliant viral transcriptome NGS assay. The study was conducted as a head-to-head comparison of standard in vivo testing and NGS-based testing of cell substrates. Charles River’s leading Biologics experts prepared the test materials and ran the in vivo assays, while PathoQuest’s team tested the material using their proprietary NGS-based assay. Cells were infected with a wide variety of viruses which are reflective of the diversity and various patterns of virus-cell interactions in a real world setting for biologics to determine the range of detection. The infected cells were increasingly mixed with uninfected cells to assess the analytical sensitivity and analyzed across several conventional in vivo tests and with the NGS-based transcriptomic assay. Non-infected cell lines were used as controls for the study. The PathoQuest transcriptomic assay demonstrated a higher capability to detect cell infection including infection by viruses not detectable with standard in vivo tests. What are the Implications of the Study? The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) has released a draft version of ICH Q5A(R2) which provides proposed updated guidelines on the testing and evaluation of the viral safety of biotechnology products derived from cell lines of human or animal origin. This update is a result of advances in scientific knowledge and biotechnologies since the release of the original ICH Q5A(R1) guideline in 1999. Examples of advances include the development of new types of products like genetically engineered viral vectors, and the availability of new and more robust viral safety technologies, like NGS. Another important aspect of the proposed revised guidelines is their support for the use of new testing methodologies that align with the 3Rs (the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animals used in research). The results of the present study support the use of the evaluated NGS-based transcriptomic assay as a superior alternative to current in vivo testing methods and aligns with the proposed ICH Q5A(R2) guidelines which are anticipated to be finalized and implemented by the end of 2023. The data are suitable to justify in vivo assay replacement by using the “Prior Knowledge” principles also outlined in the ICH Q5A(R2) draft. This project was funded by Charles River and PathoQuest, understanding the importance of the results for future viral safety testing strategies. Dual-cap sample collection tube for genetic testing workflows Story Source/Credit: Azenta Life Sciences Azenta Life Sciences has launched Cap2™ - a new 0.2ml PCR microcentrifuge tube featuring a novel dual-cap design with both hinged lid and screw cap to preserve the integrity of samples used in genetic testing workflows. Acting as both a collection and processing tube, sample transfer can be minimized making for greater efficiency and less wastage. esigned to ensure sample traceability in wide ranging genetic testing workflows, including pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) – each Cap2 tube has a unique 2D datamatrix code as well as a numerical human readable identifier to prevent sample tracking errors. D Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 41 All Azenta tubes, including the new Cap2, are developed with broad compatibility in mind, performing without compromise in conjunction with automated code reading, capping and sample management systems from Azenta and all other industry-recognized manufacturers. Manufactured from high quality virgin polypropylene, in a class 8 clean room environment, each batch of tubes is tested to certify them endotoxin and DNase/RNase free as well as containing no detectable leachables or extractables. Vital considerations for sample collection tubes used in genetic testing workflows. About Azenta Life Sciences Azenta is a market leader in the design and manufacture of consumables and bench top instrumentation for a wide range of life science and medical applications, including research into combatting cancer and infectious diseases, drug development, molecular diagnostics, and forensics. Our leading capabilities across genomics, cryogenic storage, automation, and informatics is dedicated to sample exploration and management. We help our customers bring impactful breakthroughs and therapies to market with greater speed and precision. NGS made effortless: introducing MIRO CANVAS from INTEGRA Biosciences Story Source/Credit: INTEGRA Biosciences AG New digital microfluidics platform fully automates NGS sample preparation NTEGRA Biosciences is excited to announce the launch of MIRO CANVAS, a compact digital microfluidics platform for fully automated next generation sequencing (NGS) sample preparation. The revolutionary system drastically simplifies NGS workflows for more walk-away time and higher lab productivity, accelerating genomics discoveries. NGS has made it possible to sequence entire genomes at a fraction of the cost and time of earlier sequencing methods. However, sample and library preparation for NGS workflows still remain a challenge, as they are notoriously complex, time consuming and error prone when performed manually. I Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 42 MIRO CANVAS was developed to meet the growing need for fully automated NGS sample preparation with verified protocols for short- and long-read sequencing applications to ensure accuracy, precision and reliability for high quality results. The microfluidics system uses gentle sample handling to maintain the integrity of high molecular weight DNA and minimizes reagent usage for longread sequencing library preparation. MIRO CANVAS can also automate exome and other hybrid capture protocols, one of the most laborious protocols in NGS sample preparation. The intuitive platform requires only 15 minutes of hands-on time per run, freeing up researchers to work on other vital tasks in the lab. It also offers fast, on-demand preparation of samples, so clinical specimens can be processed straight away upon receipt – without the need for batching – streamlining genomics workflows. “The addition of the MIRO CANVAS system to our portfolio represents a significant milestone for INTEGRA,” said Urs Hartmann, CEO of INTEGRA Biosciences. “The innovative microfluidics platform streamlines NGS workflows and will open up completely new application areas for researchers, helping to advance scientific discoveries in the field of genomics.” Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces New Plasma-FIB for Volume Electron Microscopy, Cryo-Electron Tomography Story Source/Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific Biomedical research leverages volume electron microscopy techniques he new Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma-Focused Ion Beam (Plasma-FIB) is designed for cell biologists seeking simplified workflows while undertaking volume electron microscopy for cryo or resin-embedded samples. Building on the cross-industry standard Thermo Scientific Helios Hydra DualBeam platform, the Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB is a versatile, multiapplication instrument that supports volume electron microscopy and sample preparation for the cryo-electron tomography workflow. From tissues to proteins, this instrument is designed to be a bridge from cryo-EM to room temperature analysis or vice versa, and to help cell biologists spend more time focused on advancing their complex research projects. Key Applications Perform volume electron microscopy with frozen and room-temperature samples to study cellular architecture. Prepare samples to study the molecular architecture of cells and tissue. Features/Benefits Volume electron microscopy: the Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB supports various microscopy techniques, such as FIB-SEM serial sectioning (at room temperature and cryogenic conditions), array tomography, and cryo-electron tomography, allowing biomedical researchers to study the 3D complexities of cells, tissue and small organisms at nanometer resolution. Multiple ion species: users can quickly switch between four ion species (Xe, Ar, O, and N) to optimize for the specific requirements of each sample. Cryogenic operation: researchers can investigate cellular architecture, in native conditions, and with excellent contrast. They can uncover sub-cellular details on high-pressure-frozen and plunge-frozen samples with no staining required. Room temperature operation: cell biologists can uncover large sample areas and visualize regions of interest with the Spin Mill Bio Method. This unique large area planar-milling technique generates areas of similar size as microtome slicing, but at slice thicknesses as small as 5 nm. Prepare clean, smooth surfaces used to localize regions of interest and subsequently image them in 2D or 3D. T Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 43 Yourgene Health Launches MagBench Automated DNA Extraction Instrument and Kit for NIPT Workflows Story Source/Credit: Yourgene Health Offers clinical labs in APAC and Middle East cost-efficient, bench-top robotic cellfree DNA extraction workstation and reagents for Yourgene’s Sage 32 NIPT Workflow ourgene Health plc (“Yourgene”, AIM: YGEN), a leading international molecular diagnostics group, has launched the Yourgene® MagBench™ Automated DNA Extraction Instrument and Kit. MagBench solution is available to Sage™ customers across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. MagBench offers a simple, fast, and cost-efficient, bench-top robotic cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extraction workstation optimised for Yourgene’s Sage 32 NIPT Workflow. This provides clinical laboratories with a streamlined endto-end solution, from sample to report, enabling them to provide a more accurate and competitive noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) service. The MagBench Automated DNA Extraction Instrument is easy to use, quick to install and provides users with an intuitive touchscreen user interface with built-in protocols, offering fast run times and flexible sample throughput to meet the laboratory’s testing needs. The MagBench Extraction Kit comprises sample and elution tubes, pre-sealed cartridges with all the reagents needed for efficient cfDNA purification, and individually packaged tip sets with a unique cross-notch design for precise volume pipetting. Increased automation during DNA extraction, limits hands-on procedures, minimising the chance of human error and with single-use tip disposal and a built-in UV lamp for decontamination between runs, it minimises the risk of cross contamination. It also helps improve the accuracy and consistency of pipetting, resulting in a lower failure rate. Sage Prenatal Screen offers a Safe, Accurate, Genetic Evaluation of placental DNA in maternal blood using next-generation sequencing in three days. The NIPT workflow includes extracting DNA from the maternal plasma using MagBench, followed by library preparation and enrichment, sequencing, and Sage Link analysis to estimate the risk of a fetus having trisomy 21, 18 or 13, rare autosomal aneuploidies, sex chromosome aneuploidies and the most clinically relevant microdeletions. Y Product Launches

Microbioz India, October 2023 | 44 Dr Rob Henke, Vice President of Sales, Asia-Pacific at Yourgene Health, said: “Yourgene is committed to delivering best-in-class NIPT solutions, where precision and quality assurance are key. MagBench enables an economical and automated NIPT workflow. Reducing manual procedures improves user experience, facilitating true walkaway time while minimising the risk of contamination and improving testing accuracy. This decreases the number of screening failures, greatly improves efficiency, and helps lower expectant parents’ anxiety.” About Yourgene Health Yourgene Health is an international integrated technologies and services business, enabling the delivery of genomic medicine. The Group works in partnership with global leaders in DNA technology to advance diagnostic science. Yourgene primarily develops, manufactures, and commercialises simple and accurate molecular diagnostic and screening solutions, for reproductive health and precision medicine. The Group’s portfolio of in vitro diagnostic products includes non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) for Down’s Syndrome and other genetic disorders, Cystic Fibrosis screening tests, invasive rapid aneuploidy tests and DPYD genotyping assays. Building on our expertise in genomic technology, Yourgene’s Ranger® Technology offers next generation size selection with a range of sample preparation platforms for dynamic target enrichment. Ranger® Technology can be utilised to improve workflows and performance in multiple applications including NIPT, oncology, infectious disease testing and gene synthesis. Yourgene Genomic Services offers a clinical service from the UK focusing on precision medicine and reproductive health, including NIPT. Yourgene Health is headquartered in Manchester, UK with offices in Singapore, the US and Canada, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market under the ticker “YGEN”. Product Launches

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Microbioz India, October 2023 | 48 PUBLISHED ON: 25th October 2023 RNI NUMBER: UPENG/2017/73675