BioSpectrum India April 2022

34

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4 BIO CONTENT BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

COVER STORY 20

Cancer Sheds
Undruggability Tag

For cancer to be successful, several biological pathways have to be
malfunctioning. Cancer in its entirety should not be a biological certainty
and yet it has evolved into the most prevalent and threatening disease
globally. Every year the cancer disease burden exponentially
increases, with India recording an appalling increment
in the past couple years. 8.51 lakh people in India fall
prey to cancer every year (International Agency for
Research on Cancer, 2020, Globocan). According to
the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in 10 Indians
will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15
will die of cancer. Adding to this challenge is the
growing presence of undruggable cancer. But
does this have to be the norm? Let’s find out.

Biofilms 34

24 COVER
DESIGN BY:
Natural Vs Synthetic Anti-biofilm Drugs DOMINIX STRATEGIC
DESIGN PVT. LTD.

Speaking With

26

“Genomics has enormous
potential to support the Indian
economy in the 21st century”
Dushyant Singh Bagel,

Managing Director,
Chief Executive Officer,
Nucleome Informatics

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com Top Video BIO CONTENT 5

Speaking With Samir Vyas,
28 Country General
Manager, Agilent
“We continue to grow and India shares his
extend our reach through perspective on how
strategic partnerships in India’’ future laboratories
Vineet Gupta, will look like.

General Manager, Scan the QR Code »
Eli Lilly and Company (India)
Srinivas
29 Mahankali,
Chief Business
“Aim to increase our service Officer, Blockedge
offering this year by establishing Technologies talks
new media services” about expediting
Stefan Northoff, the adoption
of blockchain
Head of Product Development for by the pharma
Cell Culture Media, Cell Lines & & healthcare
Testing Solutions, Sartorius industry.

BioSpectrum Medical Devices and Diagnostics Ranking Scan the QR Code »

33 Anjula Masurkar,
Clinical Director,
Booming Indian Medical Devices ENTOD
and Diagnostics Market hits Pharmaceuticals
Rs 89k Cr for 2020-21 reflects upon how
women leaders
34 can strengthen the
pharma sector in
Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd retains the long run.
No 1 position in Medical Devices and
Diagnostics Industry Survey 2021 Scan the QR Code »

Regulars

BioEdit ......................................................................... 06
BioMail ........................................................................ 08
Policy and Regulatory News.................................... 10
Finance News............................................................. 14
Company News.......................................................... 15
Start-up News............................................................. 17
WHO News.................................................................. 19
People News............................................................... 44
R&D News.................................................................... 46
Academics News....................................................... 47
Supplier News............................................................. 48
Let’s Talk Health......................................................... 50

6 BIO EDIT BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

RInunsosvoa-UtikvreaiPniepsDoGmenineoriEcffect

The ongoing conflict between Russia and imposed on Russia by the western countries. So
Ukraine is worrying for the pharma sector, far, India has maintained a neutral stand and
particularly those of India. Some major hence not participated in the sanctions. Russia
domestic drug manufacturers like Sun Pharma, has welcomed the independent foreign policy of
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Reddy’s India. As a result, companies exporting drugs to
Laboratories have a strong presence in both the Russia will not face problems. In fact, the Russian
warring countries, as well as in Commonwealth of envoy to India has hoped that Indian pharma
Independent States (CIS). companies may replace western manufacturers
in Russia which are shutting their operations
Drugs constitute a major part of India’s exports due to sanctions. With sanctions imposed on it,
to both the countries. India is the third largest Russia is looking to increase trade volumes with
exporter of pharmaceutical products to Ukraine, non-European countries and Indian pharma
which is growing. The leading exporters to could have a definite advantage. But the industry
Ukraine are Germany and France. In FY21, India has two apprehensions. One, losing export
exported $182 million worth drugs to Ukraine, competitiveness due to price rise and secondly,
44 per cent more than the previous year. To obstacles in receiving payments from Russia due
Russia, the export in 2020-21 was $591 million, to sanctions.
registering growth of almost 7 per cent over the
earlier year. Even if the export to Russia is increased,
receiving payments for exports could be
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, which has had a problematic due to the sanctions. Five Russian
presence in the region for the last three decades, banks have been banned by the US and Europe
showed receipt of Rs 4.7 billion revenue from from the Society for Worldwide Interbank
Russia in nine months from April to December Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT)
2021. Other Indian pharma majors like Ranbaxy messaging that makes payments in global trade
and Sun Pharma, too, have presence in Russia possible. As a result, some alternative payment
over little less than 30 years. Understandably, the mechanism will have to be evolved and till then
Russo-Ukraine deadlock is bound to rock the core the companies exporting to Russia may face
of Indian pharma companies present in the region. problems. About $400 million are yet to be
received for the products already exported.
The effect could be varied. The first effect could
be a price rise due to supply disruption leading The possible negative effects of the war are
to a hike in price of raw materials and likely coming at the time when there are reports of
higher cost of transportation due to mounting the Indian pharma market contracting after 17
fuel prices. This may affect all pharma producers months. The industry revenue declined 0.2 per
and not just the companies located in the conflict cent over a year earlier in February. Volume
zone. Solvents that are used for producing declined 7.3 per cent year on year but was partially
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and offset by 5.1 per cent and 2 per cent increase in
whose feedstock is crude oil or gas are already process and new products respectively, as per
becoming costlier. Just to take the case of gas, Ratings and Research.
the price increased from Rs 35 in July 21 to Rs 65
in January 22 and further increased to Rs 150 in In such a situation, the industry may have to
March 2022. Prices of other raw materials derived consider filling the gap in Russia by increasing
from Benzene and other petroleum products are exports, facing the challenges of payments to make up
also expected to rise. The volatility in API prices for the loss of business in the domestic market.
is likely to affect the financial performance of the
companies. Dr Milind Kokje
Chief Editor
The next problem is related to the sanctions
[email protected]



8 BIO MAIL BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Vol 20; Issue 1; March 2022 ecosystem- mirroring its growth, its hurdles and
celebrating its success. My regards and wishes to the
Acknowledgements entire team at BioSpectrum.
Thank you so much BioSpectrum India. The
anniversary edition has come out well. All good wishes - Satya Dash, Germany

- Dr Renu Swarup, New Delhi

I browsed through the full anniversary edition. It With the recent launch of CoviSwift, the world’s first
has come out very well with a lot of interesting and point-of-care high throughput testing for COVID-19,
informative articles. we are happy to see the coverage on Mylab Discovery
Solutions in BioSpectrum India’s anniversary edition,
- Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Hyderabad talking about the need for integrating the booming
My hearty compliments for bringing out a content-rich point-of-care diagnostics market within the healthcare
and contemporary topics-oriented issue. Wish you system for maximum coverage.
every success in all your endeavours!
- Hasmukh Rawal, Pune
- KV Subramaniam, Mumbai It was indeed a wonderful experience interacting with
A celebration of 20 years of Indian biotechnology’s you. I am extremely thrilled to have been featured.
scribe- BioSpectrum magazine. Satya Prakash Dash BioSpectrum doing a great job making voices heard
and I describe the journey and what we can look and I hope that this inspires all women out there to be
forward to. Thank you everything they’ve dreamed of.

- Vijay Chandru, Bengaluru - Khushboo Sandhu, Bengaluru
Thank you so much for the excellent and elegant Corrigendum
coverage on Women Achievers and Hi-Media. Dear Readers / Subscribers,
As the place of publication changed, due to
- Dr Girish Mahajan, Mumbai oversight the issue no. has been printed in March,
Congratulations to BioSpectrum for 20 years- this 2022 is No.1 instead of Issue No.3. Kindly note that,
definitely calls for celebrations! This is a wonderful from April onwards the issue nos. will be continued
moment for the biotech fraternity in India as from Issue No. 4. Inconvenience caused regretted.
BioSpectrum has been an amazing scribe for the Thanks.

- Editor

Vol 20; Issue 4; April 2022 MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications

Publisher & Managing Editor: South Region New Delhi INTERNATIONAL
Ravindra Boratkar Alok Srivastava Dr Manbeena Chawla Singapore
Editorial: National Business Head- Executive Editor MM Activ Singapore Pte. Ltd.
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10 POLICY AND REGULATORY NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

India-Canada bilateral centre
to be set up for dedicated S&T activities

The Union Minister of State working on various useful S&T called on Dr Jitendra Singh and
(Independent Charge) Science schemes for India and the reviewed the progress of bilateral
& Technology; Minister of State partner country. A delegation cooperation in several key areas.
(Independent Charge) Earth led by Canadian Minister of Dr Jitendra Singh said that renewal
Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, International Trade, Export of two MoUs between India and
Public Grievances, Pensions, Promotion, Small Business and Canada is due and is proposed to
Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Economic Development Mary Ng be signed in the upcoming Joint
Jitendra Singh has said that Committee Meeting in May, 2022.
India-Canada Bilateral Centre will The first MoU relates to National
be set up for dedicated science Science Engineering Research
and technology (S&T) activities Centre (NSERC) Canada and it is
between India and Canada. He a project based scientific exchange
said, India has already established programme along with the
a few bilateral centres with other development of human resource
countries such as US, Germany, in basic & Applied Sciences of
France etc. which are dedicatedly direct relevance to society.

DoP announces guidelines Govt approves
for ‘Strengthening of
Pharma Industry’ scheme India-US MoU on

Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals infectious diseases
and Fertilisers has released the guidelines for the scheme
“Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry”, with a total including TB, HIV
financial outlay of Rs 500 crore for the period from FY 21-22 to
FY 25-26. The scheme will address the rising demand in terms The Union Cabinet, chaired by
of support required to existing Pharma clusters and MSMEs Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
across the country to improve their productivity, quality and was apprised of a Memorandum
sustainability. The objectives of the scheme are to strengthen of Understanding (MoU) signed
the existing infrastructure facilities in order to make India a between the Indian Council of
global leader in the Pharma Sector. Under the Scheme, financial Medical Research (ICMR) and
assistance to pharma clusters will be provided for creation of the National Institute of Allergy
Common Facilities. This will not only improve the quality but and Infectious Diseases (NIAID),
also ensure the sustainable growth of clusters. Further, in order National Institute of Health of
to upgrade the production facilities of micro, small & medium Department of Health and Human
enterprises so as to meet national and international regulatory Services, USA, in September 2021.
standards (WHO-GMP or Schedule-M), interest subvention or Cooperation shall be undertaken
capital subsidy on their capital loans will be provided, which primarily in Chennai, India at the
will further facilitate the growth in volumes as well as in quality. National Institute for Research on
Tuberculosis (NIRT) of ICMR in
the scientific area, including but
not limited to, basic, translational
and applied innovative research,
epidemiology, medicine, molecular
biology, medical entomology,
parasitology, immunology, medicine,
microbiology and virology, with a
focus on techniques for prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of tropical
infectious and allergic diseases.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com POLICY AND REGULATORY NEWS 11

Establishment of WHO MoU between
Global Centre for Traditional
Medicine in India gets nod ICMR & Oxford

The Union Cabinet, chaired by established in Jamnagar under University
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of AYUSH. This
has approved the establishment would be the first and only global receives approval
of the WHO Global Centre out-posted Centre (office) for
for Traditional Medicine traditional medicine across the The Union Cabinet, chaired by
(WHO GCTM) in Jamnagar, globe. The objective is to position Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Gujarat by signing a Host AYUSH systems across the globe; was apprised of a Memorandum
Country agreement between to provide leadership on global of Understanding (MoU) signed
the Government of India and health matters pertaining to between the Indian Council
the World Health Organization traditional medicine; to ensure of Medical Research (ICMR)
(WHO). The WHO GCTM will be quality, safety and efficacy, and the Oxford University, the
accessibility and rational use of UK in November 2021. The
traditional medicine; to develop objectives under the MoU are
norms, standards, and guidelines capacity building for Indian
in relevant technical areas, tools scientists and researchers,
and methodologies, for collecting collection of data compliant
data undertaking analytics, and with international standards
assess impact. A Joint Task and regulatory requirements,
Force (JTF) is constituted for development of India towards
coordination, execution and becoming a regional hub
monitoring of activities for the for capacity development
establishment of this Centre. using its funds and following
the principles of equity and
National Health Mission to make sovereignty, jointly raise and
J&K first TB-free region in India pool funds with time-bound
hosting of Infectious Diseases
A high level team of Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Data Observatory (IDDO)
Department, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) held detailed deliberations secretariat towards achieving
with top officials of National Health Mission during the National the outcomes at ICMR, and
Programme Coordination Committee (NPCC) meeting in New building partnership in and
Delhi. The team led by Additional Chief Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj beyond data and skill-sharing
discussed the future plans of augmenting the healthcare scenario in with equity and transparency.
the Union Territory for the Financial Both the parties have agreed
Years 2022-23 and 2023-24 under to exchange and share
National Health Mission (NHM). As ideas on three vector-borne
part of the future plan, the focus of diseases in the elimination
NHM for the next two years will be phase (malaria, visceral
towards making Jammu & Kashmir leishmaniasis, filariasis) and
the first TB free region in the country, emerging infections, Support
improving quality of life of elderly and develop best practices
population of the UT by focusing on for data management,
their physical and/or mental care and data documentation, data
prevention and Control of Cancer cases sharing and the development
in J&K. NHM is key to success in the of equitable governance
efforts of strengthening the healthcare system in J&K and an attempt frameworks, explore
to provide for universal access of Equitable, Affordable and Quality opportunities for collaboration
healthcare services in the UT. on research programmes and
to develop a three-year work
plan on capacity strengthening,
exchange of research fellows,
training on data management
and statistical analysis.





14 FINANCE NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Biocon CryptoRelief grants $1M to
IIT-M for wastewater-based
Biologics epidemiology research

buys assets CryptoRelief has granted $1 million to establish a wastewater-based
epidemiology (WBE) research facility at the Indian Institute of
of Viatris’ Technology Madras (IIT-M). The facility will act as an intelligence
unit to track and prevent a virus outbreak in its early stages. The grant
biosimilars would help in advanced research and getting a foresight into the ever-
evolving virus patterns whilst also giving us a chance to better prepare
for $3.335B ourselves. In this CryptoRelief funded project, data obtained from
various wastewater sources and treatment facilities will be analysed
Biocon Biologics has entered and made available to the public through dashboards. Gradually, this
into a definitive agreement facility will be extended to other parts of India. New human resources
with its partner Viatris. developed in the area will be useful in establishing such facilities across
Accordingly, Biocon Biologics the country. International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), a non-profit
will acquire Viatris’ biosimilars centre created by IIT-M and housed at the IIT-M Research Park will be
business to create a unique fully establishing the facility. The ICCW team will work on building a hydro-
integrated global biosimilars informatics platform for the city with appropriate modelling tools to
enterprise. Viatris will receive give spatiotemporal information of the data derived from WBE studies.
consideration of up to $3.335
billion, including cash up to Trivitron Healthcare acquires
$2.335 billion and Compulsorily The Kennedy Company, USA
Convertible Preference Shares
(CCPS) in Biocon Biologics, Chennai-based Trivitron focusing on Trivitron’s core
valued at $1 billion. Biocon will segments – Medical Imaging, In
have a comprehensive portfolio Healthcare has acquired 100 Vitro Diagnostics, Intensive Care
comprising its current range and Cardiology Equipment &
of commercialised insulins, per cent shareholding in the US- Consumables. This campus will
oncology and immunology act as the manufacturing hub
biosimilars as well as several based The Kennedy Company, for the United States of America
other biosimilar assets currently operations of the Trivitron
under development. The a leading manufacturer of Group. Post integration, the new
company also has access to entity would become a part of
the vaccines portfolio through radiation protection X-ray Trivitron Healthcare Americas,
its previously announced operating as Kennedy Vinyl for
partnership with Serum shielding material and acoustic the existing X-ray shielding and
Institute Life Sciences (SILS). acoustic noise control business
The deal will enable Biocon barrier products. Trivitron and Kennedy Radiology for
to attain a robust commercial Radiation Protection Products
engine in the developed manufactured in the US.
markets of the US and Europe
and will fast-track the journey
of building a strong global
brand. It will also make the
company future-ready for the
next wave of products.

intends to fully support

all existing operations and

further expand manufacturing

capabilities and develop a

cutting-edge Technology Park

in Scottsboro, Alabama focussed

on the latest advancements. The

campus will soon house multiple

manufacturing and R&D facilities

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com COMPANY NEWS 15

Medtronic India introduces MiniMed
780G System for diabetes management

Medtronic has launched MiniMed designed to help stabilise blood and their care partners to see
780G system in India. The sugar levels and further improve real-time glucose data and trends
MiniMed 780G system is a next- glucose control. Patients who on compatible iOS and Android
generation closed-loop insulin participated in a clinical study
pump system for the treatment provided feedback that the smartphones
of type 1 diabetes in people aged MiniMed 780G system ‘made via apps.
seven to 80 years. The system life with diabetes and control Additionally,
automates the delivery of both so much easier’. The system healthcare
basal insulin and correction is part of the providers will find
boluses every five minutes to help new Medtronic that managing
people with diabetes avoid highs portfolio of patients on the
and lows with greater ease. The insulin pumps system is simple
MiniMed 780G system enables with smartphone as there are only
the personalisation of glucose connectivity a few settings
goals with an adjustable target via Bluetooth that need
setting as low as 100 mg/dL, technology. This adjustment to
lower than any other advanced advancement enable optimal
hybrid closed-loop system, and is allows users use of the
technology.

Lupin Diagnostics Illumina, Trivitron
unveils first reference
lab in East India expand use of next-

Mumbai-based pharma major Lupin has announced generation sequencing
that Lupin Diagnostics has launched its first Reference
Laboratory in East India in Kolkata. The new Reference Illumina Singapore, subsidiary of US-based
Laboratory at Kolkata has capabilities to conduct a Illumina Inc and Chennai-based Trivitron
broad spectrum of routine and specialised tests in Healthcare have entered into a strategic
the fields of molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics, flow partnership to develop and expand the use
cytometry, histopathology, cytology, microbiology, of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based
serology, in-vitro diagnostic tests (IVD) in India. Over
haematology, the next four years, Illumina and Trivitron
immunology and intend to develop and distribute a suite of
routine biochemistry. standardised, commercial IVD assays to
Lupin Diagnostics deliver an effective and non-invasive way of
is also setting up diagnosing cancers, determining infectious
laboratories in West pathogens, and identifying prenatal diseases.
Bengal, Assam, The assays will be cost-effective, easy to use,
Bihar, Jharkhand and have high throughput capabilities. In
and Orissa to numerous neurological and rare disorders,
comprehensively where clinical characteristics can be confusing,
cater to the East India NGS-based approaches have demonstrated
region. These processing labs will be located in the considerable increases in disease detection
cities of Siliguri, Berhampore, Asansol, Burdwan and rates over other approaches. Similarly, tailored
Bankura in West Bengal, along with Guwahati (Assam), NGS panels have allowed for the rapid, non-
Patna (Bihar), Ranchi and Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and invasive, and cost-effective diagnosis and
Bhubaneshwar (Orissa). These labs will be connected prognosis of a variety of malignancies, as
to Lupin’s franchise collection centres, LupiMitra. well as the detection of infectious pathogens
and the identification of a variety of prenatal
disorders.

16 COMPANY NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Mapmygenome India opens
Genomics Experience Centre in Bengaluru

Mapmygenome India has opened of Information Technology and aims to provide more personalised
its Genomics Experience Centre Biotechnology, government of experience in genetic testing and
in Bengaluru. The NABL & ICMR Karnataka inaugurated the centre. its possibilities among the tech
certified centre is located at Sector The move to launch a genomics savvy customers of Bengaluru.
7, HSR Layout. The new centre is centre in the Mecca of startups, Mapmygenome witnessed a
an expansion of Mapmygenome’s solid demand for its genetics
services provided in Hyderabad and health screening tests from
and Delhi. Now, customers can the Garden City. With the new
get access to distinctive services centre, customers get real-time
such as genetic tests, genetic experience about the process of
counselling, blood tests, health genetic testing and actionable
screening tests, antibody tests plans in preventive healthcare
and COVID-19 RT-PCR tests. Dr under the expertise of certified
C N Ashwath Narayan, Minister genetic counsellors.

Ever Pharma launches Zydus bags
apomorphine therapy
devices to treat Parkinson’s DCGI approval

In a boon to patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease (PD), for ‘anaemia
advanced third-generation D-mine apomorphine pumps
and pens (injections) manufactured by German pharma associated with
major Ever Pharma was recently launched by Celera Neuro
Sciences in Bengaluru. The state-of-the-art apomorphine- CKD’ drug Oxemia

delivery devices, widely used in Zydus Lifesciences has received
Europe, were unveiled by Dr K approval for its New Drug Application
Sudhakar, Minister of Medical (NDA) from the Drug Controller
Education & Health, Government General of India for Oxemia
of Karnataka, at a symposium (Desidustat), a first-of-its-kind oral
on Parkinson’s Disease in treatment in India for anaemia
Bengaluru, organised by King’s associated with Chronic Kidney
College London (KCL) and Disease (CKD). Oxemia is an oral,
Parkinson’s Research Alliance small molecule hypoxia-inducible
of India (PRAI). The third- factor-prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-
generation D-mine apomorphine PH) inhibitor. Desidustat met its
pumps, widely used in Europe, primary endpoints for haemoglobin
can be self-handled by patients improvement in the DREAM- D and
in five easy steps, with much DREAM-ND Phase III clinical trials
less patient training needed. and showed a good safety profile,
The pump-filling process downregulation of hepcidin, improved
is controlled electronically, iron mobilisation and LDL-C
with much higher safety and reduction in CKD patients. The clinical
convenience, compared to pumps development programme of Desidustat
was one of the largest trials of its kind
which are operated manually, in India for anaemia in CKD patients,
with cumbersome procedures. conducted in over 1200 subjects.
D-mine pumps are pre-filled and offer a continuous infusion of Desidustat provides CKD patients with
apomorphine, leading to absorption within five minutes. The an oral convenient therapeutic option
oral pill burden of patients also comes down substantially. for the treatment of anaemia.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com START UP NEWS 17

Aten Porus Lifesciences JSW Ventures
raises pre-series round invests $5M in
CureSkin
Bengaluru-based startup effective drugs can potentially
Avammune Therapeutics Inc. overcome the resistance to CureSkin, an artificial
(a spin off from Aten Porus current drugs and due to their intelligence-driven beauty
Lifesciences) secures a round chemical nature can be taken by and personal care brand from
of financing for completion the patient as oral tablets and Bengaluru, has raised $5
of IND enabling studies for can be far more affordable than million in a Series A round
their Immuno-oncology asset. biological drugs. According to led by JSW Ventures with
This funding will help advance JITO Angel Network, the need for participation from Sharrp
Avammune’s highly diversified dedicated funding in the public Ventures, SenseAI and other
pipeline of best-in-class & first- health, therapeutic, preventive existing investors. CureSkin
in-class assets for oncology & & curative medicine segment plans to deploy these funds
autoimmune disorders. The round is underscored time & again by to grow its overall customer
was led by JITO Angel Network, people, government & companies. base, expand into adjacent
& other Investors. The startup is Given that the antibodies market categories and make further
developing a novel class of drugs will grow by 20x in the upcoming investments in technology.
that harnesses the body’s first decade, it just shows that In India, the penetration of
line of defence against pathogens companies like Avammune will dermatologists is very low with
to combat cancer. These highly only scale up. high concentration in top metro
cities. According to the Indian
Niramai bags US FDA clearance for Association of Dermatologists,
medical device ‘SMILE-100 System’ Venereologists and Leprologists
(IADVL), the largest
Niramai Health Analytix, a deep-tech Bengaluru-based healthcare representing the official society
of Indian Dermatologists, there
startup offering a novel radiation-free, non-touch, accurate, breast is one registered dermatologist
for over 1,00,000 people in
cancer screening solution in India, has now received US FDA clearance India. With the lack of qualified
opinion and prescription-
for their first device called SMILE-100 System. Niramai has become the based medication, chemists
act as a proxy resulting in
first Indian company to get an US FDA clearance for a medical device used major challenges related to
damaged skin while creating
for women’s health. The SMILE-100 System is a breast thermography an environment of distrust.
CureSkin is addressing these
device that helps healthcare personnel to review, measure and analyse concerns by offering expert-
designed personalised regimens
thermally significant indications in the breast region. It can be used through its technology
platform. CureSkin has served
in the hospital, acute care settings, outpatient surgery, healthcare users in the remotest regions
across all states in India. The
practitioner facilities or CureSkin app enables users to
take photos and instantly get
an environment where AI analysis for acne, dark spots,
pigmentation, wrinkles, and
patient care is provided others for free.

by qualified healthcare

personnel. It is intended

for use as adjunctive

diagnostic imaging for

thermally significant

indications in the breast

region. The SMILE-100

System assists experts to

visualise high thermal activity patterns clearly demarcated on thermal

images as hotspots and can enable healthcare professionals to make

better decisions in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Another unique

feature of SMILE-100 is use of their patented artificial intelligence-

based algorithms to check the quality of input thermal images, which

can greatly reduce the errors in thermal image capture and enable low

skilled health workers to confidently perform the imaging.

18 START UP NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

C-CAMP’s AI-based tech innovation
to aid in COVID-19 and TB assessment

The UK and India have come platform Swaasa for general lung determine whether further tests
together and successfully created assessment using cough sounds. might be needed and to monitor
a new innovation in the battle to It allows doctors and patients to ongoing cases while saving time
contain killer lung diseases such and money for everyone. With
as COVID-19 and TB. Enabled even the poorest households
by the Centre for Cellular and having access to a mobile phone,
Molecular Platforms, (C-CAMP), the innovation is ultra-scalable
with support from the UK’s and potentially makes the biggest
Foreign, Commonwealth & difference to the people with the
Development Office (FCDO), this least time and money, and poor
C-CAMP portfolio technology access to healthcare services.
allows a patient to cough into a The technology was showcased
mobile phone and through the at the Government Chest & TB
power of AI receive an accurate Hospital, Andhra Medical College,
medical assessment of their Vishakhapatnam to the British
ailment. C-CAMP portfolio startup Deputy High Commissioner to
Salcit Technologies had first Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,
developed an AI-driven, patented Dr Andrew Fleming.

IIT-D startup MFine unveils
launches world’s smallest
wearable air purifier heart rate monitoring

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) tool on app
startup Nanoclean Global has launched the
world’s smallest wearable air purifier which is at Digital health startup MFine, based in Bengaluru,
par effective to an N95 grade face mask. Naso95 has launched a Heart Rate Monitoring (HR)
is an N95 grade nasal filter. It sticks to the user’s Tool on its app which enables users to keep
track of their heart rate without needing an
nasal orifice additional device or any other app. The company
and prevents is working on various next-gen AI technologies
bacteria, viral which convert the
infection and mobile phone into
pollen and a rich diagnostics
air pollution. and vitals
It is at par monitoring
effective with tool. MFine is
an N95 grade planning to
face mask. launch glucose
A person monitoring and
using Naso95 blood pressure
is more measurement
protected via its app by the
than a generic facemask or a loosely fitted face end of 2022. The
mask. The product has been tested and certified by tool is in public beta for
national and international labs for its safety and Android users and will soon be launched for
efficiency. The product comes in different sizes and iOS users. MFine is preparing for certifications
can also be used by kids as they are more prone to of its algorithms, with data of hundreds of
airborne infections and air pollution, and that too measurements to give medical-grade accuracy
without discomfort. and reliability to the algorithm.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com WHO NEWS 19

WHO updates treatment WHO
guidelines to include molnupiravir
launches
WHO has updated its living only to non-severe COVID-19
guidelines on COVID-19 patients with the highest risk of new
therapeutics to include a conditional hospitalisation. These are typically
recommendation on molnupiravir, people who have not received a framework
a new antiviral medicine. This COVID-19 vaccination, older people,
is the first oral antiviral drug people with immunodeficiencies to support
to be included in the treatment and people living with chronic
guidelines for COVID-19. As this diseases. Children, and pregnant long-term
is a new medicine, there is little and breastfeeding women should
safety data. WHO recommends not be given the drug. People who care
active monitoring for drug safety, take molnupiravir should have
along with other strategies to a contraceptive plan, & health Approximately two-thirds
mitigate potential harms. Because systems should ensure access to of people who achieve
of these concerns and data gaps, pregnancy testing & contraceptives older age are likely to
molnupiravir should be provided at the point of care. need care and support
from others at some point,
WHO announces new to perform activities
repository on urban health of daily living, such as
eating, moving around
Over 55 per cent of the world’s population live in urban areas, a proportion or bathing. Such needs
that is expected to increase to 68 per cent by 2050. This trend calls for may arise suddenly, as a
strengthened support to address health at the urban level. To this end, consequence of an acute
WHO’s new repository on urban health gives access to a broad range of problem or event, or may
WHO-generated resources to enhance local action for health. The repository develop gradually over
reflects WHO’s renewed commitment time. Irrespective of why a
to promoting urban health worldwide person might need long-
and includes resources that provide term care, many health and
technical support and build capacity, social care systems around
strategic reports and guidelines, the world are currently
health impact assessment tools, and unable to deliver long-term
other products relevant to urban care services and support
health and cities. The repository is a to older people who need
living resource, open to modifications it. To support countries
and additions, and it will be regularly to develop or strengthen
updated when new products become their long-term care
available. It covers topics such as urban planning, housing, environmental systems and services, the
issues, transport and mobility, nutrition, physical activity, COVID-19 and World Health Organisation
many others. The search engine allows users to access existing WHO (WHO) has released a new
materials by health topic category, product type, geographical area and year Framework for countries
of publication/development. to achieve an integrated
continuum of long-term
care. The framework was
developed in consistency
with the existing
strategy, action plan and
frameworks on healthy
ageing, and was based on
the latest evidence and
consultations with a range
of stakeholders including
WHO’s expert advisory
group, Global Network on
Long-term Care.

20 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Cancer Sheds
Undruggability Tag

For cancer to be successful, several biological pathways have to be malfunctioning.
Cancer in its entirety should not be a biological certainty and yet it has evolved into the
most prevalent and threatening disease globally. Every year the cancer disease burden
exponentially increases, with India recording an appalling increment in the past couple
years. 8.51 lakh people in India fall prey to cancer every year (International Agency for
Research on Cancer, 2020, Globocan). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO),
one in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15 will die of cancer.
Adding to this challenge is the growing presence of undruggable cancer. But does this have
to be the norm? Let’s find out.

Undruggable cancer refers to those cancers due to wide protein-protein interaction (PPI)
with protein mutations which are difficult interfaces or a lack of deep protein pockets, many
to pharmacologically target for therapeutic recognised drivers such as RAS, MYC, and fusion
purposes. In cancer, some of the disease-modifying transcription factors typically observed in pediatric
targets are rendered “Undruggable” or “difficult to malignancies, lung cancer, etc. have been deemed
drug” because of absent features like catalytic sites, undruggable. As a result, drugging these intractable
accessible drug-binding pockets, etc. that aid in viable targets, as well as the impediments to properly
drug designing, for example, proteins like Kirsten rat understanding tumour heterogeneity and drug
sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS); Master Regulator of sensitivity and resistance mechanisms, is currently
Cell Cycle Entry and Proliferative Metabolism (MYC); one of the major difficulties in cancer research. But a
Tumour protein p53 (TP53); Epidermal growth factor lot has changed and research has made these targets
receptor (EGFR), etc. also ‘druggable’. Drugs like sotorasib are in that
league. Other than small molecules, new ways are
Nevertheless, with betterment of oncological
research and cutting-edge technology,
several drugs have been developed to
target such proteins, making them
druggable or at least capable of being
combatted. However, the impediment
lies in the path between ‘the lab’ and
‘the clinic’. Translational research to
bridge this gap, is the need of the hour.

Dr Niti Raizada, Director - Medical
Oncology and Hemato-Oncology and
Transplant Physician, Fortis Hospital,
Bengaluru said, “Due to the rapid pace of
scientific advancement, yesterday’s “undruggable”
targets are now viable new research subjects,
hence terms like “tough to drug” or “still to be
drugged” may be more applicable. Over the last
several decades, many of the drivers, particularly
kinases, have provided druggable targets that have
generated major clinical advantages. However,

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 21

continually appearing. New chemical techniques may specifically for G12C mutations in non-small
offer a way to get beyond these targets’ inability to be
manipulated.” cell lung cancer tumours. Adagrasib has similar

A detour around Undruggability pharmacological functionality. Both these drugs have

Proteins with quirky structures, even though been breakthrough innovations in the oncology world
difficult to target, have not demoralised scientists
from attempting experimentation. The enigmatic showing wondrous results in clinical trials including
and dreadful KRAS oncogenic mutations have
bamboozled researchers for decades but their tireless even complete disappearance of tumours.
efforts were fruitful. In 2021, two new targeted
experimental therapies, AMG510 (sotorasib) and “The three RAS oncogene products, KRAS,
MRTX849 (adagrasib) were granted US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Sotorasib NRAS, and HRAS, which have frequency of ~30 per
by Amgen is the first KRAS inhibitor
cent of human cancers, have been among the most

interesting, sought after, and challenging targets.

Pharmacologically targeting these intractable

proteins is a key challenge of modern drug

development, this space is buzzing with activity

nonetheless. These require innovation and the

development of new technologies. Thus, “difficult

to drug” or “yet to be drugged” are perhaps more

appropriate terms. I am not sure any such activity

is here in India as most of such developments

are by innovator companies. They

require huge investment and long

term work of extensive chemistry

efforts”, said Praveen

Sikri, CEO, Ikris Pharma

Network.

Further, multiple

biochemical or epigenetic

anomalies are associated with

undruggable cancers making them more

perplexing. Aberrant PPIs are tricky to target using

small molecules due to their large area of interaction

and high hydrophobicity, like the protein interaction

between c-Myc and MYC associated factor X or MAX.

According to Raheel Shah, Director, BDR Group

of Companies, “Cancer is now a surfeit of potential

molecular targets poised for therapeutic exploitation.

Now, a number of validated and attractive cancer

targets remain out of reach of pharmacological

regulation. Some of these have been described as

undruggable, at least by traditional techniques.

Expanding the range of disease-relevant targets to

pharmacological manipulation is central to reducing

cancer mortality. Plenty of desirable targets in

cancer are in this category, including the MYC and

RAS oncogenes, and pharmacologically targeting

these intractable proteins is now a major challenge

in cancer research that needs development and

innovation of new technologies.”

In July, 2021 a joint research effort between

Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi and

Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Banaras Hindu

University, Varanasi discovered a novel molecule

L755507 via computer-aided drug discovery,

which can bind to c-Myc-MAX heterodimer

with high affinity and low toxicity and is

able to disrupt their interaction to reduce

22 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“Due to the rapid pace of “The three RAS oncogene
scientific advancement,
yesterday’s ‘undruggable’ products, KRAS, NRAS,
targets are now viable new
research subjects, hence terms and HRAS, which have
like ‘tough to drug’ or ‘still to
be drugged’ may be more frequency of ~30 per cent

applicable.” of human cancers have
- Dr Niti Raizada,
been among the most
Director - Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology
and Transplant Physician, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru interesting, sought after,

and challenging targets.” - Praveen Sikri,

Chief Executive Officer,

Ikris Pharma Network

‘‘Plenty of desirable targets expression. This has the potential to be developed
into targeted therapy against cancers that show
in cancer are in this category, upregulation of Myc genetic products.

including the MYC and Jamia Millia Islamia Research Group headed
by Dr Mohammad Husain, Department of
RAS oncogenes, and Biotechnology, has recently published an exciting
research finding on colorectal cancer. Colorectal
pharmacologically targeting cancer is the fifth most common cancer in India
and has posed a serious concern due to its
these intractable proteins alarming occurrence, demanding early detection
and treatment. They demonstrated that owing to
is now a major challenge in possession of smaller mitochondria, colorectal cancer
cells have a metabolic advantage of fermenting more
cancer research that needs glucose to lactate, a phenomenon called Warburg
effect, which is characteristic of many undruggable
development and innovation of cancers. Their research has unfolded future prospects
in developing therapeutic routes for combating
new technologies.” - Raheel Shah, cancer.

Director, BDR Group of Companies “We hypothesised BRAFV600E driven metabolic
reprogramming and cancer progression could be
“Despite continued efforts, attributed to mitochondrial fission. Mitochondrial
therapeutic targeting of cancers fission being a potent downstream effector of
driven by KRAS/BRAF oncogenes BRAFV600E, our results could serve as a therapeutic
window of such treatment of refractory cancers.
has not been successful, thus KRAS or BRAF oncogenic mutations are considered
necessitating the need to to be the driver of oncogenic mutations in various
cancers including colorectal carcinomas and
establish potential therapeutic such oncogenic mutations pose various growth
modules downstream of these advantages to these cancers. Despite continued
efforts, therapeutic targeting of cancers driven by
oncogenic events.” KRAS/BRAF oncogenes has not been successful,
- Dr Mohammad Husain, thus necessitating the need to establish potential
therapeutic modules downstream of these oncogenic
Head, Department of Biotechnology, events,” said Dr Husain.
Jamia Millia Islamia
The marketability of druggability
“The CAR-T cells are popularly
called ‘living drugs’ as T-cells are Biologics are becoming the answer to questions
living cells, and they stay in the that drugs cannot tackle. They have varied
advantages when it comes to being used in cancer
body forever. Treatment using therapy. They help prime the body to attack cancer
imported technology may cost cells making affected cells more vulnerable to
immune responses, enhance the immune system to
crores, but now a single dose
treatment could be possible

with about Rs 15 lakh.”
- Dr Rahul Purwar,

Associate Professor, Department of Biosciences &
Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 23

recognise cancer cells better and even help the body Undruggable Targets of Cancer
repair damaged cells faster. Thus, in all, they are
quite useful in fending against cancer. 1. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS)

According to the Association of Biotechnology 2. Master Regulator of Cell Cycle Entry and
Led Enterprises (ABLE), India’s biologics market will
grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of Proliferative Metabolism (MYC)
22 per cent to hit $12 billion by 2025.
3. Tumour protein p53 (TP53)
Biocon launched India’s first indigenously
produced novel monoclonal antibody against solid 4. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
tumours of epithelial origin mainly in head and neck
cancer back in 2006 christened Nimotuzumab or Herceptin that is used for treatment of HER2 (human
BIOMAb-EGFR which targets the epidermal growth epidermal growth factor receptor) positive breast and
factor receptor (EGFR), present on cell surfaces. metastatic gastric cancer.
In cancerous cells, an overexpression of EGFR
is observed leading to uncontrolled cell growth With chimeric antigen receptor or CAR-T
and angiogenesis- two typical characteristics of therapy being explored as a new avenue for treating
cancers and Nimotuzumab is able to arrest that. undruggable cancer, a pilot clinical trial in India
Currently, Biocon Biologics along with its Boston- has been recently initiated as a joint collaboration
based associate, Bicara Therapeutics is developing between Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
a pipeline of biofunctional antibodies enabled by (IIT-B) and Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH),
recent technological advances in immuno-oncology. Mumbai against certain difficult paediatric and adult
They are in phase I of developing a tumour-targeted blood cancers. The Central Government’s National
fusion mAB that will have the ability to target Biopharma Mission- BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry
multiple tumour types and yield better therapeutic Research Advisory Council) has approved Rs 19.15
results. crore to the team for conducting the first in-human
phase 1/2 clinical trial using CAR-T cells.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exhibiting
tumours with EGFR mutations can be targeted using “The CAR-T cells are popularly called ‘living
tyrosine kinase inhibitors which are a vast range of drugs’ as T-cells are living cells, and they stay
therapeutics popularised since the breakthrough in the body forever. Developed in India, this
discovery of Imatinib Mesylate or Glivec in 2001 by technology will be affordable for larger sections
Novartis. AstraZeneca Pharma India received import of society. Treatment using imported technology
and market permission from the Drugs Controller may cost crores, but now a single dose treatment
General of India for Osimertinib 40mg/80mg film could be possible with about Rs 15 lakh”, said Dr
coated tablets (Tagrisso) in March, 2021. Osimertinib Rahul Purwar, Associate Professor, Department of
is now approved for adjuvant treatment after Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of
complete tumour resection in patients with NSCLC Technology Bombay.
whose tumours have EGFR with particular deletion
or substitution mutations in their coding areas. In spite of cancer being one of the most
researched human problems across all fields of
In June, 2021, Alembic Pharmaceuticals science in India, indigenous therapeutic molecules
announced that it has received final approval from are rare, drug development is impaired and
the US FDA for its Abbreviated New Drug Application translational research is lacking. In terms of
(ANDA) for Erlotinib Tablets, 25 mg, 100 mg, and laboratory research and paper publication, India is
150 mg which will be therapeutically equivalent to the one of the leading countries despite working with
reference listed drug product (RLD), Tarceva tablets, antiquated technology and dwindling funds. Yet, that
25 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg, of OSI Pharmaceuticals, research is rarely realized in clinical arenas.
LLC. Erlotinib tablets are indicated for the treatment
of patients with metastatic NSCLC with EGFR With the burgeoning cancer burden, resources
mutations. must be allocated to encourage drug discovery and
R&D in pharmaceutical companies. Emphasis should
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in Hyderabad has be on innovation and invention instead of continuing
entered into a binding agreement with Singapore- the use of hackneyed techniques. Establishment of
based Prestige BioPharma for exclusive rights to a streamlined communication system between the
commercialise and supply the latter’s trastuzumab government, universities and research institutions
biosimilar in select countries in Latin America and and private sector companies is paramount to
Southeast Asia. Prestige BioPharma’s trastuzumab translate laboratory results into viable clinical
(HD201) is a proposed biosimilar to Roche’s products. This is the only way to quell the cancer
rampage across our country.

Sakura Koner

24 BIOFILMS BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Natural Vs Synthetic
Anti-biofilm Drugs

Recognition of the fact that bacterial biofilm may play a role in the pathogenesis of disease has
led to an increased focus on identifying diseases that may be biofilm-related. Biofilm infections are
typically chronic in nature, as biofilm-residing bacteria can be resilient to both the immune system,
antibiotics, and other treatments. Observations also indicate that biofilm does not exclusively
occur extracellularly, but may also be formed inside living cells. Furthermore, the presence of
biofilm may contribute to the development of cancer. Thus, there is a dire need to develop effective
treatment strategies against these biofilms.

More recently, researchers have suggested Department of Botany, Polasara Science College.
that chronic wound infections are due to
the biofilm mode of growth of the bacteria. Searching for a solution
This idea is supported by recent studies that have
demonstrated that chronic wound infections in fact A group of researchers from Banaras Hindu
are biofilm infections and observations indicate the University are currently working on a biofilm-based
presence of biofilms also in acute infections. approach to cure chronic wounds via phage therapy.
The study has found out that wounds that took
As a matter of fact, cystic fibrosis (CF) was the months to years to heal could be cured in a matter of
first infection where biofilm was recognised as part days to months. The researchers have also revealed
of the aetiology, and is probably the most thoroughly that infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains
studied biofilm infection to date. Likewise, there are and subsequent biofilm formation are the primary
numerous diseases that are associated with biofilm cause of the persistence of the wounds because
formation such as otitis media, inflammatory bowel conventional antibiotic therapy does not work. Search
disease, colorectal cancer, bacterial vaginosis, chronic for alternatives to antibiotics has thus become a
endometritis, chronic rhinosinusitis, urinary tract compulsion.
infections, pharyngitis, laryngitis etc.
According to Dr Gopal Nath, Professor,
However, even when biofilm is present, there is Department of Microbiology, Banaras Hindu
still a question whether the biofilm is the cause of the University, “Chronic wounds are considered a global
disease or the bacteria are just taking advantage of a problem. The direct medical cost of skin infections
favourable environment for colonisation caused by the in the United States is approximately $75 billion,
disease. Nevertheless, it is clear that both diagnosis whereas $25 billion of this amount is used for chronic
and treatment of a number of chronic diseases need to wound treatment. Infection with antibiotic-resistant
take into account the importance of biofilm. Diagnostic bacteria and biofilm formation are critical factors
criteria for biofilm infections are needed, and have halting the standard healing progress. Clinical trials
already been suggested for a few diseases like cystic of phage therapy have been initiated by the Banaras
fibrosis and chronic wounds. Development of effective Hindu University and have reported the efficacy of
treatment against such infections is imperative. topical phage in healing chronic wounds in three
prospective exploratory studies.”
“Pathogenic microorganisms and their chronic
pathogenicity are significant concerns in biomedical Scientists at Allahabad-based Motilal Nehru
research. Biofilm-linked persistent infections are National Institute of Technology are currently working
not easy to treat due to resident multidrug-resistant on a new-age, low-cost and effective alternative to
microbes. Low efficiency of various treatments and treating bacterial infections using medicines that do
in vivo toxicity of available antibiotics drive the not cause resistance which often results from long and
researchers toward the discovery of many effective repeated use of antibiotic medicines. This approach
natural anti-biofilm agents. Natural extracts and too involves the use of biofilms.
natural product-based anti-biofilm agents are more
efficient than the chemically synthesised counterparts Another approach that is being explored to combat
with lesser side effects”, said Dr Rojita Mishra, the growth of biofilms is nanotechnology. Recent
studies have reported the use of silver nanoparticles

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOFILMS 25

synthesised by the reducing activity of phyto- BIOFILM-ASSOCIATED DISEASES
constituents present in the Indian medicinal plants.
● Infective endocarditis-Heart
Sharing more details about this new approach, ● Sialolithiasis (salivary duct stones) -
Dr Yugal Kishore Mohanta, Assistant Professor,
University of Science and Technology Meghalaya said, Salivary glands
“Biofilm-forming bacteria are resistant to conventional ● Inflammatory bowel disease -
antimicrobials due to the inability of the antimicrobial
to penetrate the biofilm, evolution complex drug Gastrointestinal tract
resistance properties, and biofilm mediated ● Wound infections- Skin
inactivation or modification of antimicrobial enzymes. ● Bacterial vaginosis - Vagina
Fortunately, nanoparticle-based antimicrobials have ● Chronic endometritis -
been developed and marketed to eradicate both
planktonic and biofilm-forming antibiotic-resistant Uterus and fallopian tubes
bacteria. Continuous research is being conducted ● Chronic rhinosinusitis - Nasal cavity and
to develop eco-friendly nanotechnologies utilising ● paranasal sinuses
natural phytochemicals to produce metal nanoparticle- ● Pharyngitis and laryngitis - Throat
based antimicrobials for the control of biofilm-forming ● Cystic fibrosis - Upper and lower airways
pathogens.” ● Urinary tract infections - Urethra, bladder,

Hospital acquired infection is also a key area urethers, kidneys
which is being dominated by biofilm-forming bacteria. ● Chronic bacterial prostatitis -Prostate gland
The presence of biofilms consisting of common ● Mastitis- Mammary glands (breasts)
opportunistic and drug-resistant pathogens has
been reported on medical devices like catheters and Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7167820/1
prosthetics, leading to many complications.
DIFFERENT ANTI-BIOFILM MOLECULES
“Deployment of bacteriophages is one of the
promising approaches to invade biofilm that may ● Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)- Green tea
expose bacteria to the conditions adverse for their ● Curcumin - Turmeric
growth. Bacterial biofilms are serious causes of device- ● Esculetin - Chicory
related infections. Phages are ubiquitous viruses which ● Reserpine - Rauwolfia shrub
infect bacteria and are being extensively explored ● Quercetin - Plant pigment
as alternatives to antibiotics. Phages employ many ● Berberine -Plants
strategies to better penetrate hard-to-reach bacterial ● Colistin -Antibiotic
cells in biofilms and have been found to be effective ● Polymyxin B- Antibiotic
against many resistant nosocomial bacterial strains”, ● Gallidermin - Antibiotic
said Dr Aditi Singh, Associate Professor, Amity ● Indolicidin - Antimicrobial peptide
University, Uttar Pradesh.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5955472/
Chemical or natural way?
selective binding to the target. The disadvantage of
To find a significant and effective alternative using naturally derived anti-biofilm agents is their high
against biofilm, focus on the discovery of different cost, less sustainability; more time consumption and
anti-biofilm molecules is something that is to be sometimes they show different results once extracted
taken under serious consideration. Every anti-biofilm from their sources. In contrast, synthetic drugs are
molecule has its specific mode of action but a single cost effective and consume less time but many of them
molecule may follow more than one mechanism. show adverse side effects”, said Dr Vishvanath Tiwari,
Information regarding mechanism of action provides Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry,
better understanding about the nature of biofilms, Central University of Rajasthan.
which can be further used to develop new and
successful drug molecules with the previously known Although researchers are exploring both chemical
target of action. and natural ways to combat biofilm formations and
related infections, we are yet to see definite solutions
“The naturally derived antimicrobials have more and applications in front of us. Maybe a combination
biochemical and structural diversity compared therapy of natural agents with commercial antibiotics
with synthetic drugs, this could be very useful in needs to be exploited in the future to advance anti-
developing various alternative therapies and in-silico biofilm activity. The discovery of accurate markers that
pharmaceutical approaches. Additionally, the high are sensitive and stable can resolve the problem and
complexity of natural products allows enhanced help in better quality control of natural anti-biofilm
agents, or in combination with antibiotics.

Hradhaya B Parchure

26 SPEAKING WITH BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“Genomics has enormous
potential to support the Indian
economy in the 21st century”

« and viruses, whereas it can also sequence complex
plant, animal, and human genomes.
Dushyant Singh Bagel,
Managing Director, Genome sequencing of COVID SARS-CoV-2 for
Chief Executive Officer, pandemic surveillance and novel variant discovery
Nucleome Informatics is crucial. Short read sequencing has been used
widely for this purpose. Due to shorter reads, we
Nucleome Informatics, one of the country’s get viral genome sequences with gaps. The genome
leading genomics service organisations, sequence gaps make it difficult to identify the new
has launched its most advanced genomics variants. We need long reads to capture the entire
lab NKC Centre for Genomics Research in length of viral genomes without gaps. PacBio
Hyderabad in August 2021. Nucleome offers DNA Sequel II based HiFi viral SARS-CoV-2 sequencing
and RNA Sequencing services with data analysis solution uses molecular inversion probes for
support. It has advanced sequencing platforms enrichment that is distinct from PCR and highly
and bioinformatics servers with bioinformatics accurate long-read HiFi sequencing to sequence
pipelines to offer genomes, transcriptomes, the entire viral genome without gaps.
metagenomes and epigenetic sequencing and data
analysis support for research. It will set up the The assay can use 1000 MIPs to tile the viral
next laboratory in Indore and will be hiring 250 genome so that ~22 probes cover each base.
scientists, biotechnologists, bioinformaticians, and This high dense tiling design can ensure deeper
business professionals in the coming three years. In coverage across a wide range of sample Ct Values
an interaction with BioSpectrum India, Dushyant and makes the assay an obvious choice for novel
Singh Bagel, Managing Director, Chief Executive variant discovery than PCR based sequencing
Officer, Nucleome Informatics shared more details methods. We have requested the Department of
about the centre and the market opportunities that Biotechnology to use this technology to discover
they see in the coming years. Edited excerpts; novel variants. Nucleome can sequence 24 to
384 RNA samples in one sequencing run, and
How important has the NKC Centre been Nucleome can deliver the data in just one week.
in sequencing the genome of the novel
coronavirus and its mutants? Can you share with us the encouragement

Nucleome’s NKC centre for genomics research and the support that you have so far
is the only centre in South Asia to house a unique
combination of advanced genomics technologies received from government of India? How
like PacBio Sequel II, NovaSeq 6000, GeneTitan,
Femtopulse, Megaruptor 3, DNA size selection has this support been important for the
system and HPC to develop full-length genomes,
discover novel genes present in any tissue, discover development and growth of the company?
mutations by Resequencing, and design SNP chips
for genotyping larger populations. In this facility, When we started Nucleome in Ahmedabad,
we can sequence smaller genomes like bacteria I was surprised to receive a call from the
Gujarat Government offering their support to
help Nucleome grow faster. We next moved
to Hyderabad as we sensed a positive market
potential and we received tremendous support
from the Telangana government too. We are
mentored by the Research Innovation Cluster of
Hyderabad.

We received the DSIR certification and financial
support from the Department of Science and
Technology to develop an Inherited Retinal Disease
Panel under the Indo-Korean project of the GITA
scheme. We have also received mentorship from

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com SPEAKING WITH 27

the Ministry of Agriculture, especially from ICAR We are also doing a few genomes with a Dubai-
scientists Dr T Mohapatra Ji, Dr N K Singh, and Dr based research centre and 23 more genomes from
R K Vijh. The Department of Animal Husbandry India in 2022.
gave the mentorship and opportunity to build SNP
chips for Milk production with ICAR NBAGR and Could you share more details about the
NDDB. We also assisted the DBT NIAB Institute company’s involvement in the Vertebrate
in developing the SNP chip to identify Indigenous Genome Project?
cattle breeds in India.
Nucleome is the official partner of the
Genomics has enormous potential to support prestigious the Vertebrate Genome Project
the Indian economy in the 21st century, as the (VGP), led by Rockefeller University, USA, Sanger
Defense Minister said during the inauguration Institute, UK and Max Planck Institute, Germany.
of the NKC Centre for Genomics Research. We The VGP consortium aims to sequence 70,000
need support from the government to grow this vertebrate genomes. Nucleome will assist them
industry. Government can help us by reducing in sequencing genomes from Asia using PacBio
the GST to 5 per cent on genomics services, and Sequel II technology, optical mapping, HiC
waiving off the import duty on NGS consumables, and ISO seq based full-length Transcriptome
kits, and instruments. DBT should develop a Sequencing for genome annotation. We have
scheme to support private NGS Service providers completed two chromosome level genomes, and
in buying advanced NGS equipment. This scheme now we are working on a third vertebrate genome
will undoubtedly help the NGS service providers from India.
to build the labs in various parts of the country.
The inclusion of NGS service providers in big Has the company raised funds from
genome sequencing projects like the Indian external investors? What would be
Genome sequencing Project or the proposed Earth the turnover expected in the upcoming
BioGenome project can speed up the research in financial year?
India.
Nucleome has not taken any investment from
We, as private labs, are still treated differently, any private investors so far. Our clients are the only
and that mind set has to be changed for the growth investor we have, and we are delighted with this
of this industry. Nucleome works on DrSeq suite arrangement. We took a business loan from ICICI
of predictive genomics products to improve Bank to purchase genomics instruments and build
the understanding and uptake of personalised/ our new laboratory. We want to thank ICICI Bank
precision medicine. for believing in our business plan and supporting
us in creating an Indian genomics startup capable
Last year, Nucleome was said to be the of accomplishing international level research
projects in India. If we keep our focus, listen to
first laboratory in South Asia to procure the our clients and execute as planned, we will be the
first investor free genomics company from India to
third-gen long-read sequencing platform reach Rs 100 crore by 2025.

‘Sequel II’ from PacBio. How has this The global bioinformatics market is
projected to reach $21.8 billion by 2026.
been a much-needed resource for Indian How do you plan to capture a place in this
competitive market?
scientists?
Genomics and Bioinformatics are the fastest-
With the world’s largest and most accurate growing fields, and technology change is the
long-read sequencing Pacbio Sequel II, we can biggest challenge. We invest in new technologies
develop genome sequences of organisms without and ensure our bioinformaticians are exposed
any prior data. We call this service de novo genome to advanced datasets early to adapt. We are not
sequencing. Recently, we completed Indian White competing with anyone but ourselves—our only
Shrimp Genome with ICAR CIBA, Mango Genome goal is to build quality data and offer advanced
with ICAR NIPB, Murrah Buffalo with NDDB, Gyr analysis support to our clients. My role in the
Cattle with ICAR NBAGR, Pomegranate Genome company is to keep my team happy so that our
with ICAR NRCP, Mosquito Genome with the clients are delighted. Results will follow if we keep
University of California and Tata Institute of that going.
Genetics and Society, Little Millet Genome and
Cattle Genome with DBT institutes. We sequenced Anusha Ashwin
seven plant genomes, including Avocado, Wild
Rice, Jojoba, Duboisia myoporoides, Duboisia
hopwoodii and Datura leichhardtii with The
University of Queensland.

28 SPEAKING WITH BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“We continue to grow and extend our
reach through strategic partnerships in India’’

« future. We look forward to continuing our journey
by launching new indications in 2022-23 with label
Vineet Gupta, updates and line extensions for our oncology and
General Manager, immunology products, subject to regulatory approvals.
Eli Lilly and Company
(India) What does 2022 hold for Lilly, in India?

Vineet Gupta has recently stepped in as the COVID-19 continues to pose challenges and ensuring
General Manager of Eli Lilly and Company uninterrupted supply for our drugs and focus on digital
(India) taking over from Luca Visini who initiatives for patient support and access to our drugs
served as the Managing Director of the company in will remain a priority. We are committed to innovation
India from February 2018 to December 2021. Gupta and will continue to address the unmet needs of patients
joined Eli Lilly in 2010 as Marketing Director for and caregivers with our innovative medicines. We are
India, followed by a role as Corporate Affairs & Pricing currently looking at venturing into newer indications
Reimbursement and Access Director in 2012, and has expected to launch in 2022-23 with label updates and line
since served in various strategic leadership roles across extensions for our oncology and immunology products.
multiple countries including General Manager roles in
Thailand, Philippines & Indonesia. In conversation Will there be any new investments,
with BioSpectrum, Vineet Gupta, General Manager, partnerships or launches this year?
Eli Lilly and Company (India) talks in detail
about his new role and plans. Edited excerpts; We continue to work towards introducing our
pipeline of newer innovative products and bring
What are your plans and strategies for the them as early as possible to India. We do expect
Indian market as the new GM of Eli Lilly? newer indications for oncology and venture into
the dermatology therapy area this year. Developing
Eli Lilly has been serving patients in India for over strategic partnerships within India and the Indian
27 years. Our purpose is to unite caring with discovery subcontinent is key to enabling Lilly’s global efforts to
to create medicines that make life better for people make innovative medicines available to more people
around the world, including India. Lilly continues to in India and around the world, and Lilly will continue
focus on reaching more patients in India aided by our evaluating the best business model to expand patients’
strong innovation pipeline. We intend to strengthen access to medicines.
our ability to reach people with unmet needs by
sharing scientific data with healthcare providers on Would you be targeting newer therapeutic
new medicines/indications in our therapy areas and areas besides diabetes and cancer in the
may also partner with strong local companies on some coming years?
specific therapy areas where their capabilities would
help us achieve our purpose. Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since
1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial
How did the company fare during the FY 21- insulin. In India too, we are identified for our diabetes
22 in India? Do you expect better growth than and cancer products portfolio. At the same time, we
FY20- 21? have brands with strong value propositions in bone
health – Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Eli Lilly has achieved sound performance across Our investment continues to be focused on driving
the globe. Locally, we continue to grow our portfolio innovation and bringing best-in-class breakthrough
in India and extend our reach through strategic products to the market within our existing therapy
partnerships, which has left us well-poised for the areas of diabetes and oncology as well as introducing
our products in newer therapy areas, in the coming
years. Moreover, via strategic partnerships, we
continue to expand into new territories in India, and
this is a strategy we will leverage to expand product
accessibility to patients who need them.

Sanjiv Das
[email protected]

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com SPEAKING WITH 29

“Aim to increase our service

offering this year by

establishing new media services”

The life science company Sartorius, «
through its subgroup Sartorius Stedim
Biotech, acquired cell culture specialist Stefan Northoff,
Xell AG headquartered in Germany, in 2021. To Head of Product
discuss the latest developments in the company Development for
following this acquisition, BioSpectrum spoke Cell Culture Media,
to Jean-Marc Cappia (J-MC), Head of Cell Cell Lines & Testing
Line, Media & Testing Solutions, and Stefan Solutions, Sartorius
Northoff (SN), Head of Product Development
for Cell Culture Media, Cell Lines & Testing
Solutions, both at Sartorius. Edited excerpts;

How has the company performed during FY fully supported by the Sartorius team.
SN: We are currently increasing the production
2021-22, globally and in India?
of both powder and liquid media. Systems are in
J-MC: Both Xell and Sartorius experienced place to boost our powder production capacity from
an extraordinary 50 per cent growth in 2021. This 250 kg to 1 tonne in the short term and 5 tonne in
significant expansion was driven by the protein- the future, and we are now growing our workforce
based therapy, gene therapy, and vaccine industries. and carrying out validation works. We will increase
The biggest increase within Xell’s cell culture media our liquid production capacity in 2022 to 220k L.
portfolio was in the uptake of off-the-shelf media, Further developments will come later in the year,
and the majority of this growth came from our with products available in 2023.
CHO and HEK293 products. Our service offering,
including bioanalytics, media development, and ‘‘As part of the Sartorius Group, Xell
other cell culture-related services such as spent has been able to increase production
media analysis, also contributed to our double-digit capacity, allowing us to better serve our
growth. customers in the Indian market
in 2022 and beyond. Our
SN: In India, Xell´s business area is relatively initial focus is on bringing
new and has primarily developed from 2019 the HEK portfolio to North
onwards. However, India’s thriving vaccine industry
gave us the opportunity to contribute our products America and Europe.
and services to COVID-19 vaccine production But by the end of 2022,
processes. This accelerated our growth across the integration of all Xell
the region in the last year, as vaccine production products into the Sartorius
transitioned from pilot runs to larger-scale portfolio will be complete,
manufacturing within 2021.
meaning that the
What’s in store for the Indian market in 2022? Indian market will be
fully supported by the
J-MC: As part of the Sartorius Group, Xell has
been able to increase production capacity, allowing Sartorius team.’’
us to better serve our customers in the Indian
market in 2022 and beyond. Our initial focus is on - Jean-Marc Cappia,
bringing the HEK portfolio to North America and Head of Cell Line,
Europe. But by the end of 2022, the integration of
all Xell products into the Sartorius portfolio will be Media & Testing Solutions, Sartorius
complete, meaning that the Indian market will be

30 SPEAKING WITH BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

With the integration of Xell into the reduced risk and more secure access to the necessary
Sartorius Group, we will have a diverse raw materials.
portfolio of products and services
available through the Sartorius Are you planning to launch any new products
portfolio in India by the end of the this year, or any other major announcement
year. This year we are launching a full is likely?
range of media to complete our CHO
offering and cover all CHO DG44, CHO SN: Xell has always been a leading innovator in
K, CHO S, CHO GS applications. These the field of cell culture media, and with Sartorius, we
products will be available through the intend to keep up this pace. With the integration of
Sartorius portfolio in India by the end Xell into the Sartorius Group, we will have a diverse
of the year. This launch is combined portfolio of products and services available through
with our latest cell line development the Sartorius portfolio in India by the end of the year.
platform (CLD), which speeds up the
timeline from 14 weeks to 9 weeks. This year we are launching a full range of media
to complete our CHO offering and cover all CHO
J-MC: Finally, we are expanding our capacity DG44, CHO K, CHO S, CHO GS applications. These
across Asia, including the development of a new products will be available through the Sartorius
cell culture media production facility in Songdo, portfolio in India by the end of the year. This launch
South Korea. Having this additional site for media is combined with our latest cell line development
production will help secure the supply of CHO, platform (CLD), which speeds up the timeline from
HEK, Vero, and MDCK media to our customers. The 14 weeks to 9 weeks.
location of this additional site also improves our
production network in Asia and allows us to secure We have also launched a full range of HEK293
our distribution channels across the Indian market. media to a total of four types to cover gene therapy,
gene-modified cell therapy, and viral vaccine
Are there any changes/new trends to be applications, as well as a selection kit that allows
seen within the bio-supply market that the customers to trial and evaluate our products. Of
company would be leveraging? particular interest to the Indian market, we will
also introduce Vero powder media to continue
J-MC: The main trends across the industry are in our support for the vaccine industry. We will also
gene therapeutics, and there has been huge progress launch a GMP version of our Nutri-T media for
in the market within the last three years. Xell has T-cell applications in gene-modified cell therapies to
been developing solutions for HEK293 cell culture to further enrich our portfolio.
support these special applications for over a decade
and - now with Sartorius - can offer high-performing Finally, we aim to increase our service offering
HEK293 media and suspension adaptation services this year by establishing new media services,
to maximise titers and overall production efficiency. including media development, spent media analysis,
and media shelf-life studies.
If we switch gears and look at the trends from a
supplier perspective, a significant business driver How does the company plan to strengthen
is an increasing need for assurance of supply, ‘technology and automation’ in the long run?
influenced by the availability and tight control of raw
materials. The high production capacity of Sartorius SN: The Sartorius and Xell portfolios integrate
allows us to offer customers a more secure supply seamlessly to maximise and leverage advanced
chain and a greater variety of products. Sartorius technology. Harnessing technology and automation
is also continuing to grow and expand production will be essential as we improve our production
globally, including establishing new production sites capabilities and diversify our portfolio. We are
in Germany, Puerto Rico, Israel, and South Korea. currently establishing new methods, hiring more
data scientists, and finding software solutions for
Additionally, there is a growing requirement for better data mining.
greater control over raw materials. To address these
concerns - as well as creating a more robust and J-MC: Sartorius cell cultivation platforms such
higher performing product - we are developing leaner as Ambr are automated, high-throughput tools
formulations with fewer components, contributing to that allow us to innovate and develop new media,
including providing custom-media development
services for our customers. As well as diversifying our
offering, we will certainly rely on automation as we
scale up production to five-ton batches.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com PARTNER CONTENT 31

Complex to simple technologies in

Molecular Diagnosis of COVID-19
Molecular-based In-Vitro Diagnostics
(IVD) testing came to limelight due to «
COVID-19 as it is the only technology
that accurately detects the coronavirus and aids Thomas John,
in containing the pandemic. If the pandemic is
not contained it will spread to a huge number of Managing Director,
individuals and increase the chance of evolution of
the virus. This may lead to virulent variants leading Agappe Diagnostics
to serious epidemics that happened in the past.

Importance of Molecular Diagnostics (MDx) Today, the most common method used for
nucleic acid extraction in almost all COVID-19
The principle of Molecular Diagnostics (MDx) testing laboratories are magnetic bead-based
test was based on nucleic acid amplification where methods. This principle is based on the property
the target gene of importance is amplified from of nucleic acid to bind to magnetic beads based on
single copies to million copies and detected with the charge. The magnetic beads with nucleic acid
an optical unit. At present two major technologies are then isolated using a magnetic road washed and
are used for the nucleic acid amplification; eluted in nuclease free water to release the nucleic
Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) and Isothermal acids. Moreover, to make the process simple,
reaction-based amplification or Loop Mediated prefilled cartridges are available in the magnetic
isothermal Amplification (LAMP). Since COVID-19 bead method to speed up the process like ACM
is caused by the RNA virus, SARS-CoV-2 a reverse Auto, (Prefilled cartridges form Agappe Diagnostics
transcription step is mandated before PCR or Ltd, Kerala India). Only sample addition steps
LAMP, thus called on polymerase chain reaction are done manually. The technology is so evolved
(RT-PCR) RT-PCR or RT-LAMP. in such a way that the extractions are completed
within 10 minutes using ACM Auto – Prefilled
The first step in any of the nucleic acid cartridge in MISPA Magenta or in any magnetic
amplification tests is the extraction of nucleic acid bead-based nucleic acid extraction system.
(RNA/DNA) from the sample. The principle is to
extract, purify and to concentrate the nucleic acid in Amplification of SARS CoV-2 Viral Target
the sample to have faster and accurate amplification
of the target gene without any loss of the target. The accuracy of RT-LAMP/RT-PCR depends
Gold standard confirmatory MDx assays need on the quality of RNA extracted from the given
extraction of DNA and RNA which is unavoidable. swab samples. Laboratories should make sure that
the extraction process is performed perfectly. It is
Nucleic Acid Extraction, always advisable to use an extraction kit with more
than 95% recovery rate and having an extraction
Purification and Concentration limit of 1 copy/uL which is very crucial for the
proper amplification, like Agappe Diagnostics
There are many methods for the nucleic acid Ltd Extraction kits in MISPA Magenta extraction
isolation, like centrifugation-based extraction using system. In most of the cases, missing the viral
columns, it’s time consuming. But quick detection target amplification is mainly due to the low
of the targets is very important. To increase the recovery during the extraction. It is recommended
speed of nucleic acid extraction instead of the to repeat the extraction, in case of inconclusive or
centrifugation method, magnetic beads are used abnormal results.
to capture, purify and concentrate the nucleic
acid which is done in 10 to 30 minutes unlike the Earlier, the nucleic acid amplification was done
centrifugation method which needs at least 60 using RT-PCR technology, where the amplification
minutes. Magnetic bead-based methods are very was made with the help of thermal cyclers. Thermal
fast, simple and easily automated in simple nucleic
acid extraction instruments like MISPA Magenta
manufactured and marketed by Agappe Diagnostics
Ltd, Kerala, India.

32 PARTNER CONTENT BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

cyclers are capable of cycling temperatures as based assay amplifies the samples within 10
required. The early thermal cyclers were water minutes after sample addition and the entire
baths with three different temperatures and the process starts generating reports from 10 mins
reaction sample was moved periodically. Detection onwards and gets completed within 35 minutes
of the amplification was done separately which (in conventional standard PCR takes 90 to 120
required high technical expertise and time. minutes). Since there is no separate cool down cycle
required as in others, we can immediately load the
Nucleic Acid Amplification Technologies next batch of samples in the LAMP analyzer. The
next generation LAMP-based systems are believed
Technological Innovations has made compact to be in microfluidics platform bringing down the
systems in molecular segment where the RT-PCR- size of the instrument considerably.
based instruments become very compact with
possibilities of performing 1 to 1536 samples at Apart from the advancements in the hardware,
a time which made MDx segment gaining newer a lot of innovations are made in the amplification
heights but still some factors like huge cost and reagents. Majority of the PCR-based reagents are
complex principles limited the access of such thermolabile requiring strict temperature control
technologies only to the premium laboratories till (-20 0C), it’s one of the major limitations for
the beginning of COVID-19. storage/transport. Reagent manufacturers are
trying to make the reagents in lyophilized format
Loop Mediated isothermal Amplification and only few have succeeded. LAMP-based assays
(LAMP) technique was introduced in the year 2000 are available in lyophilized format, which is quite
in Japan. This technology was intended for quick stable between 2 and 8 0C.
target amplification using single (iso) temperature.
Since there is no need for complex thermal Agappe Diagnostics Ltd has come up with a
cycling hardware, the LAMP-based systems are more advanced kit called AG InstaLUME-based on
highly compact, cost effective and hence got wide the continuous experiments conducted and from
acceptance around the world. Because of the the inputs of various COVID-19 testing Labs. Many
simplicity, affordability and accuracy the LAMP- laboratories were overwhelmed by the huge sample
based systems can be used for faster testing for loads received for processing during the peak of the
the masses during the present pandemic. Agappe first and second waves of the pandemic. The huge
Diagnostics Ltd India has launched RT-LAMP sample load was above the capacity of many labs
COVID detection kit – LUME Screen nCoV and leading to huge delay in reporting and containing
MISPA LUME a Real time LAMP analyzer for the pandemic. Hence, Agappe Diagnostics came
the first time in India supporting the Indian up with a solution – AG InstaLUME in which
government to fight the pandemic. RNA extraction is not needed. The swab sample
can be collected directly in the lysis buffer. RNA
One of the advantages of LAMP-based assay containing buffers can be immediately taken for
over the conventional PCR is the time taken for the RT-LAMP assay in MISPA LUME. From 10
amplification. In case of COVID-19, the LAMP- minutes onwards results will be generated by
MISPA LUME. This is very appropriate for mass
screening of travellers in places like Airports,
Railway and Bus stations and in other possible
gathering places like Malls, Cinemas, etc. In
hospitals, AG InstaLUME can generate reports
accurately in 10 to 15 minutes where patients need
not wait for any emergency procedures for 24 hours
for the RT-PCR report which may increase the
complications in patients.

Future Developments

With the entry of microfluidics and other
related technical innovations into MDx, new pocket
sized, handheld, home-based molecular detection
systems will be soon available to all. This future
technology will decentralize the MDx tools to all,
unlike its availability only in premium laboratories
at present.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING 33

Booming Indian Medical
Devices and Diagnostics Market

HITS Rs 89K Cr
FOR 2020-21

The pandemic has propelled the growth of the Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing,
local medical devices and diagnostics market prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or
during 2020-21, with domestic players making not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form
a huge difference in offering essential medical of kits also witnessed a significant growth of 74.65 per
devices at unbelievable prices (varying cent with imports touching a figure of Rs 6,431.79 crore
between ¼ and 1/10 of the imported products). With for 2020-21 against Rs 3,682.64 crore for 2019-20.
this, the overall Indian market for medical devices
and diagnostics stands at Rs 89,171 crore for 2020-21 India’s imports of Pulse oximeters have increased
registering a growth of 15 per cent as against 8 per by just over 7.36 per cent to Rs 518.25 crore in 2020-
cent growth of the previous year. 21 as against Rs 482.74 crore. Similarly imports of
immunological products, put up in measured doses/
The overall Indian market for medical devices and forms/packings, for retail sale have increased by 6.13
diagnostics stands at Rs 77,540 crore for the year 2019- per cent to Rs 1,274.87 crore in 2020-21 against Rs
20. In 2018-19 the overall market was Rs 72,000 crore 1,201.28 crore in 2019-20.
growing at 7 per cent over the previous year’s market
size of Rs 66,400 crore. According to Invest India, the In medical oxygen space, the imports have dropped
National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency by 54.53 per cent to Rs 1.49 crore in 2020-21 from Rs
of India, the country’s exports stood at $2.51 billion 3.29 crore in 2019-20. The downward movement was
and imports at $5.6 billion in 2019-20. It noted that the also witnessed in Colorimetric end tidal CO2 detector
overall import dependency is over 75 per cent. by 20.65 per cent to Rs 2,228.96 crore in 2020-21
from Rs 2,808.89 crore in 2019-20. The downward
As per the Directorate General of Commercial trend continued to instruments and appliances used
Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) report India’s export in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences as
of medical and surgical instruments stood at Rs 10,220 imports stood at Rs 10,785.42 crore for 2020-21 from
crore for 2020-21 whereas imports stood at Rs 30,699.59 Rs 12,513.02 crore, down by 13.81 per cent.
crore for 2020-21 period. Currently, India is exporting
ventilators, PPEs, diagnostic kits, sanitizers and surgical The medical device sector in India suffers from a
gloves (2/3 ply). According to the annual report 2020-21 considerable cost of manufacturing disability vis-à-vis
by Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), India’s competing economies, inter alia, on account of lack
medical and scientific instruments exports have dropped of adequate infrastructure, domestic supply chain and
by 2.87 per cent to $1.717 million in 2020-21 against logistics, high cost of finance, inadequate availability of
$1.768 million. This drop is mainly because of fulfilling power, limited design capabilities, low focus on research
the requirements at the local market. & development (R&D) and skill development, etc.

The pandemic has pushed India to increase To boost domestic manufacturing, attract
its import of medical ventilators, Extracorporeal large investment in the medical device sector, the
membrane oxygenation (ECMO), Continuous Positive Department of Pharmaceuticals had launched
Airway Pressure (CPAP) units, Continuous Positive a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for
Airway Pressure (CPAP) units, Oxygen concentrators, Promotion of Domestic Manufacturing of Medical
Oxygen humidifiers for oxygen therapy applications, Devices to ensure a level playing field for the domestic
Oxygen delivery devices to supply oxygen from the manufacturers of medical devices with a total financial
device to the patient significantly as imports have outlay of Rs 3,420 crore for the period 2020-21 to
registered a growth of 71.71 per cent to Rs 2,334 crore 2027-28. These investments will go a long way in
in 2020-21 from Rs 1,359.64 crore in 2019-20. supporting the growth of the industry and to become
AtmaNirbhar in the next few years.

34 BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

TRANSASIA BIO-MEDICALS LTD

RETAINS NO 1 POSITION IN
MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS
INDUSTRY SURVEY 2021

Mumbai based Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd is a leading player in the Medical Devices and Diagnostics
Industry with sales revenue of Rs 1166 crore for the year 2020-21 followed by Pune based Mylab Discovery
Solutions Private Limited with sales revenue of Rs 840 crore and Chennai based Trivitron Healthcare Pvt Ltd
with sales revenue of Rs 469 crore.

BioSpectrum Top Medical Devices and Diagnostics Companies 2021*

Sr. Company Revenue Revenue % Location State Region
No in in growth

2020-21 2019-20
(in crore) (in crore)

1 Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd 1166 1100 6.00 Mumbai Maharastra West

2 Mylab Discovery Solutions Private Limited 840 9.5 8742.11 Pune Maharastra West

3 Trivitron Healthcare Pvt Ltd 469.37 206.48 127.32 Chennai Tamil Nadu South

4 Agappe Diagnostics Ltd 272.96 203 34.46 Ernakulam Kerala South

5 Nureca Ltd 213.45 99.43 114.67 Mumbai Maharastra West

6 Meril Diagnostics Private Limited 203.14 131 54.96 Vapi  Gujarat West

7 Sysmex India Pvt. Ltd. 186.32 171.42 8.69 Mumbai Maharastra West

8 Medsource Ozone BioMedicals Pvt Ltd 112.77 77.82 44.91 Faridabad Haryana North

9 Biosense Technologies Private Limited 98.42 18.55 430.57 Thane Maharastra West

10 Advy Chemical Private Limited 95.71 24.94 283.76 Thane Maharastra West

11 Bhat Biotech India (P) Ltd. 93.19 22.13 321.10 Bangalore Karnataka South

12 J. Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd. 84.78 132.91 -36.21 New Delhi New Delhi North

13 Peerless Biotech Private Limited 83.13 85.26 -2.50 Chennai Tamil Nadu South

14 Oscar Medicare Private Limited 74.1 33.5 121.19 New Delhi New Delhi North

15 BioSystems Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. 62.57 47.56 31.56 Kancheepuram Tamil Nadu South

16 Paramount Surgimed Ltd 60.48 50.97 18.66 New Delhi New Delhi North

17 Diasys Diagnostics India Private Limited 49.39 49.62 -0.46 Mumbai Maharastra West

18 Beacon Diagnostics Pvt Ltd 44.41 32.72 35.73 Navsari Gujarat West

19 Voxtur Bio Ltd. 37.63 10.62 254.33 Surat Gujarat West

20 Accurex Biomedical Pvt Ltd 36.09 33.74 6.97 Mumbai Maharastra West

21 Genuine Biosystem Private Limited 27.1 6.98 288.25 Chennai Tamil Nadu South

22 Vanguard Diagnostics Private Limited 22.92 10.02 128.74 New Delhi New Delhi North

23 Reckon Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. 20.37 18.57 9.69 Vadodara Gujarat West

24 Recombigen Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. 17.01 10.82 57.21 New Delhi New Delhi North

25 XCyton Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. 10.76 3.98 170.35 Bangalore Karnataka South

26 ADS Diagnostic Ltd 10.61 14.33 -25.96 New Delhi New Delhi North

27 Pathkits Healthcare Private Limited 9.91 Gurugram Haryana North

28 Biogenix Inc. Pvt. Ltd. 8.05 6.03 33.50 Lucknow UP North

29 Rapha Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. 6.03 8.22 -26.64 Mumbai Maharastra West

30 Affigenix Biosolutions Pvt Ltd  4.2 4.04 3.96 Bangalore Karnataka South

31 Asritha Diatech India Private Limited 3.47 3.49 -0.57 Hyderabad Telangana South

32 Carewell Biotech Pvt. Ltd  2.65 2.78 -4.57 New Delhi New Delhi North

33 Prantae Solutions Pvt. Ltd. 1.29 Bhubaneswar Odisha East

34 Shanmukha Innovations Pvt Ltd 1.16 0.28 314.29 Gurugram Haryana North

35 Leucine Rich Bio Pvt Ltd 1.1 Bengaluru Karnataka South

* We have not covered some of the indigenous and multinational medical devices and diagnostics companies as they are unable to participate in the
BioSpectrum Survey 2021

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING 35

01 TRANSASIA BIO-MEDICALS LTD

REVENUE Mumbai headquartered diagnostic company Transasia Bio-
Medicals Limited clocked in a revenue of Rs 1166 crore during
₹1166 crore the FY20-21 exhibiting a growth of 6 per cent with respect to
the revenue figure of Rs 1100 crore generated during the FY19-
SURESH VAZIRANI 20. Transasia is a part of the global Transasia-Erba group that
has spread its footprint across USA, UK, Germany, France, Czech Republic,
Chairman & Managing Director France, Russia, Turkey, Poland, Vietnam, Austria, Brazil and UAE through
various acquisitions. Transasia-Erba Group’s production sites in India, Czech
Republic and USA and R&D centres in France, UK, India and Czech Republic
form a hub for indigenous manufacturing of world-class deliverables. Today,
the group serves millions across 100 countries.
The FY 2020-21 saw the company developing and widening the availability
of ELISA antibody test kits through its countrywide network of over 50,000
diagnostic labs. Named the ErbaLisa COVID-19 IgG, the ELISA test kits are 98
per cent accurate and come at 20 per cent the cost of RT-PCR tests. ErbaLisa
COVID-19 IgG kit has been evaluated and approved by National AIDS
Research Institute (NARI), Pune, and is included in the ICMR’s list of validated
COVID-19 IgG antibody tests.
The company also received ISO and ICMED certifications for its recently
inaugurated state-of-the-art manufacturing unit at Santacruz Electronics
Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) in Mumbai. During the year, the company
kept its aim to boost the annual production capacity by 50 per cent and
facilitate manufacturing of new products that are in the pipeline and likely to
be launched in the near future.
In the next 12-24 months, the R&D labs in France, UK, USA, Austria and
India, will launch over 10 new, exciting, state-of-the-art systems in the fields
of chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), molecular, high-end hematology,
artificial intelligence among others. Also in the offing is a total lab automation
solution aimed at mid and large-size laboratories. All this is intended to
soon make Transasia-Erba one of the top 5 companies globally to have total
solutions in laboratory diagnostics. Furthermore, providing end-to-end
solutions and services with an emphasis on training of all lab personnel will
continue to remain most relevant to the company.
For FY 21-22 and ahead, Transasia pledges to offer newer and better
technologies to reduce the incidence of other infectious diseases. The
company continues to provide unmatched services to customers with its
largest team of sales and service experts in the Indian IVD industry.
Founded in 1979, Transasia Bio-Medicals offers products and solutions
in biochemistry, hematology, coagulation, ESR, immunology, urinalysis,
critical care, diabetes management, microbiology and molecular diagnostics.
Transasia provides doctors and patients with reliable, affordable and
innovative medical diagnostic systems with an impressive install base of
above 70,000 equipment across India. It has a vast network of more than 300
service engineers, 400+ sales and marketing team, 25 zonal offices and 350+
distributors.

36 BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

02 MYLAB DISCOVERY SOLUTIONS
PRIVATE LIMITED
REVENUE
During the FY 20-21, Pune-based startup Mylab Discovery
₹840 crore Solutions clocked in a revenue figure of Rs 840 crore, exhibiting
a humungous growth in business in comparison to the revenue
HASMUKH RAWAL generation of Rs 9.5 crore in the previous fiscal.
As India was fighting back COVID-19 in 2020, Mylab Discovery
Managing Director Solutions developed the first made in India test kit for COVID-19 in a record
time of six weeks. The kit became the first one to receive commercial approval
from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and is named
as Mylab PathoDetect COVID-19 Qualitative PCR kit. Further, Mylab became
the only Indian company to have achieved 100 per cent sensitivity and 100 per
cent specificity in the ICMR evaluation.
The Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body of the
Department of Science and Technology (DST), approved financial support
to MyLab, for ramping up production of COVID-19 diagnostic kits they were
developing in 2020. The company also received approval from ICMR for its
RNA extraction kit, Maverick, to further streamline the RT-PCR testing process.
In order to scale up the operations and escalate faster delivery of testing
kits, Mylab Discovery partnered with Serum India’s Chief Executive Officer
Adar Poonawalla and Abhijit Pawar, Chairman of APG. Funds invested were
used for scaling production of COVID-19 testing kits and expansion of
molecular diagnostic solutions by Mylab.
With the support of India Post (The Department of Posts), the company
had been able to deliver test kits across different parts of the country
including Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, District Mineral Foundation,
of Odisha, and R & R Army Hospital of Delhi, at the peak time of the
pandemic in 2020.
The year 2020 also saw the startup launching ‘Compact XL’ - India’s first
fully-automated sample-to-PCR-ready system for molecular diagnostics. The
machine is designed to automate lab operations from sample handling to RT-
PCR ready tube preparation, and do these operations in one single compact
benchtop machine. Compact XL is a cartridge-based machine and can test
multiple samples concurrently. It can be used for a wide range of RNA/DNA-
based tests including COVID-19 RT-PCR tests.
Towards the end of FY 20-21, to urgently meet the huge backlog in RT-
PCR testing amidst the second wave of coronavirus in India, Mylab rolled out
its fleet of ICMR-approved and NABL certified mobile testing labs.
To support high-volume testing needs of the country in these troubled
times, these were ultra-fast mobile testing labs powered by automated
Compact XL machines which do testing 3 times faster than the conventional
labs due to parallel processing and automated handling.
Mylab has an experience of several years in manufacturing of RT-PCR kits
and makes a range of kits at the facility approved by CDSCO and compliant
with MDR 2017 regulation for manufacturing medical devices of Class C and
D, the most stringent and regulated products by the government, Mylab
currently manufactures ID-NAT screening kits for blood banks/hospitals,
Quantitative HIV, HBV and HCV kits.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING 37

03 TRIVITRON HEALTHCARE
PRIVATE LIMITED
REVENUE
Chennai-based Trivitron Healthcare generated a revenue of Rs 469
₹469 crore crore during the FY 20-21 marking a 2x growth in its business, in
comparison to the revenue figure of Rs 206 crore generated in the
DR G S K VELU previous fiscal.
The year 2020 saw the company launching a range of hand
Chairman & Managing Director sanitisers and protective coverall for the healthcare professionals when the
pandemic started. Trivitron Healthcare literally changed the gears with a
single motto to create solutions in its relentless fight against the COVID-19
pandemic. The new Kiran Health Shield range of hand sanitisers and personal
protective coveralls is the result of the same.

Around the same time, the company announced the appointment of
Rajesh Patel as Chief Executive Officer of In-Vitro Diagnostics, India business.
Patel is an experienced professional with around 29 years in the areas of sales,
marketing & business development in the healthcare segment. He has held
a leadership role in global and Indian healthcare companies and has a rich
and diverse experience in pharmaceuticals, clinical research, and IVD/medical
devices segment.

Trivitron also entered into collaboration with US-based Anatomage Inc,
a market leader in 3D medical virtualisation technology, to distribute virtual
anatomy dissection table for medical education for scholars, researchers,
medical and healthcare students in south and west regions in India. The
Anatomage virtual anatomy dissection table offers strategic advantage when
it comes to medical education and anatomical studies offering advanced and
unique anatomy content to users for educational and training purposes.

In its fight against COVID-19, the company launched a full suite of
indigenously developed testing products, as the organisation’s contribution
towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. For instance, Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) approved ‘Biocard Pro COVID-19 Rapid Antigen’ was developed
to provide accurate results in just 7-10 minutes. The rapid antigen kit is a
chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of COVID-19
specific antigen present in human nasopharyngeal.

Trivitron Healthcare also started developing a comprehensive range of
ICMR approved COVID-19 solutions including RT-PCR Tests (COVIDsure
& COVIDsure Pro), RNA Extraction kits (RNAsure), Viral Transport Media
(ViSure), Total Antibody ELISA Test (COVIDscreen Plus) and ELISA IgG (COVID
Kavach IgG) testing kits for COVID-19.

Trivitron Healthcare has multiple brands associated with it namely Kiran
Medical systems, Labsystems Diagnostics, Trivitron Healthcare Middle East,
Trivitron Healthcare Africa and Bome Trivitron. The organisation has been
working to make quality healthcare affordable and is among the pioneers
in making high-end medical technology accessible, making use of its broad
network of channel partners, and associates.

Over the years, the company has been acclaimed for its high-value
products and engineering support across various healthcare verticals ranging
from radiation protection, imaging, newborn screening, in-vitro diagnostics,
infectious diseases and a lot more.

38 BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

AGAPPE DIAGNOSTICS LTD 04 NURECA LTD 05

Ernakulam-based Agappe Diagnostics Limited gathered Mumbai- based Nureca Limited generated a revenue
a revenue of Rs 273 crore during the FY20-21 exhibiting of Rs 213 crore during the FY 20-21 exhibiting 2x
a growth of 35 per cent with respect to the revenue growth with respect to the revenue figure of Rs
generation of Rs 203 crore during the FY 19-20. The 99.4 crore generated during the FY 2019-20. The company
company developed Agappe Chitra Magna, a magnetic plans to launch more innovative medical devices at an
nanoparticle-based RNA extraction kit in collaboration affordable cost. Having developed a Pan-India network of
with Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and 450 distributors, Nureca has made its products available
Technology (SCTIMST) in Trivandrum. Cyient entered into a at affordable prices across the country. The company
manufacturing partnership with Agappe for the marketing is focused on enabling its users with tools to effectively
of Mispa Count X, an indigenously designed and developed monitor chronic ailments and improve their lifestyles.
three-part hematology analyser. The company also
launched India’s fastest COVID-19 confirmatory test solution
without RNA extraction step, on RT-LAMP platform.

06MERIL DIAGNOSTICS PVT LTD SYSMEX INDIA 07
PRIVATE LIMITED

During FY 20-21, Vapi-based Meril Diagnostics Private Mumbai based Sysmex India gathered a revenue of
Limited recorded a revenue figure of Rs 203 crore, Rs 186.32 crore during the FY20-21 exhibiting a
showing a growth of 55 per cent in comparison growth of 8.7 per cent with respect to the revenue
to the revenue figure of Rs 131 crore generated in the generation of Rs 171.42 crore during the FY 19-20. Sysmex
previous year. The company offers a complete range of India, established in 1998, is a subsidiary of Sysmex Asia
analysers, reagents for clinical biochemistry, haematology, Pacific having their reagent factory at Baddi (Himachal
immunology, critical care, diabetes management, Pradesh). The company sells and supports products
coagulation and lab consumables. Meril’s malaria range of through direct operations for coagulation, urinalysis,
products is amongst very few Indian kits approved by the biochemistry, flow cytometry while continuing to support
World Health Organisation (WHO). Also, its HIV range of hematology through its distributor. Sysmex has been
products are CE marked and commercially used in many partnering, pioneering doctors and leading institutions in
parts of Europe. helping bring out precise and faster analysis of samples for
over 4 decades.

MEDSOURCE OZONE 08 BIOSENSE TECHNOLOGIES 09
BIOMEDICALS PVT LTD PVT LTD

Based in Faridabad, Medsource Ozone Biomedicals During FY19-20, Thane based Biosense Technologies Private
Private Limited gathered a revenue figure of Rs 112.7 Limited recorded a revenue figure of Rs 98.42 crore,
crore during the FY 20-21 exhibiting a growth of 45 showing a huge growth of 5x approximately in comparison
per cent in comparison to the revenue generation of Rs 78 to the revenue generation of Rs 19 crore in the previous year.
crore during the FY 19-20. Incepted in 2003, the company During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company developed a
has been offering solutions in the form of rapid tests, clinical number of products such as Sanishield Facemask, Safelyte-UV,
chemistry, hematology, serology, blood grouping, molecular BioGuard face shield, Coviscreen and Flocked Nylon Swab.
diagnostics, coagulation and ELISA kits, that are sold across Biosense Technologies has been created by a group of medical
India and the neighbouring countries. The company has professionals, engineers, product designers as well as IT coders
employed over 350 people directly in various functions with to utilize the boom of Digital India and Make in India campaign
over 500 qualified distribution partners. to contribute towards designing portable yet affordable devices
for basic health care screening. The major focus areas of the
company include diabetes, anaemia and malnutrition.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING 39

ADVY CHEMICAL PVT LTD 10 BHAT BIOTECH 11
INDIA PVT LTD

Thane based Advy Chemical Private Limited generated Bengaluru based Bhat Biotech India Private Limited
a revenue of Rs 95.7 crore during the FY 20-21, clocked in a revenue figure of Rs 93 crore during the
exhibiting a huge growth of approximately 4x when FY 20-21 exhibiting a huge growth of 4x approximately
compared to the revenue generation of Rs 25 crore in the with respect to the revenue generation of Rs 22 crore
previous fiscal. This has been a huge boost to the company’s during the FY 19-20. During the pandemic, the company
business especially after facing hurdles during FY 19-20. The developed a number of products such as viral transport
company has been an indigenous and innovative pioneer in media, RT-PCR test, Geneasy viral RNA isolation kit, with an
the development of polyclonal antibodies and native human R&D expenditure of Rs 1.8 crore. With a workforce strength
antigens, and manufacturing of finished reagents in the In of 238 employees, majority being in the manufacturing
Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) industry. It is listed in the EU TRACES space, the company is currently working to develop more
database for exporting antibodies products to the EU. Advy products for COVID-19 detection.
Chemical is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable
team and a well-equipped production facility.

J. MITRA & CO. 12 PEERLESS BIOTECH 13
PRIVATE LIMITED PRIVATE LIMITED

New Delhi-based J. Mitra & Co. generated a revenue Chennai- based Peerless Biotech clocked in a revenue
of Rs 84.8 crore during FY 20-21, showing a decline figure of Rs 83 crore during the FY 20-21 exhibiting a
of 36 per cent in its business, when compared to slight decline with respect to the revenue generation
the revenue generation of Rs 133 crore in the previous of Rs 85 crore during the FY 19-20. Operational since 2001,
year. During 2020, the company launched its state-of-the- the company deals in blood glucose monitoring system,
art COVID-19 test kit in the Indian market, based on the blood glucose test strips, Quik-Check Plus Hb hemoglobin
double sandwich Elisa technology. It is a serology-based testing system & Hb strips, safety lancet, urine strips and
total antibody (IgM, IgG, IgA) detection assay. The company urine Analyser, vacuum tubes and blood collection needles,
deployed extensive indigenous R&D for the development non-vacuum tubes, ESR pipettes, rapid diagnostic tests,
of this unique product with substantial contribution in its biochemistry reagents and medical equipment that are of
development by New Delhi-based International Centre for very high quality and competitively priced.
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB).

OSCAR MEDICARE 14 BIOSYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 15
PRIVATE LIMITED PRIVATE LIMITED

Based in New Delhi, Oscar Medicare Private Limited Kancheepuram based BioSystems Diagnostics clocked in
generated a revenue of Rs 74 crore during the FY a revenue figure of Rs 62.6 core during the FY 2020-21,
20-21, recording a 2x growth in comparison to the exhibiting a growth of 31.6 per cent in comparison to
revenue generation of Rs 34 crore in the previous year. the revenue generation of Rs 47.6 crore during the FY 19-20.
The company has an in-house R&D facility to develop BioSystems Diagnostics is a joint venture (JV) of BioSystems
new products suitable to the Indian as well as International SA (Spain) & Trivitron Healthcare established in 2003, initially
market. There is a wide range of products for the diagnosis for trading BioSystems IVD reagents and instruments
of pregnancy, ovulation, syphilis, typhoid, malaria, dengue, nationwide which was later converted into manufacturing JV.
HIV, HCV, HBs Ag, Troponin-I and Kala-azar etc. The The company has established a state-of-the-art IVD reagents
facility is well equipped with a team of biotechnologists manufacturing facility at Trivitron Medical Technology Park,
having great experience in the IVD industry. Sriperumbudur, near Chennai. It has distributed BioSystems
products nationwide through a highly committed & dedicated
net of distributor partners around India since 2003.

40 BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

16PARAMOUNT SURGIMED LTD DIASYS DIAGNOSTICS 17
INDIA PVT LTD

New Delhi-based Paramount Surgimed Limited During FY 20-21, Mumbai-based Diasys Diagnostics
generated a revenue of Rs 60.48 crore during the FY India Private Limited generated a revenue of Rs
20-21 exhibiting a growth of 20 per cent with respect 49.39 crore, maintaining a steady approach towards
to the revenue generation during the FY 19-20 that stood its business in comparison to the revenue generation of Rs
at Rs 51 crore. The company started with the manufacturing 49.62 crore in FY 19-20. During the year 2020, the company
of surgical blades and is now a leading supplier of a huge received ICMED certification for its Mahape, Navi Mumbai
range of disposable products. In recent COVID-19 times, facility. Diasys’s product QDx InstaLyte, developed as the
Paramount started manufacturing 3ply and N95 face world’s first truly modular electrolyte analyser, was awarded
masks. The company exports to over 80 countries, has 40 as the “Most Innovative Product of the Year ‘’ at the 10th MT
distributors and 400 dealers across India. Its state-of-the- India Healthcare Awards 2020 hosted by Medical Fair 2020
art production facility is comparable to any international in Mumbai.
standard and is accredited with ISO: 13485:2016, CE Mark
and US FDA device listing.

BEACON DIAGNOSTICS 18 VOXTUR BIO LIMITED 19
PVT LTD

Navsari-based Beacon Diagnostics Private Limited During FY 2020-21, Mumbai-based diagnostic player
generated a revenue of Rs 44.4 crore during the FY 20-21, Voxtur Bio generated a revenue worth Rs 37.6
exhibiting a growth of 35 per cent in comparison to Rs 33 crore, showing a 3x growth, in comparison to the
crore generated in the previous year. The company is engaged revenue generation of Rs 10.6 crore in the previous fiscal.
in the manufacturing of serology products and biochemistry Voxtur Bio is a FDA licensed, GMP, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO
reagents. It manufactures a wide range of routine and specialized 13485:2016 accredited company, possessing state-of-the-
biochemistry test reagents and system Packs. All manufacturing is art manufacturing facilities, producing clinical laboratory
done at its manufacturing facility in an area covering more than diagnostic testing kits. The company is currently rolling out
40,000 sq ft, at Navsari, Gujarat. The company has more than a pan-India plan to expand its IVD kit distribution network.
100 employees at its plant and head office for various activities It is onboarding more than 100 marketing professionals
of management, manufacturing, quality control and R&D, across key metros and cities in India to strengthen its order
administration and logistic support. It engages more than 250 procurement and supply capability.
distributors to support its customers all over India.

ACCUREX BIOMEDICAL 20 GENUINE BIOSYSTEM 21
PVT LTD PVT LTD

Based in Mumbai, Accurex Biomedical Private Limited Based in Chennai, Genuine Biosystem Private Limited
generated a revenue of Rs 36 crore during the FY generated a revenue of Rs 27 crore during the FY
20-21, showing a slight growth of 6 per cent in 20-21, exhibiting a huge growth of 4x when compared
comparison to the revenue generation of Rs 34 crore to the revenue generation of Rs 7 crore in the previous
during the FY 19-20. Established in 1984, Accurex is one year. Established in 2008, Genuine Biosystem comprises
of the leading manufacturers of quality clinical chemistry independent diagnostics units and has emerged as the
reagents and Urinanalysis test strips with over 35 years of leading manufacturer and marketer of In-vitro Diagnostics
expertise in this area. Accurex has gained considerable (IVD), reagents and instruments both nationally &
expertise in manufacturing and marketing of In-vitro internationally. Well known for its innovative approach,
Diagnostic (IVD) reagents. With a manufacturing setup in the operations are run by highly involved professionals
Boisar and overall employee strength of 170, it has built a and have continuously set new trends through product
reputation of quality products, a strong financial base and development and improvements.
dynamic marketing.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING 41

VANGUARD DIAGNOSTICS 22 RECKON DIAGNOSTICS 23
PRIVATE LIMITED PRIVATE LIMITED

New Delhi-based Vanguard Diagnostics generated a For FY 20-21, Vadodara-based Reckon Diagnostics
revenue of Rs 23 crore during the FY 20-21, doubling generated a revenue figure of Rs 20.4 crore, showing
its business in comparison to the revenue generation a growth of 9.7 per cent when compared to the
of Rs 10 crore during the FY 19-20. During the pandemic, revenue generation of Rs 18.6 crore in the previous year.
Vanguard collaborated with IIT Delhi for the development of With a long-standing exposure in the field of in vitro
an aptamer based novel test for the detection of COVID-19 diagnostic products manufacturing for over 30 years, the
antigen. Vanguard Diagnostics was amongst the first few company has a superlative level of expertise in areas like
companies in India to obtain the NIV/ICMR validation clinical chemistry reagents and kits, rapid diagnostics tests
approval for its rapid card test for the detection of IgM including point-of-care tests (POCT), serology kits and
and IgG antibodies against the coronavirus. The company diagnostic instruments.
ramped up its manufacturing capacity by four times to meet
the market demand for viral transport media.

RECOMBIGEN LABORATORIES XCYTON DIAGNOSTICS 25
PRIVATE LIMITED
24PVT LTD

New Delhi based Recombigen Laboratories Private Bengaluru-based XCyton Diagnostics generated revenue
Limited clocked in a revenue figure of Rs 17 crore worth Rs 10.7 crore during FY 20-21, growing by almost
during the FY 20-21 exhibiting a growth of 55 per 2.5x when compared to the revenue generation of Rs
cent with respect to the revenue generation of Rs 11 crore 3.9 crore in the previous fiscal. Founded in 1993, XCyton has
during the FY 19-20. Founded in 1999, Recombigen has developed many immunodiagnostic kits for the detection
brought together various companies specialising in in-vitro of infections. XCyton is credited with the development
diagnostic devices to establish an integrated and state of of the first indigenous ELISA kit for the detection of HIV
the art system, offering innovative solutions to advance infection called HIV CheX, following with the development
clinical diagnostics in Indian laboratories. It manufactures of indigenous ELISA products for the detection of Hepatitis C
and distributes products for clinical chemistry, rapid range (HEP CheX C), Neurocysticercosis (CYSTI CheX) and Japanese
microbiology, chemicals, reagents and laboratory stains and encephalitis (JEV CheX). The company has developed the
other laboratory plastic consumables and offers a superior unparalleled Syndrome Evaluation System, the world’s first
testing menu of liquid stables. Critical Care Therapeutic Decision Support System.

ADS DIAGNOSTIC LTD 26 PATHKITS HEALTHCARE 27
PRIVATE LIMITED

Based in New Delhi, ADS Diagnostic Limited clocked For FY 20-21, Gurugram-based startup Pathkits Healthcare
in a revenue figure of Rs 10.6 crore during the FY generated a revenue figure of Rs 9.9 crore. It is a sister
20-21 exhibiting a slight decline in its business with company of MetaDesign Solutions, an IT company that
respect to the revenue generation of Rs 14 crore during supports Pathkits by way of developing innovative ideas for
the FY 19-20. Operational since 1984, ADS Diagnostic is use of advanced technology in the pharma industry. Pathkits
principally engaged in the trading of medical equipment is also the sister company of Molecular Quest which is an
and its ancillary services. The company offers patient NABL certified diagnostic lab and has supported Pathkits in
monitoring systems and ultrasound machines. In particular, research and development. The current product portfolio
the company offers a wide range of digital mammography at Pathkits include viral transport media kits, COVID-19 AG
machines. It also provides equipment to measure bone test kit, RT-PCR kits, RNA extraction kit, spin column, swabs,
mineral density as a common test used to diagnose pregnancy kits, liquid cytology kits, dengue kits etc.
osteoporosis.

42 BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

BIOGENIX INC 28 RAPHA DIAGNOSTICS 29
PRIVATE LIMITED PRIVATE LIMITED

For Lucknow-based Biogenix Inc, FY 20-21 saw a Mumbai-based Rapha Diagnostics generated a
revenue generation of Rs 8 crore exhibiting a growth revenue figure of Rs 6 crore during FY 20-21,
of 33.5 per cent in comparison to the revenue exhibiting a decline of 27 per cent in growth
generation of Rs 6 crore in the previous year. Biogenix is when compared to the revenue generation of Rs 8.2 crore
an eminent manufacturer and exporter of immunoassay in the previous year. Founded in 2002, Rapha has been
products including diagnostic and research ELISA kits, recognised as the leader in urinalysis market among Indian
clinical chemistry, rapid test kits, to name a few. These companies with regard to market share and customer
include Dengue NS1, Cortisol, Ferritin, Vitamin D, Albumin, base. Rapha operates on Pan India basis and has more
Creatinine, Cholesterol, Glucose, Triglyceride, Uric Acid, than 200 distributors spread across the country. The
Malaria Ag, Chikungunya, etc. Operational since 2016, the company commissioned its world-class, state-of-the-art
company has a total workforce of 55 employees. manufacturing facility in 2016, located at Palakkad, Kerala
which has taken Rapha to the next stage of growth.

AFFIGENIX BIOSOLUTIONS 30 ASRITHA DIATECH 31
PRIVATE LIMITED INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Bengaluru-based Affigenix Biosolutions generated a Based in Hyderabad, Asritha Diatech India generated
revenue of Rs 4.2 crore during the FY 20-21 exhibiting a revenue of Rs 3.47 crore during the FY 20-21,
a slight growth with respect to the revenue figure of showing a slight decline in comparison to the
Rs 4 crore generated during the FY 19-20. Operational revenue generation of Rs 3.49 crore in the previous year.
since 2012, the company is providing customised products A fast-growing in vitro diagnostics company working
and services to more than 30 biopharma companies with over more than 500 distributors, the company’s
in India, Dubai and Germany. The company received a manufacturing facility at Hyderabad has been built as per
manufacturing license from CDSCO for 4 COVID-19 related GMP guidelines for the production of clinical chemistry
diagnostic products that have been validated by ICMR. reagents. Its diagnostic reagents are single-step highly
It was also the recipient of 3 COVID-19 related grants thermostable and continue to remain stable even in
from IKP-ICO fund, BIRAC COVID 2 call as well as from extreme conditions.
Millennium Alliance.

CAREWELL BIOTECH 32 PRANTAE SOLUTIONS 33
PRIVATE LIMITED PRIVATE LIMITED

New Delhi-based Carewell Biotech Private Limited During FY 20-21, Bhubaneswar-based Prantae
recorded a revenue figure of Rs 2.65 crore during Solutions recorded a revenue figure of Rs 1.29 crore.
the FY 20-21, exhibiting a slight decline in business The company has developed diagnostic solutions
when compared to the revenue generation of Rs 2.78 crore and devices with a primary focus on pregnancy healthcare
during the FY 19-20. Established in 1994, Carewell Biotech and other related disorders. Its first product, EyeRa, is
is an exporter, manufacturer, distributor and supplier in the an early detection platform for preeclampsia. The other
hematology and analyser business. It has made a name offerings include ProFolU, a smartphone-based self-health
for itself in the list of top suppliers of medical equipment monitoring device for kidney health; Salubrious, a solution
and scientific instruments in India. The company offers a for hidden hunger; and Embargo, a detection platform
range of products such as carelyte - electrolyte analyser, for antibiotics in food products. The company has also
hematology Analyser etc. developed a viral nucleic acid isolation kit for quick and
reproducible isolation of viral nucleic acid from biological
fluids.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS RANKING 43

SHANMUKHA INNOVATIONS LEUCINE RICH 35
BIO PRIVATE LIMITED
34PRIVATE LIMITED

Bengaluru-based startup Shanmukha Innovations Bengaluru-based Leucine Rich Bio Private Limited
generated a revenue worth Rs 1.16 crore during FY 20- gathered a revenue of Rs 1.1 crore during the FY
21, growing 4x in comparison to the revenue generation 20-21. Well known as South Asia’s first microbiome
of Rs 28 lakh in the previous fiscal. With a team strength of company, its gut microbiome test, called BugSpeaks is a
9 people, Shanmukha aims to deliver lab quality tests across non-invasive gut microbiome test that provides insights
hematology, biochemistry and molecular diagnostics. 12 into the health of an individual. The startup plans to
mobile labs for COVID-19 were delivered by the startup with introduce oral and skin microbiome tests very soon and
over 2 lakh tests done pan India during the pandemic. It would also complete and publish multiple studies around
plans to build a fully functional mobile diagnostic laboratory the gut microbiome area. During the FY 20-21, two patents
linked with every primary health centre in India to address were filed by the startup.
major national health priorities such as malaria, sickle-cell,
TB, viral infections. The startup was Elevate 2020 winner,
organised by the Government of Karnataka.

BIOSPECTRUM MEDICAL Medical Devices and Diagnostics Companies
DEVICES AND DIAGNOSTICS
SURVEY AND METHODOLOGY

BioSpectrum India, a leading B2B media Rs Crore and Rs 70= 1USD). Companies shared
platform in Lifesciences space since 2003 information with us to the extent it was possible
has re-launched its ranking special edition by them. We have collected information about
in June 2019 after gap of 2 years. We listed companies from stock exchange and
have delayed this survey exercise in 2021 financial agencies as well.
due to COVID-19, as companies were given an
extended period to submit their financial returns #The revenues considered for the analysis are
till December 2021. In this survey we looked at Medical Devices and Diagnostics sales figures.
only the Medical Devices and Diagnostics Industry. In several cases, where revenue figures were not
We highlighted the companies based on their available, estimates were arrived in discussion with
achievements in the past financial years. industry experts.
A detailed questionnaire (survey form) was
sent to over 800 companies in Medical Devices #For all the ranking purposes, we have taken
and Diagnostics space to capture the needed the Medical Devices and Diagnostics business only
information for the analysis through associations. into consideration. Wherever ‘Revenue is mentioned,
This was done during January 2021 – March it means, sales turnover from Medical Devices and
2021 (Sales revenues of all the companies are in Diagnostics division. Therefore, revenue wherever
mentioned is not necessarily the total sales turnover
of the company.

44 APECOAPDLEEMNIECWSSNEWS BIOBSIOPSEPCETCRTURMUM| |AUAGPURSITL 20212 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Dr Sheela Lupin names Dr Fabrice
Nampoothiri Egros as President, Corporate
joins ICMR’s Development & Growth Markets
Rare Diseases
National Dr Fabrice Egros has assumed new role. For the past six
Consortium responsibilities for Global years, Dr Egros has played
Corporate Development an integral role in Lupin,
Dr Sheela Nampoothiri, Head, as President, Corporate leading businesses across
Paediatric Genetics, Amrita Development and Growth both growth and developed
Hospitals, Kochi has been selected Markets for Mumbai-based markets. His extensive cross-
as the co-chair and member of the pharmaceutical firm Lupin. Dr border experience as well as
Rare Diseases National Consortium, Egros takes over the Corporate successful experience with
an expert committee under the Development role from Alan acquisitions, divestitures, joint
Indian Council of Medical Research Butcher departing from the ventures and partnerships will
(ICMR) for research related to company on February 28, be an asset to Lupin in this
the treatment of rare diseases. 2022. Dr Egros will lead the new role.
Dr Sheela is currently working development and execution
in Pediatric Genetics, Amrita of the company’s inorganic
Institute of Medical Sciences and growth strategy, including
Research Centre. Her international mergers and acquisitions,
experience includes various business development,
programmes, contributions and in-licensing arrangements,
participation in different countries and related matters. He will
for diverse fields of study. Her continue to lead the business
research interests reflect a wide in Latin America (LATAM)
range of publications in various and Asia regions in this
national and international journals.
She has completed Diplomate of Takeda appoints Serina
National Board in Paediatrics from Fischer as GM for India
Trivandrum Medical College and
Masters in Medical Genetics from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company has announced the
Duncan Guthrie Institute of Medical appointment of Serina Fischer as its General Manager for India
Genetics, Yorkhill Hospitals, operations. The appointment is effective as of March 1, 2022. In
University of Glasgow. her new role, Serina will lead the company’s business in India,
ensuring patient access to the company’s highly innovative
medicines. Serina has over 17 years of experience in the
biopharmaceutical industry and is an accomplished, dynamic

leader with expertise in strategy, sales, marketing,
and operations. She joined Takeda in 2017 and
has held various leadership roles in its US
affiliate. Before Takeda, Serina was working as
an Advisor for Global Marketing Capabilities
at Eli Lilly. She spearheaded the overall
strategic direction for the global commercial
organisation to leverage the recently formed
insourcing centre in India. She worked
cross-functionally to understand the needs
of the business while benchmarking
other companies to express potential
benefits/risks associated with
capability centres.

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© 2022 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Merck,
the vibrant M, are trademarks of Merck of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany or its
affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Detailed
information on trademarks is available via publicly accessible resources.

The life science business
of Merck operates
as MilliporeSigma in
the U.S. and Canada.

46 R&D NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

IIT-M uses robotics to India-Australia
develop medical innovation
researchers
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) is
collaborating with US-based Portescap to develop medical predict COVID-19
innovation using robotics for rehabilitation. This CSR
Project also involves Christian Medical College (CMC) vaccine efficacy
Vellore. The project facilitated by the Office of Institutional
Researchers at the Indian Institute of
Advancement, IIT-M, Science (IISc) and Queensland Brain
will focus on creating an Institute (QBI) in Australia have
innovative rehabilitation developed a mathematical model that
robot – AREBO (Arm predicts how antibodies generated by
Rehabilitation Robot) COVID-19 vaccines confer protection
– for people with arm against symptomatic infections. The
impairments. AREBO researchers first analysed over 80
is a six-degrees-of- different neutralising antibodies reported
freedom robot for to be generated after vaccination against
training individual the surface spike protein of SARS-
joint movements at CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
the shoulder and These antibodies are typically present
elbow for persons in the blood for months and prevent
with neurological virus entry by blocking the spike
and musculoskeletal protein. The researchers hypothesised
conditions such as that these 80 antibodies constitute a
stroke, arthritis, ‘landscape’ or ‘shape space’, and each
cerebral palsy, and individual produces a unique ‘profile’
Parkinson’s disease, of antibodies which is a small, random
among others. The subset of this landscape. The team then
design of this robot allows it to be easily connected to developed a mathematical model to
either the left or right arm of a user and provides safe simulate infections in a virtual patient
training of the arm. As a second project, also funded population of about 3,500 people with
by Portescap, IIT-M has partnered with the Institute different antibody profiles and to predict
of Neurosciences, Kolkata, to develop a lower limb how many of them would be protected
exoskeleton for ‘Gait Training’ of Stroke and Spinal Cord from symptomatic infection following
Injury patients and the design is in progress. vaccination.

CeNS, JNCASR develop touchless screen
technology to restrain virus spreading

Bengaluru-based scientists production of printing-aided which has the potential for
from the Centre for Nano and patterned (resolution of around being utilised in advanced
Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), 300 µm) transparent electrodes, touchless screen technologies.
and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre The novel low-cost patterned
for Advanced and Scientific transparent electrodes have
Research (JNCASR) have tremendous potential to be used
provided an affordable solution in advanced smart electronic
to develop a low-cost touch- devices like touchless screens
cum-proximity sensor popularly and sensors. This touchless
called touchless touch sensor touch sensor technology could
through a printing technique. assist in preventing the spread
The team has set up a semi- of viruses that spread through
automated plant for the contact.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com ACADEMICS NEWS 47

GITAM University, Pfizer start BSc Chemistry
course to increase pharma workforce

Pfizer Healthcare in B.Sc. Chemistry at GITAM to contribute and excel
association with GITAM Deemed to be University. The in the pharmaceutical
(Gandhi Institute programme has been designed industry. One of the
of Technology and with the help of GITAM faculty goals of Pfizer is to
Management) Deemed to develop qualified professionals increase the participation
to be University, of women in the
has launched an workforce through the
undergraduate PAT programme and
programme in Chemistry provide avenues to
(B.Sc. Chemistry Pfizer enhance their knowledge,
Programme). The course skills and employability
which will begin later this year in pharma operations. The
was recently inaugurated to university has planned to invest
encourage students who have around Rs 15 crore to upgrade
opted for the Pfizer Autonomous the infrastructure facilities and
Teams (PAT) programme under academic reforms.

Docemy offers free Centre to open
coaching for Ukraine
returnee medical students 15 medical

Medical education app Docemy, owned by education colleges in
technology solutions provider Celebrate Learning based in
Kochi, has launched an intensive coaching course for foreign Rajasthan
medical students looking to crack Foreign Medical Graduate
Exam (FMGE). Students can register for the course by clicking Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union
on the ‘FMGE Course’ on the Docemy app. In a bid to restore Minister for Health & Family Welfare
continuity in learning for returnee medical students from and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok
Ukraine, Docemy is also offering them free access to the newly Gehlot virtually laid the foundation
launched FMGE course. Its FMGE programme includes 600 stone for two new medical colleges in
video tutorials covering all the clinical subjects along with Alwar and Nagaur in Rajasthan. Each
slides, quizzes and multiple-choice questions. Live guidance medical college has a crucial role in
sessions will also be a part of its engagement drive so that providing quality medical education
students can directly interact with the experts for guidance in to its students and at the same time
planning their way forward. For FMGE preparations, students providing healthcare services to its
will also have access to mock tests and question banks. All citizens. It serves the purpose of
tutorial aids and lecture notes are available in offline mode creating a vibrant ecosystem for not
too so students with poor connectivity can access all study just welfare but human resource
materials at all times. Docemy’s news feed will also allow development too. This will not only
students to get the latest updates on medical exam schedules. expedite bringing affordable healthcare
facilities to the doorsteps of people
but will also give impetus to medical
education in the country. Dr Mandaviya
stated that 23 medical colleges in
Rajasthan are being established in three
phases out of which 7 under phase-1
has been completed. In the second
phase, 1 medical college and in the
third phase, 15 are being established
in Rajasthan out of 75 medical colleges
across the country.

48 SUPPLIERS NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Thermo Fisher launches two new RT-LAMP-based solutions

To support active research and outbreaks, researchers need cost- The Invitrogen Colorimetric
surveillance of viral pathogens, effective, easy-to-use solutions for ReadiLAMP Kit, SARS-CoV-2 is
including SARS-CoV-2, Thermo rapid detection of viral pathogens. an off-the-shelf assay designed
Fisher Scientific has launched With RT-LAMP technology, to provide accurate, robust
two new reverse transcription detection of SARS-CoV-2 from
loop-mediated isothermal researchers saliva, nasal or nasopharyngeal
amplification (RT-LAMP)- swab samples. The kit includes
based solutions. While PCR can accurately detect
remains the gold standard the presence of a pathogen two protocols: a rapid,
for diagnostic, lab-based by seeing a simple colour 30-minute turnaround time
testing, isothermal RT- change with the naked eye. for crude sample types,
LAMP nucleic-acid-based which reduces reagents use
amplification provides a and costs by eliminating
rapid and low-cost option for the need for nucleic acid
viral pathogen detection. In the isolation, or a one-hour
global fight against COVID-19 turnaround time for increased
and future infectious disease sensitivity with purified RNA
sample types.

Agilent establishes MilliporeSigma
invests over €500M in
laboratory for chemical technology scale-up

analysis in the US MilliporeSigma, the US and Canada Life Science
business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany,
Agilent Technologies Inc. and the University has announced the closing of the transaction to
of Vermont (UVM) in the US have announced acquire Exelead, following regulatory clearances and
the establishment of the Agilent Laboratory the fulfillment of other customary closing conditions,
for Chemical Analysis (ALCA). The facility will for approximately $780 million in cash. The business
be a hub for advanced instrumentation that combination is expected to enable the Life Science
will allow students, institutional colleagues, business to provide
its customers with
industrial partners, and comprehensive
regional high-tech startups end-to-end contract
to study the composition development and
and structure of chemical manufacturing
samples. It is intended as organisation
a shared educational and (CDMO) services
research space that will play across the mRNA
a central role in the education value chain.
and training of undergraduate The Life Science
and graduate students at business plans to
UVM, while also serving as a valuable technology further invest over
resource to local and regional businesses. € 500 million to scale up Exelead’s technology over the
The fast pace of technological advancement next ten years. As per the company, with the addition
can be challenging for universities and other of Exelead’s leading capabilities and highly experienced
educational and research facilities to stay current team, the Life Science business at MilliporeSigma
with the latest technology and training. The suite achieves an important milestone in becoming one
of Agilent instrumentation housed in the ALCA of the leading CDMO players in mRNA vaccines and
facility, backed by Agilent application expertise, therapeutics, offering an integrated CDMO across the
will advance long-term technical and scientific mRNA value chain from pre-clinical to commercial.
goals in the state of Vermont and support
economic and technological sustainability
throughout the region.

BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com SUPPLIERS NEWS 49

PerkinElmer introduces Sartorius
new software for researchers
collaborates to
PerkinElmer, Inc., has announced V21 of its ChemDraw software
featuring the ability to import, animate and share 3D chemical support global
structures natively in the Microsoft PowerPoint application with
one click. The key enhancement, to a tool used by millions of supply of
scientists around the world, helps chemists create more intelligent
research reports quickly and easily, improving information sharing coronavirus vaccines
and collaboration and supporting real-time decision making.
Using the new ChemDraw V21 software, chemists simply paste a Dow, Sartorius and Südpack Medica,
live 3D rendering of their molecule, with its atom and bond colour have come together to support the
highlights fully retained, natively into the Microsoft PowerPoint global coronavirus vaccination effort
application where they can view, rotate and share the image. by manufacturing bioprocessing bags,
Researchers can also save molecules as 3D printable objects. which are an essential component for
No other chemical drawing application in the industry today the safe production and transportation
provides these intuitive capabilities which eliminate the need to of coronavirus vaccines globally.
use specialised software with steep learning curves. ChemDraw Dow, alongside Sartorius, a leading
software is part of PerkinElmer’s extensive informatics portfolio international partner of life science
which is used by more than 2 million scientists around the globe research and the
today. Pharmaceutical, agrochemical, advanced materials, and biopharmaceutical
food industries rely on PerkinElmer’s cloud-based, electronic industry, and
notebook and laboratory informatics solutions to capture, store packaging company
and analyse research data, collaborate, and support data-driven Südpack, are
R&D and clinical decisions. each contributing
innovative solutions
and expertise in a
collaborative value
chain effort, to support
the demands of the
global vaccine supply
and to ensure vaccines arrive to those
in need quickly and safely. Sterile bio-
reactor bags with a capacity of up to
2 litres, made from multilayer films,
can help to achieve outstanding speed,
quality, and flexibility in the vaccine
development process as well as in
commercial manufacturing operations.

Promega, FUJIFILM collaborate
to advance novel assay development

Promega Corporation and intracellular bioluminescent that better reflects how cells behave
FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, in the human body. Cells that are
Inc. have announced a strategic reporter capabilities for differentiated from iPSCs have
collaboration to advance novel grown in popularity as researchers
assay development for drug researchers and scientists to use pursue more physiological models
discovery. Under a multi-year that drive drug discovery assays
licensing agreement, FUJIFILM as part of novel assay development towards greater human relevance.
Cellular Dynamics will offer a wide iPSCs can be differentiated into
range of custom differentiated in the drug discovery process. any type of human cell, including
human induced pluripotent neural, cardiac, hepatic, immune
stem cells (iPSCs) integrated The strategic collaboration will and many other cells critical for the
with Promega biosensor and study of human disease.
merge bioluminescent reporter

technology used to study cellular

signaling and transcriptional

activity in iPSCs, enabling

researchers to create novel assays to

observe cellular biology in a system

50 LET’S TALK HEALTH BIOSPECTRUM | APRIL 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Winning A Losing
Battle Against TB

Despite numerous drugs and vaccines it can modulate its metabolism, which also affects the
undergoing clinical trials, we have not been success of the treatment course.
able to control tuberculosis (TB). Some key
issues being prolonged treatment courses, inadequate As the demand for better and effective drugs
drug intake, and the high dropout rate of patients increase, a recent study by Stanford University in the
during the treatment course. Hence, we require drugs US has proposed the use of cancer medication to fight
that could accelerate the elimination of bacteria, TB. An unexpected link between TB and cancer may
shortening the treatment duration. It is high time lead to new drug treatments for the bacterial disease
we evaluate the probable lacunae in research that’s that is expected to end by 2030 as per the United
holding us back in coming up with a treatment Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
regime and/or a vaccine that would help control TB
spread. On the other hand, about 16 TB vaccine
candidates are currently at different stages of clinical
A total of 1.5 million people died from TB in trials across the globe. A significant limitation in
2020. Worldwide, TB is the 13th leading cause of developing a safe vaccine from attenuated bacteria
death and the second leading infectious killer after is the risk of circulating less attenuated strains in
COVID-19. Out of total deaths due to TB, almost 10– patients for an extended time leading to adverse or
20 per cent account for deaths among children with unwanted effects. For example, reports have claimed
TB. Although remarkable improvements have been that BCG vaccine trials faced termination as two
observed in paediatric tuberculosis, there remain recipients developed shingles. Meanwhile, subunit
some grey areas of TB diagnosis and prognosis in vaccines are a safer alternative to vaccines using
children. attenuated pathogens.

Depending upon the type of infection, broadly At present, MTBVAC is the only live attenuated
available drugs have been grouped into two treatment vaccine against TB in development. It is currently
types or categories. The first-line drugs are the being developed in Spain, for two purposes: as a more
ones used to treat pulmonary TB infections that effective and potentially longer-lasting vaccine than
are not drug-resistant. These include Isoniazid, BCG for new-borns and, on the other hand, for the
Rifampicin (RIF), Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. prevention of TB disease in adults and adolescents,
The second line of drugs consists, nowadays, mainly for whom there is currently no effective vaccine.
of Bedaquiline (BDQ) along with 4-Aminosalicylate,
Kanamycin, Cycloserine, Ethionamide, Amikacin, Joining hands in this venture is Hyderabad-based
Capreomycin, Thiacetazone, Fluoroquinolones. These Bharat Biotech with plans of production and supply
drugs are used to treat multi- and extremely drug of the future vaccine in more than 70 countries with
resistant TB. a high TB incidence, such as India which has the
highest TB burden in the world, with a 25 per cent of
Adding to this situation is the fact that all the all cases.
drugs used for the treatment of TB have serious side
effects. The drugs show cure rates better than 95 per The crux of drug and vaccine discovery and
cent during clinical trials, but their performance is development achieved so far suggests that controlling
much inferior in the actual treatment programmes. the TB progression is not a straightforward
operation but needs a strategic and collaborative
Also, the causal organism Mycobacterium implementation. We still lack one super-drug or a
tuberculosis (Mtb) exists in different subpopulations combination of drugs that could treat all active and
that differ in physiology inside the host. It can exist dormant TB infections in the shortest time, unless
as an actively dividing and inactive or dormant stage there is an effective vaccine.
that responds to medications differently. During
latency periods, it forms granulomas in the lungs, and Dr Manbeena Chawla
Executive Editor

[email protected]