BioSpectrum India December 2018

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4 BIO CONTENT BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

COVER
DESIGN BY:
DOMINIX STRATEGIC
DESIGN PVT. LTD.

COVERSTORY 20.........................................................................................................................................................

2018: INDUSTRY RE-STRATEGISES
BUSINESS PLANS

India is increasingly gaining the much-needed Government focus on expanding affordable health care. This year,
India took a giant leap towards providing accessible and affordable healthcare to the common man with the
launch of Ayushman Bharat in September, 2018. In parallel, the Government remains committed to establishing
India as a global manufacturing hub for medical devices with this sector expected to increase significantly.
The new medical device rules which came into force from January 2018 has finally given the medical devices
and in-vitro diagnostic devices (IVD) industry a distinctive regulatory identity. Scientific development in India is
definitely contributing immensely to improved healthcare, improved devices, diagnostics and much more. Hence
companies are re-strategising their business plans appropriately to make difference to the consumers.

TECHNOLOGY

26 29

IoT rolling Embracing a big data
India
towards revolution in medicine
Preventive
Health 4.0 Badhri Srinivasan,

Head of Global Development Operations,
Novartis, Basel, Canton of Basel-Stadt,
Switzerland

Q&A 32

30 “We have more than

“Lack of standardisation 5 exciting Biosimilar
are hampering growth of
Med-tech sector” molecules in our pipeline”
Leo Mavely,
Debayan Ghosh,
Founder & CEO, Axio Biosolutions
President and Founder, Epygen Biotech

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com TOPVIDEO BIO CONTENT 5

Q&A Ravi Shankar SN,
34 CMD, Accreate
Additive Labs
“Vaccine delivery and points out
affordability are major the scope of
bottlenecks” accelerating
Dr Davinder Gill, Bioprinting in India.

CEO, Hilleman Laboratories

36 Scan the QR Code »

“Training customer Kanchana TK,
team is absolutely critical” Director General,
T. Anil Kumar, OPPI talks about
how the 2018 has
President, Waters India Pvt Ltd gone by keeping
patient centricity
REGULARS as the prime
focus.
BioEdit ........................................................................06
BioMail .......................................................................08 Scan the QR Code »
Policy and Regulatory News.....................................10
Finance News.............................................................12 Georg Sparschuh,
Company News..........................................................14 MD, Schott
Start-up News............................................................16 Glass shares
WHO News.................................................................38 the company’s
People News..............................................................40 upcoming
Supplier News............................................................42 business plans in
Science News............................................................44 Asia.
Academic News.........................................................46
BioEvent .....................................................................48
BioEvent .....................................................................49
BioEvent .....................................................................50

Scan the QR Code »

50

6 BIO EDIT BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Setting in aesthetic demands

Despite its very common prevalence in it somewhere else on different skin texture and
different forms, skin disorders are not then using it somewhere else on different skin.
discussed much unlike many other
diseases when it comes to healthcare. Probably, In plastic surgeries too, India is among the top
the reason being that they are not life threatening. countries. A survey by the International Society
Due to the ugly look and prevalence many a of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) has placed
times in non-exposed areas of the body, there is a India at the fourth rank, after US, Brazil and
tendency to hide them and not to talk about it. But South Korea, with 9.35 lakh cosmetic procedures
that does not stop, in fact it leads to deterioration conducted in 2015. Interestingly, 13.5 per cent of
of the disease and its spread. But now gradually these procedures are performed on patients from
people are becoming conscious and seeking US, UK and UAE.
medical help.
No doubt, this makes India an important
In a study published in the Journal of player in the global skin care industry that is
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences valued at $50 billion and hair formulation market
in August 2016, the researchers concluded that which is estimated to be $7 billion. This clearly
the prevalence of skin diseases was 60 per cent. shows the scope for trials in India, making all the
Another study published in the International procedures safer.
Journal of Medical Sciences and Public Health
in 2016 about school children in Medak district Local trials will help in reducing the testing
of Telangana, 75 per cent children were found cost and as a result price of the products too
affected by skin diseases. Among them the number making it more accessible. Though currently the
was more in girls than boys and rural areas than local trials are not mandatory, with setting up
urban areas. Relatively a recent study of 2002 of such clinical trial centres they could be made
reveals that dermatological problems constitute mandatory in future further ensuring the safety of
at least 30 per cent of all outpatient visits to a the products.
pediatrician. Still skin disorders are not much on
the radar of the healthcare systems. But it speaks When over 13 per cent of its patients in this
loudly for the need to treat the skin diseases. sector come especially to India from abroad, safety
is an even more serious concern from their point
Hence, Drug Controller General of India’s of view and hence local trials may provide some
(DCGI) recent approval to conduct clinical trials extra relief over safety issue to these patients from
and drug development for dermatology, has made abroad. It may also start fetching more patients
cosmetic products, plastic surgery procedures, from abroad.
cosmetology and cosmetic surgery devices in India
very important. The Esthetic Clinics, a chain of But while looking at all the benefits one must
dermatology and plastic surgery centers has been not forget the challenges being faced in conducting
given this approval and it is first of its kind. all types of clinical trials in India. Due to these
challenges currently hardly 1.4 per cent of global
The approval for clinical trials is significant in clinical trials are conducted in India. The global
more ways since for skin diseases, cosmetology clinical trial market is expected to reach $920
etc. local clinical trials are more important. billion by 2021. That gives scope to India to
The reason being the skin texture is different in enhance its share in clinical trials market also.
different regions and can respond differently to Initiatives like approving dermatology, cosmetic
the medicines. Hence it is important to conduct and plastic surgery trials may help in increasing
trials in the same region and same type of skins India’s share substantially in this area.
where the product is going to be used than trying
Milind Kokje
Chief Editor

[email protected]



8 BIO MAIL BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Vol 16; Issue 11; November 2018

R&D investments Ayushman Bharat Rolling

It is a very positive sign that Indian Although the government realizes the
pharma companies are ramping up their need to increase public spending in
R&D spend and targeting innovation as healthcare, it would be important to
their line of strategy. The coming years ensure that the spending is done in
will keep them in good stead to capture the right manner. We need our own
new opportunities in the developed solutions to our own problems which
market. are best suited to our population and
our systems.
- Gaurav Jain, New Delhi
- Dr Debraj Shome, Mumbai
Vaccine contamination
Promising IoT
This recent polio vaccine contamination
issue has surely threatened to change The Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled
India’s polio-free status. The major connectivity has the potential to catapult
concern now is that hereon there the ailing healthcare system into an
should be greater transparency in integrated, efficient and patient-centric
communicating the developments system. It is positioned to usher in a
around this incident. new era of holistic healthcare solutions.

- Shilpa Jha, Pune - Dr Taran Mehta, Bengaluru

Vol 16; Issue 12; December 2018 MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications

Publisher & Managing Editor: South Region New Delhi INTERNATIONAL
Ravindra Boratkar Alok Srivastava Kalyani Sharma
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10 POLICY AND REGULATORY NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

DCGI approves specialized
centre for derma clinical trials

In a first, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) have given approval

to a chain of dermatology and plastic surgery centres— The Esthetic

Clinics, for conducting clinical trials and drug development for skin, hair

and other plastic surgery medications, cosmetology and cosmetic surgery

devices in India. The initiative will help in the faster launch of newer,

more innovative, cosmetic, dermatology and plastic surgery products,

while reducing cost

NITI Aayog to involved in product

launch guidelines testing. It will benefit

for PPP in NCDs Indian pharmaceutical

treatment companies by granting

The contribution of non- them access to quality
communicable diseases (NCD)
to the overall disease burden research facilities,
in the country has increased
over the years. In the past clinicians and
many district hospitals in the
country have focused mainly laboratories in India,
on communicable diseases
and reproductive and child without having to go
health. As a result of which
the capacity for handling overseas, to conduct
NCD cases has not been
adequately developed. The the trials. At present,
NITI Aayog and Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare clinical trials are not mandated for every cosmetic product that enters
(MoHFW) has worked with
State Governments and Indian market provided it is approved in other markets. There are a few
representatives from the
healthcare industry to develop clinical trials that are conducted by clinical research organisations in India,
the Model Concessionaire
Agreements (MCA) to but they do not have the clinical acumen in cosmetic, plastic or aesthetic
supplement efforts for the
provision of prevention segment. Majority of clinical trial centres work in pharmaceutical drug
and treatment services for
non-communicable diseases development, but not for cosmetic and aesthetic solutions.
(Cardiac Sciences, Oncology,
and Pulmonary Sciences) NPPA fixes pricing
at the district hospital for 68 formulations
particularly especially in tier 2
& 3 cities. The Guidelines and Drug price regulator National formulations has been fixed, that
the MCA will be announced Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority of 10 has been revised. Further,
by Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI (NPPA) has fixed prices as well as the authority has also fixed
Aayog, Amitabh Kant, CEO, revised ceiling and retail prices ceiling prices of three scheduled
NITI Aayog and Preeti Sudan, of 68 formulations, including formulations. NPPA has fixed
Secretary, Ministry of Health those used for treatment of or revised ceiling prices or retail
and Family Welfare. diabetes, blood pressure and prices of 68 formulations under
HIV. According to NPPA, while Drugs (Prices Control) Order,
the retail price of 55 scheduled 2013.



12 FINANCE NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

SCHOTT Tubing India to further invest 20 M euros

SCHOTT AG, a global pioneer in in India. FIOLAX clear. It is used for high
manufacturing pharmaceutical The expansion is in response quality pharmaceutical packaging,
glass and packaging, has especially vials and ampoules
announced the launch of a to the increasing demand for for India as well as for export
new glass tank in its Indian high-quality pharmaceutical markets.
manufacturing plant at Jambusar, packaging material in the global
Gujarat. The German technology market. Construction work on SCHOTT’s India plant
group is further growing its the new tank facility has already functions as a production hub for
production capacity through begun and is expected to be SCHOTT pharmaceutical tubing
this new tank facility with a total completed within 18 months. in Asia and produces the branded
investment of more than 20 Production from the new tank is FIOLAX pharmaceutical tubing.
million euros (approximately Rs scheduled to begin by January FIOLAX glass exists since 1911
180 crore). The investment comes 2020. The new glass tank facility and provides an unprecedented
at a time when the company is will help fulfill the constantly quality standard in the industry
celebrating 20 years of operations growing demand of premium through SCHOTT’s perfeXion
borosilicate glass tubing like process since 2017.

Sun Pharma to invest Unichem picks up
Rs 200Cr more in Assam
stakes in Optimus Group
Sun Pharma is planning to invest an additional
Rs 200 crore at its plant in Assam to augment Unichem Laboratories has acquired 19.99 per cent
operations. The company has already invested Rs 700 each in two bulk drug companies of Hyderabad-
crore in this manufacturing facility. Sun Pharma has based pharmaceutical group Optimus for a total of
invested Rs 120 crore to set up this new production Rs 120 crore. As part of the transaction, the firm
line, which will boost the capacity to manufacture bought stake in Optimus Drugs Pvt Ltd for Rs 72.08
liquid vials, injectables, eye drops and tablets crore and acquired holding in Optrix Laboratories
among others. This plant is expected to become one Pvt Ltd for Rs 47.92 crore. The acquisition will
of the largest facilities in the next few years in the give Unichem access to the active pharmaceutical
company’s network to manufacture sterile products. ingredient (API) facilities of the two companies in
Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. The deal will also
provide the acquirer with additional capacity to
fulfil its export orders.

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www.sartorius.com/single-use-redefined

14 COMPANY NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

MedGenome takes over Centre for Genetic Health Care

MedGenome, India’s premier genomics based (CGHC). CGHC, a leading genetic centre, accredited
research and diagnostics company, has announced by NABL and CAP and offering cytogenetic and FISH
that as part of its growth plans, it has taken over the tests in pediatrics, prenatal, reproductive genetics and
management and operations of the Centre For Genetic haematological oncology segments, has been at the
Health Care (CGHC) in Mumbai. It will henceforth be forefront for providing Genetic counselling services.
called MedGenome- Centre For Genetic Health Care With this take over, it will be able to provide patients
with a wide range of molecular tests across all the
specialties like Reproductive, Neurology, Nephrology,
Oncology, Cardiology, ENT, Endocrinology,
Ophthalmology, rare diseases etc. This will empower
clinicians with validated and actionable clinical
information to make effective treatment decisions
for their patients. This will also bring a lot of synergy
providing a unique opportunity for doctors and
patient to leverage each other strengths. MedGenome-
CGHC will now have cross functional team comprising
of experienced medical geneticists, scientists and
bioinformatics etc, who can leverage knowledge and
depth on patient scenarios with large amount of
curated content for enhanced reporting.

Lundbeck India Glenmark launches hair
announces launch
of Brintellix loss solution in Russia

Lundbeck India Private Limited (LIPL) has Mumbai headquartered Glenmark
announced the launch of Brintellix (Vortioxetine)
in India for the treatment of patients suffering Pharmaceuticals recently announced the launch
from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) after
receiving approval from Drug Controller General of Nourkrin in Russia. Nourkrin is a globally
of India (DCGI). Brintellix, a novel multimodal
antidepressant, which has been specifically designed renowned, clinically-proven proteoglycan
to inhibit serotonin reuptake and modulate
serotonergic receptor activity of the neurons in replacement formula, for addressing one of
the brain of affected patients. It has demonstrated
significant efficacy in reducing the mood symptoms the key underlying causes of hair loss in males
in adult patients with depression as measured by
traditional scales like MADRS or HAMD. It has also and females. Nourkrin Woman and Nourkrin
demonstrated improvement of cognitive performance
in adult patients with depression, as measured with Man will be exclusively marketed in Russia by
neuropsychological tests, as e.g. DSST or RAVLT.
Cognitive symptoms are part of the diagnostic criteria Glenmark Impex LLC, the Russian subsidiary of
for depression, and include the ability to concentrate,
make decisions and the ability to remember. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., under a licensing
Cognitive symptoms are both part of the acute
depressive episode as well as often being a residual agreement with Denmark headquartered firm
symptom of depression. This means that patients
with depression may have difficulties performing Pharma Medico ApS. Glenmark had already
their duties at work which leads loss of productivity
and it impacts the person, his family and the society. launched Nourkrin Woman in India in early

2018. Nourkrin contains Marilex, a unique and

proprietary scientific formula, rich in specific

proteoglycans essential for hair follicle growth.

Nourkrin is a proven formula based on more

than 56 scientific studies and is recognized by

leading regulatory agencies globally.

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l COMPANY NEWS 15

WHO prequalifies inactivated Mitra Biotech to
polio vaccine ShanIPV focus on Next-
Gen Cancer
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, recently Immunotherapies
announced that its standalone IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)
– ShanIPV, developed by its affiliate Shantha Biotechnics, Mitra Biotech has recently
has received prequalification status from the World Health announced a collaborative
Organization (WHO). This status qualifies ShanIPV vaccine for research partnership with Brigham
purchase by the United Nations’ agencies. and Women’s Hospital and the
Department of Neurosurgery to
The WHO prequalification programme is a service provided further transform personalized
to the United Nations’ procurement agencies. The goal of the immuno-oncology drug development.
programme is to ensure that the vaccines used in immunization The agreement, with Dr Sean Lawler,
programmes are safe and effective, the vaccine efficacy data Assistant Professor of Medicine
and studies are relevant to the target population, and that the and Managing Director of the
vaccine meets the specific needs of the programme, reflected Harvey Cushing Neuro-oncology
by the tender specifications: i.e. potency, thermostability, Laboratories at the Brigham, is to
presentation, labeling, shipping conditions, etc. evaluate oncolytic viruses that have
been developed in the Department
According to the GPEI (Global Polio Eradication Initiative) of Neurosurgery at the hospital.
Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018, introducing at least one These novel engineered versions of
dose of IPV in current polio eradication programmes and the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-
completely switching from OPV to IPV in the next few years, is 1), which have been extensively
critical to ending polio transmission. characterized preclinically, are
capable of selective infection and
replication within tumor cells, and
can stimulate the immune system.
Clinical trials are now underway
at the Brigham to investigate
oncolytic viruses in patients with the
aggressive and incurable brain tumor
glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Lilly India enters autoimmune segment with Olumiant

Eli Lilly and Company (India) as monotherapy or in combination to-severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pvt. Ltd. has announced the with methotrexate. Olumiant do not experience remission
launch of Olumiant (baricitinib). is approved in more than 50 through conventional DMARDs.
This announcement has marked countries across the world. Despite In clinical studies, Olumiant
the company’s entry into the the multiple options available for has demonstrated statistically
autoimmune segment in India. Rheumatoid Arthritis, there still significant improvements in a
Olumiant (baricitinib) is a once- exists an unmet need. More than number of outcome measures
daily oral medication for the half of the patients with moderate- including patient reported
treatment of adults with moderate- outcomes at various time points
to-severe active Rheumatoid with rapid onset of action and
Arthritis who have responded sustained efficacy as well as
inadequately to, or who are superiority to standard of care
intolerant to one or more disease- at ACR 20 (American College of
modifying anti-rheumatic drugs Rheumatology) and DAS (Disease
(DMARDs). Olumiant may be used Activity Score) 28 at 12 weeks.

16 START UP NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

UoH-BioNEST Women healthcare
inks pact with startup raises Rs 22Cr
Tech Mahindra
New Delhi-based data-driven Pacific countries. Founded in
Tech Mahindra has joined fertility platform ElaWoman, 2016, ElaWoman provides a
as a technology partner for has raised Rs 22 crore in platform to connect patients
start-ups incubating in the series A funding round led by to renowned fertility doctors,
UoH-BioNEST (Bio-incubator Chiratae Ventures (formerly IVF centres, ART treatments,
Nurturing Entrepreneurship IDG Ventures India), along standard-transparent pricing,
for Scaling Technologies), a with Alkemi Venture Partners, patient recommendations,
bio-incubator at the University a healthcare and consumption holistic rating system and
of Hyderabad (UoH), and focused early growth stage services. The platform uses an
provide opportunity for fund. The funds raised will be AI-powered algorithm to match
joint go-to-market with the used to boost its technology a patient with the doctor,
incubatees. A Memorandum platform, along with expanding based on the patient’s medical
of Understanding (MoU) was presence in non-metro history, budget, and treatment
signed in presence of Prof. cities and overseas in Asia needs.
Podile Appa Rao, UoH Vice
Chancellor, Prof. Gandham
Prasad, Director, TIE-U,
Prof. Pallu Reddanna, project
investigator, UoH-BioNEST,
Kandimalla Venugopal, Global
Head Healthcare and Life
Sciences, Tech Mahindra.
According to Prof. Appa
Rao, the MoU would bring
high-motivation among
young entrepreneurs and
better translational outcomes
through the culmination of
information technology and
artificial intelligence to the Life
Sciences arena.

LetsMD raises $1M from Orios Venture

Healthcare-focused fintech startup LetsMD
has raised an additional $1 million (Rs 7.3
crore) in a pre-Series A funding round from
early-stage investment firm Orios Venture
Partners. The investment is a combination of a
primary and secondary transaction, including
Rs 4 crore of new equity funding. Existing
investors SRI Capital and Waterbridge
Ventures also participated in the secondary
transaction. In the first round of pre-series
A funding in April 2018, the company had
raised $1 million led by SRI Capital and
ThinKuvate. For the pre-series A round, the
startup has raised a total of Rs 13 crore.

Healthh ii

Better

Email us :- [email protected]



BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l START-UP NEWS 19

MedAchievers, Venture
India to launch $100M
healthcare fund

Healthcare platform MedAchievers has
partnered with business consultancy firm
Venture India to launch a $100 million fund
MedAchievers Connect to fund cutting-edge
research in healthcare in India. With this
$100 million funds, the collaborators intend
to support 15 startups in India and look to
offer the best balance between investments,
innovations and implementation.
MedAchievers, in the last four years, have
supported startups in six geographies
including the United Kingdom and Australia.
MedAchievers has been working since 2014
in global business healthcare space. It has got
over 400 hospitals onboard with over 50,000
medical doctors in India.

Medimetry receives
seed funding

Medimetry, currently operational in Delhi-NCR has
raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding led
by US-headquartered hedge fund BlueSky Capital
Management. The health tech startup offers an online
platform for telemedicine, electronic medical records
and disease management. The company started out as
an online doctor consultation platform that connects
doctors with patients in real time. It is now building
a digital disease management platform for chronic
ailments. Medimetry plans to use the fresh capital
for sales, marketing and to upgrade its digital disease
management platform.

Medikabazaar secures $5M in series A

Mumbai-based online aggregator for medical equipment and
medical supplies, Medikabazaar has raised $5 million in Series A
round of funding led by Delhi-based healthcare-focused venture
capital fund HealthQuad.

With this new funding, the startup is looking to strengthen
its technology and increase the team size including senior
leadership. The funds will also be used to streamline its supply
chain and logistics capability to reach 50K hospitals and clinics
by the end of next financial year.

The startup is also looking to expand its fulfillment centres
from the existing seven to more than 20 across India including
the Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations.

20 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

2018:

Industry
re-strategises
business plans

India, the third-largest investment in medical devices,
pharmaceutical market in the Indian Government has
Asia, is increasingly gaining broadened the scope of medical
the much-needed Government devices to include a wide range
focus on expanding affordable of items, including software
health care. This year, India took tools, instruments, apparatus,
a giant leap towards providing appliances, implants and material
accessible and affordable used alone or in combination.
healthcare to the common man As the nation already allows
with the launch of Ayushman 100 per cent foreign direct
Bharat in September, 2018. investment via automatic route,
With this, the world’s largest this move is expected to fuel
government funded healthcare local manufacturing of medical
programme is aiming at targeting devices, thereby helping to reduce
more than 50 crore beneficiaries. the country’s over-reliance on
imports. Currently, India imports
In parallel, the Government 70-90 per cent of its medical
remains committed to devices”, points out Sriram
establishing India as a global Shrinivasan, EY Global Life
manufacturing hub for medical Sciences Emerging Markets
devices with this sector expected Leader and EY Global
to increase significantly. The new Generic Pharmaceutical
medical device rules which came Leader.
into force from January 2018 has
finally given the medical devices “2018 has brought changes
and in-vitro diagnostic devices in the medical device policy, and
(IVD) industry a distinctive we are watching closely for the
regulatory identity. changes in registration guidelines
of IVD products. We in fact
“To encourage foreign

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 21

have started clinical evaluation 2018 for the life sciences industry
of some of the products as per
the guidance and our early This year, the focus on patient centricity was catalyzed with
experience says that it is going Government’s announcement of the Ayushman Bharat. While the
to increase cost significantly government is working towards upgrading quality standards in
and it could possibly delay the the country, industry representatives, industry associations and
launches of new consumables, patient groups need to play their role in delivering quality medicines.
but we are fully committed to Quality is a continuous journey, not a destination. We must keep
align to the requirements”, states working at it in a sustained fashion. This year, OPPI in collaboration
Murli Sundrani, Business with the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), the major industry
Director, BD Life Sciences – associations, viz, the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), and the
Biosciences. Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA) organised the
first-of-its-kind, Quality Summit 2018, to set an agenda that would
This year also saw nearly 150 align on the importance of setting and adopting best-in-class global
active pharmaceutical ingredients quality standards for the pharmaceutical industry. We have made
(API) manufacturers in China inroads in every area of activity with the collaborations that we have
shutting down their factories forged: whether on working with the government on
in a bid to comply with stricter creating an enabling and robust IPR and innovation
environmental standards. Over ecosystem, on improving access to healthcare through
the time, the increasing demand the OTC policy, on focusing attention on quality issues
for generics has resulted in in drug manufacturing, or on ethics and business
growing dependence on China integrity.
for APIs with India sourcing 66
per cent of its APIs from China - A Vaidheesh, President, Organisation of
in FY17. In a bid to limit its Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI)
import dependence on China
for APIs, the Department of Through this year India has witnessed a few major challenges.
Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration First, there was a rapid rise in the so-called dual disease burden as
with pharma players, proposed to the share of non-communicable diseases, better known as ‘lifestyle’
diseases, is increasing along with a continuing rise in communicable
diseases. With the growing middle-class and working-age population,
incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiac ailments
also increased. Second, the lacuna in capital infrastructure in the
Indian healthcare sector widened. There is an acute shortage of
hospital beds with a ratio 0.5 per 1000 population. Providing for
quality healthcare services is highly capital intensive where the cost
of building a secondary care and a tertiary care hospital could be as
high as 25 lakh and 40 lakh per installed bed, respectively. This gap,
sadly, could not be bridged. Third, the healthcare sector grappled with
an acute shortage of highly skilled human resources from doctors to
other medical support staff like nurses, lab technicians,
and pharmacists. The physicians ratio in India stands
at a mere 0.7 per 1000 population and a majority of the
healthcare professionals happen to be concentrated in
urban areas where consumers have higher paying power,
leaving rural areas underserved.

- Dr Debraj Shome, Consultant Facial Plastic
Surgeon & Director, The Esthetic Clinics

Accessible healthcare is the main aim of HCG and we have
always believed that it is important to provide timely treatment for
better outcome and quality of life. This year, Triesta Sciences, our
diagnostics division was merged with Strands Life Sciences, where

22 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

HCG is a major shareholder dealing with molecular diagnostics extend financial assistance to local
and bio-informatics. Apart from HCG oncology, our IVF fertility drug makers. The initiative seeks
clinics under Milann - the fertility clinic, are also growing. We now to enable pharma companies to
have 13 centres in total. Also, HCG Cvergenx Technologies (HCT) procure the latest technology,
and Guangzhou-INDA (GZI) has partnered for a global revamp old manufacturing
collaborative initiative to systematically integrate facilities, refurbish plants and
precision genomic radiation therapy into clinical practice machinery and gain access to
in India, China, Africa, Middle East and United States. It other infrastructure facilities,
reduces side effects and enables increased tumor control such as subsidized electricity to
because of precision medicine. help companies produce APIs at
internationally competitive prices.
- Dr BS Ajaikumar, CEO and Chairman,
HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG) “The prices of key raw
materials have gone up 30-60
This year was an interesting year for Medical Devices Industry. In per cent in the last one year.
India, Medical Devices is now considered a very important cog in the Unless formulators are able
delivery of quality health care to the masses. The launch to absorb the increased prices
of MDR 2017 was a very important first step in creating of APIs (whether imported or
a robust platform. The awareness around the need to indigenous), the patients may
have a robust Medical Devices ecosystem in the country experience some shortages of
is more than ever before. The industry has seen growth medicines,” highlights D.G.
rates much higher than global industry growth rate. Shah, Secretary General,
Indian Pharmaceutical
- Vishnu Bhat, Co-founder, Alliance (IPA).
Blue Neem Medical Devices
Besides the generic market,
2018 has been a year of positive change for us. We have India is also settling well in
further strengthened our core businesses across all the segments: biopharmaceutical sector. “The
Aesthetics, Urology, ENT, Ophthalmology. We have also biopharmaceutical industry
strengthened our foundation for clinical training programs for has added value to India’s
Urologists - HTC (Holmium training Classes) and, Clinical training status as ‘The Pharmacy of the
programs for Aestheticians - GuruKool (Clinical learning platform). World’ through vaccines and
This year also saw our major thrust into Dry Eye Disease (DED) biosimilar drugs such as insulins
market with the introduction of Revolutionary M22 OPT (Advanced and antibodies. Today, one in
IPL Technology) which offers a near-permanent three children in the world are
solution for DED syndrome affecting millions immunized with a ‘Made in
of people. We developed and offered Practice India’ vaccine. India will soon
Enhancement Programs (PEP) to our first users for be at the forefront of innovation
faster adoption of this latest technique and also & translation of breakthrough
towards enhancing patient education. scientific ideas into products
and services that can address
- Bijal Shah, Country Manager, unmet needs globally”, shares
India & South Asia, Lumenis Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw,
Chairperson & Managing
The year started off with Transasia being recognized as ‘The Director, Biocon.
India Medical Devices Company of the Year’, a befitting honour by
the Government of India. This year, we further expanded our reach On the other hand, the
by opening our global sales and marketing headquarter along with pharmaceutical sector recorded
a Technical Training Centre in London and our own operations in deals worth over $2.1 billion
Brazil, Ireland, Vietnam and whole of Eastern Europe. All these so far in 2018, compared with
expansions on all 5 continents have made Transasia the first Indian $1.9 billion in 2017. The spike
MNC in IVD. We have also further expanded our manufacturing in activity could be attributed to
facilities, by commencing full-fledged manufacturing operations at Aurobindo Pharma’s agreement to
acquire the dermatology business
and three manufacturing units
of Sandoz for $1 billion, which is
the largest outbound deal by an
Indian pharmaceutical company.

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 23

This transaction will make Sikkim, again the first by any Indian IVD Company, in that region.
Aurobindo the second-largest We also expanded our manufacturing operations in Czech
generics company in the US by Republic in European Union. On the product side, we
prescriptions and the second in added brownfield production capabilities for rapid tests
the dermatological drugs segment. (malaria, dengue, etc.) internationally, and our new fully
automated systems in coagulation, hematology, diabetes
“The acquisition is in line and urine were introduced and have done well.
with our strategy to grow and - Suresh Vazirani, Chairman and Managing
diversify our business in the US.
Acquiring these businesses from Director, Transasia Bio-Medicals
Sandoz will allow us to further
expand our product offering and The Life Sciences sector has seen very significant events this
to become a leading player in the year, with the universal health coverage scheme being announced
generic dermatology market. We and the approvals received for bio-similars from the
expect a seamless integration regulated markets. The start-up segment has since
of the acquired businesses a surge of young innovative companies. Funding to
with the rest of the Aurobindo start-ups has improved. However, a form of baton
group given the success we have exchange from seed funding to the logical next
achieved in our acquisitions to stages is as yet deficient.
date. As we have done in some
of our previous acquisitions, we - Utkarsh Palnitkar, Founder & Managing
will be focused on leveraging Partner, Aarna Corporate Advisors
our Group’s market leading
vertically integrated and highly As a whole, the life science industry faces tremendous growth
efficient manufacturing base to opportunities as well as operational, competitive, and environmental
enhance the market position and risks. To reinforce our leadership position as a top life science tools
medium-term profitability of supplier we have been completing the integration, following our
the businesses we are acquiring. acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich, three years ago, which remains a
We look forward to delivering benchmark for Merck and the industry. This integration focused on
the benefits of this transaction creating value for our customers, building a strong organization and
to all our stakeholders including implementing consistent processes and quality standards to ensure
employees, patients, customers operational excellence. By strengthening the core of our
and healthcare providers business, which includes leveraging our partnerships,
across the US”, elaborates N. our momentum in Asia to drive core growth and our
Govindarajan, Managing Sigma-Aldrich.com e-commerce platform, customers
Director, Aurobindo Pharma. in nearly every country can easily find and access the
exact products needed to advance their research.
Around the same time, Cipla
Ltd announced signing pacts to - Dr Yves Dubaquie, Head, Global Business
acquire US based pharmaceutical Development, Merck
company Avenue Therapeutics
Inc. for as much as $215 million. 2018 has been a very positive year overall. On the application
“Our investment in and proposed and technology front, Immuno-oncology is gaining good interest
acquisition of Avenue establishes and this year Noble prize in the similar field has further highlighted
our presence in the specialty the importance of the same. BD Biosciences has continued its
institutional business in the endeavor of knowledge sharing with new courses at BD-JH
US. The novel intravenous drug FACSAcademy and through several focused workshops across
delivery method of Tramadol India. With launch of national policy for treatment of rare diseases,
addresses extremely crucial and many private players including NGOs are working with Government
hitherto unmet needs in pain to bring awareness on PID (Primary Immune Disorders) and
management. This investment other rare diseases. BD Biosciences brought a global educational
is in keeping with our stated program- AIM Tour (Advances in Immune Monitoring) to help
intention to build a specialty spread the awareness around importance of immune monitoring for
pipeline in the US market, and
reinforces Cipla’s innovation-led
approach and commitment to
caring for the life of patients”,

24 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

PID, Rheumatoid arthritis and Transplants etc. Our commitment shares Umang Vohra,
to help HIV/AIDS monitoring and treatment goes Managing Director and
beyond the application of technology. In 2018, to meet GCEO, Cipla.
the challenges of initiating antiretroviral therapy in
resource –limited settings and remote sites, we took Strategic M&A (mergers and
it further with installations of our solutions of near- acquisition) deals alone accounted
patient CD4 counter BD FACSPresto. for nearly 70 per cent of the deal
activity in 2018, with outbound
- Murli Sundrani, Business Director, deals continuing to be the
BD Life Sciences – Biosciences dominant focus area for Indian
companies.
2018 has been a year of process enhancement. We have been
upgrading our secure Laboratory Information Management “The Indian pharma
System, especially the report generation system and a module for industry has been growing at a
genetic counselors. We have also made forays into incorporating compounded annual growth rate
new technologies such as blockchain, with strategic partnerships. (CAGR) of more than 15 per cent
Diagnostic gene tests for inherited diseases are now performed on over the last five years and has
a comprehensive exome panel for high precision clinical reporting. significant growth opportunities.
Novel associations are now included in our pharmacogenomics However, for the industry to
offering Medicamap, for drugs in pulmonology, cancer, and general sustain this robust growth rate
medicine. We have also upgraded Genomepatri and till 2020, companies will have to
MyFitGene panels to include more conditions such rethink their business strategy.
as food intolerance, injury prevention, and vitamins. They will have to adopt new
We are now the genomics and education partner business models and think of
for certified personal training courses (Telangana innovative ideas to service their
government approved), with modules designed to evolving customers faster and
empower health and fitness coaches from across better”, states Sujay Shetty,
the country. Leader, pharma life sciences,
PwC India.
- Anu Acharya, CEO, Mapmygenome
Another development that has
This year has been wonderful for Pee Safe. Our R&D, experiential been evident this year has been
marketing, distribution channels, social media, e-commerce has all that drug makers are witnessing
given us amazing insights in terms of consumer interest and buying some stability in the pricing
behavior, awareness and product acceptance. Creating awareness environment in US, as leading
and imparting product knowledge has been the biggest companies have either stopped or
challenge. Pee Safe aims at changing this mindset to have decided to stop producing
right direction by spreading awareness about how generic drugs that no longer make
personal hygiene essentials can safeguard us on daily money. Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s
basis. PeeSafe has introduced a variety of personal and Lupin have rationalized
hygiene products both for women and men. We have product portfolios this year and
also expanded our offline distribution channel from dropped products having thin
few hundred stores to 2500+ stores in India. margins. In September, Dr Reddy’s
sold its penicillin plant at Bristol,
- Vikas Bagaria, Founder, Pee Safe Tennessee, to get out of the
commoditized antibiotic portfolio.
In March this year, we received $2.2 million in seed funding from
marquee investors such as Ranjan Pai, Currae Health and GrowX “The global pharmaceutical
Ventures. Later in August, we had the opportunity to present real industry has been witnessing
world evidence from our clinical trials at the 78th Scientific Session of major investments in developing
the American Diabetes Association in Orlando, USA. Most recently, innovative medicines like
we announced one of our biggest partnerships with Roche Diagnostics monoclonal anti-bodies,
to power the Accu-Chek Active line of glucometers sold across the immunotherapy drugs and
gene therapies. Many of these
medicines have seen significant
success as they are serving
the unmet medical needs of
patients, resulting in improved
medical outcomes and thus

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 25

changing the lives of patients. South and West of India. One of the key challenges we faced in
However, pricing in key markets 2018 and expect to continue grappling with as we move forward is
like the US has come under establishing digital therapeutics as a category of medicine in South
severe pressure in the last two and Emerging Asian countries. The regulatory landscape hasn’t
years. The industry will have to yet caught up with technological advances, and both providers and
adapt to this changed scenario, patients are gradually adapting to alternative methods of health-
although it also offers significant care delivery. Moreover, as we establish ourselves in the diabetes
learning opportunities”, mentions care space, another challenge we face is re-engineering our
Dilip Shanghvi, Managing platform and solution suite to manage multiple chronic
Director, Sun Pharma. conditions including hypertension and chronic kidney
disease. Lastly, it’s also been challenging yet exciting to
But in order to gear up build cross-functional synergy for a team spread across
for the next level of growth, multiple cities.
industry also needs strong
collaboration with academia. - Abhishek Shah, CEO & Co-Founder,
As a major development, this Wellthy Therapeutics
year saw the execution of the
legal agreement with World This year we have successfully raised another $6 million led by
Bank for flexible financing our lead investor with commitments into the ensuing round. We
arrangements for the National will use the funds for our lead molecule development which will be
Biopharma Mission (NBM) that submitted for IND filing next year. On the business front, our Syngene
was initiated by the Department relationship has fortified into a global one. The global arrangement
of Biotechnology in 2017. NBM allows Syngene to access Zumutor’s proprietary naïve human
aims to promote an innovation library which will be used to identify and characterize
ecosystem for development novel antibody clones. One of the major challenge what
of new innovative biopharma we are currently facing is building an IT infrastructure as
products and strengthening we move towards a data heavy/ patent driven company.
industry – academia partnerships,
also allowing start-ups and - Dr Sunit Maity, Director, Product
entrepreneurs to take forward Development, Zumutor Biologics
their research.
In 2018, on business side we concluded the Series
K Dinesh, President of C funding and have been successful in closing partnership deals with
Infosys Science Foundation hospitals and diagnostic labs across the country. In addition, we
(ISF), is of the opinion, “India have expanded our presence in Mumbai by taking over Centre for
needs to invest more in scientific Genetic Health Care and launched three genomic centres in Chennai,
research as the country lags Coimbatore and Kolkata respectively. This has helped us in reaching
behind burgeoning economies wider markets and larger pool of patients thus realising our objective of
like China in catalysing research making genetic testing more accessible to the public. On research front,
and development. The focus on we had some important papers published on new Monogenic Form of
maximising job prospects over Diabetes, Non-invasive Prenatal Testing, personalized cancer vaccine
inculcating the spirit of curiosity approach to treat Lynch Syndrome, discovering genetic mutation
among students has led to the causing rare colorectal disorder and identification of a treatable
development of an educational mutation linked to lung cancer. On product side we have added couple
system that is not been conducive of new tests for haemophilia, myeloma, breast cancer, leukaemia to
for scientific research”. name a few, while we have line up of launching new tests
for rare diseases in 2019. Though there has been a spur
Scientific development in in the number of companies offering genetic tests, the
India is definitely contributing awareness and adaptability has been low. We hope in the
immensely to improved coming days, more strategic steps will be routed through
healthcare, improved devices, public and private partnerships for its wider adoption.
diagnostics and much more but
at the same time it is offering - Dr VL Ramprasad, COO, MedGenome
a time ripe for bringing more
innovations and changes.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
manbeena.chawla
@mmactiv.com

26 TECHNOLOGY BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

IoT ROLLING
INDIA
TOWARDS
PREVENTIVE
HEALTH 4.0

In 2016, around 2.5 million Indian consumers
bought wearable devices to track their fitness,
diet and health parameters. 80 per cent of
these devices are at the < $50 price range and
the potential data available from these devices
would go a long way in making Preventive
Health 4.0 a reality.

The Indian Healthcare market is expected to grow energy, power grids, vehicles, homes, entire cities and
at a CAGR of 23 per cent to $280 billion by 2020 manufacturing floors, computers and mobile devices
from $100 billion in 2015. This is mostly a result being connected in the coming years. This will form a
of changing disease patterns, rise in lifestyle diseases, very good foundation for Preventive Health 4.0.
ageing population, increase in disposal income, rising
awareness and access to health insurance. Advantages of Preventive Health

There are some key indicators that show that The advantages of a Preventive Health ecosystem are
healthcare is poised to grow in the coming years. Health evident. For one it would negate the need for patients
spending in India will be 6.13 per cent as percentage of to travel to cities or within cities for consultations or
GDP in 2021 (in US this figure is around 17 per cent). check-ups. Secondly with clinical data available, both
Currently it’s around 4.5 per cent. Both government government and private providers would be able to
and private health spend in India will almost double develop clinical intervention strategies that would
by 2021. This rapidly increasing need and demand prevent incidents of hospitalizations and reduce
for healthcare services put immense pressure on the the costs tremendously. Finally once the costs are
existing infrastructure and stakeholders to efficiently under control and there is increase in access to care,
manage the scarce resources while managing the the efficiency in the healthcare system would go up
increasing cost burden on patients and families while resulting in increased quality of care.
simultaneously improving care outcomes.
“Lack of education, especially
To bridge the gap between the need and demand in villages and Tier -3 towns
for healthcare services, technology is going to be means the patient is unable to
a key enabler. The healthcare of tomorrow will be read his data. But at the same
delivered on a model supported by Industry 4.0 which time they own smart phones
can be called as Preventive Health 4.0. Technologies and are capable of accessing
like Internet of Things (IoT) are going to be a key the internet using it for both
enabler for the healthcare model. It is estimated that communication and work.”
1.9 billion devices are expected to be connected in - Ravi Ramaswamy, Senior Director,
India alone, by 2023. IoT and related technologies Healthcare, Philips Innovation Campus
assume relevance of significant proportions. One can
expect this transformation across industries including

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com TECHNOLOGY 27

Today with the forces of Digital Transformation care.
sweeping healthcare an opportunity to introduce Besides there are other challenges like Increase in
Preventive Health 4.0 is more relevant. Currently, it
is estimated that 300 million Indians are using smart investments for the public health system; Investments
phones and this number will rise to 400 million by in connectivity especially in the rural areas to increase
2020. the penetration; Developing a robust policy on data
security and patient privacy; Raise awareness through
Smart phones are now being used to gather health government and public channels on Connected Care;
information. There are many startups in India that are and Create an environment that facilitates Public
using the smart phone based apps to provide doctor Private Partnerships which need to be addressed by
consultation. The other big change is the broadband the government with a sense of urgency.
infrastructure in India for connectivity. Today there
are close to 420 million Internet users in India. The According to IDC in 2016, 2.5 million Indian
overall penetration stands at 32 per cent, with rural consumers bought wearable devices to track their
penetration at 15 per cent and growing. These two fitness, diet and health parameters. 80 per cent of
factors are combining together and creating an these devices are at the < $50 price range and the
opportunity to increase the access to care. potential data available from these devices would go
a long way in making Preventive Health 4.0 a reality.
To add to this, many care providers in the
government and private space have started leveraging Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
technology like IoT and digital to increase access to has released a white paper on healthcare titled
care. Hospitals always had access to data, but now ‘Preventive Health 4.0 - The future model of care
they have the technology to drive insights from this for a Digital India’ at the 3rd Edition of IoT India
data. There is also the exciting prospect of leveraging Congress 2018 held in October 2018 and came up
Artificial Intelligence to further improve outcomes with recommendations for Implementing Preventive
and care. Health 4.0. The key recommendations include-
Creating basic infrastructure, Providing patients
Preventive Health 4.0 would be a combination of access to their medical records, Understanding
Preventive Health 3.0 + wearable devices + Analytics process and technology differences.
& Artificial Intelligence if leveraged appropriately
and can help in resolving some of the challenges like Implementing this, doctors, healthcare leaders,
Accessibility to healthcare, Rising costs and Quality of government officials and experts alike feel the benefits
of a connected care ecosystem that can bring Value
to citizens, patients, Benefits to care provider and
Incremental gains to the government and others in
the ecosystem.

According to the paper, Preventive health
initiatives have the potential to deliver value by
increasing access to care, improving outcomes, and
increasing the standard of health for citizens, patients
and healthcare providers. Looking at the Indian
healthcare ecosystem, multiple changes are necessary
to the edifice that holds the system together. It is easy
to assume that technologies like IoT might solve this
problem but it is seen that the biggest opportunities
for change may come with process and people.

“By 2020, an estimated
20-30 billion healthcare IoT
connected devices will be used
globally. Blockchain-enabled
solutions have the potential
to bridge the gaps of device
data interoperability while
ensuring security, privacy and
reliability around IoMT use case.”
- Dileep Mangsuli, Chief Technology
Officer (CTO), Wipro-GE Healthcare.

28 TECHNOLOGY BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Why Healthcare Needs IoT? “Preventive Health will create
the right situation to move
To Turn Data Into Actions: Quantified from Experience-based care
health is going to be future of healthcare to Evidence -based care.”
because health that is measurable can be better
improved. Therefore, it is wise to take advantage - Dr Vikram
of quantified health technology. We also know Venkateswaran, Founder
that data affects performance so, an object
measurement and tracking of health for better Healthcare India
outcomes is why we need IoT.
Better efficiency in government spending
To Improve Patient Health: What if the
wearable device connected to a patient tells you From the perspective of the government, healthcare
when his heart-rate is going haywire or if he has administrators, and policy makers, there can be many
lagged behind in taking good care of himself gains from connected health. All the actions by patients
and shared that information on other devices and healthcare providers would help improve the
that you used while working? By updating healthcare parameters. So key health indicators like
personal health data of patients on the cloud and infant mortality, maternal mortality and under-five
eliminating the need to feed it into the EMRs, mortality can be reduced. This will result in better health
IoT ensures that every tiny detail is taken into rankings for India, which, of late, have been dismal in
consideration to make the most advantageous comparison to our neighbouring countries.
decisions for patients. Moreover, it can be used
as a medical adherence and home monitoring Most importantly, based on the data available
tool. through connected care systems, government spending
can be allocated more effectively. The data available can
To Promote Preventive Care: Prevention be used for health risk stratification to ensure that those
has become a primary area of focus as at risk of disease get the care that they deserve. Like
health care expenses are projected to grow all fingers are not alike, similarly the needs of various
unmanageable in the future. The widespread parts of the population are different. Not all parts of
access to real-time, high fidelity data on each the county need similar health infrastructure. This is
individual’s health will reform health care by something that will get a fillip by leveraging insights
helping people live healthier lives and prevent from a connected care ecosystem. Doctors and hospital
disease. beds can be allocated accordingly and one can relook at
the traditional parameters of hospital beds and doctors
To Enhance Patient Satisfaction per 1000 population. Finally, India can have a system by
& Engagement: IoT can increase patient which those who need care would get it, at the right time,
satisfaction by optimizing surgical workflow. place and hopefully the right cost. So, in essence India
E.g., informing about patient’s discharge from would move to a model of evidence based care.
surgery to their families. It can increase patient
engagement by allowing patients to spend Neeraj Jain, Country Head PATH India says,
more time interacting with their physicians as “Whether it’s smart gadgets, wearable technology or
it reduces the need for direct patient-physician remote monitoring and diagnosis, the Internet of Things
interaction as devices connected to the internet is on the brink of revolutionizing the health care industry
are delivering valuable data. in India. There is a strong need for the government to
form a legal framework. The lack of a regulatory body
“An ideal preventive health raises concerns for privacy and security.”
system should help the
doctors and health Greater spending on ensuring availability and
workers in Primary accessibility healthcare through integration of IoT
Healthcare System technologies into public health systems by the
and not increase their governments will help reduce out of pocket expenditure
burden.” and reduce the number of people being pushed into
- Neeraj Jain, poverty due to high medical costs. “Empowering and
Country Head, enabling technology to help revitalize the Indian health
PATH India care environment will lead to more citizens receiving
care, improved quality of care and reduced cost of care
and lead to the development and well-being of India’s
population,” concludes Neeraj Jain.

Narayan Kulkarni
[email protected]

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com TECHNOLOGY 29

Embracing a big data revolution in medicine

« analyze reported study data. If we are able to apply
technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Badhri Srinivasan, machine learning, we could rapidly analyze an entire
Head of Global volume of clinical data in a matter of seconds, whilst
Development also achieving deeper insights into drug discovery
Operations, Novartis, and development processes than ever before.
Basel, Canton
of Basel-Stadt, Over the past two years, we have been working
Switzerland to create a modern architecture and internal
infrastructure to integrate our vast data resources
The traditional clinical trials process can be into a unified platform that can store and manage
time consuming and cumbersome - it can take all of our current, future, and historic data sets.
one person a week to analyze reported study This systematic and comprehensive effort forms
data. If we are able to apply technologies such the foundation upon which we are maximizing our
as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine goldmine of operational and medical data – one
learning, we could rapidly analyze an entire of the most valuable assets we have – to accelerate
volume of clinical data in a matter of seconds, trials, potentially identify trends or patterns, and
whilst also achieving deeper insights into drug more seamlessly progress the innovative compounds
discovery and development processes than in our pipeline from early clinical stages to market.
ever before.
In addition, we are also looking at better ways
Like many other industries, healthcare is on to integrate predictive analytics into our everyday
the precipice of massive transformation due practices. We believe that AI and predictive analytics
to the influx of new, emerging technologies. have the potential to suggest novel molecular entities
Many, including myself, see this change as an with a high probability of success in the clinic.
incredible opportunity to improve our ability to Applying advanced analytics techniques to our wealth
deliver groundbreaking therapies to patients and do of operational data also enables real-time, data-driven
so at a faster rate. A study from BIO showed that less decision-making in both current and future trials,
than 10 per cent of treatments in development are which will lead to overall systematic improvements.
successfully brought from the clinic to market. This
would be unacceptable in any other industry – and is While change of this scale can often be seen
a critical part of the reason we need to embrace new as disruptive, in this case, our transformation
technologies that can help us evolve our business has created an incredible opportunity to take full
model to become more agile and efficient as we seek advantage of the different capabilities and resources
to find better solutions for patients in need. available to us around the world. Our team in India is
a great example where the drug development team is
At its core, drug development is a data-driven working closely with academic institutes and industry
enterprise – but current models for collecting and partners to develop technology solutions that will
curating data do not provide many opportunities to automate certain data management processes,
tap into the true power data can provide. enabling quicker, more accurate and insightful
interpretation of vital signs and lab data.
Take clinical trials for instance. At any given
point in time, large pharmaceutical companies like One of the most critical things we have learned
Novartis are running hundreds of clinical trials in our own journey to enhance the ways we develop
around the world. The primary goal of each trial is and study medicines is that integrating new systems
to collect data that will help us to better define and and technologies is just one component of the critical
assess the ways in which our medicines could help change we need to realize. The other crucial piece
improve people’s lives. However, the traditional is changing the mindsets of those in our industry
clinical trials process can be time consuming and – to embrace transformation and the collaboration
cumbersome - it can take one person a week to necessary to make the changes needed to continue to
be successful. The endeavor of developing medicines is
a noble and critical mission – and we have the chance
to go about that task in a new and potentially more
efficient way. If we are able to embrace the changes
needed – we have an extraordinary opportunity to
improve the lives of patients around the world.

30 Q&A BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“Lack of standardisation are
hampering growth of Med-tech sector”

his views about the trends and challenges before the
Haemostat market in India. Edited excerpts;

« Axio completed 10 years. What were the issues
you faced then and what are issues you face
Leo Mavely, now?
Founder & CEO, When I started Axio Biosolutions right after my
Axio Biosolutions college in 2008, globally markets were reeling under
recession. There weren’t many funding avenues nor
Established in 2008 in a start-up incubator in was there clarity on regulation. Due to this, it took us
Ahmedabad, Axio Biosolutions Pvt Ltd today many years to bring our product to market.
is a global name that uses innovative medical
technology to create breakthrough products and However, in past 5 years, there has been a lot
improve people’s lives. The company stepped into of interest in med-tech and life sciences. We were
the healthcare market with one single mission: To able to raise multiple rounds of funding and get
SAVE, IMPROVE and TOUCH LIVES of civilian and regulatory approval in Europe and USA. Now, most
military victims from uncontrolled haemorrhage.The challenges are related to scaling up and expansion.
products are based on an empathetic understanding The Axio team has grown to almost 100 people
of real problems in the medical space with solutions and making sure all stay connected to one vision is
that have wide applications. It all started when challenging.
founder and now CEO of Axio, LeoMavely , while
in college, had a life changing experience when he What is the current strength of your R&D team?
helped a road accident victim bleeding profusely from What is the current focus of your R&D?
his injuries. It was then that he recognised the need We have a strong R&D team consisting of 12
to develop a product that can help accident victims members with inter-disciplinary skill sets. The team
from traumatic bleeding and save lives. has people from various backgrounds including
pharma, chemical engineering, biomaterials
Nearly a decade later, Axio has today become a expertise, industrial designers, and product
unique technology-led-healthcare company from specialists among others. The R&D team is led by Dr
India that is revolutionising the ‘advanced wound Kiran Sonaje who has over 12 years of experience in
care market’ across the globe. With parent company, biomaterials and polymeric drug delivery systems. At
Advamedica Inc, based at Massachusetts, United the core, we are a specialised biomaterials company
States, Axio has been funded by marquee investors and our R&D is focused on developing products
such as Ratan Tata Accel Partners, and IDG Ventures. for Wound management, Drug delivery, and also
solutions for consumer health care.
Axio developed an innovative solution that could
reduce the mortality rate due to traumatic bleeding How many products has Axio developed in
and save precious lives. The company’s products these years and how much investment have
are currently being used by Military, Hospitals, gone into developing the products?
Ambulance services, Industries, Relief aid and are Currently we have a range of hemostatic products
part of the standard field kit of defence forces in many targeting various conditions in interventional
countries. Its patented product, Axiostat, is US FDA cardiology, interventional radiology, hemo-dialysis,
and CE approved and has successfully completed a emergency trauma, military trauma and dental.
120 patient clinical study conducted by the MIMS These are first of its kind products in India and are
Hospital in its ambulatory services. With Axio, India approved by USFDA & European CE mark. Apart
is leading the way into the affordable, innovative from products in market, we have also developed
and effective healthcare market. In an interaction wound care products for surgical sites, donor graft
with BioSpectrum, LeoMavely, CEO of Axio shares sites, diabetic foot etc. These are currently under
limited pilot evaluation and will soon be made

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com Q&A 31

available in the market. Our R&D investments are What are challenges before the sector in India?
usually 8-10 per cent of total fund raise. Med-tech is the fastest growing industry in India.
There are many start-ups trying to bring in very
How many patents are granted to your firm till novel devices and, I think, we will definitely see
now? How many are pipeline? more of it in the coming years. However, lack of
We have close to 10 patents in various stages of proper regulation, uncertainty in policies and lack
grant and evaluation. We have another 5 patents in of standardisation are hampering the growth of this
pipeline. sector.

What are the USPs of your products in the What are the latest trends in the global
market? haemostat market and India in particular?
We are the first company to bring out a chitosan The haemostat market usually gets a novel product
haemostatic product with 100% active ingredient. once in 10 years. Currently chitosan and such
Our product, Axiostat, is ready to use and can be polysaccharide based products are popular. There
cut to suit different wound sizes. It is easy to apply has been more awareness in the market over last few
and take off, and more importantly can be used by years. In the US, the White House has launched a
a non- medical first responder. Axiostat is unique STOP THE BLEED campaign to help victims of gun
in its design as a bio-adhesive wound dressing. The violence get immediate help. As bleeding out from
moment it is applied to an open wound, it reacts with gunshot wounds has been the major killer in mass
the negatively charged blood and clots the blood to shootings in the US, they launched this initiative
stop bleeding, within seconds. Removing Axiostat to train the public and prepare them to face such
from the wound is also extremely simple. All one situations, if ever needed. We did a similar campaign
has to do is apply saline or water. Axiostat absorbs in March 2018 in many cities in India. As part our
the water to become a gel like substance that can be initiative, we partnered with major hospitals across
easily peeled off. India, and provided extensive training to doctors,
nurses and paramedic staff in using Axiostat. Our
By entering into partnerships with government aim is not only to train hospital and paramedic staff
and private players for supplying haemostat on how to stop uncontrollable bleeding, but also the
products and having operation in USA, is your public because accidents can happen anywhere, at
firm now focusing on market expansion? any time. We will be doing more campaigns like this
Besides India which are the markets you will be to create awareness and save maximum lives.
looking to focus in the days to come?
Axio currently has a presence in over 12 countries. What is the revenue target you have in mind to
However, our primary focus is India. We expect touch by 2023 from the current the sales?
Axiostat to change the paradigm of primary acute care We expect to hit Rs 250-300 crore run rate by
in the wound space. We are working with all major 2023.
corporate hospitals, government hospitals and almost
all elite armed forces in the country. We are also very Narayan Kulkarni
active in MENA, South-east Asia and parts of Europe. [email protected]

There are over 50 companies in this space both
local and MNCs. How do you see competition in
the market?
The Haemostat market is over $2.5 billion, globally.
However, there are only 4-5 companies worldwide
who have succeeded in commercialising a haemostat
capable of controlling arterial bleeding. Axio
Biosolutions is one of them. Currently in India, there
are no direct competitors to our product, Axiostat.
There are few who make similar claims but don’t have
any clinical evidence or regulatory approvals. That
said, we prefer to have competition in this segment as
we believe it would create more awareness about such
an acute problem of people succumbing to injuries
due to uncontrollable bleeding.

32 Q&A BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“We have more than 5 exciting
Biosimilar molecules in our pipeline”

« critical industrial technology research. We see them
to have endless potential to undertake high quality
Debayan Ghosh, research on fundamental and applied biotechnology,
President and especially in areas of fermentation, protein
Founder, engineering, proteomics, genomics and recombinant
Epygen Biotech work.

Anew clot buster, PEGylated Streptokinase – a Currently, we have licensed multiple technologies
Novel Biological Entity (NBE) developed by from this organization, including Novel Biological
Dr Girish Sahni, Director General, Council Entity (NBE) with tremendous potential for stroke
of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and and cardiovascular areas, being the second leading
Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial cause of death in the world, affecting nearly 15
Research (DSIR) and his team of inventors at CSIR- million people every year. We shall closely work with
Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), CSIR to establish and substantiate the uniqueness
Chandigarh is all set to revolutionize the treatment of this technology, not only in Indian perspective,
of ischemic strokes around the globe. Ischemic also in global context. We strongly believe that
stroke is a condition caused by a dysfunction in the CSIR-IMTECH has various other technologies which
supply of blood to the brain due to emboli, thrombus Epygen would like to encourage in the near future.
or atherosclerosis occurring in cerebral arteries.
Ischemic Stroke is the leading cause of death and Epygen definitely has a preference to work with
disability in the patients. An estimated 12 lakh CSIR-IMTECH over private research companies,
Indians suffer from it every year. since we are aware that agencies like CSIR attracts
a pool of smart scientists, capable of delivering
Epygen Biotech has recently announced a stupendous results in this field. They definitely
partnership with CSIR-IMTECH making it the first need encouragement from industry to utilize their
company in India with exclusive license of this NBE potential, and we, for one, strongly believe that India
thrombolytic protein for ischemic strokes. CSIR has needs to nurture this crucial partnership between the
transferred the technology to Epygen Biotech that industry and research agencies.
would carry out pre-clinical studies and subsequently
clinical trials. Debayan Ghosh, President and Founder, What advantage will this new drug offer for the
Epygen Biotech spoke to BioSpectrum with regard to treatment of Ischemic strokes as compared to
this recent development. Edited excerpts;

How do you plan to take this partnership with
CSIR- IMTECH further in order to strengthen
industry-academia association?
In my opinion, the academia needs to work closely
with the industry for primarily two reasons. First, to
produce candidates who will add value to industry
with knowledge and training, and second to innovate
and improve technologies suitable for the industry.
Epygen does not look at the Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR) as just an academia, but
rather as a useful organization that it partners for

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com Q&A 33

the existing ones in the market? Tenecteplase. Once injected into the patient, these
According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), proteins solubilizes the clot and reinstate blood flow
brain strokes are the second leading cause of death in saving the brain tissue from starvation. However
the world with a staggering 15 million people effected tPA’s pleiotropic actions in the brain including
causing 11 million people either die or become activation of MMPs and other molecular pathways
permanently disabled. The prevalence of stroke is increasing tPA neurotoxicity, has a potential to
much higher in India than the west and about 87 per further damage the BBB, and worsen edema and
cent of all the strokes are ischemic strokes. cerebral hemorrhage.

To put it simply, an Ischemic stroke is the On the other hand, the Novel Biological Entity
formation of a clot in blood vessels in the brain (NBE) that is being developed for Ischemic Stroke
where the subparts of the brain tissue fails to receive would efficiently solubilize the clot in the brain
necessary ingredients to continue to live healthily without triggering any adverse effect on BBB hence
and dies off. Cerebral Ischemia caused cytotoxic without Neurotoxicity.
intracellular calcium overload and mitochondrial
dysfunction triggers the execution of programmed What challenges do you foresee in carrying out
cell death in neurons. The blood–brain barrier pre-clinical and clinical studies using this new
(BBB) is a highly selective semipermeable system technology?
that separates the circulating blood from the brain The pre-clinical and clinical trials for this technology
and extracellular fluid in the central nervous system would be conducted on an international platform,
(CNS) allowing only the passage of water, gases, which attracts extremely high regulatory compliance.
amino acids, glucose and hormones that are crucial In addition, unlike many other molecules which can
to neural function. However, it restricts passage be tested on species like rats, mice and rabbits, this
of solutes in the blood (e.g., bacteria) and large or model requires testing on a species of cynomolgus
hydrophilic molecules. During stroke, one critical primate, commonly known as a crab eating Macaque!
event that occurs is the disruption of this blood-brain
barrier caused by factors like MMP. How would this development contribute to the
company’s growth in the coming years? What
There are primarily two lines of treatments other plans are in store for the future?
currently used for stroke. One is a medical device This development is phenomenal for the company’s
which tracks the position of the clot by imaging future because we had already been working in the
and retrieves it by mechanical methods. Needless cardiovascular area for the past few years, developing
to mention, such advanced equipment are rarely the advanced biosimilar version of rSK based
available in most parts of the developing world. thrombolytic protein for Myocardial Infarction. This
novel biological entity would certainly add credentials
The other one is a thrombolytic treatment in Epygen’s advancement in the field of Biologics, for
currently used for stroke based on Tissue treatment of critical ailments. We have taken a two
Plasminogen Activator (tPA), namely Alteplase and tong approach to our Biologics business. The first
one is Licensing in proven Biosimilar technologies
and utilizing our ‘state of the art’ Biologics facility
in India to produce, complete regulatory pathway,
scaleup and commercialize those molecules. We
have more than 5 exciting Biosimilar molecules in
this pipeline. The second model is where we License
in novel biological technologies and take them from
an early stage through late stages utilizing our deep
understanding of the concept, protein expression,
purification and regulatory pathways, unleashing
billions of dollars of potential in each molecule. It is
understood that developing a Biologic needs deep
minds and even deeper pockets, but we are prepared
to deal with that aspect owing to the tremendous
potential of these technologies, both financially and
in human welfare.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

34 Q&A BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“Vaccine delivery and affordability
are major bottlenecks”

« stage clinical development. Both of our Rotavirus and
Cholera vaccines are in phase 3 clinical trials. We are
Dr Davinder Gill, also looking into new product development to bring to
CEO, our pipeline.
Hilleman Laboratories
What are the main challenges before the industry?
Hilleman Laboratories has recently entered Vaccine R&D is capital intensive and a lot of time
into a collaboration with Imperial College goes by in the research. It also depends on how much
London, Engineering and Physical the government is willing to spend and on which all
Sciences Research Council (UK) and other premier vaccines. But of course the industry will not be aware of
international bodies to work towards low-cost vaccine the government scenario before it starts working on the
manufacturing. This collaboration involves working research of a particular vaccine. So one has to be ready
with the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturing to take much bigger risks while conducting the vaccine
Network on manufacturing projects in India, Vietnam, R&D as compared to other pharma products. But more
Bangladesh, Uganda and China. Dr Manbeena Chawla than that it is the vaccine delivery pipeline which is
from BioSpectrum spoke to Dr Davinder Gill, CEO, more challenging, especially in India. New vaccines get
Hilleman Laboratories to find out more about such introduced into our immunization programme but the
developments. Edited excerpts; delivery pipeline is getting quite saturated. Since we
have a heterogeneous population, we need to assure that
whatever vaccines we have in our pipeline gets effectively
delivered. Unless the delivery of vaccines is effective
enough, there is no point adding new products to the
existing pipeline. Many countries are facing this problem.
We need to improve the total healthcare system. Vaccine
delivery and affordability are the major bottlenecks.

Besides international associations, what How is Hilleman addressing those?
developments are taking place in India? At Hilleman, we pay attention if there are complications
Very recently, Hilleman has signed a Memorandum with regard to effective delivery. Another challenge we
of Understanding (MoU) with National Institute of are looking into is that Instead of injectable vaccines,
Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), an Indian we are trying to explore possibilities of developing
Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organization more of oral vaccines. For example, many groups
for further development and commercialization of are working on Shigella vaccine but we are planning
the Shigella vaccines and other enteric vaccines for to work towards developing an oral form of this
diarrheal diseases. NICED comes with a variety of vaccine. To conclude, one more challenge that needs
strengths in research and developing strategies for to be addressed is the vaccine dosage. For our cholera
treatment, prevention and control of enteric infections. vaccine, we are asking the question whether we can
This will also be a strategic shift for Hilleman, since till make a single dose vaccine. By reducing the vaccine
now, our focus has been to optimise existing vaccines dosages, a lot can be eased out.
and address the gaps in low resource settings. We
will now endeavour to develop an entirely new line Do you think India is losing ground to China and
of treatment and we look forward to jointly abating South Korea with respect to vaccine export?
this fatal disease which threatens the nation’s health. The scale at which vaccines are exported from India
Besides this project, we are exploring some more is quite unmatchable. Countries like Korea cannot
options in India, which are yet to be developed. We are compete with that. Also, the cost of doing business in
also working on a project for a vaccine on toxic E Coli. Korea and China are increasing now as compared to
It is a new area since there is no approved product India. Besides, the recent scandal engulfing the vaccine
for that till now. In general, we have made some very industry in China has never been heard of in India.
good progress in the last couple of years in terms of But of course, India will surely remain competitive in
business. Few of our vaccines have reached the late the long run.

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36 Q&A BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“Training customer
team is absolutely critical”

« What is the current status of the company in
terms of staff, sales revenue, etc.?
T. Anil Kumar, Waters is privileged to have highest employee
President, Waters loyalty with a mid-single digit attrition. Creating
India Pvt Ltd an environment of transparency, trust and fairness
go a long way in fostering intrapreneurial culture.
Founded by Jim Waters in 1958, Waters Harnessing intrapreneurial spirit to create value
Corporation serves life, materials and food for the organisation requires concerted efforts by
sciences through a connected portfolio of both employees and managers. One of the strategic
chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal priorities of the company is ‘people focussed’.
analysis innovations. Waters Corporation is the Developing leaders for the challenges of the
world’s leading specialty measurement company organisation is the top priority. With a CAGR of 17
focused on improving human health and well being per cent for last four years, we are one of the fastest
through the application of advanced analytical science growing analytical companies in India with 320+
technologies. Established in 1985, Waters India Pvt employees and 2/3rds of them on customer support
Ltd has made a name for itself in the list of top service function.
providers of Scientific Instruments, in India. Waters
India has a huge reputation for quality products. It is What is the position of the company in supplier
highly focused organisation in terms of top line and business /market in India?
bottom line. Respected among peer companies for We are positioned as specialty Measurement
setting high standards in terms of business operations. Company delivering benefit through innovation and
Recently T. Anil Kumar took charge as the President, people that enable customer success in life, material
from K V Venugopalan, who retired as President and and food sciences. For over 60 years, Waters has
Managing Director of Waters India after working developed innovative analytical science solutions to
for the past 21 years. Venugopalan was responsible support customers in operations, performance and
for the success and growth of the company as well regulatory compliance. Waters’ chromatography
as its growing number of employees. BioSpectrum and mass spectrometry instruments, software
spoke to Anil Kumar about his reaction after being and consumables have revolutionized laboratory
named president of the company and his plans for the dependent organisations by delivering practical and
company. Edited excerpts; sustainable operations. In a global, interconnected
world full of questions, Waters product delivers
What was your first reaction after being named ‘confidence’.
being named as President, Waters India?
Responsibility….it’s a huge responsibility of What are your views on the current status of
running a very successful organisation. When you the life sciences (pharma/ biotech / medical
step into shoes of an industry stalwart as tall as tech/ diagnostics) industry in India?
K.V.Venugopalan, ex-President, you realise shoes are Indian pharma industry has grown leaps and
too big to fill! On that day, Chris O’Connell, CEO, bounds in the last three decades. India is largest
Waters Corporation told me to ‘stand up and deliver’. producer of generic drugs globally. Also, India
As it was more than a year long search for new supplies 50 per cent of global demand for various
President with internal and external candidates; it vaccines. In 2017, Indian pharmaceutical industry
constantly reminds you the responsibility entrusted. is valued at $33 billion and is expected to reach
$55 billion by 2020. Indian pharmaceutical exports
stood at $17.3 billion. This translates to 40 per
cent generic demand in US and 25 per cent of all
medicines in UK. Indian pharma will get boost as
branded drugs worth $55 billion will go off-patent
during 2017-19.

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com Q&A 37

How do you see the life sciences (pharma/ easier. It is very apt to say, the more we change, the
biotech / medical tech/ diagnostics) industry in more we remain the same. Our people, whether it
India in the coming years? is support engineer or application specialist will
Medicine spending in India is expected to increase at undergo constant training for at least 30-45 days a
9-12 per cent CAGR between 2018 and 22 to $26-30 year to ensure what I call a True Knowledge Partner
billion, driven by increasing consumer spending, to bench chemist. Our customers throw challenges at
rapid urbanisation, and raising healthcare insurance our application teams and they come out successful
among others. almost every time.

Going forward, better growth in domestic sales Rich history of focus, innovation and growth.
would also depend on the ability of companies Waters’ history goes back to 1958 when Jim
to align their product portfolio towards chronic Waters set out to develop made-to-order specialty
therapies for diseases such as such as cardiovascular, instruments. His first breakthroughs were made
anti-diabetes, anti-depressants and anti-cancers working alongside chemical giants like Dow, DuPont
that are on the rise. India’s biotechnology industry and Goodrich. The word innovation is synonymous
comprising bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-services, with Waters. Our track record is really a series of
bio-agriculture, bio-industry and bioinformatics is innovation firsts that created new standards of
expected grow at an average growth rate of around 30 measurement in making the world a better, safer, and
per cent a year and reach $100 billion by 2025. cleaner place.

What are the challenges before the company in What are your plans to take the company to
these industries? next level?
Challenges are different in each industry segment. As far as India is concerned, our investment is in
One common challenge is training. Whether it is our people. It may surprise you that only 40 per cent
hardware or software, training customer team is of our business is thru’ instrument sale and rest is,
absolutely critical to put the instruments to best use. applied technologies of informatics, chemistries and
With Empower software which is industry standard expert service. Our plan is to enhance this customer
for almost two decades, it is easier to train people experience so that our customers take full advantage
as some amount of familiarity already exists in the of the innovative products we bring into market.
industries. There must be at least 50,000 chemists
who are currently using Empower in the industry Narayan Kulkarni
which is very unique in the industry. [email protected]

How do you see competition in the market?
How are you planning to distinguish your
company’s products / brand with others’ brand
for your customers?
We are known by longevity of the instruments life
span. Our instruments deliver results day after day,
year after year. It is not an exaggeration, decade after
decade our customer gets reproducible results with
the same instrument which is absolutely essential
for the industry we are operating in. Though,
we constantly focus on product development and
improve quality of our instrument time to time
but generally we don’t discontinue the products
that easily. This shows true manufacturing and QC
capability of Waters. For eg, Waters µBondapak
columns are produced even today whereas it was
launched more than 25 years ago. Our Empower
software is more than two decades. Our Alliance
HPLC is the gold standard and our customers vouch
on Alliance for decades now, for first time right
results. Measure systems variability is very high
in the industry but from Waters end, we make it
constant at one end so that trouble shooting becomes

38 WHO NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

WHO to set up WHO reports on
dengue collaborative health and air toxicity
centre in India
A recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
The World Health Organization has estimated that in 2016, 600,000 children died from acute
(WHO) might soon set up a lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air. Every day
collaborative centre (CC) in dengue around 93 per cent of the world’s children under the age of 15
in Kerala, India. If established, it years (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is so polluted it puts
could become a first-of-its-kind in the their health and development at serious risk.
Southeast Asian region. According
to the Health Department, it is the The report reveals that when pregnant women are exposed
Department of Community Medicine, to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely,
Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and have small, low birth-weight children. Air pollution also
(MC) that is striving to become the impacts neurodevelopment and cognitive ability and can
WHOCC in dengue. What makes the trigger asthma, and childhood cancer. Children who have been
state the first choice for the WHO to set exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at greater risk
up such a centre is its well-established for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease later in life.
healthcare facilities, high prevalence
rate of dengue patients and the ongoing WHO’s First Global Conference on Air Pollution and
seroprevalence study in dengue. Health, which opened in Geneva on 30 October provided the
Though backdoor discussions are on, opportunity for world leaders; ministers of health, energy,
huge financial commitment as well as and environment; mayors; heads of intergovernmental
ensuring infrastructural and state-of- organizations; scientists and others to commit to act against
the-art research facilities can become this serious health threat that shortens the lives of around 7
a challenge for the government. Once million people each year.
the institution is finalised as a CC,
an agreement will be made with the
head of the establishment to which the
institution is attached. The institution
will be designated initially for a term of
four years. It may be renewed for the
same or a shorter period.

WHO uncovers big variations in antibiotics consumption

According to a recent survey conducted by the World Health
Organization (WHO), antibiotics are used far more in some
countries than in others suggesting that urgent action was needed to
slash unnecessary consumption of the medicines. The “WHO Report
on Surveillance of Antibiotic Consumption” looked at antibiotic use
in 65 countries and found the Netherlands used 9.78 defined daily
doses (DDD) per 1,000 people, while Britain used twice as much
and Turkey almost twice as much again, at 38.18 DDD per 1,000
inhabitants. The survey also looked at which types of antibiotics were
being used, and showed some countries - Italy, Spain and Japan -
were relatively heavy users of the most precious drugs that the WHO
says need to be kept in reserve. The WHO introduced a classification
system last year, saying penicillin-type drugs were recommended as
the first line of defence, and that other drugs, on the reserve list,
were a last resort and only for use when absolutely necessary.

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and regularly delivers It is a ready to use pre-assembled, pre-sterilized, double packaged system which
talks and trainings has a small footprint. It mitigates the risk of in house assembly and sterilization of
across the country. capsules. Hence, it helps a unit operation to save up to 4 hours. Sterilization is done
using gamma irradiation method and all the components used in the system are
compatible with validated dose of radiation. The user is required to make only the
inlet and outlet connection to integrate Maxicap® MR in their process, making it a
solution that can be used ‘out of the box’. The connection options include triclamp,
sterile Opta® connector or weldable TPE tubing. Single-use pressure and flow-rate
sensors can be connected easily to the MaxiCaps® MR system for measurement and
control of process operating parameters.

The system has the option of being configured to have 3, 6 or 9 filter capsules of
30 inch each. It is possible to fit sterile or bioburden reduction filters. In case of non-
irradiated clarification filters, the system can be supplied pre-assembled but non
sterile. If an integrity testing system is connected to the Maxicap® MR for integrity
testing of the filters both pre and post use, the filter capsules are not individually
tested but the total system is tested for integrity using methods such as diffusion
flow or forward flow. This feature of integrity testing of the complete system as
a unit saves 90% time. The venting of the system takes place through a specially
designed channel with glass window and gamma radiation compatible air filter.
The system has undergone comprehensive validation testing, and its packaging for
transportation meets ASTM D4169-09 requirements.

Maxicap® MR is the answer to the long standing problem of multi-round single
use filtration with added benefits of risk mitigation, time saving, space saving, less
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40 PEOPLE NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Roop Mallik receives Infosys Bijal Shah steps in as Country
Prize 2018 for Life Sciences Manager for Lumenis India

Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) recently Lumenis, world’s largest energy-based medical device
celebrated its 10-year milestone and announced company for surgical, aesthetic and ophthalmic
the winners of the Infosys Prize 2018 in six applications appoints Bijal Shah as Country Manager,
categories - Engineering and Computer Sciences, India & South Asia. Shah will spearhead Lumenis’
Operations and lead the direct/ indirect business
Humanities, Life Sciences,
Mathematical Sciences, transformation in India &
Physical Sciences and Social South Asia. Shah has over
Sciences. The Prize, given 20 years of relevant industry
annually, celebrates the experiences in General
success of the recipients Management, Emerging
in science and research by Markets Marketing, Projects,
recognizing their achievements Operations and P&L in
in each category. It carries a leading global corporations
pure gold medal, a citation like Philips, Medtronic and
and a prize purse, the amount for which has Johnson & Johnson Medical.
been increased to $100,000 (or its equivalent He has gained valuable cross
in Rupees) this year, tax free in the hands of cultural exposure through
winners in India. The Infosys Prize 2018 for his stints in South East Asia
Life Sciences has been awarded to Roop Mallik, having lived in Singapore and Malaysia for past 7
Associate Professor, Department of Biological years before this home coming. Shah is an alumnus
Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research of Mumbai University, where he pursued his post-
(TIFR), Mumbai for his pioneering work on graduation in Management and bachelor’s degree in
molecular motor proteins, which are crucial for Mechanical Engineering Shah’s appointment comes
the functioning of living cells. immediately after Dharmendra Mistry stepped down
as Country Manager.

Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away at 59

Union Chemicals & Fertilisers and there are over 750 stores with a was of the view that this
Parliamentary Affairs Minister HN initiative of the government will
Ananth Kumar recently passed portfolio containing 600 drugs prove as an important step in
away in Bengaluru at the age of ensuring the health security of
59, after undergoing treatment for and 154 surgicals & consumables. the section of women in India
suspected cancer in the US and who still use unhygienic aids
UK. He was also instrumental in during menstruation due to
unaffordability.
In 2017, he had presided over launching the Pradhan Mantri
the signing of a Memorandum of In February 2018, the Minister
Understanding (MoU) between Bharatiya Jan (PMBJ) Aushadhi had actively participated in
the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of organizing a three-day event for
India (BPPI) and National Yuva Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable the Pharma and Medical Devices
Cooperative Society Ltd. (NYCS) Industry in collaboration with
with the objective to setup Sanitary Napkins. The Minister Federation of Indian Chambers of
1000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Janaushadhi Kendras in both He had been very vocal about
urban and rural places of the expressing the need for a separate
country. Ministry for Pharma and Medical
Devices. He was in favor of the
He was actively pursuing the regulatory reforms governing
goal of ‘Affordable Medicines for pharmaceutical and medical
All’ through the Pradhan Mantri products, without compromising
Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana quality and accessibility.
(PMBJP), under which currently

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l PEOPLE NEWS 41

Stryker names Meenakshi CSIR appoints Dr Shekhar
Nevatia as MD for India Mande as new DG

Medical device company Stryker has announced Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
the appointment of Meenakshi Nevatia as its new (ACC) has appointed Dr Shekhar Mande as
managing director (MD) of India. In her new role, the Director General of Council of Scientific
Meenakshi will be responsible for building Stryker’s and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Secretary
business strategy and setting up the organization for of the Department of
long-term, sustainable growth in the Indian market. Scientific and Research
Additionally, one of Meenakshi’s priorities will be to (DSIR). Dr Mande is a
cultivate a strong commitment to Stryker’s mission structural biologist with
and values in India. Meenakshi Nevatia will also be a doctoral degree from
responsible for building long-term partnerships with the Indian Institute of
industry bodies and government organizations and Science, Bengaluru,
driving transparency amongst stakeholders. Prior to and has been the
joining Stryker, Meenakshi had a successful 15-year director of Pune-based
stint with Novartis, where she served in various sales, National Centre for Cell
marketing and business leadership positions across Science (NCCS) since
geographies. In her last assignment as the country September 2011. At
president and pharma division head for Novartis in NCCS, which performs cutting-edge research
Thailand, Meenakshi successfully led strong business in cell biology, Dr Mande oversaw the launch
performance. Prior to these roles, Meenakshi had a of the Indian Human Microbiome Initiative
successful track record of serving in various leadership in the Northeast in June last year. Dr Mande
positions at Novartis across Spain, Portugal, UK and has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Nagpur University
Switzerland. in physics, and was the recipient of the B.M.
Birla Young Scientist Award in 1999.

42 SUPPLIER NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Agilent introduces Luminex to acquire
MilliporeSigma’s
NGS based solution flow cytometry portfolio

for genetic disorders Luminex Corporation has signed a definitive agreement
to acquire MilliporeSigma’s flow cytometry portfolio for
Agilent Technologies Inc. recently $75 million, consisting of approximately $69.9 million
announced the introduction of Agilent to be paid under a Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement
OnePGT, a genome-wide, next- and approximately $5.1 million in committed inventory
generation sequencing (NGS) solution purchases. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2018,
for preimplantation genetic testing and to contribute $40 million to $50 million in revenue to
(PGT). OnePGT allows parallel detection the company in 2019. The acquisition expands Luminex’s
of multiple monogenic disorders existing offering of flow-based detection systems, which is
(PGT-M), translocations (PGT-SR), and centered on its innovative xMAP multiplexing technology,
aneuploidies (PGT-A) on a single biopsy. with more than 15,000 xMAP systems sold worldwide. xMAP
OnePGT guides the laboratory from Technology combines advanced fluidics, optics, and digital
biopsy material to a single comprehensive signal processing with proprietary microsphere technology
report in a matter of days. Empowered to deliver industry-leading, multiplexed assay capabilities.
by Agilent’s Alissa platform, data analysis MilliporeSigma’s flow cytometry portfolio includes Amnis,
is streamlined by the optimized and the market-leading family of imaging flow cytometry products
verified pipelines, allowing automatic for cell-based analysis, as well as their Guava portfolio of
calling of genetic abnormalities with products, which are economical, high-performance systems
built-in quality control metrics and audit based on microcapillary technologies.
trail. This innovative solution provides
fertility specialists the ability to more
easily achieve comprehensive PGT data
in which to support enhanced embryo
ranking, identifying the best quality
embryos for transfer. As the maternal
age at conception increases, the chance
of chromosomal abnormalities within
the embryo also increase leading to lower
implantation rates and increased rate of
miscarriages. The comprehensive data
achieved with Agilent OnePGT can help
fertility specialists improve the chances of
selection of the most viable and healthy
embryos for subsequent transfer.

QIAGEN expands Next-Generation Sequencing portfolio

QIAGEN N.V. recently platforms and assay types, along other enhancements.
announced the launch of with expanded QCI capabilities According to Qiagen, Clinical
major enhancements to for interpretation of biomarkers
QIAGEN Clinical Insight (QCI) in immuno-oncology as well as Insight already is the leading
bioinformatics solutions to integrated solution for NGS
deliver expanded Sample to analysis and interpretation,
Insight workflows for clinical and expanding QCI to integrate
next-generation sequencing with all clinical sequencing tools
(NGS). QIAGEN has introduced makes it even more valuable
QCI Analyze Universal for full for labs in analyzing and
end-to-end workflow support interpreting next-generation
of all major clinical sequencing sequencing data in a broad range
of applications.

BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l SUPPLIER NEWS 43

Akoya Biosciences acquires Phenoptics portfolio from PerkinElmer

Akoya Biosciences, a Telegraph and many other research areas.
Hill Partners (THP) company, The Phenoptics portfolio, with
has acquired PerkinElmer, Inc.’s its Mantra, Vectra and Vectra
Phenoptics portfolio. Akoya was Polaris systems, provides the
founded in 2015 to commercialize throughput and standardization
the CODEX multiparameter required to support large-
tissue analysis technology scale translational studies.
developed in the lab of Dr Garry Its multispectral imaging
Nolan at Stanford University. instruments, reagents, software
PerkinElmer has grown its and research services have been
Phenoptics business, to be an adopted by hundreds of labs
industry leader in multiplex immunofluorescence. globally. CODEX enables biomarker discovery with
This acquisition establishes Akoya as a leading detection of up to 50 markers on a single tissue section
provider of quantitative tissue biomarker evaluation, with reagents and instrumentation that integrate with
from discovery through translational and clinical our customer’s existing microscopes. CODEX includes
research. High-parameter analysis of biological optimized assay reagents combined with validated
tissue samples provides critical spatial context in antibodies labeled with proprietary CODEX Barcodes
studies of autoimmune disease, immune-oncology to enable a simple, automated workflow.

Thermo Fisher, Merck offers new platform
to enhance bioprocessing
Symphogen to
Merck is collaborating with GlycoBac LLC to offer a
develop workflows Sf-9 insect cell line. GlycoBac’s development of a proven
rhabdovirus-negative (RVN) cell line enables Merck to
Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader offer the first Sf-9 platform combining a rhabdovirus-free
in serving science, and Symphogen, a insect cell line with a corresponding, chemically defined
clinical-stage antibody oncology-focused cell culture medium. This will be the first nonmammalian
company, have entered into a two-year cell line in Merck’s cell culture portfolio, allowing
collaborative partnership to deliver customers worldwide access
validated, platform workflows for simplified to a safer, high-performing
characterization and quality monitoring vehicle for recombinant
of complex therapeutic proteins. Building protein expression, Virus-like
on a decade-long relationship, the new Particle vaccines and Adeno
collaboration will develop protein analysis Associated Virus based gene
workflows to accelerate drug development therapy production. The
for biopharmaceutical innovators, insect cell line will provide
biosimilar manufacturers, contract research time and cost savings in
organizations, and contract development and analytics and validation,
manufacturing organizations. Symphogen and speed development by
will use the Thermo Scientific Q Exactive circumventing process steps
Plus Orbitrap liquid chromatography-tandem normally required to prove elimination of rhabdovirus.
mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system with In addition, Merck’s chemically defined hydrolysate-
BioPharma Option to create, test and validate free medium addresses consistency concerns while also
platform workflows for intact and native mass reducing overall variability in growth and productivity.
analysis of therapeutic monoclonal antibody Merck’s insect cell line extends the company’s upstream
(mAb) mixtures. Additional focus will be offerings for viral vaccine and gene therapy applications,
placed on the development of automated complementing Merck’s well-known mammalian CHOZN
multi-attribute method (MAM) workflows platform. Collectively, Merck’s upstream and downstream
for monitoring critical quality attributes of solutions now constitute a robust portfolio for mAb,
proteins using high-resolution accurate- vaccine and virus production.
mass mass spectrometry in a quality control
environment.

44 SCIENCE NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

AIIMS researchers design sensitive IISc scientists
test for pulmonary, pleural TB link OCD with
autoimmune
A team of researchers from the Department of Biotechnology at the disorder
All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has
developed a highly sensitive diagnostic test for pulmonary and pleural Scientists at the Bengaluru-
tuberculosis (TB). The diagnostic test makes use of a DNA aptamer based Indian Institute of
(a small single-stranded DNA molecule that binds to a specific target Science (IISc) have found that
molecule) that shows high binding affinity to a TB antigen. The a class of cells that defends
laboratory-based aptamer test for diagnosing pulmonary TB takes the body against invaders also
about five hours to turn in the results while the portable, rapid test triggers obsessive-compulsive
takes just 30 minutes. Also, the portable test is cheaper and can be behaviour in patients suffering
used for screening pulmonary TB and active case finding in high-risk from autoimmune disorders
groups.The research team has applied for a patent for the aptamer such as Multiple Sclerosis.
reagent and has licensed it to AptaBharat Innovation Pvt Ltd, a start- The team has found this out
up at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute while studying a mice model
(THSTI), Faridabad. The team soon plans to validate the tests on well exhibiting Multiple Sclerosis-
characterised panel of specimens and field evaluation. like conditions. They found
that immune cells called Th17
lymphocytes induced behaviour
similar to OCD such as excessive
grooming. The obsessive
grooming, however, reduced
when the mice were given an
anti-depressant that boosts
the uptake of serotonin, an
important chemical messenger.
This suggested that the Th17
cells eventually disrupted
serotonin uptake giving rise
to the Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) symptoms.

IIT-R develops nanodots to fight cancer

A group of scientists at the Indian excreted from the body and exhibit therapeutic conjugates.
Institute of Technology Roorkee low toxicity while producing a The scientific team is planning
has developed fluorescent carbon reliable optical signal. In addition,
nanodots that can serve as they can be chemically modified next stage animal studies for
theranostic i.e. therapeutic and for use as multimodal probes and further evaluation of these
diagnostic, agents for cancer. nanomaterials in oncological
These nanosized carbon materials applications, for both diagnostics
have been extracted from the and treatment. They will
leaves of the rosy periwinkle plant. concurrently study the factors that
would affect the performance and
Carbon dots, also called carbon use of carbon nanodots in cancer
quantum dots, are fluorescent theranotics, including developing
materials that are well-suited as efficient means of delivery,
both therapeutic and diagnostic processes for conservation of
agents for cancer because of two nanodot bioactivity and the
unique characteristics – they are enhancement of specificity
biocompatible and can be rapidly towards the target cells.

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46 ACADEMIC NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com
Bihar inks
pact with PHFI
for medical
courses

NCCS to act as bio-repository
for infectious bugs

The Bihar government The Department of Biotechnology and characterise these microbes.
has signed a (DBT) has authorised the NCCS plans to study the samples
Memorandum of National Centre for Microbial collected at the repository to
Understanding (MoU) Resource (NCMR) at Pune- develop new antibiotics and anti-
with Public Health based National Centre for Cell fungals and test the effectiveness
Foundation of India Science (NCCS) to function as of new drugs. Currently, there
(PHFI), New Delhi, a bio-repository for multidrug- is currently large-scale research
to carry out medical resistant microbes or infective undertaken to study the presence
courses designed to agents. The bio-repository will and spread of different multidrug-
provide expertise to receive, store, maintain¸ preserve resistant microbes.
MBBS degree holders.
According to the MoU, NITC joins hands
the two medical courses, with MVR Cancer Centre
approved by Medical
Council of India, which National Institute of Technology, Calicut (NITC) and MVR Cancer Centre
will be offered are CSP
(College of Physicians & Research Institute, Kerala have formalized their efforts in joint work
& Surgeons of Mumbai)
and DNB (Diplomate in Cancer research by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
in National Board).
The courses will be by Dr Sivaji Chakravorti, Director NIT, Calicut and Dr Narayanankutty
offered in four subjects
namely anaesthesiology, Warrier, Medical Director, MVR Cancer Centre. This will carry forward
child care, obstetrics
and gynecology and joint research between the
bacteriology. PHFI will
provide technical support institutions in the areas
and hand holding to
the state government of mutual interest such as
in carrying out these
courses which will be Cancer Diagnosis using
initially started at three
district hospitals of artificial intelligence,
Saharsa, Purnea and
Nalanda. computational modeling

and characterization

of malignant tumors,

classification of tumors using

electrical measurements,

and development and

testing of novel therapies

to treat cancer such as

drug repositioning using

data mining. There are currently eight different joint research projects

between these two institutes in various stages of development. The MoU

also envisages joint workshops and training programmes, collaborative

academic programs and internships. This partnership is expected to

provide a major boost to biomedical engineering research in India.

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48 EVENT REPORT BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

BioSpectrum honoured with
ASIA PACIFIC PUBLISHING AWARD
BioSpectrum India recently
won international which include Pharmaceutical, Saradha
recognition at the Asia Pacific Mani,
Publishing Awards (APPA) 2018. Healthcare BioPharma, Operations
The award ceremony was held at Manager at
One Farrer Hotel Grand Ballroom, BioInformatics, BioIndustrial, MM Activ
in Singapore on November 8, 2018. Singapore Pte
BioSuppliers and BioServices ltd, Singapore
BioSpectrum India won the receiving the
Silver Award under the ‘Special and show cases the emerging award from
Edition of the Year’ category for Alex Cano,
its coverage on ‘BioSuppliers’ Indian entrepreneurships in Honorary
ecosystem for life sciences Treasurer,
industry’. The story ‘India needs life sciences industry. In a short Media
proper BioSuppliers’ ecosystem’ Publishers
published in the September 2017 time BioSpectrum emerged as Association
issue covered varied aspects of Singapore
biosuppliers sector. It discussed the most preferred platform to (MPAS) and
and explored how this market owner and
will drive the growth of pharma engage the life sciences industry publisher
and allied industry in the coming of Russian
years with increase in healthcare in India and Asia Pacific. It is Singapore
awareness and spends, demand magazine.
for quality healthcare, rising also widely accepted by research
burden of diseases, automation, of Mumbrella Asia, James Hewes,
hospital laboratory management, and academia community. Top President and CEO of FIPP and
expansion of pathology diagnostic David Tay, former President of
market to towns and rural areas. key policy makers in the Central Photographic Society. Lynda
Williams, Managing Director
Saradha Mani, Operations and state governments use the of Vim & Vigour, was one of the
Manager, MM Activ Singapore only 2 judges retained from last
Pte ltd, Singapore received the magazine as a platform to reach year’s panel, together with Marina
award from Alex Cano, Honorary Mathews.
Treasurer, Media Publishers out the Indian Biotech Industry.
Association Singapore (MPAS) and Now in its 12th year, the
owner and publisher of Russian Readers of BioSpectrum are from Media Publishers Association
Singapore magazine. BioSpectrum Singapore (MPAS) Awards lauds
is a leading B2B media publication among the key Policy Makers, Key local publications and individuals
in life sciences and healthcare space for their remarkable contribution
in India and published by MM Activ Executives and the Influencer’s in pushing for relevant content
Sci-Tech Communications, Pune. and campaigns, and embracing
It has two editions, BioSpectrum in Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical innovation in the media industry.
India for India and BioSpectrum The APPA awards is organised
Asia for APAC area published from Companies, Research Heads of for the first time for Asia Pacific
Singapore. region’s media brands.
Clinical Research, Clinical Trials
BioSpectrum India was John Thet, newly elected
launched in March 2003 and is and Contract Manufacturing President of the media association
India’s first and comprehensive said, “The MPAS and APPA Awards
life sciences business monthly Organizations, Educational represent the best of industry
magazine. It provides practice in published media –
comprehensive coverage of the Institutes, Consultants, Fund whether it is in print, online, or
exciting happenings in life sciences, across a variety of platforms.”
Managers etc.
The awards ceremony was
The awards were judged by a attended by over 35 publishing
companies and 180 stakeholders
panel of six, consisting of veterans in the industry. PressReader
was the official sponsor of the
in the creative field, public relations ceremony.

and media publishing. They are

James Lim, Creative Director of

Hakuhodo, Dean Carroll, Publisher

BIOSPECTRUM | NOVEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIO EVENT 49

2ND AYURVEDA CONCLAVE: VISION 2022

Industry demands inclusion of
Ayurveda in Ayushman Bharat
More than 75 per cent of the Ayurveda
business today is with the private sector, and Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman CII Healthcare Council &
therefore engagement with private sector Chairman and MD Medanta - The Medicity; Dr Vinod K Paul,
has become critical – towards this CII organized the Member NITI Aayog; Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary,
“2nd Ayurveda Conclave: Vision 2022: Roadmap Ministry of AYUSH; Rajiv Vasudevan, Chairman CII Core Group
to Achieve Three Times Growth in Market Size” on on Ayurveda & Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,
November 2, 2018, New Delhi. The event saw the AyurVAID Hospitals; Dr Arpita Mukherjee, Professor, Indian
presence of representatives from both private and Council for Research on International Economic Relations
government sectors. (ICRIER) releasing a report “Ayurveda Industry Market Size,
Strength and Way Forward” at the inaugural session of the 2nd
The government has undertaken big initiatives Ayurveda Industry Conclave on 2 November, 2018 at New Delhi.
to popularize Ayurveda in India as well as overseas.
Speaking at the event, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, help build its foundation in India as well as abroad.
Secretary MoAYUSH mentioned that Ministry of Rajiv Vasudevan, Chairman, CII Core Group of
Defence and Ministry of Labour have agreed to start
AYUSH related services. In addition entry level Ayurveda and CEO, AyurVAID Hospital the different
accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for stakeholders of Ayurveda talk about different aspects
Hospitals has been initiated for AYUSH healthcare which makes this sector highly segmented. “We
facilities that would help them procuring soft loans, a need to unify them in order to perceive the hugeness
subsector skill council for AYUSH has been established of the sector. Unless Ayurveda is implemented in
for skilling of AYUSH professionals and MoUs with government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and
15 countries have been signed with 13 more in the National Nutrition Mission its true potential cannot
pipeline.” be tapped,” he emphasized.

Dr Naresh Trehan Chairman CII Healthcare Total estimated market size of Indian Ayurveda
Council and Chairman and MD Medanta-The Medicity, industry is $3 billion, which includes both Ayurveda
contextualized Ayurveda with respect to modern products (ethical, classical, over the counter (OTC),
medicine. He emphasized, that demystification of personal care and beauty products) and services
this ancient medicine system will pave the path for it (medical, well-being, payor and medical tourism
to move ahead. “India can become an example to the services). The Indian Ayurveda Sector is expected to
world if it can fuse the power of modern and traditional grow at 16 per cent CAGR in the next 5 years, according
medicine which is possible through, rigorous research, to the report.
documentation and evidence.”
The ageing population with health problems and
Advocates of AYUSH have been keen on becoming growth of young, aware, health conscious population
a part of Ayushman Bharat post its announcement. will drive the growth of the Ayurveda sector. The
Towards this, Dr Vinod Paul, Member, NITI Aayog re- support of the Government, focus on quality and
iterated Dr Trehan’s point on demystification. “This standardization, increase in health insurance
will help build standard treatment guidelines that coverage and Central Government Health Scheme
will ensure uniformity in treatment protocol across (CGHS) coverage will drive the growth of this sector.
the states and its easy governance”. He added that the The ability of the Government to promote ayurveda
government is open to proposals but expects them to at international platforms will play a big role in
comply to current standards and regulations. enhancing the growth of this sector.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), released
a report titled ‘Ayurveda Industry – Market Size,
Strength and Way Forward’ that recommended that
quality and standards of raw materials and products,
human resource development, policy uniformity
across states, insurance coverage, shortage of raw
materials in order to develop a strong database that
will help create a robust body of evidence. This will

50 BIOEVENT BIOSPECTRUM | DECEMBER 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

1ST CII ANNUAL SENIOR CARE CONCLAVE

“Explore opportunities of investment
in the emerging field of senior care”

“Corporate leaders across all sectors should Anupriya S Patel, MoS (HFW) delivered the keynote address
explore opportunities of investment in the at the 1st CII Senior Care Conclave at New Delhi on November
emerging field of senior care.” This was stated 1. Dignitaries seen on the dais (L-R) Neeraj Bhattia, Executive
by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Director, CII, Ankur Gupta, chairman task force for senior
Welfare during her keynote address at the ‘1st Annual care, CII and Jt. Managing Director of Ashiana Housing and
Senior Care Conclave’ organised by Confederation of Mansoor H Dalal, founder and chairman, ASLI and CMD of
Indian Industry (CII), in New Delhi recently. Oasis Senior Living.

Speaking at the function, Anupriya Patel stated that “19 regional geriatric centres in government medical
the rapidly changing global demographics have resulted colleges of 18 states sanctioned for specialized care
in a sharp rise in the demand for senior care services. and training purpose. Two National Centres for Ageing
“Health services are to be designed in such way that (NCA) in AIIMS Delhi and Madras Medical College,
there is a complete coordination across the thread of care Chennai have been sanctioned to be developed as
providers to cure acute conditions and symptoms,” she centres of excellence for geriatrics. In 2018-19, 79 more
said and also released a CII Report “Igniting Potential districts have been recommended, taking the number
in Senior Care Services” and inaugurated an exhibition of districts sanctioned for provision of geriatric care
at the event. services to 599 districts,” she elaborated.

Speaking at the occasion, the minister stated that India’s demographic profile is young with more than
the rapidly changing global demographics have resulted half the population under the age of 35 years. However,
in a sharp rise in the demand for senior care services. with better availability of healthcare, the population of
This coupled with an increased life expectancy of the persons over the age of 65 years is also rapidly expanding.
population, and an increased tendency globally to have This population is estimated to triple between 2011
nuclear families, has further accelerated the growth in and 2050 as longevity will increase from 67.5 years to
the senior care sector, she said. close to 76 years in this period. With almost 130 million
people currently in this age-group, there is a need for
Highlighting the initiatives of the Health Ministry, concerted capacity augmentation and policy support for
she said that the “National Programme for the Health an industry catering to their needs and thereby meeting
Care of Elderly (NPHCE)” addresses various health the requirements of the older generation. This will
related issues of the elderly people and the programme require several key sectors of industry to come together
is an articulation of the international and national to provide comprehensive goods and services aimed
commitments of the government. The programme is at a different population such as healthcare, assisted
State oriented and basic thrust of the programme is living, manufacturers of specific products, provision of
to provide dedicated health care facilities to the senior public goods for less-abled, travel and tourism, and so
citizens (>60 year of age) at various level of primary, on. CII strongly recognizes the importance of nurturing
secondary and tertiary health care, she added. new concepts and products for senior citizens through
a collaborative approach between private, public and
“The basic aim of the NPHCE Programme is to semi-public institutions which are deeply engaged in the
provide dedicated, specialized and comprehensive sector. Hence it has associated with ASLI (Association
health care to the senior citizens at various levels of state of Senior Living India) and organised 1st Annual Senior
health care delivery system including outreach services. Care Conclave’ to highlight the different dimensions of
Preventive and promotive care, management of illness, caring for our older generation and discuss how industry
health manpower development for geriatric services, can partner in the endeavour.
medical rehabilitation & therapeutic intervention and
IEC are some of the strategies envisaged in the NPHCE,”
Anupriya Patel mentioned.

The Minister further stated that NPHCE was
launched in 100 identified districts of 21 States and
Eight Regional Geriatrics Centres in selected medical
colleges as referral units during the 11th Plan period. As
on March 2018, 520 districts in 34 states and UT’s had
been sanctioned for provision of geriatric care services.