Team JGJ

August 13, 2024 NEW DELHI: All Indian salt and sugar brands, whether big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain microplastics, according to a study published on Tuesday. The study, “Microplastics in Salt and Sugar” and conducted by the environmental research organisation Toxics Link, tested 10 types of salt — including table salt, rock salt, sea salt and local raw salt — and five types of sugar purchased from both online and local markets. The study revealed the presence of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples, in various forms, including fibre, pellets, films and fragments. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The highest levels of microplastics were found in iodised salt, in the form of multi-coloured thin fibre and films. Toxics Link founder-director Ravi Agarwal said, “The objective of our study was to contribute to the existing scientific database on microplastics so that the global plastic treaty can address this issue in a concrete and focused manner.” “We also aim to trigger policy action and attract researchers’ attention to potential technological interventions that could reduce exposure risks to microplastics.” Toxics Link associate director Satish Sinha added, “Our study’s finding of substantial amounts of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples is concerning and calls for urgent, comprehensive research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics on human health.” The concentration of microplastics in the salt samples ranged from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogramme of dry weight, the report said. Iodised salt had the highest concentration of microplastics (89.15 pieces per kilogramme) while organic rock salt had the lowest (6.70 pieces per kilogramme), according to the study. In sugar samples, the concentration of microplastics ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogramme, with the highest concentration found in non-organic sugar. Microplastics are a growing global concern because they can harm both health and the environment. These tiny plastic particles can enter the human body through food, water and air. Recent research has found microplastics in human organs such as the lungs, heart, and even in breast milk and unborn babies. Previous studies found that the average Indian consumes 10.98 grams of salt and around 10 spoons of sugar every day — much higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits. Amid a sea of skincare products brimming with harsh actives and exfoliating acids, I found something that embraces a different path. The face serum by Molecule53 boasts a peptide-first approach. Unlike aggressive acids—found in almost all serums today—peptides work harmoniously with your skin, encouraging natural renewal processes without causing undue stress or irritation. The packaging is simple and non-fancy. So is the serum—a colourless, odourless solution. It is straightforward and means business. I used it for a month and was impressed with the result. There were fewer fine lines and the skin appeared a tad tighter. It’s one of the best products I have tried of late which successfully address anti-ageing. Use it at bedtime just before applying an under-eye gel and hydrating moisturiser. During the daytime, wear it underneath the sunscreen. The non-sticky formula keeps the skin clear of breakouts and acne. Brownie points for being vegan! Source: Indian Express

August 23,2024 The Health Ministry has banned 156 fixed dose combination (FDCs) medicines, which included commonly used antibiotics, painkillers and multivitamins. In a gazette notice published by the Health Ministry on August 21, the production, marketing, and distribution of medications is now outlawed after it was found that they pose health risks. According to the notification, the list includes antibiotics, anti-allergic drugs, analgesics, multivitamins, and combination dosages for fever and hypertension are among the prohibited FDCs. The decision comes following an expert group appointed by the central government as well as the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) made recommendations. The Central Government is satisfied that the use of the drug Fixed Dose Combination (hereinafter to be referred as FDC) of Amylase + Protease + Glucoamylase + Pectinase + Alpha Galactosidase + Lactase + Beta-Gluconase + Cellulase + Lipase + Bromelain + Xylanase + Hemicellulase + Malt diastase + Invertase + Papain is likely to involve risk to human beings whereas safer alternatives to the said drug are available,” it stated. The notification also stated that the matter was examined by an Expert Committee appointed by the Central Government and “the said Expert Committee considered this FDC as irrational.” The Drugs Technical Advisory Board also examined the said FDC and recommended that “there is no therapeutic justification for the ingredients contained in this FDC. The FDC may involve risk to human beings. Hence in the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of this FDC under section 26 A of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. In view of above, any kind of regulation or restriction to allow for any use in patients is not justifiable. Therefore, only prohibition under section 26A is recommended.” The list of major FDC medicines includes a combination dose of Omeprazole Magnesium and Dicyclomine HCl which is used for treating stomach pain, as well as a combination of Mefenamic Acid and Paracetamol Injection for reducing pain and swelling in various diseases. Additional FDCs include a combination of povidone iodine, metronidazole, and aloe used to prevent and cure skin infections, as well as ursodeoxycholic acid and metformin HCl used to treat fatty liver in diabetics. “The DTAB did not find the claims of these combination medicines correct and took the decision considering that the harm to the patient is more than the benefit,” the gazette notification stated. “Hence in the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of this FDC under Section 26A of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940,” the ministry stated in the notification. The 156 banned drugs include popularly used combinations of anti-allergic medicines with nasal decongestant, syrups that break down mucus and paracetamol. The list also includes combinations of antibiotics with acne cream and iodine solution. Combination of migraine medicine with one to prevent nausea, combination of supplements such as menthol with aloe vera, and combination of burn medicine silver sulfadiazine with an antiseptic agent, aloe extract, and vitamin are among some of the combinations banned. According to a report by Indian Express, this is the biggest crackdown on FDCs since the government banned 344 drugs in 2016, which was then challenged by drug makers. As per the court directions, the matter was referred back to the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, which decided 328 were “irrational” and should be prohibited. On this recommendation, the government banned the 328 combinations in 2018. Reportedly, 15 FDCs manufactured before 1988 were kept out of the purview of the ban. Following the development, Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance told Financial Express.com: “The discussion on FDC is going on over a period of time with recommendation from Kokate committee and Nilima Kshirsagar committee. This is a right step in interest of patients and all aspects have been taken into consideration.” Source: Financial Express

August 25,2024 In a move to make public health safer and convenient, the Indian government has banned the usage of several drugs including various cocktail or combination drugs. Along with this, 34 multivitamins are also under review. Following the recent ban on 156 drugs, the Government of India is now considering banning 34 additional multivitamins, according to sources. “34 multivitamins are under evaluation based on reviews,” sources have told news agency ANI. According to a Gazette notification issued by the government announcing the ban, “The matter was examined by an Expert Committee appointed by the Central Government, which reviewed the entire issue thoroughly and deemed these FDCs irrational. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board also examined these FDCs and recommended that there is no therapeutic justification for the ingredients contained in them, and they may pose risks to human beings.” The notification further stated, “In the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of these FDCs under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Based on the recommendations of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest to prohibit the manufacture for sale, sale, and distribution for human use of the said drugs in the country.” It is very important for the public to pay attention to the drug combinations that have been banned. Among the banned combinations is the FDC of Amylase + Protease + Glucoamylase + Pectinase + Alpha Galactosidase + Lactase + Beta-Gluconase + Cellulase + Lipase + Bromelain + Xylanase + Hemicellulase + Malt diastase + Invertase + Papain, which has been prohibited with immediate effect. Mefenamic Acid + Paracetamol Injection is likely to pose a risk to human beings and is also prohibited. Ergotamine tartrate + Caffeine + Paracetamol + Prochlorperazine maleate has also been prohibited for usage. In June last year, 14 cocktail drugs were banned. In 2016, 344 drugs combinations were banned for public use. Drug combinations are often banned due to concerns about safety and efficacy. Combining certain medications can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous interactions. These interactions can amplify or diminish the effects of one or both drugs, resulting in adverse reactions that could be harmful. For example, some drug combinations may cause severe side effects like organ damage, cardiovascular issues, or allergic reactions. Regulatory agencies impose bans to protect patients from these risks, ensuring that treatments remain safe and effective. For example Ergotamine tartrate + Caffeine + Paracetamol + Prochlorperazine maleate combination can lead to stomach irritation, dizziness, and insomnia. Drug combinations are also banned when they lack sufficient evidence of benefit or efficacy. If combining drugs does not provide a clear therapeutic advantage over using individual medications, or if the combination does not address the condition effectively, it may be deemed unnecessary. This precaution prevents patients from being exposed to potentially harmful or ineffective treatments. Source: TOI

August 21,2024 Bengaluru: At 98, Hanumantha Raya, an ayurveda medicine manufacturer in the city, had never imagined that his spine surgery would involve a robot. Having witnessed the evolution of medicine over nearly a century, Hanumantha thought he’d seen it all – until now. Though age is often seen as a barrier to surgical interventions for the elderly, Hanumantha decided to give the robot a try to regain his quality of life, which was badly hit by his relentless backache. He went ahead with the surgery, only to be surprised by the results. A week post operation, Hanumantha has started to walk. “To live a happy life, you need to have good health. This thought gave me confidence to go ahead with robotic surgery, which has changed my life. Age no longer dictates us to pain and discomfort,” said Hanumantha. Her husband’s newfound resilience encouraged Gangamma, 95, who too was affected by a never-ending back pain because of a fall, to give robotic surgery a try. “Pain medications never really worked and the discomfort persisted, affecting my ability to enjoy daily life. I was motivated by my husband’s experience and consulted the doctor,” said Gangamma. Recovering faster than her husband, Gangamma too was able to walk pain-free after an hour of robotic surgery. Talking about their experience with robotic surgery at Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Tuesday, the couple stated, “Not only do we do our daily chores independently, we also do them pain-free. The back pain no longer disrupts our life.” Hanumantha, who underwent the robotic surgery in Sept 2023, continues to oversee his business, while his wife, who got the procedure done three months later, runs the household. They live in Kamakshipalya, Basaveshwaranagar, west Bengaluru. Dr S Vidyadhara, chairman & HOD, spine surgery & consultant, robotic spine surgery, Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, explained, “Our own research showed robotic surgeries were 99.8 per cent accurate in fixing 3,500 screws that we have placed in various areas of the spine. We found that robotic surgery reduced blood loss by 40 per cent , and surgery time by 30 per cent .” “An ambulant patient would be able to walk within 4 hours, compared to 24 hours in the case of conventional surgery. Getting back to work used to take three months, but now, we can have patients get back to work in three to four weeks. The incidence of pain post surgery has been reduced by half. Complex surgeries can be simplified and help a lot of patients who live with pain as their last option,” he added. Source: Healthworld

August 22,2024 Atchutapuram: A suspected solvent leakage could have triggered a blaze in a pharma unit here that has killed 17 persons, a senior official said on Thursday. Anakapalli district Collector Vijaya Krishnan told PTI there was no rise in the death toll which stood at 17 following the accident on Wednesday. “The actual cause is yet to be ascertained,” she said, adding preliminary assessment pointed to solvent leakage from a pipe which fell on an electric panel, leading to the fire accident. Though it is being reported the accident occurred due to a reactor blast, officials said when solvent oil was being pumped from one floor to another it led to leakage and resulted in a blaze followed by a large explosion, according to a post on ‘X’ by the Office of the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Konidala Pawan Kalyan. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will meet those injured in the pharma unit fire accident in Visakhapatnam and follow it up with a visit to the accident spot here. According to the official schedule, Naidu will interact with the injured workers undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Venkojipalem in the port city around noon and also the medical teams. Later, he will visit Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd, the pharma company where the fire accident occurred, leading to the death of 17 persons and injuries to 33. Several relatives of the affected workers continue to wait anxiously at the pharma company, eager to know the fate of their loved ones. “I want my father back and this company removed…,” a minor girl told a vernacular news channel, referring to her father, who was employed in the firm. The sister of a victim complained that authorities were not showing where her brother was while a sobbing elderly woman demanded the return of her son-in-law. Harrowing scenes unfolded with injured workers — their skin ripped and peeling off, bodies soaked in blood — being shifted to hospitals in ambulances after the incident occurred at 2:15 pm on Wednesday at Escientia Advanced Science Pvt Ltd. The company, which manufactures intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) commenced production in April 2019 with an investment of Rs 200 crore. It is located on a 40-acre campus in the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation’s multi-product SEZ at the Atchutapuram cluster. Source: Economic Times

August 23,2024 The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of an explosion that killed at least 17 workers and injured several others at a private industrial unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district and directed the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. A major fire and explosion ripped through a pharma unit on Wednesday. The damage could have been worse but fewer workers were in the plant when the accident occurred due to it being lunchtime. The death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in a statement on Friday expressed deep concern over the apparent violation of safety norms that led to the incident. The commission has issued notices to the Andhra Pradesh chief secretary and the director general of police, directing them to conduct a thorough investigation in the matter. The probe is expected to examine if the industrial unit adhered to all safety regulations and legal requirements and whether there was any negligence on the part of the authorities responsible for supervising the facility. The NHRC has mandated that a detailed report be submitted within two weeks. The report should include the status of the FIR filed in connection with the incident, the treatment being provided to the injured and the disbursement of compensation to the kin of those killed or injured. The commission has also sought information on any relief and rehabilitation efforts undertaken for the victims and the action taken against officials found responsible. The explosion sparked widespread concern, with State Disaster Response Force teams continuing its search for survivors. The cause of the explosion remains unclear and the authorities fear that more bodies may be trapped under the rubble. Source: Economic Times

August 24,2024 Brussels: The European Commission on Friday approved Moderna’s respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for older adults — the first time the bloc has authorised an mRNA shot against a disease other than Covid-19. RSV is a highly contagious seasonal virus that can cause severe symptoms in infants and the elderly — one in 20 of whom contract it each year in Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In the European Union, Norway and United Kingdom, RSV leads to the hospitalisation of around 158,000 adults each year, as well as some 213,000 children under five, according to ECDC data. “Vaccination saves lives,” the EU’s commissioner for health and food safety, Stella Kyriakides, said in a statement announcing the approval of Moderna’s mResvia vaccine. “We are determined to ensure that everyone has access to the protection that they need against serious diseases.” The authorisation, which follows a similar step by the US Food and Drug Administration in May, is based on a positive assessment by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in June. The EMA approved the use of mResvia for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), which is caused by RSV, in adults of 60 and older. The EU had previously approved two vaccines for protecting against RSV, manufactured by Pfizer and GSK. GSK and Pfizer’s vaccines rely on traditional technology: introducing a pathogen component to the immune system to trigger a response. In contrast, Moderna’s vaccine utilises cutting-edge messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, instructing the body to produce a unique protein that stimulates an immune response, teaching it to defend against the infection. “This approval of the first mRNA vaccine against RSV clearly shows the importance of innovation when it comes to protecting the health of our citizens,” Kyriakides said. Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s chief executive, said the commission’s approval was “an important milestone for public health and highlights Moderna’s mRNA leadership.” Source: Pharma

August 21,2024 New Delhi: Addressing the rising prevalence of cervical cancer among adolescent girls, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on member countries in the South-East Asia region to intensify efforts to ensure all children receive life-saving vaccines. These vaccines, crucial for protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer, are part of the childhood immunization program. “We should aim for a ‘big catch-up’ to vaccinate all zero-dose and partially vaccinated children, restore immunization progress lost during the pandemic, protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer, and accelerate efforts to eliminate Measles and Rubella from WHO South-East Asia by 2026,” stated Saima Wazed, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia, during the 15th Meeting of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (SEAR-ITAG). Wazed emphasised, “The Region missed the target to eliminate measles and rubella by 2023. The WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage data released last month show slow progress and no meaningful change in childhood immunization coverage last year compared to 2022, with coverage yet to be restored to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Nearly 2.7 million children in our Region did not receive any vaccines, and another 0.6 million children were partially vaccinated in 2023.” She further added, “We need locally impactful approaches and, most critically, enhanced political and social leadership as the foundation for the intensified actions needed to meet our Regional targets. The focus must be on tailored approaches, developed in consultation with affected communities.” The SEAR-ITAG is an annual meeting where experts, national immunization program managers, surveillance focal points, and partner agencies review immunization coverage progress. The group provides guidance on setting regional immunization priorities and offers technical support to Member States for strengthening routine immunization services. Source: Healthworld

August 22,2024 New Delhi: An ICMR-led study, which estimated risk of adults in India developing heart disease over a 10-year period, found that those unemployed were at a significantly higher risk, followed by those having high blood sugar levels. Researchers analysed nearly 4,500 adults aged 40-69 years, about half of whom were younger (40-49 years old). Data was collected using surveys and questionnaires, including those developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), such as for gauging one’s physical activity levels. Among the study group, about 85 per cent were at a very low-to-low chance of developing cardiovascular diseases, while about 14.5 per cent and one per cent were at a moderate and high-to-very high chance of developing these conditions, respectively, they found. Twice as many men as women had a higher than 10 per cent risk of developing heart disease over 10 years, the researchers, including those from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Bengaluru, found. A very low-to-low chance meant less than 10 per cent risk of experiencing heart-related diseases, while moderate and high-to-very high chance indicated 10-20 per cent and over 20 per cent likelihood, respectively, according to the study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research. Among the participants having high blood sugar levels, women had an 85 per cent increased risk of getting heart conditions over 10 years, while men were at a 77 per cent higher risk, the researchers estimated. They also said that among the participants who were obese, women and men had a 71 per cent and a 55 per cent higher chance of developing heart conditions, respectively, compared to those who were not obese. The researchers also found that the participants living in urban areas were at a higher risk of heart diseases, with 17.5 per cent having more than 10 per cent risk, compared to 13.8 per cent of those living in rural places. About two-thirds of the study group was from rural backgrounds. Further, urban women participants had an 86 per cent higher probability of having elevated 10-year CVD risk than rural women participants, the authors said. However, the researchers found that the unemployed participants were at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to the employed ones or homemakers. “While 87-88 per cent of the latter two groups had a low risk of (cardiovascular diseases), only 54 per cent of the unemployed population had a low risk,” the authors wrote. They said that previous studies assessing cardiovascular disease risk in India were conducted using geographically localised samples and, therefore, a national estimate was missing. This study was the first one to estimate risk in India using the non-laboratory-based WHO charts, the team said. Source: Healthworld

August 22,2024 New Delhi: The recent confirmation of the first Mpox (Monkeypox) case in Pakistan, the virus, once confined to Central Africa, is now perilously close to India. Experts warn that ignoring these early signs could lead to a significant health crisis and are urging for immediate and comprehensive preparedness to prevent another pandemic. India, still recovering from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, cannot afford complacency. With Mpox cases emerging in neighboring regions, experts are calling for swift preventive measures to avert a potential health crisis. Dr Prashant Sinha, Head of Emergency at PSRI Hospital, said, “Mpox is highly transmissible through close human contact, particularly during intimate interactions or through sexual fluids. This includes actions like touching, hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils or clothing with an infected person. Additionally, the virus can spread through contact with contaminated materials like bedding, towels, or surfaces exposed to the virus. We must be vigilant, especially with individuals who have a history of travel to African nations.” Highlighting about the role of vaccines for Mpox prevention, Dr Pranjit Bhowmik, Chairman of Asian Hospital, said, “While the JYNNEOS vaccine, recommended for Mpox prevention, is currently unavailable in India, vaccination remains the best protection, particularly for high-risk groups. In its absence, we must focus on other preventive measures like avoiding contact with wild animals, practicing good hygiene, and wearing protective gear when dealing with potentially infected individuals.” Emphasising the neurological risks posed by Mpox, Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, said, “Mpox can affect brain function, with headaches being just one symptom. The virus can cause inflammation in brain tissues, leading to serious conditions like encephalitis. Vigilance is crucial, especially in patients presenting with neurological symptoms, to ensure timely intervention. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for managing the disease.” So far this year, around 1,100 deaths have been reported due to Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the virus was initially confined to Central Africa, cases have now been reported in other regions, including Sweden and Pakistan. This development prompted the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak a global health emergency, the highest level of alert under international health law. Source: Healthworld