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

COVER STORY 21 COVER DESIGN BY:
DOMINIX STRATEGIC
Is AMR Modern-day
DESIGN PVT. LTD.
FRANKENSTEIN’S

MONSTER?

Antimicrobial
Resistance (AMR)
continues to pose
a significant public
health problem in
terms of mortality and
economic loss. The
rising AMR is a matter
of huge concern that
needs to be tactfully
handled and health
authorities of several
countries, including
India, have formulated

action plans for
its containment.
Significant efforts by
the government, an
active involvement of
startups and diagnostic
players is a good start.
The question remains,
whether this will be

enough.
Let’s find out.

26 29

“A strong pipeline of vaccines is Combatting
underdevelopment with nearly 8 AMR with New
different vaccines targeting the Strategies and
critical priority pathogens of AMR”
Technologies

Dr Renu Swarup, Amit Chopra,

Vice Chair, International Managing Director-
Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance India and South Asia,
Solutions (ICARS), Denmark Thermo Fisher Scientific

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

Diabetes Sachin Joshi,
Founder &
31 Managing
Director,
Pharma Hits Sweet Spot PharmNXT
with Innovative Diabetes Drugs Biotech reflects
upon the
Speaking With growth of the
bioprocessing
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“India needs to connect OPD with Scan the QR Code »
the cashless insurance network
to bring them into the digital Dr Sandeep
economy” Sewlikar,
Ravi Chandra, Head - Medical
and Scientific
Co-Founder and CEO, MedPay Affairs, Roche
Diagnostics
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“The Indian market is India’s focus on
well positioned to embrace cardiovascular
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Divyanshu Gautam,
Scan the QR Code »
Commercial Director, Gorilla Glass &
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Chatterjee,
Career Co-Founder
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emphasises on how
Clinical Genomics: technology can
Career Opportunities help fight new and
and Skillsets existing infectious
Rajavarman Kittu, diseases.

Clinical Bioinformatics Specialist, Scan the QR Code »
Premas Life Sciences

Regulars

BioEdit ........................................................................06
BioMail .......................................................................08
Policy and Regulatory News...................................10
Start-up News...........................................................13
Finance News............................................................15
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WHO News.................................................................18
World News...............................................................19
Academia News........................................................40
People News..............................................................41
R&D News..................................................................44
Supplier News...........................................................48
Let’s Talk Health........................................................50

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

Jumping The Gun

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently Indian drug regulatory authorities have said that the
issued a global alert over possible links between WHO has been unable to provide an exact ‘one to one
deaths of 66 children in Gambia and four cough causal relation between the deaths and medicines’.
syrups produced and exported by an Indian pharma Details of labels and products have also not been shared
company. It has issued the global alert because it felt by the WHO to India’s Central Drug Standards Control
these syrups may have been distributed outside the Organisation (CDSCO). The important question thus is
West African country, probably endangering children when the issue is still at the only possibility level, is it
in other countries as well. The WHO alert came in the right to issue such a warning. Wasn’t it a hasty step on
wake of the Gambian medical authorities detecting an part of the WHO?
increase in cases of acute kidney injury among children
under five back in July this year. They have suspended Another weak link is that out of 23 samples tested by
use of all paracetamol syrups. the WHO, ethylene glycol was found in four samples. An
expert committee appointed by DCGI to investigate the
The issue is serious, if true, since it may dent the matter has found that clinical features and treatment
$42 billion worth Indian pharma sector’s reputation received by the children in Gambia as shared by WHO
as a supplier of quality medicines. It is more so when so far was inadequate to determine the etiology.
the country has earned the ‘Pharmacy of the World’
moniker. Maintaining safety standards is, hence, of The pharma company producing the four cough
utmost importance. syrups has been given a license to produce the
medicines only for export. It appears that the company
The four ‘contaminated’ and ‘substandard’ cough has exported them only to the Gambia. In all such
and cold syrups - Promethazine Oral Solution, trade, importing countries test the products for safety
Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough before approving their usage in the country. Also, did
Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup – are produced by the Gambian authority test the medicine? It seems
Maiden Pharmaceuticals based in Sonepat, Haryana. that the country does not have a laboratory capable
of testing the safety of medicines and has to send the
Laboratory analysis of the four syrups undertaken by samples abroad for checking. However, it is not clear if
the WHO confirmed that two ingredients in all the four those samples had been sent before use or after the side
syrups are supposedly responsible for the children’s effects were noticed.
death. They are Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene
Glycol which are toxic and can prove fatal. They lead At the time of writing this piece, reports of the
to kidney and neurological toxicity. Their toxic effects tests by the Indian drug regulator were still awaited.
include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability But an inspection of the manufacturing facility has
to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and led to detection of 12 violations and the production
acute kidney injury. Unacceptable amounts of both the of the syrups has been stopped. Whatever may be the
chemicals were found in all the four syrups. revelation of the test report, Indian authorities may point
out the vague nature of the WHO’s communication.
The manufacturing company has failed to provide Nevertheless, violations at the manufacturing facility
guarantees about the safety of the medicines, the WHO are a serious issue.
has claimed. Following the WHO’s alert about potential
adverse effects of the medicines, the Drug Controller As the good reputation of the exported Indian drugs
General of India (DCGI) has swung into action and is at stake, it behooves the drug regulator to stop this
launched an investigation along with the Haryana kind of violations in its tracks by enforcing stricter
regulatory authority. Meanwhile, the WHO is also quality control and heavy penalties that will act as
conducting its investigation. deterrents.

However, here’s where things become mysterious. Dr Milind Kokje
The WHO’s choice of words indicate a possibility only. Chief Editor
It says “Deaths potentially linked to the medicines”.
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8 BIO MAIL BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Scan Vol 20; Issue 10; October 2022
QR code
to access Acknowledgements
BioSpectrum mRNA is a centre of attraction at the moment and
we are witnessing everyday a new innovation. A good
India piece done in the October issue, titled ‘Welcome Spike
Digizine in mRNA Tech’. I also think that most of the views in
the story were generic, and it would have been better
to focus on one topic at a time.

-Dr Arun Kumar, Norway

The article on mRNA technology in the October edition is very informative for
those who are not aware of what mRNA vaccines are. I thank BioSpectrum for
publishing my views in the article.

-Dr Pradeep Nagalkar, Mumbai

I hope that mRNA technology can open new doors for oncology research.
-Dr Sanjay Singh, Pune

The chronic nature of the certain skin diseases such as vitiligo and the lack
of treatment options is very distressing. Understanding this lacuna, new
intervention pathway for such diseases should be identified.

-Dr Parul Ganju, Pune

Vol 20; Issue 11; November 2022 MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications

Publisher & Managing Editor: South Region New Delhi INTERNATIONAL
Ravindra Boratkar Alok Srivastava Dr Manbeena Chawla Singapore
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10 POLICY AND REGULATORY NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

PM lays foundation stone of medical device park in HP

Prime Minister (PM) Nalagarh Medical Device Park already been signed for
Narendra Modi laid the is part of this. Memorandums setting up industries in this
foundation stone of the of Understanding (MoUs) of medical device park. The
Medical Device Park at more than Rs 800 crore have project will significantly
Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh enhance employment
(HP) which will be built at a opportunities in the region.
cost of about Rs 350 crore. During his visit to HP, the
The PM observed that it is Prime Minister visited and
a moment of pride for the inaugurated AIIMS, Bilaspur
people of Himachal Pradesh constructed at a cost of more
as it is one of the three states than Rs 1470 crore. It is a
that have been selected for state-of-the-art hospital with
the Bulk Drugs Park. Himachal 18 speciality & 17 super speciality
Pradesh is also one of the four departments, 18 modular
states that have been selected for operation theatres, and 750 beds
Medical Devices Park and the with 64 ICU beds.

Govt approves Govt unveils Tele Mental
Health Assistance and
establishment Networking across states

of EPC for Establishing a new milestone in the field of mental health on
the occasion of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the
medical devices Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States
(Tele-MANAS) initiative of the Union Ministry of Health &
As a big boost to Indian Medical Family Welfare was launched virtually by Thawar Chand Gehlot,
Devices Manufacturing, the Governor of Karnataka at National Institute of Mental Health
long-sought and requested and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, in the presence of
Medical Devices Exports
Promotion Council (EPC) Dr K. Sudhakar, Minister for
is finally sanctioned to be Health & Family Welfare and
created under the aegis of the Medical Education, Government
Department of Pharmaceuticals of Karnataka & Vice-President,
(DoP), Government of India. NIMHANS. Tele-MANAS aims to
This strategic step is expected provide free tele-mental health
to go a long way in accelerating services all over the country round
the exports and manufacturing the clock, particularly catering to
growth of the medical devices people in remote or under-served
sector. According to the areas. The programme includes
government’s notification, a network of 23 tele-mental
the EPC shall be established health centres of excellence, with
with headquarters at Yamuna NIMHANS being the nodal centre
Expressway Industrial and the International Institute of
Development Authority (YEIDA), Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) providing technical
Greater Noida and regional support. The Union Government aims to open at least one Tele-
offices in Andhra Pradesh MANAS Cell in each State/UT. Tele-MANAS will be organised in
and Telangana. For setting up two-tier system; Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells which
the headquarters, YEIDA will include trained counsellors and mental health specialists. Tier 2
provide initial funding of Rs will comprise specialists at District Mental Health Programme
3 crore. The regional office in (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/
Andhra Pradesh will be set up by or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.
2023, while the Telangana office
will be ready by 2025.

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12 POLICY AND REGULATORY NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Alkem Labs, Scindia launches
Stempeutics Helicopter Medical
get DCGI Emergency Services in India
nod for knee
osteoarthritis Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel,
treatment Government of India has announced three new projects for
enhancing the helicopter sector in the country which include
Mumbai-based Alkem Project Akash, Helicopter Medical Emergency Services (HEMS)
Laboratories has announced that and fractional ownership. The Minister launched new HEMS under
regulatory approval has been project ‘Sanjeevani’ and the service will start at AIIMS, Rishikesh.
received from the Drug Controller “Through the learnings from project ‘Sanjeevani’, we will put in place
General of India (DCGI) for the a National Helicopter Medical Emergency plan in the days to come,”
launch of StemOne in India. he added. Addressing the ‘4th Heli-India Summit 2022 – Helicopters
The product is indicated for the for Last Mile Connectivity’, organised by FICCI, jointly with the
treatment of knee osteoarthritis Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India and Government of
(OA). It is the first allogeneic cell J&K, Scindia said that the government intends to expand medical
therapy product to be approved outreach and access to trauma care services to a wider population
for commercial use in India for across the country using helicopters.
Knee OA. The product has been
developed by Stempeutics, a group Govt makes affordable Sitagliptin
company of Manipal Education combinations for diabetics
and Medical Group, for over 12
years. The company’s proprietary The Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmaceuticals & Medical
technology platform provides Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) Ravi Dadhich has launched
for an efficient manufacturing Sitagliptin, a new variant of medicines for diabetes at affordable
process thereby enabling the prices for all under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
product to be made accessible Pariyojana. PMBI included new variants of medicines Sitagliptin
to patients at an affordable cost. and its combination in all Jan Aushdhi Kendras. The name of
More than one million doses can the products available at the Kendras (MRP for a pack of 10)
be produced from a single set of include Sitagliptin Phosphate Tablet IP 50mg Rs 60, Sitagliptin
master cell banks, which is unique
in regenerative medicine, thus Phosphate Tablet IP 100mg
providing consistent products Rs 100, Sitagliptin +
to patients. StemOne has the Metformin Hydrochloride
potential to provide best-in- Tablets 50mg/500mg Rs
class pain reduction, improve 65, Sitagliptin + Metformin
quality of life, maintain cartilage Hydrochloride Tablets
quality and stall further disease 50mg/1000mg Rs 70.
progression in Grade 2 and Sitagliptin is indicated as an
Grade 3 Osteoarthritis patients. adjunct to diet and exercise
It has anti-inflammatory and to improve glycemic control
immunosuppressive properties in adults with type 2 diabetes
which reduce inflammation in the mellitus. All these variants
knee joint. are available at 60 to 70
per cent lesser prices than branded variants as they are available
in price bands of Rs 162 to Rs 258 at other medical stores. Under
the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, more than
8700 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras have been
opened across the country. These Kendras are selling quality generic
medicines, surgical equipment, nutraceuticals and other products.
At present, these Kendras make available more than 1600 medicines
and 250 surgical devices.

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com START UP NEWS 13

BestDoc expands Mylab gets approval
presence in Maharashtra
for HPV RT-PCR
Kerala-based startup BestDoc plans to expand its presence
across Maharashtra. In order to expand its presence in the test for cervical
state, the company aims to expand its sales and marketing
teams to deepen its presence in the region. With great cancer detection
connectivity and highly skilled medical staff, Maharashtra
has positioned itself as a top destination for Medical Tourism. Pune-based startup Mylab Discovery
Patients continue to demand digital eaxperiences, and Solutions has launched ‘PathoDetect
providers are employing new strategies to manage patient HPV Detection Test’, a real-time PCR
engagement throughout the care journey as a result of the based screening solution to detect
emergence of digital technology. This is where BestDoc sees high-risk types of HPV in individuals.
a significant opportunity to expand its regional presence. Approved by regulatory authority,
Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, Nashik and Nagpur ‘PathoDetect HPV Detection Test’
are among the cities with the highest concentration of detects and discriminates the presence
healthcare providers the company intends to target. BestDoc of high-risk HPV strains including 16
Concierge, the company’s flagship product, is available in and 18 which cause most of the cervical
English, Marathi, Hindi and Gujarati, making it easier for cancers. One of the important benefits
patients to place requests and for administrators to improve of this test is that a woman with a
their operations in their local language. Additionally, the positive (High Risk HPV) cervical
company wants to use its NABH-friendly solutions to assist screening result may be advised for
both accredited hospitals and those seeking accreditation further follow-up tests at shorter
with their compliance requirements. intervals. A negative test for the high-
riskHPV genotypes would mean a longer
interval between the next screening test.

Clemedi’s CE-IVD marked ‘Tuberculini’ to assist TB eradication

Ten million people are infected with tuberculosis every year, and over
one million individuals lose their lives to the disease. One-third of the
world’s instances of drug-resistant tuberculosis are found in India. There is a
compelling argument for acting swiftly to end the spread of this disease.

Finding every case, making accurate diagnosis, and administering the
right treatment would be highly challenging. There are two primary methods
for TB diagnosis: DNA-based diagnostics, which yield results far more quickly
than culture-based susceptibility testing, which can take up to 10 weeks to
complete. The time-consuming culture procedure cannot be replaced by
the DNA-based testing methods that provide limited information on drug
resistance. This poses a huge challenge to India’s ambition to eradicate the
disease by 2030.

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), a novel technology, is becoming
more and more popular for diagnostic purposes. When combined with smart
algorithms, this approach provides deeper insights into drug-resistance of TB.

The Swiss startup Clemedi (which means “key to medicine”) has created
Tuberculini, a diagnostic for tuberculosis based on the integration of DNA
NGS with smart software. Tuberculini works directly with a patient’s sample
and provides findings in just 48 hours, just as reliable as the culture approach
would be. Based on WHO-approved scientific consensus, it can quickly
identify drug-resistant strains, allowing doctors to prescribe the most effective
antibiotic treatment right from the onset of the disease. This ensures minimal
side effects and maximizes treatment success for the patient. Such focused
diagnosis is a crucial component of TB elimination efforts.

Tuberculini has recently received CE-IVD mark in Europe and will be
available in India in 2023. Clemedi is currently seeking laboratories to support
their Indian clinical trials, as well as welcomes the Indian impact investors to
join the ongoing capital raise.

Let’s unite to wipe TB off our nation, sooner. Visit: www.clemedi.com

14 START UP NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Medulance with Reliance Jio launches 5G-enabled ambulance

New Delhi-based startup ambulance connected with high- and other health data
Medulance Healthcare speed 5G aims to revolutionise from the vehicle directly to
has launched a 5G- Smart the landscape of emergency the hospital, from where
connected ambulance in healthcare in rural India by doctors can instruct the
association with Reliance connecting an ambulance to a paramedic staff through a
Jio. The vehicle is equipped hospital, almost anywhere in seamless digital connection.
with cameras and smart the country. It allows real-time With this, the patient can
devices that allow real- transmission of patient’s vitals be administered treatment
time, two-way audio and even during the commute
video communication, to the hospital, within the
high-definition footage critical ‘golden hour’ when
transmission, ambulance prompt medical attention
location tracking, and real-time can save someone’s life, especially
streaming of patient health data in medical emergencies like heart
to a distant doctor over the high- attack, brain stroke, or accidents
speed 5G network. This helps and trauma. The ambulance
in alerting the nearest hospital also promises to be a boon to
and staff to better manage the patients in rural and remote areas
patient on arrival and save critical located far away from healthcare
time. Medulance Healthcare facilities.

Humors Tech raises Dental tech startup
$70k in pre-seed round
Snazzy launches new
We Founder Circle (WFC), an early-stage startup
investment platform led by a global community of technology for complete
successful founders and strategic angels, along with the
WFC VP has announced leading the pre-seed round aligner treatment
worth Rs 54 lakh ($70k) raised by Humors Tech. Humors
Tech was founded by IIIT Alumni in 2021 to develop With an aim to ensure a 100 per cent patient
innovative products for Home Healthcare. The primary compliance, Hyderabad-based dental tech
aim of the startup is to combine its expertise in Artificial startup Snazzy has launched India’s first Scan
Intelligence, Deep Tech, and IoT with clinical research to Box and Monitoring App that helps deliver a
create innovative yet simple-to-use healthcare platforms. complete aligner treatment to their patients.
In absence of any professional support, Humors facilitates With the introduction of this technology,
a unique non-invasive breath technology to detect the doctors and
early onset of critical diseases such as heart issues, kidney staff are set
issues, liver issues, lung issues, and diabetes with accurate to have full
health screening on multiple parameters. visibility of
treatment
throughout
along
with the
improvement of communication between
both. Additionally, they plan to give the
dentists the ability to increase the frequency
of a patient’s follow up, proactively address
concerns with non-compliance, and reduce
patient inconvenience. The startup has been
working towards achieving transparency
between the professional and their patient in
order to ensure a 100 per cent compliance in
aligner treatment.

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com FINANCE NEWS 15

Temasek invests $85M in Molbio to
accelerate work on newer technologies

Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics, Health Organization (WHO) as a diagnosis of infectious diseases,
which provides innovative replacement to smear microscopy aiding in timely and appropriate
solutions for universal access for the diagnosis of Tuberculosis treatment. The platform can test
to high-quality healthcare, has for over 40 diseases in addition
announced that Singapore- (TB). The technology can to TB, including COVID-19,
based Temasek has invested be deployed at all Hepatitis, HIV, HPV, and
$85 million in the company.
Molbio is known for its levels vector-borne diseases like
game-changing Truenat of the Dengue, Chikungunya
technology – a point-of-care, healthcare chain, and Malaria. Onboarding
portable, battery-operated including very remote Temasek, alongside existing
Real-Time PCR platform. and inaccessible areas, to provide
Hailed globally as a high-impact early, rapid, and accurate investors such as Motilal
breakthrough innovation, Truenat Oswal Alternates, will further
is the world’s first point-of-care strengthen and accelerate the
molecular diagnostic platform company’s ability to develop and
to get endorsed by the World commercialise a host of near-care
technologies based on clinical
need gaps.

Apollo Hospitals acquires 60% Torrent Pharma
stake in AyurVAID for Rs 26 Cr
buys Curatio
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise has announced the execution of
definitive agreements to acquire a 60 per cent stake in the Healthcare for
leading classical Ayurveda hospital chain, AyurVAID, in a
combination of primary and secondary capital infusion. The Rs 2000 Cr
transaction consideration (including primary and secondary
investment) is ~ Rs 26 crore. The primary investment will Ahmedabad-based Torrent
be used to upgrade existing centres, set up new centres, Pharmaceuticals has entered into
strengthen enterprise definitive agreements to acquire 100
platforms, and for digital per cent of Chennai-based Curatio
health initiatives. Beginning Healthcare (I) Private Limited for
with a revenue estimate of over Rs 2,000 crore. The consideration
Rs 15 crore for FY 23, the target includes Rs 115 crore (on the date of
is to achieve Rs 100 crore signing) of cash and cash equivalents
in the next three years. The in the acquired business indicating an
collaboration will ensure that Enterprise Value of Rs 1,885 crore.
tailored treatment pathways Curatio has a strong presence in the
and options are available for cosmetic dermatology segment with a
patients, who will be treated portfolio of over 50 brands, marketed
by a multidisciplinary clinical in India. Curatio’s portfolio consists of
team, spanning allopathy and Ayurveda. The teams will leading brands such as Tedibar, Atogla,
carry forward the shared belief of evidence-based practice. Spoo, B4 Nappi, and Permite, which
Apollo Hospitals’ acquisition of a stake in AyurVAID is aimed are ranked amongst top 5 brands in
at delivering a unique Co-Managed Care Model, offering their covered market. Top ten brands
appropriate integration between modern medicine and of Curatio account for ~75 per cent of
Ayurveda. The partnership will also strive to build path- total revenue. With this acquisition,
breaking research in integrative medicine through clear, Torrent Pharma will add a field force
differentiated research methodology to establish credible of 600 Medical Representatives and a
evidence for Ayurveda’s safety and efficacy. distribution network of 900 stockists.
Curatio’s reported revenue for FY21-22
was Rs 224 crore.

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

Panacea Biotec receives Rs 1040 Cr
for Pentavalent vaccine supply

Panacea Biotec has received million (~Rs 235 crore) for supply Sustainable Development Goals
long-term supply awards worth ~24.83 million doses during (SDGs) set by the United Nations,
$127.30 million (around Rs 1,040 the calendar years 2023-2025. in particular, the target to
crore) from UNICEF and the Pan Paediatric vaccination plays reduce the under-five mortality
American Health Organization an important role to achieve rate to less than 25 per 1000
(PAHO) for the supply of its live births. Pentavalent vaccine
WHO pre-qualified fully liquid protects children against five
Pentavalent vaccine, Easyfive- deadly diseases: Diphtheria,
TT (DTwP-HepB-Hib). UNICEF Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B
award is worth $98.755 million and invasive infections caused
(~Rs 813 crore) for the supply by Haemophilus Influenza Type
of ~99.7 million doses during b - becoming the foundation
calendar years 2023-2027 and of paediatric immunisation
PAHO award is worth $28.55 programmes across the world.

Indian Immunologicals Amneal Pharma
invests Rs 700 Cr in
new animal vaccine begins commercial
facility in Hyderabad
operations in India
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has announced
that the company will invest about Rs 700 crore to US-based Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has
set up a new animal vaccine manufacturing facility launched its commercial operations in India.
in Genome Valley, Hyderabad - the “Vaccine Hub of To helm its India commercial operations,
the World”, to meet the vaccine security of the nation Amneal has appointed Shyamakant Giri
against economically important diseases such as Foot as Managing Director and President, India
and Mouth disease (FMD) and other emerging diseases. Business and Emerging Markets. Giri has over
The facility will create total employment for around 750 two decades of experience leading business
people. The facility is intended to be a state-of-art fully divisions and strategic operations of leading
integrated biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) for Drug Substance Indian and multinational organisations.
(DS) production and respective fill-finish. IIL’s intended In this new role, he will be responsible for
new facility, in Genome Valley Phase 3, will add another Amneal’s commercial expansion and growth
300 million doses/annum of FMD vaccine to its in India, Africa, Gulf, CIS and South Asian
capacity. The existing facility in Gachibowli already has markets. Amneal Pharmaceuticals has a
a capacity of 300 million doses. Production is scheduled strong manufacturing and R&D footprint
to commence in the third year. in India since 2008 with a focus on exports
of key molecules and products through its
state-of-the-art world-class facilities across
Ahmedabad, Dahej, Hyderabad and Vizag.
With the commencement of Amneal’s India
commercial operations, the company aims to
serve the unmet medical needs, and extend its
industry-leading reputation for high-quality
products at affordable prices. Delivering
innovations in accessible medicines for patients
and healthcare systems and building a strong
foundation on honesty and integrity for the
past 20+ years, the company has extended its
portfolio from generics to speciality products,
biosimilars and institutional injectables.

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com COMPANY NEWS 17

Healthium Medtech launches
new wound dressing portfolio

Bengaluru-based Healthium diabetic foot ulcers. The on a physical kill mechanism of
Medtech has launched a new treatment of foot ulcers is painful attracting, bind and rupturing
wound dressing portfolio and costly. Theruptor Novo is formula – a patented technology
Theruptor Novo for the an anti-microbial and non-toxic that minimises the development
management of chronic wounds wound dressing with technology of resistant microbes and aids in
like diabetic foot ulcers and patented in the US, India, EU the healing process. The entire
leg ulcers. With the launch of and Canada. This product works dressing has positively charged
Theruptor Novo, Healthium cationic sites, which attract the
strengthens its existing negatively charged microbes
portfolio of patented and ruptures their cell walls
products in the advanced effectively, thus achieving anti-
wound dressing segment.
The lifetime risk of a microbial protection.
person with diabetes The anti-microbial
having a foot ulcer has been technology is non-
reported to be as high as 25 interfering and it
per cent. India witnesses doesn’t enter into the
almost 1 lakh registered wound bed, making
amputations today due to it persistent and
complications of unmanaged effective for up to
seven days.

PharmNXT Biotech Krsnaa Diagnostics
unveils single-use
bioprocessing unit in Pune to launch 600 new

Mumbai-based PharmNXT Biotech has launched its centres & foray into
first integrated manufacturing unit in Pune to provide
single-use bioprocessing solutions. The state-of-the-art retail healthcare
facility has been launched to address the challenges of
biologics manufacturing in the country. The manufacturing services
unit will be called PharmNXT ekuse and is spread over
40,000 sq ft. The new Pune-based Krsnaa Diagnostics has
facility was launched announced its plans to launch 600
at PharmNXT Biotech, diagnostics centres across India. The
the company’s facility in company will strengthen its footprint
Chakan, Pune. Housing across Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh,
the latest production Punjab, West Bengal, and Rajasthan,
technology, the plant is with the spread across metros, Tier-2
built to provide single- and Tier-3 cities. The centres will be
use bioprocessing equipped to offer specialised services in
solutions with plans to precision medicine, genetics, genomics,
cater to the demands of and molecular diagnostics, along with the
global markets such as routine investigations of biochemistry
Singapore, Korea, Europe and the US. The new facility will and serology, which are commonly used
also generate employment opportunities for over 100 to 200 in routine diagnostics tests. The centres
people. The ekuse manufacturing facility will be engaged will offer dedicated services for women’s
in crafting the Xelta range of single-use bioprocessing health (hormones/ PCOD), diabetes
products and ‘NXTmix’ a levitating mixing technology. monitoring, cardiac health, and cancer
care. Currently, the company is present
in 16 states and 2 Union Territories of
India with 2,000 plus locations.

18 WHO NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

WHO WHO updates guidelines
on tests for TB diagnosis
launches
The WHO has released updated, (IGRAs). These guidelines are
first blueprint consolidated guidelines and a new accompanied by an operational
operational handbook on tests handbook which provides
for dementia for the diagnosis of tuberculosis laboratory personnel, clinicians
(TB) infection. The updated as well as ministries of health
research policy includes, for the first-time and technical partners detailed
recommendations on a new class guidance on how to implement
Dementia is one of the of Mycobacterium tuberculosis the WHO’s evidence-based
greatest health challenges of antigen-based skin tests (TBSTs) recommendations on TB infection
our generation. Strategies and consolidates all currently tests. The document describes the
are needed to better existing recommendations for WHO-recommended tests, test
understand, prevent, and the diagnosis of TB infection, procedures, a model algorithm,
treat the underlying diseases including the traditional and the steps required to scale-
that cause dementia and, tuberculin skin test (TST) and up TB infection testing within a
at the same time, provide interferon-gamma release assays health programme.
care and support for
people with dementia and Mental Health at Work must
their carers. Moreover, become top priority: WHO, ILO
dementia research needs
to be conducted within WHO and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have called
an enabling environment, for concrete actions to address mental health concerns in the working
where collaborations are population. An estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due
fostered, and equitable
and sustained investment to depression and anxiety
is realised. With these costing the global economy
objectives, World Health nearly $1 trillion. Two new
Organization (WHO) has publications which aim
developed a blueprint for to address this issue were
dementia research, the first published on September
WHO initiative of its kind 28 WHO Guidelines on
for non-communicable mental health at work and
diseases.The blueprint is a derivative WHO/ILO
designed to guide policy policy brief. WHO’s global
makers, funders, and the guidelines on mental health at
research community on work recommend actions to
dementia research, making tackle risks to mental health
it more efficient, equitable, such as heavy workloads, negative behaviours, and other factors that
and impactful. The blueprint create distress at work. For the first time WHO recommends manager
for dementia research training, to build their capacity to prevent stressful work environments
builds on and applies and respond to workers in distress.
lessons learned from WHO
efforts to prioritise research
and coordinate research
activities for infectious
diseases. It considers the
entire dementia research
spectrum, incorporating
diagnostics and therapeutics,
as well as emerging
scientific and technological
advances such as artificial
intelligence, multi-omics,
and biomarkers.

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com WORLD NEWS 19

UNDP, WHO hands over
essential medicines to Sri Lanka

The United Nations Development United Nations in Sri Lanka;
Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka Malin Herwig, Officer-in-Charge,
has come forward to procure UNDP in Sri Lanka, and Dr
and deliver vital and essential Alaka Singh, Representative,
medicines and medical supplies WHO in Sri Lanka with
for the country, together with the participation of wider
the World Health Organization representatives from partner
(WHO) in Sri Lanka with the organisations. Highlighting the
financial support of the United role of the UN in contributing
Nations’ Central Emergency towards health sector security,
Response Fund (CERF). The UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa
medicines and medical supplies Singer-Hamdy said several
were handed over to the Ministry favourable health indicators over
of Health, in the presence of the past years demonstrated that
Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister Sri Lanka’s health system was
of Health by Hanaa Singer- one of the most robust in the
Hamdy, Resident Coordinator, region.

New £7.6M research centre Bhutan
improves mental and physical
health in Afghanistan and Pakistan bags WHO

The University of York and the provides new opportunities PHC award
Aga Khan University (AKU) to develop, test and embed
in Karachi will jointly lead evidence-based treatments Eighteen organisations received
the establishment of a new that address NCDs. The new the UN Inter-Agency Task
research centre to improve Centre, which will be based Force on the Prevention and
mental and physical Control of NCDs and the WHO
health in Afghanistan at the Aga Khan University, Special Programme on Primary
and Pakistan. The will engage with patients and Health Care (PHC) awards.
Centre, which will families through Community The Ministry of Health, Bhutan
focus on tackling non- Advisory Panels, which will was awarded for the successful
communicable diseases help design, conduct, and implementation of the Service
(NCDs) including disseminate research findings. with Care and Compassion
depression and anxiety, At least 60 per cent of the new initiative – a people-centred
heart conditions and Centre’s research trainees will approach to the delivery of
diabetes, is one of many be women. NCD services at the district
NCD research centres level in Bhutan. Winners were
globally funded by announced during the annual
the National Institute Friends of the Task Force
for Health and Care Research meeting during the UN General
(NIHR) and Department of Assembly. Awards were made in
Health and Social Care, UK. three categories: (i) ministries
There is an urgent need for new of health (or government
interventions that are effective agency under a ministry of
and can be delivered at scale in health); (ii) ministries (or
low-resource, conflict-affected government agencies) beyond
settings. Researchers say the health; and (iii) non-state
five-year £7.6 million initiative actors (non-governmental
organisation, academic
institutions and philanthropy).

20 WORLD NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

NIH to award $285M to support potentially
transformative biomedical research projects

The High-Risk, High-Reward how brain mechanisms influence model; tissue regeneration using
Research programme, supported memory performance; the neural the uterus as a model; a mixed
by the Common Fund at the basis of social bias and association methods examination of skin
National Institutes of Health using the female songbird as a tone and health among African
(NIH) has awarded 103 new Americans across the United
research grants to support highly States; and a new model organism
innovative scientists who propose to lead in the development of
visionary and broadly impactful an HIV vaccine. The 103 awards
meritorious behavioural and total approximately $285 million
biomedical research projects. in support from the institutes,
Awards include the impact centres, and offices across NIH
exposure to fracking might have over five years beginning in 2022,
on pregnancy and conception; pending the availability of funds.

CEPI partners with Intravacc Gates Foundation
to develop intranasal
Betacoronavirus vaccine announces

Norway-based CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness $1.27B to improve
Innovations, and Dutch vaccine clinical development and
manufacturing organisation Intravacc, have announced the latest healthcare
funding award to advance the development of vaccines that provide
broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 (including its variants) and During United Nations General
other Betacoronaviruses. CEPI will provide seed funding of up to Assembly week, the Bill & Melinda
$4.8 million to Intravacc - a world leader in translational research Gates Foundation—alongside
and development of preventive and therapeutic vaccines - to governments, philanthropies, the
advance the development of a broadly protective Betacoronavirus private sector, NGOs, and global
vaccine candidate, which can be delivered intranasally. This and community leaders— has
funding will support pre-clinical development and testing of announced commitments totalling
Intravacc’s subunit vaccine candidate (Avacc 101), which is based $1.27 billion to improve and save
on its Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV) platform. The technology millions of lives. Around $912
has the potential to be rapidly adapted to address outbreaks of million was pledged to the Global
disease caused by emerging Betacoronavirus strains and variants, Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis
and, also to protect against pre-emergent Betacoronaviruses (i.e., and malaria. The funding will help
before they “spillover” from animals to infect humans). Specifically, accelerate efforts to end HIV, TB, and
the Avacc 101 vaccine candidate will be designed to provide broad malaria by 2030 and build resilient
protection against SARS-CoV-1, SAR-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV. This health systems needed to protect
platform will enable presentation of universal Spike molecules and against future pandemics. It also
will include “epitopes” that can also elicit T-cell responses. will be instrumental in reducing the
disproportionate impact of these
diseases on women and girls. The
funding will address overlapping
global crises that have reversed
the progress already made toward
achieving the UN Sustainable
Development Goals (Global Goals).
The foundation’s sixth annual
Goalkeepers Report notes that nearly
every indicator of the Global Goals
is off track at the halfway point for
achieving them by 2030.

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

Is AMR Modern-day

FRANKENSTEIN’S

MONSTER?
Antimicrobial Resistance
(AMR) continues to Timely and accurate diagnosis through rapid
pose a significant tests can reduce the time to pathogen identification
and facilitate faster, optimised antimicrobial
public health problem treatment. Diagnostic players can play a major role
in terms of mortality when it comes to counter AMR. While there are
diagnostic tests available to rapid detection of AMR
and economic loss. The in a hospital setting, there is a clear unmet need for a
rising AMR is a matter of point of care (POC) diagnostic test to guide antibiotic
huge concern that needs prescriptions, in both urban and rural settings.

to be tactfully handled Current lab based tests such as Next-Generation
and health authorities Sequencing (NGS), Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR), microbiology cultures and immunoassays
of several countries, that are used to determine the causative infectious
including India, have
formulated action plans
for its containment.
Significant efforts by
the government, an
active involvement of
startups and diagnostic
players is a good start.
The question remains,
whether this will be

enough.
Let’s find out.

According to an Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) study, a big chunk of
patients in India may no longer benefit from
carbapenem, a powerful antibiotic administered
mainly in ICU settings to treat pneumonia and
septicemia, as they have developed antimicrobial
resistance to it. This is alarming as Antimicrobial
resistance (AMR) is on the rise in India and
continues to pose a significant public health problem
in terms of mortality and economic loss. The World
Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that AMR
is one of the top 10 global public health threats
facing humanity.

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

“Microbial culture is the gold agent are either time consuming, costly, or difficult
standard for the diagnosis of to access. These may not be sufficient to quickly
differentiate between bacterial and viral infections.
bacterial/fungal pathogens In addition, strong AMR surveillance along with
and AMR which takes 48 hours rapid diagnostics will help in finding the correct
treatment fast.
or longer. Hence, antibiotic
prescriptions are empiric While attending the 26th Maharashtra Chapter
and patients often receive conference of the Indian Association of Medical
Microbiologists in Pune, Prof. Justin O’Grady,
inappropriate treatment. Rapid Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University
tools are urgently required to of East Anglia in Norwich, spoke about the rise in
antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which could cause
guide appropriate antimicrobial 10 million deaths per year by 2050 unless authorities
therapy, thereby improving take steps to prevent this.

patient outcomes and slowing “Microbial culture is the gold standard for the
the development of AMR.” diagnosis of bacterial/fungal pathogens and AMR
- Prof. Justin O’Grady, and takes 48 hours or longer. Hence, antibiotic
Professor of Medical prescriptions are empiric and patients often receive
Microbiology, inappropriate treatment. Rapid tools are urgently
University of East Anglia required to guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy,
thereby improving patient outcomes and slowing the
“An affordable rapid POC that development of AMR,” feels Prof. O’Grady.
can determine whether the
Drastic measures should be in place to prevent
infection is bacterial or viral, and AMRs and proper diagnosis can make a difference
the drug resistance profile of in how treatment can be done. A report by Grand
the infection, will be essential. View Research states that the growth of the AMR
The goal is to administer the diagnostics market is attributed to the increased risk
of developing drug-resistant bacterial infections, the
right drugs in a timely manner. introduction of novel technologies, and increasing
Technologies that are currently government initiatives to diagnose and reduce AMR
infections. To address the global health challenge of
available will continue to AMR, government bodies such as the United States
evolve to become quicker and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) support the
development of next-generation sequencing-based
accurate, and will be guided diagnostic tests to identify the right pathogen to
by technologies like artificial help healthcare providers to treat infections more
intelligence/machine learning.” accurately. The Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the
fastest rate for AMR diagnostics.
- Shridhar Narayanan,
CEO, FNDR Government in combat mode

“Given the historic India, one of the many developing countries of
indiscriminate use of antibiotics the world, is intending to be future ready through the
National Patient Safety Implementation Programme
in India, the burden of and National Action Plan – AMR (2018-2025) to
AMR in India is very high. combat multi drug resistant organisms (MDRO).
Therefore, funding agencies The Government of India has increased its focus on
and diagnostic companies combating AMR through various national and state
are currently very keen on level programmes.
developing solutions for the
diagnosis of antimicrobial As a step in this direction ICMR has developed
resistance. The AMR diagnostics a real time online AMR data entry system for
market in India is expected to its network and will have AMR data analysis
grow rapidly in the coming capacity. It is a user-friendly web-based informatics
solution/suite for collection, storage and analysis
years.” of surveillance data. ICMR initiated Antimicrobial
- Dr Bhushan J Toley, Resistance Surveillance and Research Network

Co-Founder,
Papyrus Diagnostics

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

(AMRSN) a few years back that includes six Nodal “Labs entrusted with testing
Centers (NCs) for each pathogenic group and are samples for infectious agents
located in four tertiary care medical institutions.
There are 16 Regional Centers (RCs) in the network. and reporting antimicrobial
16 regional labs from tertiary care hospitals provide resistance should follow
data across the country as RCs which are providing
data on fixed number of isolates for each pathogenic international standards of
group. testing.”

The NCs and RCs follow standard operating - Dr Vishal Wadhwa,
procedures (SOPs) of Bacteriology and Mycology Head Scientific Affairs,
formulated by ICMR to collect resistance data. The Metropolis Healthcare
NCs focus on the identified resistant organisms
and also exchange organisms amongst each other “With rising incidences of AMR,
according to their expertise for in-depth molecular treatment based on evidence-
studies of the group of pathogens for which they are
responsible. based medicine, greater
acceptance of health insurance,
“In developing countries, the major source availability of sensitive, value-for-
of antibiotic contamination in surface water is money diagnostics shall result in
improper disposal of effluents from industries,
hospitals and domestic wastewater treatment increased adoption and usage
plants. Industrial emissions of antibiotics can of antimicrobial (resistance)
contribute to AMR. Awareness of AMR and
monitoring of antibiotics from manufacturing tests in tier III and smaller cities.”
needs to improve to address the issue of discharged - Manish Dattatraya Karekar,
antibiotics as significant contributors to AMR. Chief Operating Officer -
Industry and government competence, policy and Lab Operations,
access to technical solutions can play a pivotal Krsnaa Diagnostics
role in controlling the contribution of antibiotic
manufacturing to AMR,” says Dr Suman Kapur, Industry and government
Senior Professor, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, competence, policy and access
Hyderabad. to technical solutions can play

Dr Suman Kapur and her team, has developed a pivotal role in controlling
a platform called RightBiotic for rapid bacterial the contribution of antibiotic
culture and antibiotic sensitivity test results in
just four hours as opposed to two to four days and manufacturing to AMR
is suitable for both biological and environmental - Dr Suman Kapur,
samples.
Senior Professor, BITS Pilani,
In addition to BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad
Campus, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Platforms (C-CAMP), an initiative supported by
the Department of Biotechnology, Government of
India, has a key focus area on AMR. Bangalore-
based C-CAMP has funded, incubated and mentored
many innovative startups in this domain. C-CAMP
is also part of the CARB-X Global Accelerator
Network. CARB-X is one of the largest not-for-profit
partnerships, dedicated to accelerating the early
development of antibacterial products. C-CAMP,
in association with CARB-X, conducts an AMR
Quest annually, to identify and support promising
innovations that can combat AMR. The three month
AMR Accelerator Programme that follows the AMR
Quest, supports innovators, startups and SMEs to
validate and fast-track their solutions to the market.

C-CAMP’s AMR portfolio in diagnostics includes

24 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Key Global AMR Diagnostics Companies and health organisations. Concerted efforts can bring
in the required policies for quality systems, supply-
● 1928 Diagnostics ● Fusion Genomics chain, incentivising the healthcare system, etc., for the
● Abbott Diagnostics ● GeneFluidics deployment of these new-age diagnostics.
● Accelerate ● Great Basin
The AST determines the most effective antibiotic
Diagnostics Corporation treatment for bacterial infection. Antimicrobial
● Beckman Coulter ● Hutman stewardship is advocated for the rational use of
antibiotics to preserve their efficacy in the long
Diagnostics Diagnostics term. Rapid diagnostic tests can play a pivotal role
● Becton, Dickinson ● Inflammatix in efficient and timely treatment. Many startups
● Linear Diagnostics have been working in this area and have developed
and Company ● Millipore Sigma devices / tests related to AMR.
● Binx Health ● Ortho Clinical
● BioMerieux Gizmos from startups
Diagnostics
Diagnostics ● Perkin Elmer Papyrus Diagnostics has developed Papyrus UTI
● Bio-Rad ● Roche Molecular AST, a paper-based device that can determine AMR
in urinary tract infections. The device is designed to
Laboratories, Inc. Diagnostics be used at the doctor’s clinic and has the capability to
● Cepheid (now ● SeLux Diagnostics test the response of the infection-causing organism
● Sense Biodetection to at least six antibiotics. The device is designed
Danaher) ● Siemens to give a colorimetric signal to report whether the
● Curetis N.V. / organism is sensitive or resistant to each antibiotic.
Healthineers This device will enable the clinician to prescribe
Curetis GmbH ● Sysmex antibiotics that are already proven to work on the
● Day Zero ● Thermo Fisher infection-causing organism, and prevent empirical
prescription of antibiotics.
Diagnostics. Scientific Inc
● Enzo Life Sciences, “Given the historic indiscriminate use of
Source: Globenewswire antibiotics in India, the burden of AMR in India
Inc. is very high. Therefore, funding agencies as well
● Eurofins Scientific as diagnostic companies are currently very keen
on developing solutions for the diagnosis of
Achira Labs that has developed Bug Check, a rapid antimicrobial resistance. CARB-X, an international
molecular diagnostics platform for identification AMR innovations accelerator, is now working
of microbial species and antimicrobial resistance closely with Bengaluru-based C-CAMP to scout
genes in urinary tract infections (UTI); Module for innovations in AMR diagnostics. The AMR
Innovations, which is developing Antimicrobial diagnostics market in India is expected to grow
Susceptibility Testing (AST) assays for UTI that rapidly in the coming years,” says Dr Bhushan J
has a rapid turnaround time of less than two hours, Toley, Co-Founder, Papyrus Diagnostics.
and WeInnovate Biosolutions’ RAPID, is a device
for fast and affordable solution for AST of various Other players in this field include Bengaluru-
pathogens. based Spotsense headed by Amrita Sukrity, is fast
developing a test for diagnosing sepsis in newborns
The C-CAMP expects to see many exciting followed by Pune-based startup Module Innovations,
innovations reaching the market to create wider that is building innovative solutions for infectious
impact at scale. This can be further boosted by a diseases and AMR. It is revolutionising the UTI
collective effort among stakeholders, including management and treatment clinical pathway
product developers, policy makers, regulatory bodies, with solutions that work at all levels of healthcare
settings. Bengaluru-based Achira has developed
and commercialised innovative technologies for POC
medical testing.

It may be noted that the Foundation for
Neglected Disease Research (FNDR) is working on
developing a POC test that can differentiate between
viral and bacterial infections based on a combination
of host and pathogen biomarkers that are found in
the patients’ blood. The biomarkers are validated in

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 25

the preclinical setting and have completed an initial Global Evidence Review to tackle AMR
proof of concept clinical study in patients with fever
of unknown origin. FNDR is also working on a device ● Build global governance for AMR action by
that eliminates antibiotics from wastewater, thereby ensuring significant investment; aligning
helping reduce AMR in the environment (can share
more information if needed). Both of these projects and integrating WHO global action plans for
have been funded by Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). refugees and migrants and for AMR into a

Shridhar Narayanan, CEO, FNDR, says, “An coherent framework for concerted action;
affordable rapid POC that can determine whether the
infection is bacterial or viral, and the drug resistance establishing financial arrangements in low- and
profile of the infection, will be essential. The goal
is that the right drugs be administered in a timely middle-income countries (LMIC) markets for
manner. The currently available technologies will
continue to evolve to become quicker and accurate, equitable antimicrobial access and use.
and will be guided by technologies like artificial ● Improve global data collection by
intelligence/machine learning.”
strengthening surveillance systems for data-
Market potential
driven, evidence-informed policy solutions;
Looking at the growth of the POC market in
India, a leading pharma player such as Cipla is supporting research through concerted and
showing keen interest in this area and started
making investments in. Cipla has acquired 21.05 targeted funding to fill substantial knowledge
per cent stake (on a fully diluted basis) for Rs
25 crore in Achira Labs. The pharma major said gaps.
that this investment will facilitate a Cipla entity’s ● Tackle national-level barriers to utilising formal
strategic participation in the POC diagnostics and
AMR space through the design, development, and care by removing systemic barriers to care
manufacturing of microfluidics-based technologies.
based on legal status; ensuring that essential,
Achin Gupta, CEO, One India Business, Cipla
says, “This investment will further our commitment quality-assured antibiotics are affordable;
of bringing innovative, affordable and quality
diagnostic solutions for all. We are guided by our improving knowledge of and registration for
purpose of caring for life and will continue to make
strategic investments to ensure access to POC test kit entitlements to care in vulnerable populations
solutions.”
and health care providers; avoiding policies
Besides making investments in startups
focussing on POC, creating awareness and providing that restrict antibiotic access for vulnerable
education to the healthcare professionals has
become an integral part of the healthcare system. populations.
In this regard Pfizer India and Americares India ● Overcome barriers at national level to adequate
Foundation announced the launch of OPEN-AMR,
an Online Platform for Education among Nurses and quality care by ensuring access to point-
on Antimicrobial Resistance. Americares India
Foundation, a health-focused relief and development of-care diagnostic tools for optimal case
organisation, has joined as the execution partner.
management in vulnerable populations.
Speaking about the market potential Manish
Dattatraya Karekar, Chief Operating Officer - Lab Source: WHO
Operations, Krsnaa Diagnostics says, “With rising
incidences of AMR, treatment based on evidence- Sharing his views on AMR tests, Dr Vishal
based medicine, greater acceptance of health Wadhwa, Head Scientific Affairs, Metropolis
insurance, availability of sensitive value for money Healthcare says, “Health will come at a cost and
diagnostics, shall all result in increase in adoption when a doctor prescribes a diagnostic test patients
and starting of antimicrobial (resistance) tests in tier should undertake it. Information coming out of
III and smaller cities.” laboratory tests is needed to supplement and
complement the clinical inputs for treatment. Labs
entrusted with testing samples for infectious agents
and reporting AMR should follow international
standards of testing.”

Diagnostic tests can help doctors wield
antimicrobial treatments more effectively. It can
play a key role in community and primary care
settings to lower unnecessary antibiotic prescribing,
particularly in respiratory tract infections, and
protect the healthcare system in the decades to
come. Policy and frontline challenges need to be
looked into and then only AMR can be eradicated
by using proper diagnostic measures. Public private
partnership in this regard is going to make a positive
impact in combating AMR in the long run.

Sanjiv Das
[email protected]

26 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“A strong pipeline of vaccines is
underdevelopment with nearly
8 different vaccines targeting the
critical priority pathogens of AMR”

« Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rightly
termed the silent pandemic. We have all faced the
Dr Renu Swarup, worst pandemic of centuries and the urgent need
Vice Chair, International Centre for investing in global public health has been well
recognised. We have also witnessed the strength
for Antimicrobial Resistance of collaborations and science based innovations in
Solutions (ICARS), Denmark fighting this war against the virus. AMR is not a new
post-pandemic threat, but has been on the rise for
Dr Renu Swarup, Former Secretary to the many years now and has drawn global attention to
Government of India, Department of develop action plans and strategies to tackle this
Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & major global threat and mitigate the risks associated
Technology, was recently appointed as a member with it.
of the International Centre for Antimicrobial
Resistance Solutions (ICARS) Board of Directors. AMR is, today, one of the greatest threats to
Dr Renu Swarup, with almost three decades the health of societies and economies the world
in the DBT, brings a wealth of knowledge and over and the World Health Organisation (WHO)
experience to support ICARS in its mission to has listed it in the top 10 threats to Global Health.
combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low- and Having faced the severe impact of COVID-19, it is
middle-income countries (LMICs). She has played not difficult to recognise the special attention that
a key role in formulating India’s Biotechnology is needed to avert another threat, a silent pandemic
Vision and Strategy and is credited with setting whose threat is looming large if appropriate action
up India’s largest Microbial Resource Centre. is not taken on priority.
BioSpectrum spoke, at length, with Dr Renu
Swarup about her new role as Vice Chair with Taking cognisance of this, and considering the
ICARS and tackling AMR. Edited excerpts; need to address the health priority through concerted
global collaborative efforts, a dialogue between
the World Bank, the WHO and the Danish Health

How is the International Centre for
Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS)
working towards addressing this silent
pandemic called AMR?

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 27

Ministry led to the setting up of the International level meeting on AMR held on September 21, 2016,
Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions wherein it was reaffirmed that the blueprint for
(ICARS), Copenhagen, Denmark. ICARS is a unique tackling AMR is the Global Action Plan of the WHO.
organisation, set up by the Danish Health Ministry In its General Assembly in May 2019, the UN, while
and supported by World Bank and WHO focussing reviewing the follow up of Political declaration,
on co-developing solutions to mitigate AMR in Low stated that “Antimicrobial resistance is a global
and Medium Income Countries (LMICs). threat to health, livelihoods and the achievement of
the Sustainable Development Goals.’’
Working with LMICs, the effort of ICARS is
to identify country-specific issues, work with the India developed a comprehensive National
local government, develop the required need-based Action Plan (NAP) 2017-21, which has six strategic
solutions through interventions and implementation priorities and there is a well developed governance
research. ICARS provides a funded partnership, framework to ensure effective implementation.
collaborating with the country to co-develop The key aspects of the NAP focus on surveillance,
evidence-based, context specific, cost-effective and awareness, reducing the incidence of infection,
sustainable solutions to combat AMR, advancing optimising use of antibiotics, promoting research
each country’s National Action Plan (NAP). and development and building India’s leadership.
For effective implementation, state governments are
Country wise, how is AMR spreading? Where being encouraged to draw up their own respective
action plans depending upon state-specific issues.
is India placed in this scenario? Today three states have developed their action
plans. Many of the national missions launched
The recent reports by the WHO and the Lancet directly or indirectly, are connected with the AMR
Review 2022 bring out the Global burden of AMR. initiatives and contribute to implementation of
We have some alarming data. The Lancet Review identified priorities under the NAP —these are the
in 2019 studied the deaths and DALYs attributable Swachh Bharat Mission, National Health Missions
to, and associated with, bacterial AMR for 23 - Digital Health and Ayushman Bharat, the national
pathogens and 88 pathogen drug combinations targets on TB eradication by 2025 and other such
covering 204 countries. An estimated 4.95 million missions. From surveillance to new diagnostics,
deaths were associated with bacterial AMR and 1.27 therapeutics and vaccines there have been major
million deaths were directly attributed to bacterial breakthroughs and achievements in the progress
AMR. 6 bacterial pathogens are directly responsible made. However we need to do much more with
for nearly 70 per cent of the deaths. a greater sense of urgency and we can today take
advantage of the learnings from COVID-19.
To address this growing global health priority
The World Health Assembly, in 2015, had endorsed What is required to tackle AMR in the
a Global Action Plan for AMR and individual
countries were called upon to develop and coming years, particularly in India?
implement their own National Action Plan. The UN
General Assembly on October 5, 2016, adopted the As given in our National Action Plan and the
Resolution of the Political declaration of the high road map and strategy for its implementation,
there is anurgent need to focus on effective
implementation to ensure full compliance to
each of the strategic priority action points. While
surveillance has to be our first action point, it is
imperative that a concerted effort is made to support
R&D efforts to develop a strong product portfolio
for new diagnostics, antibiotics and vaccines. There
are special efforts made in this direction to fuel the
innovation pipeline. While the COVID-19 pandemic
took up all our attention, the learnings and
experience gathered have given us a great deal of
confidence that innovative products will be available
and make a significant impact in the AMR space.

The Government of India has given special
impetus to AMR and the Department of
Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research
Assistance Council (BIRAC) launched a special AMR

28 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

There is a major global effort on under development with nearly 8 different vaccines
drugs for AMR by a number of groups targeting the critical priority pathogens of AMR.
across the world. There is a strong The 15 valent Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is
global antibacterials pipeline at the now in Phase 3 trials. A major partnership between
preclinical stage which has a vast the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and BIRAC
portfolio of directly targeting small for the Grand Challenges focussed on a global AMR
molecules, antibodies and vaccines, challenge, l has given some very encouraging results
phages and microbiota and also on surveillance solutions, infection prevention and
includes a number of other repurposed control and removal of antibiotics from effluents.
drugs, immunomodulators and anti
virulence approaches. The effort in this Does AMR need more innovative solutions
direction has to be accelerated.
than what is already available? Can startups
Mission in 2018 wherein the main focus was finding
novel solutions to address the challenges faced. In contribute more in this regard?
the area of new and effective diagnostics, the focus
has been on Point of Care diagnostics and molecular There is a major global effort on drugs for
tests for early diagnosis of some priority pathogens. AMR by a number of groups across the world.
We have had some very encouraging results and a There is a strong global antibacterials pipeline
number of new diagnostics have successfully been at preclinical stage which has a vast portfolio of
launched after completing the clinical validation. A directly targetting small molecules, antibodies
very successful partnership with the Longitude Prize and vaccines, phages and microbiota and also
being steered by Nesta (formerly NESTA, National includes a number of other repurposed drugs,
Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), immunomodulators and anti virulence approaches.
the UK, resulted in more than a dozen innovator The effort in this direction has to be accelerated.
teams getting engaged to develop a highly specific The collaborations and urgent time bound action
and sensitive diagnostic also identifying the specific we saw in response to the COVID-19 crisis is what
pathogen. We have today innovators who have is needed to address the AMR issues. Data sharing,
successfully completed the Phase I and received coordinated research efforts, global sharing of
Booster grant. Partnerships with Combating resources and access to shared infrastructure are
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical some of the urgent needs. In response to COVID-19
Accelerator (CARB-X) and Wellcome Trust have there have been some interesting developments of
also given a number of innovators a wonderful novel technologies and platforms, these can now be
platform to develop innovative diagnostics. leveraged for new vaccine and drug development
for AMR. The global clinical trials, and the
Government of India, with the WHO Country accelerated regulatory processes which we built for
office, has prepared a country specific Priority COVID-19 will also be very helpful to take forward
Pathogen list. A special AMR Repository has been AMR research.
established at the DBT autonomous institute
National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), at Pune, We have seen a huge response from our robust
which has the largest collection of AMR strains from and vibrant startup ecosystem during COVID-19 —
different hospital and state networks. from diagnostics, to vaccines to sanitisers, masks,
PPEs— they delivered a large number of innovative
Focused investment in high risk research for solutions. India achieved a record feat of becoming
new antibiotic development has also been made fully self-reliant in our COVID-19 diagnostic kits
specially to some very active industry and startup in less than 60 days, meeting the largest daily
groups and academic researchers to take forward demand of testing. We also executed the largest
the research to product development. Early research vaccination programme, with over 2.5 billion
supported for new antibiotic development to a COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered. Indigenously
startup in collaboration with academia has been developed and manufactured vaccines across
very successful and has now moved into clinical different novel platforms including the world’s first
trials and has attracted a large quantum of global DNA vaccine and thermostable mRNA vaccine.
funding. A strong pipeline of vaccines are also This large network of innovators and innovation
ecosystem will now be an important asset that we
should work with, to build our AMR network and
urgently deliver innovative solutions for India and
the world.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 29

Combatting AMR with New

Strategies and Technologies
The global rise of Antimicrobial Resistance
(AMR) is one of the biggest health challenges «
of our century, and it requires urgent
measures. Over the past decade, the issue of AMR has Amit Chopra,
become prominent on the global health agenda, and
the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises Managing Director-
that its containment requires a multi-pronged
approach to achieving Sustainable Development India and
Goals (SDGs).
South Asia,
The development of AMR is part of a natural
evolutionary process among microorganisms Thermo Fisher Scientific
that protects the cell from the effects of specific
antibiotics. However, the increased use, and misuse pathogens is also challenging the country’s diagnostic
of antimicrobials accelerates the spread of resistance and therapeutic systems. The COVID-19 pandemic
mechanisms, leading to the development of resistant further compounded the irrational use of antibiotics.
bacteria that are untreatable with the antibiotics
currently in use. The detection, correct diagnosis, Further, the pharma boom in India is causing a
treatment and surveillance of antimicrobial resistant simultaneous rise in antibiotic-laden effluents, which
organisms are key to fighting this growing global are often discharged into water bodies.
issue.
Challenge
The steadily increasing prevalence in the
resistance rate of microbes, will likely result in There is a committed effort by the scientific
increased mortality and morbidity, longer hospital community to ensure that antibiotic use remains
stays and accelerated healthcare costs which can informed and measured to protect future
result in reduced efficiencies and have a profound healthcare.
economic impact.
Prevalence of communicable diseases, an
Economic projections suggest that by 2050, AMR overburdened public health system, limited
would decrease GDP by 2-3.5 per cent with a fall in laboratory capacity for etiology-based diagnosis
livestock by 3-8 per cent. and appropriately targeted treatment amplify
India’s AMR issues. On one hand, the first-line of
While various surveillance programmes have antibiotics are easily available over-the-counter
been set up across the globe to monitor trends in while on the other, affordability of second- and
AMR levels, much of the focus is shared between third-line which are required when the first-line fails,
geographies. There are also regional differences is another area of concern. Importantly, we need
depending on the prevalence of antimicrobial use and stringent regulations or enforcement surrounding
AMR trends. the production of low-quality or counterfeit
antimicrobials.
India scenario
India has demonstrated speed at scale in
India has one of the highest rates of resistance to developing and manufacturing vaccines during the
antimicrobial agents used in humans and in food for pandemic. Since vaccination can result in increased
animals. In the past decade, the disproportionate rise herd immunity, thereby lowering antibiotic use,
in AMR rates in India, in all three sectors - human, vaccine development needs to be considered as a
animal and environmental parameters, is a matter of strategic pillar in the AMR response.
concern.
Declining private investments and lack of
The unregulated use of antibiotics in the food innovation in the development of new antibiotics are
chain, through the food the animals consume and undermining efforts that need immediate attention.
treatment with the same antibiotics as humans, is
blurring the divide between the two species. Another area that needs to be addressed is the
lack of research and surveillance data, as it hampers
Emergence of new strains of multi-drug resistant the estimation of the extent of AMR in India for a

30 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

nationwide comparison. technology for AMR testing.
Further, injudicious use of antimicrobials in A key advantage of the Ion AmpliSeq AMR

plants and animals and inadequate treatment Research Panel is that it can generate data from
of waste waters are other factors that need to be environmental DNA without the need for cell culture.
considered in the efforts to combat AMR. The system has been serving as a key tool in research
studies in wastewater and community surveillance.
Solutions Another interesting application of this instrument
has been in the identification of antimicrobial
Thermo Fisher Scientific provides solutions not resistance in microbes from different surfaces on the
only for conventional Antimicrobial Susceptibility International Space Station. These self-contained
Testing (AST) but also a range of molecular-based habitats lack the kind of circulation that can be
technologies which can help clinicians, veterinarians, protective against infections, increasing the hazards
food scientists, and public health officials determine posed to astronauts by bacteria and other microbes,
AMR while supporting global and regional especially ones that resist common antimicrobials.
antimicrobial stewardship.
QuantStudio real-time PCR and digital PCR is
The Sensititre System combines manual, semi- based on Thermo Fisher’s proprietary microfluidic
automated, and fully automated tests within a single array plate technology. It offers a target-based
integrated AST platform using broth microdilution approach for clinical testing of known markers of
(BMD), the gold standard for AST accuracy. AMR. Over the last decade, mass spectrometry has
reduced the time taken to identify microorganisms
Conventional methods for microbial identification from 24 hours to just a few minutes.
and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) are often
marred by the time it takes to yield results. Over a Recent advances in flow cytometry, namely the
period, pathogens develop resistant genes in response application of bacterial viability dyes, improved
to the inhibitory effect of antibiotics. Technologies resolution, and increased sophistication of multi-
such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) help in parameter analysis, have contributed to the method’s
identifying these changes at genomic level. For use in AST. However, advanced flow cytometry
example, the Ion Torrent GeneStudio S5 by Thermo techniques are currently still limited to laboratories
Fisher Scientific is a Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) with a high degree of scientific expertise.
system for implementing fast and simple workflows
for targeted and WGS of microbes from the DNA/ Isothermal calorimetric methods are also being
RNA of the patient sample, with high accuracy. The investigated for use in AST and Minimum Inhibitory
instrument helps to identify mutations that may be Concentration (MIC). By measuring the heat
associated with antibiotic resistance without the need generated by biological processes in the living cells,
to culture patient samples. The newly launched fully laboratories can track heat flow curves that can be
automated Genexus system enables end-to-end NGS affected by the presence of resistant microorganisms
workflow from biological specimen to final reporting or their products.
with results delivered in as little as 24 hours. The
system can enable increased adoption of the NGS The HIV-1 Genotyping Kit with Integrase is based
on the gold standard Sanger sequencing technology
and enables the identification of drug-resistant
mutations from the diverse and rapidly evolving HIV-
1 virus.

One Health

The WHO’s call for ‘One Health’ is an integrated,
unifying approach to balance and optimise the health
of people, animals and the environment. AMR has
been identified as an important area of concern
in which the One Health approach is particularly
relevant.

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, the efforts are aligned
to One Health through our Mission - to enable the
customers to make the world healthier, cleaner
and safer. The R&D teams continue to provide
laboratories worldwide with innovative products that
can play an essential role in the diagnostic pathway
and guide treatment decisions.

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com DIABETES 31

Pharma Hits Sweet
Spot with Innovative

Diabetes Drugs

India has, unfortunately, turned into the diabetes capital of the world with even more patients being
added every passing year. This is adding to the growing healthcare burden on the Indian economy
and has become a major cause of concern for the Centre as well. The government is aware and
seems to be taking steps to combat this by bringing down the cost price of a few, newly launched
drugs used for diabetes. Pharma companies, too, are seeing a new growth opportunity by innovating
new drugs and therapeutic combinations. As there are already numerous drug options available, is
there a need to further add to the pool of newer, innovative drugs? Let’s explore.

India, already known as the diabetes capital of Sitagliptin and Metformin under the brand name
the world, is adding new patients to its database of Dapanorm Trio at an affordable price for adults
each year. With 75 million diabetic patients, with type 2 Diabetes in India. Dapanorm trio is
the country is galloping ahead to add another 200 priced at Rs 19.70 per tablet which is almost 70
million pre-diabetics. The diabetes care market, per cent less compared to the combined cost of
consequently, is expected to reach about $60 innovator drugs.
billion in the next 10 years, from approximately $17
billion in FY2021 according to a study conducted To support the diabetes patients, Ahmedabad-
by Redcore, the research arm of Bengaluru-based based Zydus Lifesciences launched the generic
Redseer Consulting. This does not bode well for the version of sitagliptin in India under the brand
population and is a matter of tremendous concern. names Sitaglyn and Siglyn in July this year.
As is the case in most scenarios, one person’s misery Sitaglyn and Siglyn offer an oral solution to the
is the other’s cause for joy; pharma companies could patients providing ease of convenience and better
rake in big bucks by launching new drugs. compliance. These will add on to a comprehensive
solution for the management of type 2 diabetes by
Looking at the growth potential of the diabetes “providing access to quality care to the patients at
market, Mumbai-based Glenmark Pharmaceuticals an affordable cost, approximately 60 per cent lesser
launched Thiazolidinedione Lobeglitazone than the originator”, the company noted.
(Lobeglitazone) in India for the treatment of type
2 diabetes in adults on October 6. Marketed under Zydus said India’s oral anti-diabetic market is
the brand name LOBG; it contains Lobeglitazone worth Rs 12,500 crore, of which DPP4i (Dipeptidyl
(0.5 mg) and to be taken once daily under peptidase 4 inhibitor) class of anti-diabetics has a
prescription to improve glycemic control in adult share of more than Rs 4,000 crore. Sitagliptin is the
diabetic patients. The company noted that LOBG, gold standard in the DPP4i category with over 62
an innovative and affordable drug, will help in per cent market share in the global market, it added.
tackling insulin resistance among adult patients
suffering from uncontrolled type 2 diabetes in the To fulfil the requirements of patients with
country. chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2
diabetes, Bayer on August 25 announced the launch
To add to the list of launches of new drugs of Finerenone under the brand name Kerendia in
to address type 2 diabetes is Mumbai-based India. Finerenone is a first-in-class non-steroidal,
Alkem Laboratories. The 5th largest Indian selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist to
pharmaceutical company, Alkem has launched show a significant reduction in the risk of kidney
for the first time in India on October 6, triple drug and heart problems in CKD patients with type II
fixed dose combination (FDC) of Dapagliflozin, diabetes. Kerendia, priced at Rs 97.5 per pill, and is
to be taken once a day.

32 DIABETES BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

New diabetes drugs launched in 2021-22

Company Location Disease type Drug/Insulin Price Year

Type 2 Diabetes Thiazolidinedione Lobeglitazone Rs 10/tablet Oct-22
Type 2 Diabetes
“8 different combinations of Sitagliptin NA Jul-22
Type 2 Diabetes based drug”

Glenmark Mumbai Type 2 Diabetes Teneligliptin + Pioglitazone Fixed-Dose NA Apr-22
Diabetes Combination Drug
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes “Remogliflozin + Vildagliptin + Rs 16.5/ tablet Oct-21
Metformin fixed dose combination”

Terumo India Haryana FineGlide Sterile pen needle NA Sep-22
Alkem Labs Mumbai
Dapanorm Trio Rs 19.70 Oct-22
Bayer Germany
Kerendia to treat CKD in patients with Rs 97.5/pill Aug-22
diabetes

Cadila Pharma Ahmedabad Type 2 Diabetes Generic versions of Sitagliptin in India NA Aug-22
under the brand names Jankey and
Sitenali

Zydus Ahmedabad Type 2 Diabetes Generic version of Sitagliptin in India under Rs 18 per Jul-22
Lifesciences the brand names Sitaglyn and Siglyn day (need to
Insulin delivery for check)
diabetes care
Roche Mumbai Type 2 Diabetes ACCU-FINE pen needles NA May-22
Diabetes Care Mumbai
peptide in a pill,’ oral semaglutide NA Jan-22
Novo Empagliflozin tablets (SGLT2i), Oct-21
Nordisk India Justoza Rs 15.90 and Jun-21
Rs 18.90
MSN Labs Hyderabad Type 2 diabetes for each 10
mg and 25
Mankind New Delhi Diabetes mg tablet
Pharma respectively

NA

Talking about the risk factors been developed in an oral formulation.
associated with diabetes, Manoj Exactly a year ago (i.e. October 2021),
Saxena, Managing Director,
Bayer Pharma says, “Diabetes Hyderabad-based MSN Laboratories launched
itself is a risk factor for many other empagliflozin tablets (SGLT2i), a promising drug
chronic conditions such as CKD. 40 in diabetic management, under the brand name
per cent of people with type 2 diabetes ‘EMPAONE’. The medicine will cost Rs 15.90 and Rs
are at a risk of developing CKD.” 18.90 for each 10 mg and 25 mg tablet respectively.
Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals has ‘EMPAONE’ is intended to provide diabetes patients
also made a foray into the diabetes care segment in need across India with an affordable and accessible
with the launch of Sitenali and Jankey, having therapeutic option. The interesting point to be noted
cardio-safe gliptin sitagliptin. It has also launched a is that MSN has developed the Active Pharmaceutical
potent combination of Sitagliptin and Metformin and Ingredient (API) and the finished dosage formulation
branded it as Jankey M. Sitagliptin is a drug from the (FDF) of EMPAONE at its in-house state-of-the-art
class of DPP-4 inhibitors, and a one-of-its-kind drug R&D centre. The development is fully indigenous
for the treatment of high glucose levels in the blood, right from conceptualization to API development and
also known as hyperglycaemia. FDF.
During the beginning of this year Novo Nordisk
India launched the world’s first and only “peptide Is there a need?
in a pill”, oral semaglutide, a game changer in
diabetes management. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor Though numerous drugs are being launched
analogue (GLP-1 RA) – one of the drug classes to every year to treat diabetes, the question remains,
treat diabetes, till now was available only in the form ‘Are we in a problem of plenty or is there, indeed, a
of injections. This is the first time a GLP-1 RA has requirement?’ Experts have projected mixed opinions
when it comes to launching new drugs in this
segment.

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com DIABETES 33

All classes of antidiabetic drugs are well Annual spending by a diabetic
represented in India - namely. biguanides
(metformin), thiazolidones (various glitazones), An average Indian spends Rs 11,000 annually
sulfonyl ureas (glipizide, glimepride), meglitinides
(sulfonyl urea analogues such as repaglinide, on Type-II diabetes care and Rs 3.5 lakh in a
nateglinide), GLP-1 receptor agonists (incretin
mimetics such as liraglutide), DPP-4 inhibitors lifetime. From Rs 6,000 annually in the early
(gliptins such as sitagliptin & vildagliptin), SGLT2
inhibitors (dapagliflozin, etc.), Alpha glucosidase thirties, the cost increases exponentially to Rs
inhibitors (Acarbose).
17,000 by the time a diabetic attains 60 years of
Girdhar Balwani,
Professional Mentor & age. Further, the report revealed that only 5 per
Independent Director,
Cadila Pharmaceuticals cent of the diabetic population falls in the average
says, “The above classes of
drugs represent all the different monthly income segment of Rs 80,000 or more,
mechanisms for the physician to
manage diabetes using pharmacotherapy (apart from while 35 per cent falls below Rs 20,000.
diet & exercise). Also, many ayurvedic products are
available in India to manage diabetes. Any further Source: Redcore
introductions on the global stage offer marginal
benefits over existing drugs available in India.” will also provide a huge saving on the supply chain
front as the cold chain will no longer be required for
However, he goes on to add that there is no need transportation.”
to launch new drugs unless the drugs offer significant
benefits (in terms of efficacy, safety, cost and patient Indian scientists have only focussed on reverse
convenience) over existing drugs they need not be engineering drugs and this has led them to neglect
launched with marginal benefits. discovering new ones for what is one of the most
prevalent diseases among Indians. The government
Dr V Mohan, Chairman, Dr should incentivise to find a cure or develop drug
Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities treatments that are affordable and accessible
specifically for all Indians who suffer from this health
Centre says, “India is not condition.
certainly lagging behind the
global counterparts when it comes According to Dr S Kannan,
to the launch of new drugs in CEO, Oncophenomics,
diabetes. These drugs are almost western peers keep releasing one
launched simultaneously in India. innovative drug after another
India also participates in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials, while we stand still. Indian
simultaneously along with other developed countries pharma companies should be
and hence there is no lag in the introduction of these working on developing novel peptide-
drugs in India.” based drugs with previously unseen mechanisms of
Disagreeing with Dr Mohan’s action. There is a need for first-in-class drugs to turn
views, Dr Parizad Elchidana, the tide on the growing threat of obesity, diabetes,
President, Controlled and cardiovascular disease.
Release Society – Indian
Chapter, opines, “We are lagging Says Dr Sanjay Kalra,
not just in new drug development President-Elect of the
for the treatment of type 2 diabetes South Asian Federation of
but also in developing better alternative dosage forms Endocrine Societies, “India
and novel delivery systems to the current injectable is not lagging behind the world
insulin for type 1 diabetes. The world has moved on in new drug development. Thanks
to nasal delivery, and transdermal delivery using to our farsighted policy adoption and
microneedles, and some oral delivery systems are practices by our regulators, India is at the forefront of
also under trial. These systems will not require the new drug development. More drugs are welcome.”
product to be stored under refrigerated conditions,
will do away with the syringe and needle requirement Effective and affordable diabetic drugs are the
and thus the sterility management of the same and need of the hour. With the pace with which the
disease is spreading, the government needs to take
proactive steps to ensure that the right drugs are
launched in the market with ease in the regulatory
process. Launching too many drugs is not going to
solve the purpose and we will again go back to the
drawing board analysing what went wrong.

Sanjiv Das
[email protected]

34 SPEAKING WITH BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“India needs to connect OPD with the
cashless insurance network to bring
them into the digital economy”

« MedPay is digitising and onboarding these
centres, while integrating them with a common
Ravi Chandra, platform using APIs. That way, healthcare platforms
Co-Founder and CEO, and insurers can access this organised network of
MedPay care providers.

Although Outpatient Department (OPD) Considering the ever-increasing mobile internet
services account for nearly 70 per cent of penetration, the number of online users have surged
India’s $370 billion healthcare spend, the in small towns and villages. They can now discover
sector has historically been fragmented and siloed, these care providers online for hyperlocal services.
with dismal adoption of technology. The immense
value of the OPD segment can be unlocked for MedPay is leveraging technology to build India’s
all stakeholders by leveraging technology-based largest connected care network comprising doctors’
solutions. Traditionally, patients have been unable to clinics, diagnostic centres, pharmacies, insurers, and
get insurance coverage on OPD services because there digital health service platforms. Technology is at the
is no organised, dedicated network of outpatient heart of all our operations - starting from onboarding
centres. Similarly, healthcare providers have been partners to identifying the right care provider at the
struggling to provide online services to customers, right time.
even those in the neighbourhood. Hence, MedPay
Connected Care Network (CCN) came into existence We are building Amazon Web Services (AWS) for
in April 2020 to structure the unorganised OPD healthcare services. We have the API infrastructure
sector and connect outpatient centres with healthcare for accessing and processing all kinds of OPD
platforms, which offer services like medicine delivery, services, such as doctor consultations at clinics,
lab tests, and doctor appointments. In an interaction medicines from nearby pharmacies as well as
with BioSpectrum India, Ravi Chandra, Co-Founder diagnostics services at home and at labs.
and CEO, MedPay Connected Care Network
shares his views about the opportunities and As of now, MedPay has more than 65,000+
challenges before the company. Edited excerpts; outpatient centres spread across 500+ cities, and
20+ healthcare platforms on our Connected Care
After having raised $1.2 million from Network.
Entrepreneur First and GrowX Ventures in
2021, how do you see the performance of the How did MedPay set out to organise OPD
company in less than 30 months?
for insurance claimers using technology?
The Outpatient Department (OPD) in India has
traditionally been unorganised. With MedPay, we are What are the gaps that MedPay is striving to
working towards building India’s largest connected
care network – basically a network of care providers, address?
such as doctors, pharmacies and diagnostics,
connected to one single platform using technology. At MedPay, we are building India’s largest
connected care network of outpatient centres
(namely, doctors’ clinics, diagnostic centres, and
pharmacies) that will enable healthcare platforms
to offer outpatient services at scale. We strongly
believe that the immense value of the OPD segment
can be unlocked for all stakeholders by leveraging
technology-based solutions.

The pandemic has acted as a powerful catalyst,
giving a much-needed push to the entire healthcare
ecosystem to go digital.

The need of the hour is to organise the OPD
segment and ensure that payers, providers, and
patients have easy access to this network. India
needs to connect the primary healthcare centres,

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com SPEAKING WITH 35

pharmacies and diagnostic labs with the cashless Although the insurance companies
insurance network in order to bring them into the in India have started realising the
digital economy. importance of covering OPD benefits,
the fact remains that they still have
The MedPay Connected Care Network is designed to battle many challenges. They
to do that. Whether it’s insurance companies that lack access to a large OPD network
offer cashless OPD services or online platforms that that is digitally connected to process
provide hyperlocal services, MedPay has been able cashless claims in real time. We help
to create a robust fast-growing network that brings insurance companies to address these
together all stakeholders on a common platform. challenges by offering an organised
OPD network to insurers with the
How are you enabling offline pharmacies to capability to process cashless claims.
service nearby customers?
happy to receive medicines from a trusted nearby
As a B2B platform, operating a two-sided pharmacy the same day without waiting for a number
marketplace that aggregates supply on one side, and of days especially when the customer is in a non-
demand on the other, MedPay empowers offline metro location. While operating such models, we
pharmacies to service nearby customers in the most cannot offer high discounts as we are not bypassing
effective manner. retail pharmacy, however we believe healthcare is
not driven by discounts! What we bring to the table is
We help digitise the stores by creating a catalogue the convenience of fast delivery from nearby trusted
of medicines available and providing them the tools pharmacies.
to maintain the stock availability from time to time.
Once digitised, these stores go live with our platform, Is MedPay a competitor for e-pharmacies?
which is connected with a number of healthcare
platforms, including insurers and consultation MedPay is not in competition with e-pharmacies.
platforms. Rather, it strives to be an enabler for outpatient
centres and healthcare platforms. Our outpatient
Customers are able to discover these pharmacy network service is facilitating players like MFine, who
stores online and place orders on their respective leverage its CCN for hyperlocal medicine services,
healthcare apps that are connected to MedPay as well as Kenko, which uses their service for doctor
APIs. That way, offline pharmacies don’t lose out to consultations, diagnostic tests, and fulfilling medicine
inventory-based e-pharmacy models. orders.

How do you see the opportunity in the OPD Narayan Kulkarni
space? [email protected]

Although the insurance companies in India have
started realising the importance of covering OPD
benefits, the fact remains that they still have to battle
many challenges. They lack access to a large OPD
network that is digitally connected to process cashless
claims in real time.

We help insurance companies to address these
challenges by offering an organised OPD network
to insurers with the capability to process cashless
claims. Insurers can integrate MedPay APIs on
their respective user applications, which enables the
insured to discover nearby providers and request for
appointments/home services. We seamlessly validate
the eligibility criteria using the integrated APIs,
providing a cashless experience to the insured

What are the main challenges that you will be
addressing?

Unlike warehouse-based inventory models, we
are operating purely marketplace enabling nearby
pharmacies to fulfil the requirements. This is a
win-win to both pharmacy and patient. Pharmacy is
happy because of additional sales and patients are

36 SPEAKING WITH BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“The Indian market is well positioned
to embrace AFR technology”

« momentum. Keeping the focus on its customers’
needs to have a robust technology that helps enable
Divyanshu Gautam, a fast and reliable transition from experimental
tests to real production.
Commercial Director,
More than 600 AFR units have been installed
Gorilla Glass & around the world in a variety of chemical processing
segments with more than 30 per cent of these
Emerging Opportunities, installations occurring within pharmaceutical API
R&D and industrial production.
Corning India
Recently the government has sanctioned
Corning, one of the world’s leading three bulk drug parks in India. How will you
innovators in materials science, with a tap this opportunity?
more than 165-year track record of life-
changing inventions has launched Advanced- We believe it is an industry-friendly initiative
Flow Reactor (AFR) Education Platform on by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers
November 12, 2019 to enhance the academic to encourage domestic manufacturing of bulk
curricula of chemistry-related majors. In less drugs to reduce import dependence and establish
than three years’ time the company has installed a significant position in the global market by
over 600 AFR units across the world. Corning providing easy access to standard testing and
AFR is helping API manufacturers upscale infrastructure facilities.
production output by providing a continuous
process production capacity of up to hundreds With the growing focus on local manufacturing,
of kilograms per hour for pharmaceutical India is strengthening its production capabilities.
chemicals, base chemicals, and fine and specialty It also presents a great opportunity for Corning to
chemicals. This technology is being used by top showcase its Advanced-Flow Reactors (AFR) which
20 API manufacturers in India. In an interaction are an inherently safer technology that can drive
with BioSpectrum India, Divyanshu Gautam, higher-quality chemical processing and reduce the
Commercial Director, Gorilla Glass & Emerging risk of process hazards.
Opportunities, Corning India shared the company’s
growth prospects in India. Edited excerpts; The Indian market is well positioned to embrace
AFR technology. Over the last decade, several AFR
What will be the latest innovations by units were installed at some of the most important
Corning AFR in the pharma API market? pharmaceutical companies in India that remain
interested in continued collaboration with Corning.
Driven by market demand, Corning continues
to innovate and broaden its portfolio of products. Corning has been working closely with
In 2021, Corning launched a flexible and versatile IIT Delhi to establish a centre to educate
new system suitable for pharmaceutical production industry participants and provide
– the G1 production system. This new system is experience with flow reactors. Tell us more
FDA compliant (subject to customer certification) about the centre and how much will be
and includes control software. Corning created this spent to set up the centre.
system to offer the pharmaceutical market a tool
that fits the requirements of a production system Our partnership with IIT Delhi is one of our
and allows for a faster transfer to production which important initiatives to help drive AFR awareness
helps enable a more competitive time to market. and the flow of chemistry education in India. The
centre not only helps the industry participants to
For larger API production, Corning’s higher- touch and feel the reactors and work on chemistries
throughput G4 and G5 reactors continue to gain themselves but also educates future generations of
chemists and chemical engineers to be aware of this
technology so that they can consider this as a tool
for their applications.

The AFR team also remains committed to

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com SPEAKING WITH 37

education initiatives. In 2021, the AFR team Corning Advanced-Flow Reactors are an
launched the Corning Advanced-Flow Technology inherently safer technology in that they use a
Academy in Changzhou, China to deliver leading- small number of chemicals in the reactor process
edge, interactive live training on Corning’s flow which is intended to reduce the potential impact of
chemistry education platform, Corning Nebula process excursions. This is particularly important
Education Kits. The new academy is helping to when manufacturing plants are located in highly
educate the next generation of students to realise populated residential areas. In addition, they
the value of flow chemistry and AFR technology, provide substantial economic benefits, including
which has become one of the most important improved quality of the final product, reduced
technologies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing costs, less use of initial material,
new materials industries. lower energy use, less waste generation (less
waste to dispose of or recycle), scalability which
How Corning AFR technology is enabling minimises risks associated with scale-up, improved
seamless scale-up from lab to production? yields, less impact to the environment, and slower
adverse reactions in multi-purpose plants and
Corning’s AFR are specially designed to single purpose plants.
integrate heat transfer and mass-transfer into a
single piece of equipment, enabling the conversion What potential does the Indian market hold
of batch chemical processes to continuous flow
processes with a much smaller footprint. This leads for Corning?
to increased efficiency, scalability, yields, and higher
quality chemical processing for our customers. Today, India is increasingly called “the
Compared to traditional batch reactors, Corning’s pharmacy for the world” and is home to a rapidly
reactors enable at least 100 times enhancement in growing pharmaceutical market, placing it at
mixing, 1,000 times improvement in heat transfer the forefront of the global life sciences industry.
performance, and seamless, efficient scale-up from Corning’s AFR technology provides a variety of
the lab to full-scale production of chemicals with an solutions to help meet the needs of small and
inherently safer technology for the pharmaceutical, large laboratories as well as industrial-scale
speciality, and fine chemical industries. In addition manufacturing. For example, we are working to
to adopting an inherently safer technology, integrate our larger-scale industrial product, the G5
customers that choose AFR technology also benefit reactor, into the region. The G5 can support large-
from energy savings, lower production costs, and scale industrial production by offering a substantial
reduced environmental impact. annual flow throughput of 10,000 metric tonnes
per reactor while maintaining the seamless scale-up
AFR’s global team offers customers cost- standards of our other industrial reactors.
effective products and solutions while providing
specialised engineering support and unparalleled What are your plans for the Indian market?
process development expertise. It’s our goal to
help our customers design systems for a variety of While the Indian market has been slow to adopt
utilisations from lab applications to pilot processing continuous flow technology, in recent years, India
and industrial product development. has witnessed a promising surge in investment in
pharma and life sciences research and development,
How energy efficient and safe are signalling evolution and highlighting the potential
your products and how can pharma of the Indian pharmaceutical market – from generic
manufacturers benefit from them? drug development to advanced medicines and
biotechnology.
As environmental and safety regulations become
more stringent, the chemical manufacturing Corning’s AFR team believes that India is
industry is increasingly looking to continuous positioned to be one of the most important
flow processing as an inherently safer technology hubs for flow chemistry. Leaders within India’s
that also offers a more efficient and less costly pharmaceutical industry want to promote India as
alternative to traditional batch processing. Long one of the main producers of key starting materials
used in other trades such as petroleum refining and (KSMs) & API. Utilising AFR technology will help
petrochemical industries, continuous flow methods enable these pharmaceutical companies to deliver
have gained steady adoption in the production new APIs. Corning is well established in India and
of fine chemicals, agrochemicals, and active works closely with industry experts to help make
pharmaceutical intermediates (APIs). this vision a reality.

Sanjiv Das
[email protected]

38 CAREER BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Clinical Genomics: Career
Opportunities and Skillsets

«

Rajavarman Kittu,
Clinical Bioinformatics
Specialist,
Premas Life Sciences

We are in the Genomics era, cherished by indirectly would get the opportunity to work in either
Nobel winners like Dr Jennifer A. Doudna segment as mentioned below.
and Dr Emmanuelle Charpentier at 2020
for Genome editing CRISPR technology and Dr Technology Enablers [TE]: Companies
Svante Paabo in 2022 for paleogenomics. The 13 providing sequencers and third party machines,
years of Human Genome Sequencing project gave reagent providers, bioinformatics companies
hope to modern medicine in understanding disease developing and enabling analysis software, IT
as well as disease management. Many innovative companies enabling computational needs and policy
advanced technologies in screening, diagnostics and makers in government bodies.
treatment options were adopted in this last decade.
End Users [EU]: Hospitals, medical
Scope of Clinical Genomics: Clinical laboratories, government funded CSIR/DBT/DST/
genomics is a combination of understanding the ICMR/DRDO/ research labs, government bodies/
medical conditions through both biological and organisations, healthcare organisation, industries
computational skills sets to improve the patient’s (pharma, CROs, genomics service providers).
life. Clinical genomics has several segments like
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Whole Exome Enhance career opportunities and skill: As
Sequencing (WES), Genotyping, Immune-Profiling, Clinical Genomics is booming across India due to the
Epigenomics Profiling, Metagenomics and so large scope of clinical utility. From $1000 Genome
on. Clinical genomics focuses on all segments of to $2 Genome today. The genomics market is
important clinical conditions like cancer, rare
genetic disorders, neonatal and prenatal screening,
lifestyle disease, infectious disease and in vitro
fertility, etc. Therefore, the immense growth in the
scope of study. Understanding technology, following
the protocols and guidelines, applying strategies
over clinical cases in order to prevent the disease
by knowing the risk factors in pharmacogenomics
prospects, improve patient’s survival rates of cancer
patients with target therapy or advanced therapy
options recommendation, suggesting better lifestyle
to enhance the wellness of future generations are
important milestones goals of clinical genomics.

Demand for Clinical Genomics: There is
huge demand for people who specialise in different
skills relevant to clinical genomics directly or

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com CAREER 39

Career Opportunities Possibilities: Based on the above-mentioned segments [TE/EU] the job roles and
the skillsets needed mostly vary. In technology enablers context the possible roles and relevant skills sets needed
are as follows.

Sales & Marketing Technology Enablers [TE] End-users [EU]
Representatives [SR Being in sales making sure the right products pitched to the client Being in sales makes sure the genomics services in different contexts get
& MR] and order are taken as per their request by closing the deal. Doing all driven and delivered to the right people to answer the scientific/Medical
possible ways, workshops, conferences, Marketing question.
Product Managers Degree: BSc/ MSc Biotechnology, Lifesciences. Degree: BSc /MSc Biotechnology, Lifesciences.
[PM] Skills: Knowledge about Biotech & Life Science, domain Sales Skills: knowledge about Biotech & Life Science, domain Sales Techniques/
Techniques/Marketing protocols. Marketing protocols.
Business Reaching out the key clients and helping them in choosing the right Constantly thinking and coming-up with innovative ideas in order to
Administrators product that suits their needs. improve the solutions provided. Using strategy to improve the products and
[BA] and Logistic Degree: PhD/Postdoc Biotechnology, Lifesciences coming-up with new products plan.
Operators [LO] Skills: Business development skills with technical skills of Life Degree: PhD/Postdoc Biotechnology, Lifesciences
Biomedical Science, Biotech or Medical Skills: Innovation skills, plan strategy with technical skills of Life Science,
Engineers/Field For all financial transactions, documentation of product requests Biotech or Medical
Service Engineer and making sure the orders are in place is Business Administrators
[FSE] responsible. The Logistics Operators take care of tracking the products For all financial transactions in order to go request and document. Keep
Molecular Biologist/ in transfer, checking the conditions of products, receiving/ delivering track of the orders reaching. Maintain the materials received in the right
Field Application them in time as promised to the clients. conditions.
Scientist [FAS] Degree: BA/CA/Diploma in logistic operations. Degree: BA/CA/Diploma in logistic operations.
Bioinformaticians/ Skills: Rules and regulations of administrations and logistics Skills: Rules and regulations of administrations and logistics procedures.
Field Application procedures.
Scientist [FAS]/ Tech Installation of sequencer machine, performing specifications tests Performing troubleshooting as in when needed, Performance Maintenances
Support [TS] or calibrations, troubleshooting as in when needed, Performance and Annual Maintenances.
Government Policy Maintenances and Annual Maintenances. Degree: BTech [Biomed] /BE [EEE/ECE]
makers/Government Degree: BTech [Biomed] /BE [EEE/ECE] Skills: Setup machines and troubleshoot.
Lab Researchers Skills: Setup machines and troubleshoot. Starting from extraction of genetic materials to loading the samples in
Provide training from sample preparation to setting up runs with machines and setting up runs in machines are the key responsibilities of a
Clinician Specialised samples. Troubleshooting any issues with run or samples. Molecular Biologist/Scientist.
in Genomic Medicine Degree: MSc /MTech/PhD/Postdoc Life Science or Biotech. Degree: MSc /M. Tech/PhD/Postdoc Life Science or Biotech
Molecular Geneticist/ Skills: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, sanger, NGS library preparations. Skills: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, sanger, NGS library preparations.
Geneticist specialised Installation server & software, providing training on data analysis and Developing algorithms, building pipelines, performing analysis, interpreting
in Clinical and quality parameters, troubleshooting if expected results are met. and finding of clinical datasets.
Laboratory Degree: MSc/MTech/PhD/Postdoc Bioinformatics. Degree: MSc/MTech/PhD/Postdoc Bioinformatics.
Genetic Counselors Skills: Programming/codes, Analytical skills, Logical Thinking, Skills: Programming/codes, Analytical skills, Logical Thinking,
computational skills [HPC, Cloud] computational skills [HPC, Cloud]
The Scientist who understands the overall workflow, protocols,
methods, ethical, legal, social and policy making. These professionals Government Researcher who generally uses sequencing technology to solve
derive the guidelines for clinical practice, Laboratory technologist. the scientific questions by utilizing the clinical datasets.
Degree: PhD/Postdoc Biotech/Life Science, Medical Professionals/ Degree: PhD/Postdoc
social science/public policy, etc. Skills: Molecular techniques or computational
Skills: Policy Making
Consultant/Medical Oncologist/Neurologist/All Clinical physicians who
Not applicable specialise in genomics medicine are trained to choose right diagnostics
methods as well treatment options.
Not applicable Degree: MBBS, M.D and DNB
Skills: Individual subject specialisation with Genomics medicine knowledge
Not applicable acquired.
MD Clinical Laboratory specialised doctors with PhD genetics are mostly
into variant interpretation, Genetic counseling, Monitoring and Managing
the Genetic testing, diagnostic of genetic Makeup of the patient, providing
Genetics reports to patients.
Degree: MBBS, MD, DNB with PhD genetics.
Skills: Laboratory Medicine
Understanding Family history, disease sensitivity, explaining to the patient
and referring them to genetic testing, make the patient understand Genetic
reports and helping them make clinical decisions to manage the disease.
Degree: MSc/PhD genetics; certification in genetic counseling.
Skills: Genetics, Risk assessment, disease Management

expanding in both horizontal and vertical. Therefore, in hospitals and clinical laboratories will give scope
there is huge demand for skilled candidates in order for students and youngsters to catch-up on the skills.
to fulfill the clinical genomics opportunities. To To nurture and motivate the innovative young minds
enhance the academic universities, colleges should to focus in clinical genomics with their innovations
expand more degrees with specialisation of clinical and entrepreneurship several funding schemes like
genomics. More workshop, conferences should government funded incubations, BRIC’s SITARE-
be conducted across India by both governments Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award
and provide laboratories and hospitals to give Grant [SITARE-GYTI], Social Innovation Immersion
training for the students, freshers to enable the Program [SIIP] and much more are in place to
skills sets. Increasing summer internship/ winter- drive the young start-ups with innovations minds
schools/ regular internship/ studentship/ resident to enhance the productions of clinical genomics
opportunities through government-public initiatives products in India.

40 ACADEMIA NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Pfizer partners with Aster International
Father Muller Research
to create avenues for Institute of
new research in India
Oncology to offer
Pfizer India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Father Muller Research to strengthen evidence training & fellowship
generation and encourage young researchers to gather
real-world evidence (RWE) on drug efficacy and proven programmes
therapies from existing
Electronic Patient Aster Hospitals Bangalore, a unit of
records. This evidence Aster DM Healthcare, has launched an
generation will focus on institute of oncology under the banner -
prevention, treatment and Aster International Institute of Oncology
management of diseases (AIIO). This newly launched institute
that are of public health will be the centre of excellence in the
priority in India, such as treatment of all cancers under a single
cancer and cardiovascular roof. The state-of-the-art institute was
disease. The bespoke launched by Dr Azad Moopen, Founder
fellowships will be a form Chairman and Managing Director, Aster
of recognition and will DM Healthcare. All centres will have
enable young clinicians robots, hi-tech dedicated machines,
who want to pursue medical research to do so with clear intraoperative radiotherapy, state-of-
goals in place. Pfizer sees this as a long-term, academic the-art medical equipment. We are also
collaboration to promote high-quality medical research in partnering with top universities in the
the country. Additionally, through this collaboration, Pfizer world for the research and development
and Father Muller Research Center plan to build centers of purposes. Training and fellowship
excellence (CoEs) in rare diseases. programmes in affiliation with Rajiv
Gandhi University or any recognised
university will be established and Dr NB
Oncology programme will be offered.

5C Network launches academy for
training radiographers & radiologists

Focussed on providing on improving on their own skills ever certification programme
advanced practical training for on the job. 5C Network’s chief for practicing radiographers
radiographers and radiologists, radiologist, Dr Chandramouly specializing in CT and MRI
Bengaluru-based startup 5C M, will serve as 5C Academy’s scans. As part of the curriculum,
Network has launched the 5C dean. Dr Chandramouly comes the participants will experience
Academy. The need for this kind with over three decades of interactive workshops on CT and
of institutionalised, professional experience in radiology. The MRI best practices with live case
training stems from the fact academy launches the first- demos. The workshops will be
that in the radiology domain followed by question and answer
that is continuously witnessing sessions, and assessments to
technology and domain advances, ensure a complete understanding
there is a long-felt need for a of each module. Each module
forum that can help radiographers when completed grants one
and radiologists stay up-to-date credit to the participant. Subject
on domain knowledge, learn to the participant successfully
new best practices, benefit from completing all the modules, the 5C
the experience of experts in the Academy will grant a Diploma in
domain, and also get mentored Practical Radiography to them.

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com PEOPLE NEWS 41

OPPI elects Suresh Pattathil as president

The Organisation of industry, Pattathil has held
Pharmaceutical Producers of India several senior management
(OPPI) has elected Suresh Pattathil positions in companies such as
as its next President. The term is Pfizer, Schering Plough, MSD and
for two years and is effective from Ferring. Most recently, Pattathil
September 26, 2022. Pattathil takes was the Chief Executive Officer
over from S Sridhar, Managing for Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Director, Pfizer India, who has India with responsibility for
been with the association since Commercial Operations, Research
2021. Pattathil is the Managing & Development centre and setting
Director and General Manager, up a pilot plant and manufacturing
Allergan, an AbbVie Company, facility in Hyderabad. He has broad
responsible for commercial experience in both specialities as
operations in India & South Asia well as mass therapeutic areas
markets. With more than 30 years and in launching global products
of experience in the pharmaceutical successfully in India.

Dr Deepa Desai to lead DeepTek ropes
Labcorp biz for India
in Amit Gandhi
US-based Labcorp, a leading global life sciences company,
has announced the appointment of Dr Deepa Desai as as CBO
senior vice president and country head of Labcorp Drug
Development India. Dr Deepa brings extensive industry Pune-based startup DeepTek has
and scientific knowledge to the position, which gives her announced the appointment of healthcare
oversight of more than 6,000 employees. She most recently industry veteran Amit Gandhi as its
Chief Business Officer. Gandhi is an
served as CEO of D Cube experienced business leader and has
Consultancy, a firm she led several healthcare and medtech
founded to help redesign companies for over 20+ years in various
and refocus organisations business leadership roles. With experience
and teams in the healthcare across different functions and handling
space. Before establishing multimillion-dollar P&L in MNCs such as
her consulting firm, Dr GE Healthcare, DuPont, and Philips, he
Deepa spent nearly two brings a wealth of expertise to this
decades serving in various role. Having served as Director
roles at a global contract - Radiology/Diagnostic
research organisation (CRO). Imaging for South Asia
These positions included at Philips, Gandhi has
global head of quality successfully grown
management systems, vice businesses by his ability to
president and global lead for the company’s clinical delivery sift insights into executable
network, as well as global head of cardiac safety services. Dr business strategies. He has
Deepa also acted as a diversity and inclusion champion at also worked with GE Healthcare
the CRO, making her a key advocate and mentor within the as General Manager and
company and across the broader health care community. has a deep understanding
An alumna of INSEAD, Dr Deepa was recognised in 2020 of the medical devices
as one of PharmaVoice’s 100 Most Inspiring Leaders, and industry across
in 2019 she received a prestigious Luminary Award from Radiology, Oncology,
the Healthcare Businesswomen Association. She earned Cardiology and Critical
her degree in homoeopathic medicine and surgery from care, and maternal-
Mumbai University. infant care areas.

42 PEOPLE NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Qure.ai Dr Rajiv Bahl is new DG of ICMR
appoints
Dr Shibu Dr Rajiv Bahl has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the
Vijayan as Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Secretary of the
Medical Department of Health Research, for a period of three years. Dr Bahl
Director - has held the position of Head of Research on Maternal, Newborn,
Global Health Child and Adolescent Health at the World Health Organization
(WHO), Geneva (2013-22). Prior to that, he was responsible for
Mumbai-based startup Qure. Newborn and Child Health research at WHO (2003-2012) and was
ai has appointed renowned a scientist in the ICMR Advanced Centre for Diarrheal Disease and
global health expert, Dr Shibu
Vijayan as its Medical Director Nutrition Research at All India Institute of Medical Sciences
for Global Health Practice. The (AIIMS) from 1994-2002. He steps into this new
company enjoys clear leadership position after former DG-ICMR Dr Balram Bhargava
in the global health space completed his term. Dr Bhargava was appointed as
and the new addition of Dr DG-ICMR in April 2018. Dr Bahl is a physician-
Vijayan to its helm will bolster scientist, with specialisation in paediatrics. He has
its partnerships with strategic 30 years of experience leading health research and
change-makers in public health, translating research to public health policy both in
manifold. Dr Vijayan is a India and at a global level. He has also received an
senior clinician in Community Honorary Doctorate from University of Bergen,
and Public Health Services. Norway, in 2022 in recognition of his
He has 25 years of experience contributions to maternal and child
in developing, monitoring, health research.
and evaluating public health
projects, including developing Piramal Pharma
healthcare-related proposals in appoints Vibha Paul Rishi
both private and not-for-profit to its Board of Directors
organisations. He is also an
accredited International general Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL) has announced the appointment of
Tuberculosis (TB) expert by Vibha Paul Rishi to its Board of Directors. Vibha’s appointment will
the TB team hosted by WHO add to the well-diversified experience that currently exists across
and Stop TB Partnership. Prior the PPL Board. Vibha is a
to Qure.ai, he was at PATH marketing professional and has
and has also worked with the held global leadership positions
WHO as Technical Consultant across branding, strategy,
for the TB Control Program innovation and human capital.
in India and was associated In the domains of marketing
with Medicines Sans Frontiers and innovation, she has been
(MSF, Netherlands) as a field associated with PepsiCo, Max
Epidemiologist in Ethiopia. India and the Future Group.
Vibha currently serves on
the Boards of several reputed
companies, including Tata
Chemicals, ICICI Bank, ICICI
Prudential Life Insurance
Company, Asian Paints, and
others. She is also on the
Board of Pratham Education
Foundation, an NGO that provides education to underprivileged
children in India. She has joined the PPL Board which consists of
senior professionals with significant industry experience across
multiple sectors.

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2022 | www.biospectrumindia.com PARTNER CONTENT 43

The Discovery of Centrifugation Technique -
Revolutionized Laboratory Sample Preparation

The Dutch scientist and mathematician Christiaan Huygens position to precisely determine the molecular weights of various
was the first person to come up with” centrifugal force,” substances like viruses and proteins. Svedberg received in
the word that came to be known as “centrifugal force” in 1926 the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discovery. Nowadays,
his book “De vi centrifugal”. In the following 200 years, in 1864, centrifuges are utilized to serve a variety of purposes, including
Antonin Prandtl who was an 1864 German master beer maker, creating gravitational fields that simulate space as well as to
came up with the concept of the dairy centrifuge in order to dry laundry.
improve separation of milk from cream and was the first step
in the development of modern milk products that contained an The fundamental structure
established amount of fat. The development of centrifuges was of a centrifuge is frames or a
rapid and within the next three decades Friedrich Miescher, a fixed base and a rotating
Swiss medical doctor and biologist, employed centrifugal force component that is where the
in order to obtain what he termed “nuclein” (now called DNA) object is set in the center and
from cells. He was thus the first researcher that isolated the then spun at a fast speed.
nucleic acid (1869).
A micro centrifuge is a
After this discovery, Gustav De Laval added turbines to the tiny mechanical device that utilizes
design of Prandtl and created an original continuous cream centrifugal force generated through high-speed horizontal
separator that revolutionized the dairy industry in 1877.The rotation to separate different materials density in small
need for faster speeds was evident when in the year 1925 centrifuge tubing. This process separates solids from liquids, or
Theodor Svedberg, who was a colloid scientist, invented the in other liquids. The particles with more dense than the others
first ultracentrifuge that was used as an instrument for analysis. will be able to move along these tubes, resulting in an increased
The following year, it was awarded the Nobel Prize was area of rotation. The particles with less density will be dispersed
awarded to the researcher for his work and the development at the other end of micro centrifuge tubes.
that ultracentrifuge. The goal was to separate macromolecules
and even macromolecules. This requires extreme speeds of When micro-centrifuge tube will be used they will be filled
up to 1,000,000 x mg. In the year 1930, the Belgian physician with samples that are put in the rotating area and held securely
also known as a scientist of cells Albert Claude discovered through holders. They are arranged in such a way that when the
the process of cell division that involves centrifugation as an rotary movement starts, the micro centrifuge tubes will move
essential element. The cell membrane has to be destroyed in into a slanted , or horizontal position, with their open ends facing
order to let out the cell’s contents. Cell membrane components towards the direction of rotation. The heavier particles of liquid
are removed and the rest of the items are put into centrifuges to will be tossed towards lower levels of tubes of micro centrifuge,
separate them. The contents split into different parts according while lighter particles will rise towards the tops of tubes.
to the mass. Claude realized that every part performs an
important function within the cell. The centrifuge itself is a novel Abdos Life Science manufactures
development in both the medical and science community. Yet, Centrifuge tubes and Micro
it has had an impact on the field of diagnostics and research. Centrifuge tubes that
are made from high
The invention can be traced back to 1800’s, Benjamin purity pure USP Class
Robbins, an English engineer in the military, created an arm VI medical quality
that whirled around which was used to measure drag. In the polypropylene (PP) that
year 1883 Carl G.P. de Laval, an engineer in Sweden created is compliant with US FDA 21 CFR completely free of
a highly efficient centrifuge that was designed to be used heavy metal and natural rubber in their modern manufacturing
as a cream separator. The next major breakthrough in the facility located in Roorkee Uttarakhand in India. They are
development of centrifuges came nearly 40 years after. It was available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 0.5 millilitres to 1.5
in 1925 that Theodore Svedberg invented the ultracentrifuge. millilitres 2.0 15 ml, 50 millilitres. Their centrifuge wares are also
This instrument utilized extremely high acceleration to allow the available in a range of styles including self-standing, conical,
observation of the rate of sedimentation for macromolecules. natural amber, colored and color choices to fit various needs.
Together with his ultracentrifuge, Svedberg employed the optical
method to study the rate of sedimentation. Svedberg was in a Abdos MaxiRCFTM Trace Metal Free centrifuge tubes
have been specifically designed to ensure that trace metals
and elements that could hinder
experiments are not less than an
ICP-MS detection limit at one part
for billion (less than 1 ppb). Recently,
Abdos launched their entire line of
screw cap tubes that are ideal for
lab preparation of precious samples
and storage of expensive reagents.
Abdos Life Science also strives to
satisfy the growing need for small-
sized scientific instruments like
microcentrifuges and ultra-high
speed centrifuges, clinical centrifuges
to cater to the scientific community.

44 RAC&ADDNEEMWICSS NEWS BIOBSIPOESCPTERCUTMRUM| |NOVAEUMGBUESRT 20221 | www.biospectrumindia.com

IIT Mandi develops simple,
portable device to detect ischemic stroke

Researchers at the Indian experimental occlusion of the potential. As a result of the
Institute of Technology (IIT) forearm and evoked ischemic burden of stroke among Indians,
Mandi, in collaboration with stroke at the frontal lobe, and the government’s National
PGIMER Chandigarh, have found excellent diagnostic Programme for Prevention and
proposed and developed a simple, Control of Cancer, Diabetes,
portable and cost-effective device Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke
to detect and diagnose stroke (NPCDCS) is focusing on early
caused by impaired blood flow to diagnosis and management at
the brain. The IIT Mandi team different levels of health care for
performed studies measuring all non-communicable diseases
the bio-markers under ischemic including stroke, in India. The
conditions at the forearm and development reported by the
at the frontal lobe of the brain. IIT Mandi team will help in
The researchers also validated enhancing access to stroke
their detector prototype through diagnosis throughout the country.

Gold nanoparticle- IISc & AIIMS Rishikesh
devise algorithmic
based drug way of identifying
occurrence of epilepsy
delivery solution
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
to improve cancer Bengaluru, in collaboration with AIIMS Rishikesh, have
developed an algorithm that can help decode brain scans to
management identify the occurrence and type of epilepsy. In this new study,
the team reports a novel algorithm that can sift through EEG
Researchers at Amity University, data and identify signatures of epilepsy from the electrical
Jaipur (Rajasthan) have developed signal patterns. After initial training, the algorithm was able
therapeutic agents with the help of to detect whether a human subject could have epilepsy or not,
nano-biotechnological approaches using based on these patterns in their respective analyses, with a
a unique solution of ‘gold nanoparticles’ high degree of accuracy. Currently, a patent has been filed for
that helps in improving the site- the work and the algorithm is being tested for its reliability by
specific drug delivery for cancer disease physicians at AIIMS Rishikesh.
management and its effective treatment.
The results have revealed that the
appropriate surface corona on the gold
nanoparticles was essential for effective
cancer treatment in a selective manner.
The research was extended towards
lung cancer cells using functional silver
nanoparticles and the selective anti-
cancer effect originating from the surface
chemistry of silver nanoparticles was
demonstrated in a recent publication.
Both studies have provided a deeper
understanding of the mechanism of anti-
cancer actions of functional nanoparticles.
The study will open new opportunities for
better cancer management and treatment,
and pave a way for future nanomedicine
even beyond cancer.

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46 RAC&ADDNEEMWICSS NEWS BIOBSIPOESCPTERCUTMRUM| |NOVAEUMGBUESRT 20221 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Spike protein IIT-D study focuses on
impact of ayurvedic medicines
vaccines on COVID-19 treatment

effective Yoga and Ayurveda may be effective in the treatment of high-risk
cases of COVID-19, suggests a research study on the successful
against multiple treatment of 30 high-risk COVID-19 patients. This study was
conducted by a team of researchers at the Indian Institute of
SARS COV-2 Technology (IIT) Delhi and Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya,
Haridwar. Besides the standard care treatment as per guidelines, the
variants: IIT-M patients were prescribed Ayurvedic medicines through telemedicine
and administered a personalised therapeutic Yoga programme using
A team of researchers at the video conferencing. Almost all the patients were classified as high-
Indian Institute of Technology, risk owing to one or more comorbidities such as Diabetes Mellitus,
Madras (IIT-M) has shown that Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, Coronary Artery Disease
spike protein vaccines may be (which are known to lead to severe outcomes in cases of COVID-19),
effective against multiple variants and/or age above 60. The findings of the study have appeared in the
of the coronavirus (SARS COV- Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. The authors point out that
2). The results of the IIT-M high-risk COVID-19 patients undergo severe anxiety, which may
study suggest that the attack by further deteriorate their condition.
selected variants such as Delta
plus, Gamma, Zeta, Mink and IIT-G develops strategy to
Omicron, may be dealt with by deliver chemotherapeutic
vaccine-induced T-cell responses drugs to cancer cells
despite the compromised
neutralising antibodies responses. Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G) researchers
While further experimental have developed a new strategy to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs
verification is called for, the specifically to the cancerous cells in a patient’s body. The problem with
researchers believe that the existing chemotherapeutic drugs is that they kill healthy cells of the
present spike protein vaccinations body in addition to cancerous cells, leading to numerous undesirable
are likely to be efficacious against side effects. The molecules developed by the IIT-G researchers self-
circulating variants of SARS COV- assemble as capsules to hold the drug, which then attaches only
2. The researchers set out to find to cancer cells. When infrared (IR) light is shone on it, the shell
out what would be the response breaks and releases the encapsulated drug into the cancerous cell.
like if the post-vaccination The IIT-G scientists rightly believe that their approach would allow
infections were caused by a the development of drug carriers for chemotherapy with enhanced
variant other than the original efficacy and negligible side effects. Following the development of
Wuhan strain incorporated in the targeted IR (light)-trigger drug release system, the IIT Guwahati
vaccine preparations. In variants researchers are preparing to perform in vivo studies to take this
of SARS COV-2, there are understanding closer to drug development.
molecular level changes to the
spike protein of the virus, and
these variations may include the
regions of protein
sequences that
are recognised
by T-cells called
epitopes.

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

HiMedia launches Thermo Fisher adds new
ultra-low temperature chest
Monkeypox RT PCR freezer to green portfolio

and viral DNA/RNA Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the addition of a new
freezer to its ultra-low temperature (ULT) green portfolio,
extraction kits the Thermo Scientific TDE Series -80°C Chest Freezer. With
increasing reliance on temperature-sensitive materials and
Mumbai-based HiMedia Laboratories is therapeutics, laboratories require equally sensitive and highly
geared up to face a possible outbreak of consistent cold storage equipment. The freezer uses eco-
the Monkeypox virus with extraction and friendly refrigerants and improved temperature regulation
RT PCR detection kits. Running ahead of efficiency to offer approximately 25 per cent reduction in
time, HiGenoMB, the molecular biology
section of HiMedia Labs is prepared for energy usage for most sizes and voltages over the
what can become the next pandemic – previous design.
Monkeypox. It is amongst the first few Building off Thermo
Indian multinationals to come up with Fisher’s 80 years
viral DNA extraction and monkeypox of experience
RT PCR kits for the detection of the developing cold
virus. Swab samples from suspected storage solutions,
individuals can be processed using the Thermo
HiPurA Viral DNA/RNA purification Scientific TDE
kit (MB582) which is based on the silica Series -80°C Chest
column format and aids in quick and freezers, powered by
simultaneous extraction of the viral DNA H-drive hydrocarbon
and RNA from the sample. Subsequent
detection by Hi-PCR Monkeypox Virus systems, deliver the reliability and enhanced performance
Multiplex Probe PCR kit (MBPCR269), required for vital research without compromising
a Taq Man based Probe PCR kit, can sustainability goals. With rapid temperature recovery after
accurately detect the virus with the the door opens and tight peak variation, the TDE Series Chest
utmost sensitivity and specificity; even Freezer is designed for both frequent entry and long-term
3.31 copies/µl of the viral gene. storage applications.

PerkinElmer unveils cell analysis
solution for cell and gene therapy research

PerkinElmer has launched the cutting-edge Cellaca PLX system, antibodies from PerkinElmer’s
Cellaca PLX Image Cytometry designed by the company’s BioLegend business are also part
System, a first-of-its-kind Nexcelom unit, combines best-in- of the proprietary solution. The
benchtop platform that enables class image cytometer hardware, new offering provides researchers
researchers to assess multiple software, validated consumables with expanded cell sample CQA
Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) and trackable data reporting all in analysis options beyond flow
of cell cytometry and staining methods,
samples in one system without requiring which historically have required
a single complex calibration a variety of different instruments
automated procedures or and analytical methods. By
workflow, intense training combining these capabilities,
including requirements. To researchers can now detect
cell further streamline the multiple markers simultaneously
identity, customer experience, (multiplexing) and perform
quality and optimised reagent immunophenotyping and viability
quantity. kits with validated assays in seconds with an easy-to-
The use, modern user interface.

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

Agilent launches enhanced 8700 LDIR Chemical
Imaging System for Microplastics Analysis

Agilent Technologies announced a filter substrate. An innovative, emerged as the benchmark
the release of its enhanced 8700 redesigned sample holder technique for the analysis
LDIR Chemical Imaging System, allows the on-filter sample to of microplastics particles.
which has been further optimised be presented to the instrument The development of on-filter
for the analysis of microplastics more easily and consistently. analysis for this platform marks
in environmental samples. This The Agilent 8700 LDIR brings another leap forward in speed
newly improved package includes high-speed analysis and ease of and throughput. The ability to
Clarity 1.5 software – a significant use to infrared spectroscopy and significantly increase testing
upgrade that advances the volumes will allow a greater
speed of analysis, enhances has rapidly
spectral acquisition, understanding of the
transformation, and extent of microplastics
library matching, and contamination in the
provides automated environment and will help
workflows for direct facilitate the development
analysis of microplastics on of appropriate standards
and regulations.

BD opens CPC Biopharma brings new
ultra-compact sterile connector
innovation centre for aseptic processing

in US offering A new ultra-compact sterile connector provides biopharmaceutical
and cell and gene therapy manufacturers with a much-needed
researchers alternative to tube welding for their small-volume closed aseptic
processes. MicroCNX Series Connectors are the newest addition
access to cutting- to the suite of aseptic connection solutions from CPC, including
AseptiQuik Connectors. The new product is designed to provide a
edge technology smaller, easier, faster and less risky method of connecting tubing
for small-format assemblies. MicroCNX connectors are designed
BD (Becton, Dickinson and specifically for small-volume processes involving widely used 1/16”
Company) has officially opened (1.6mm), 3/32” (2.4mm) and 1/8” (3.2mm) tubing. These include
the BD Innovation Center in sampling, seed train expansion and early cell culture processes
collaboration with the University involving shaker flasks and rocker tables. The easy, three-step
of Maryland BioPark, offering process for using MicroCNX connectors requires minimal training.
the University of Maryland, Users simply “Pinch-Click-Pull”: 1) pinch to remove the protective
Baltimore (UMB) students and cover; 2) click together the connector halves; and, 3) pull out the
researchers access to state-of- protective membranes so the flow can start. In comparison, tube
the-art equipment to support and welding involves a dozen or more steps, with operator challenges
accelerate innovation in medical including manoeuvring the tube welder into position, dealing with
diagnostic technology. Located in equipment maintenance, and requiring precise technique to create
West Baltimore at the UM BioPark a successful weld.
(part of the UMB campus), the
BD Innovation Center goal is to
help streamline clinical laboratory
workflows and improve patient
care by expanding basic diagnostic
knowledge, developing new
diagnostic capabilities and shaping
the future of diagnostics by
allowing students and researchers
to provide real-world feedback on
early diagnostic concepts.

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

How Microplastics Create Habitat
for Infectious Disease Vectors

Plastics have been a well-known environmental in lake water by attaching itself to the surfaces of tiny
pollutant for decades. Unfortunately, it beads of plastic pollution, called microplastics.
hasn’t been linked with the growing burden
of infectious diseases. Research indicates that such These microplastics are so small that they could
pollution can directly influence arthropod-borne potentially be ingested by anyone swimming near the
diseases by generating suitable habitats for their beach. After all, it does not take many virus particles
vectors. For instance, the accumulation of plastic to make you sick. In fact, the recent extreme use of
debris can clog water drainage, leading to a flood of personal protective equipment (PPE) i.e., masks, face
stagnant water after heavy rains. Resulting pools can shields, gowns, and gloves has become a major source
serve as a breeding ground for disease vectors such of microplastics pollution.
as Anopheles mosquitoes, potentially increasing the
malaria burden of an area. On the other hand, studies have suggested
that microplastic presence in our respiratory or
Not only do discarded plastics provide a suitable gastrointestinal tracts has the potential to interact
breeding ground for mosquito larvae, but they also with SARS-CoV-2, and potentially increase viral
can provide shelter for other arthropods, such as infectivity and further spread COVID-19.
triatomine bugs responsible for Chagas disease.
Considering the rapidly growing generation of
Similarly, stagnant pools of water generated by plastic waste, the burden caused by these infectious
plastic waste can promote waterborne diseases such diseases will probably rise. Studies have predicted
as trematodiasis, dracunculiasis, schistosomiasis, that by 2050, 70 per cent of the world’s population
lymphatic filariasis, and many more. Macroplastic will live in urban areas and without adequate effective
debris can also create suitable habitat for molluscs, waste management strategies, especially in tropical
with the potential to locally increase disease burden. areas, more people will likely be exposed to infectious
A plethora of organisms can build up complex diseases.
biofilms to rapidly colonise floating plastic.
On the whole, the influence of plastic waste on
Researchers in the US have found that infectious disease maintenance and emergence is
pathogens from land can hitch a ride to the beach on being underestimated. This lack of knowledge and
microscopic pieces of plastic, providing a new way for understanding begs a dedicated transdisciplinary
germs to concentrate along coastlines and travel to and transboundary approach to this problem.
the deep sea. Considering the ever growing nature of the problem,
scientific evidence is critical and requires dedicated
This is simply because plastic waste can funds and plastic-aware epidemiologists across the
absorb organic matter and biomolecules which is globe.
beneficial for the survival of microorganisms. Also,
the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes and Another initiative is stepping up research on
horizontal gene transfer between microorganisms newer technologies. Although molecular spectroscopy
on the surface of plastic waste could promote the solutions such as Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR)
survival and enrichment of pathogens. However, chemical imaging and Fourier Transform Infrared
compared with bacteria, viruses on plastic waste (FTIR) spectroscopy technology are favoured
have been ignored all this while. by research scientists for the initial analysis of
microplastics due to the resulting high-quality
Now, scientists in the UK have proven for the first imaging and spectral data, other options such
time that viruses can survive and remain infectious as a combination of optical tweezers and Raman
by binding themselves to plastics in freshwater, spectroscopy might yield better results.
raising concerns about the potential impact on
human health. Rotavirus, which causes diarrhoea Dr Manbeena Chawla
and stomach upset, can survive for up to three days Executive Editor

[email protected]