Team JGJ

Sep 22, 2024 • In a new study conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, researchers have shown that metformin, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, can slow aging in multiple organs, including the brain. • Over a three-and-a-half-year period, they found that monkeys treated with metformin showed reduced age-related decline, with some exhibiting a six-year regression in certain aging indicators. • While the study suggests promising anti-aging benefits, there is a need for further research, including human trials, to further explore the drug’s potential. Metformin, a drug traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes, has garnered significant attention for its potential anti-aging effects. Its mechanism involves improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair processes, all important factors in aging. In this new research, experts in China, along with U.S. colleagues, have discovered that administering the diabetes drug metformin to cynomolgus monkeys can slow aging across multiple organs, including the brain. The study was carried out by teams from several institutions, including the Institute of Zoology and the Beijing Institute of Genomics, both part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their study, published in Celle, details the researchers’ nearly three-and-a-half-year study on the   effects of metformin on the bodies of cynomolgus monkeys Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicu/aris) are a suitable model for aging studies because, like other nonhuman primates, their physiological and functional characteristics resemble those of humans. Source: Medical News Today

Sep 22, 2024 New Delhi: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has declared as many as 16 commonly-used medicines as spurious, after they failed the regulator’s quality and safety tests. These include Glenmark Pharmaceuticals’ Telma H, prescribed by doctors to manage blood pressure, and Sun Pharmaceutical’s Ursocol 300 used for gallstones treatment, a drug alert issued by DCGI, and seen by Mint, said. The other heavily-prescribed medicines that have failed India’s apex drug regulator’s tests include Pulmosil injection used for managing pulmonary arterial hypertension, and Pantocid for gastric issues. These tests come in the backdrop of some instances of Indian medicines failing quality checks abroad, following which Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) along with state drugs controllers (SDCs) have conducted risk-based inspections of more than 400 premises in the last one year. As a result, over 300 actions like issuance of show-cause notices, stop production order, suspension, cancellation of licences /product licences etc. have been taken by state licensing authorities as per the provisions of the Drugs Rules, 1945. Paziva —40, Pantomed —40, Cefixime Oral Suspension IP, Moxymed CV, Frusemide Injection IP 20 mg, Tab Nodosis, Pantoprazole Inj. BP 40 mg — were listed in Inot of standard quality (NSQ)I by the regulator’s database for the month August. “Pulmosil, an indication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, Pantocid used against gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Ursocol 300 mg used for the treatment of gallstones manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd have been detected as “spurious”. Popularly used Telma H drug– manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd is used for managing high blood pressure. The drug has been declared spurious by the regulator,” stated the drug alert issued by DCGI. Sun Pharmaceutical Ltd and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, in a reply to the drug regulator, have said that the impugned batch of the product has not been manufactured by them and that it is a spurious drug. “The product is purported to be spurious, however, the same is subjected to outcome of investigation,” they said. Quality control These poor quality and unsafe medicines have been reported by the drugs inspector, East Zone, CDSCO, that has a mandate to pick samples to ensure that genuine product is available in the market. During 2022-23, at least 3,053 drugs were found substandard and 424 spurious or adulterated, Union minister of state for health and family welfare Anupriya Patel said in Parliament in July. Earlier in February, the apex drug regulator instructed the states/Union Territories to keep a strong vigilance and surveillance on the quality of drugs available in the market by doing random sampling of the medicines. The initiative helps create a monthly database of spurious and NSQ medicines and keep a check on manufacturers. Another important drug, Defcort 6 Tablets, have been found to be unsafe by the Delhi drug regulator. The indication is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare health condition. Source: Live Mint

Sep 24, 2024 Kerala: The Kerala health department announced plans to release revised guidelines for the prevention and treatment of Mpox, a decision that came in the wake of the southern state repolting the country’s first confirmed case of the new strain on Monday. The State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) held a meeting to assess the overall situation in the state. After the meeting, state Health Minister Veena George said instructions have been given to take necessaiY action if the number of cases increases. “Isolation facilities have been set up in all districts, and monitoring has been strengthened, including at airports. Currently, testing facilities have been arranged in five laboratories. If required, testing facilities will be expanded to more labs,” she said in a statement. She said those arriving from other countries who show symptoms should inform the health department and seek treatment. The minister also instructed that if anyone with Mpox symptoms comes to government or private hospitals, the health depaltment should be informed. Earlier, official sources in New Delhi said India had repcn•tecl the first case of the Mpox strain in a patient from Kerala who tested positive last week. They said the Clade 1b strain was detected in a 38-year-old man from Malappuram district who had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. The patient is stable, the sources said, adding, “This was the first case of the current strain that led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare Mpox a public health emergency last month for a second time.” The earlier case of Mpox that emerged in the national capital was a 26- yem=old resident of Haiyana’s Hisar who tested positive for the previous West African Clade 2 strain earlier this month. Since the WHO’s 2022 declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, 30 cases have been reported in India. Mpox infections are generally self-limiting, lasting between two and four weeks, and patients usually recover with suppcntive medical care and management. It is transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an infected patient. Mpox typically manifests itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. Source: Economic Times

Sep 25, 2024 New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on Tuesday urged the National Medical Commission to expand 75,000 medical seats by 2029. Nadda made this statement while addressing the 4th-anniversary ceremony of the National Medical Commission today. He also noted that NMC achieved its target of MBBS seats in the country a year in advance. He fulther encouraged NMC to achieve the target set by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, of adding 75,000 medical seats over the next 5 years to meet the growing demand of aspiring medical professionals, as per the release. “Lauding recent technological methodologies adopted by NMC such as in assessing medical colleges through AI and introduction of Aadhar- enabled biometric attendance (AEBAS) for faculty, Nadda motivated NMC to continue its eff01ts to improve and enhance the quality of medical education in the country,” as per the release. He also highlighted the initiation of the National Medical Register (NMR), calling it “a dynamic database for all allopathic doctors which has already received about 20,000 applications”. The Union Health Minister said that recent eff01ts towards serving public health, especially the Family Adoption Program will prepare MBBS students to become more humane and skillful clinicians. He also pointed out the shift in mindset to preventive healthcare and wellness. “On the occasion, the Union Health Minister released an essay compilation book – ‘Making of a Family Physician: Reaching the Roots’ of selected 89 essays, a Collage book- ‘Art of Making of a Family Physician: Reaching the Roots’ of selected 67 collages and a First Survey report on medical camps conducted by colleges under Family Adoption Program through village outreach. The smvey has been carried out by 2nd year MBBS students in 2022 from 496 colleges from 28 states/ Union Territories participated,” as per the release. The Union Minister also felicitated the students who wrote the best essays and made the best collages. He concluded his address by congratulating the new students who took admission in MBBS courses around the country. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, Union Health Ministly; Dr BN Gangadhar, Chailperson, NMC; Dr Aruna V Vanikar (Undergraduate Medical Education Board) and DrVijay Oza (Postgraduate Medical Education Board), Presidents, NMC and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion. (ANI) Source: Economic Times

Sep 25, 2024 Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana conducted raids at a medical shop in Nagulbanda, Falaknuma, which was being operated by Mohammed Ayub Pasha without a valid drug license, and seized 23 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics, antihistamines, analgesics, antipyretics, etc that were illegally stocked for sale. The drug samples in the medical shop, which did not have the mandatory drug license, have been collected and sent to the DCA laboratory for quality testing. The DG, TSDCA, V B Kamalasan Reddy urged wholesalers and traders to ensure that they supply drugs in bulk only to individuals or medical shops that have valid DCA drug license, which is issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Quack held In a separate raid by the DCA, Telangana, the drug inspectors seized large stocks of medicines from a quack’s clinic in Konne village, Bachannapet mandal, Jangaon district. The DCA inspecting team raided the clinic of a quack K Laxminarayana, who was practicing allopathy without any qualification in Konne village. During the course of the raid, the DCA teams seized 34 varieties of medicines including antibiotics, steroids etc, worth Rs 20,000, which were stocked at the premises without any drug license. The DCA has reported that several higher generation antibiotics were seized at the clinic during the raids. Source: Telangana Today

Sep 15, 2024 New Delhi: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued a new code for drug inspectors posted across the country to make their inspections, sample collections and permits uniform, predictable and accountable. In a guidance issued on 12 September to all zonal, sub-zonal and port offices, the drug regulator directed drug inspectors to follow a uniform drug sampling method and focus on identifying risks during selection of sample drugs, cosmetics and medical devices moving in the supply chain. The new code replaces a more-than-decade-old set of guidelines in view of changes in the procedure and advancements in the regulatory system. As per the new set of rules, each drug inspector in consultation with their authority shall prepare a sampling plan on a monthly and annual basis for finalizing the sampling locations to cover the entire jurisdiction. The sampling plan shall include rural areas and drugs used in areas endemic for certain diseases, drugs for seasonal diseases etc. This will be useful for effective surveillance for quality and efficacy of drugs and cosmetic available in the market by adopting uniform drug sampling methodology. Inspector will have to collect samples of drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and vaccines. Drugs are regulated under the Drugs & Cosmetic Act, 1940 to ensure safety, efficacy and quality of the drugs available in the country. Centralized list According to the guidance note, the drug inspectors will have to maintain a centralized monthly list of sub-standard or spurious drug and put it in public domain to avoid their further use and ensure the availability of true product in the market and initiate quick actions for NSQ product declared by the Government Analyst. For conducting uniform enforcement, the drug inspectors have to do onsite inspections to evaluate compliance of the quality system and infrastructure with nationally & internationally accepted Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Standards. However, the inspection will have to be conducted in the knowledge of manufacturer with proper evidence and documents. Notably, DCGI is the head of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) which has 8 Zonal offices, 7 Sub-Zonal offices, 8 Central Drugs Testing Laboratories and 9 Airport & 19 Sea port Offices. Last year, Parliament was informed that the number of sanctioned posts and filling of the vacant post of Drug Inspectors in the states come under the respective State Government. Such information is not maintained centrally. However, CDSCO, till December last year, has 504 sanctioned posts, 201 is working strength and 303 are still vacant post. Shortage of drug inspectors This indicates that there is a major shortage of drug inspectors in CDSCO and at the level of state government. “There’s an acute shortage of competent medical devices officers at CDSCO and State Licensing Authorities from the Engineering and science background to adequately regulate medical devices that have recently came under regulations. Due to these shortages pharmacists drug inspectors have been redesignated as Medical Devices Officers and in many cases these are not experts at the diverse range of engineered medical devices they are supposed to regulate. This becomes a huge challenge to manufacturers as they struggle to communicate with these regulators who see products like Defibrilator and ventilators from eye of a medicine . It’s like an airforce officer trying to insist on a naval officer what’s expected by the Airforce,” explained Rajiv Nath, forum Coordinator, AiMeD ( Association of Indian Medical Devices) Industry adding that the government needs to address this issue urgently. Source: Live Mint

Sep 25, 2024 New Delhi: On the back of several concentrated efforts and initiatives, the prevalence of new annual HIV infections has decreased by 44 per cent since 2010, outperforming the global reduction rate of 39 per cent, Anupriya Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, stated during a high-level side event at the United Nations. In her address, the Union Minister said, “As per the recent India HIV Estimations 2023 report, over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India. Thanks to concerted efforts, adult HIV prevalence stands at 0.2 per cent, and estimated annual new HIV infections are around 66,400. New annual HIV infections have decreased by 44 per cent since 2010, outperforming the global reduction rate of 39 per cent.” “India offers comprehensive HIV and Syphilis testing to all pregnant women, with more than 30 million free HIV tests conducted annually. In total, more than 1.7 million people are receiving free Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) through public healthcare systems,” she added. Patel also highlighted that India is the world’s largest supplier of anti- retroviral chugs, accounting for over 70 per cent of global production. The countlY ensures affordable access to nations in need. “We are proud to contribute to the global fight against HIV/AIDS by making quality treatment accessible worldwide,” said the Minister. To combat other complexities faced by HIV patients, Patel shared, “India’s approach to integrating national health programs, including eff01ts to tackle tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and non-communicable diseases, is helping address co-morbidities faced by people living with HIV.” The high-level side event at the United Nations was themed “Revitalized Multilateralism: Recommitting to Ending AIDS Together” and was organised by UNAIDS, the Global Fund, and PEPFAR. Source: Economic times

Sep 15, 2024 Kochi: A joint inspection by excise special squad and drugs control depaltment at a medical shop at Kadavanthra has exposed the alleged sale of prescription drugs without proper documents, said officials. According to an official statement from the department, the inspection was held based on the information received by excise commissioner Mahipal Yadav. The checking was held at Spectrum Pharma as per the directive of joint excise commissioner (central region) N Ashok Kumar. It was found that tramadol tablets, classified under Schedule HI and being misused as a narcotic among students and youngsters, were allegedly being sold without documentation. According to excise, it was found that from July, 20,910 tramadol tablets were purchased, out of which 18,535 were sold, while 2,758 tablets were sold without any records. Spasmonil tablets, which are used as a narcotic, were also allegedly sold without clear prescriptions, excise said, adding that it was also found that the medical shop had OCB cigarette rolling papers in bulk stock. Officials added that the owner of the establishment has 13 medical shops in Ernakulam district and inspections will be conducted there in the coming days. Possessing tramadol tablets, which are used as painkillers, without a doctor’s prescription in quantities of five gram or more is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Strong follow-up actions will be taken against the sale of such substances under the guise of a medical shop licence, as it creates widespread negative impacts on society, excise said. Drugs control depaltment has announced that strict measures, including cancellation of licences, will be taken. Excise authorities also stated that steps have been initiated to identify individuals purchasing narcotic drugs from medical shops. The inspection team included excise circle inspector P Sreeraj, drug inspectors Tessy Thomas and Gladys P Kachappilly, excise inspector Pramod, preventive officer (grade) Pradeesh, and civil excise officers Karthik, Jiji Ashokan, and driver Bader. Source: Economic times

Sep 23, 2024 New Delhi: The Central government is set to launch a scheme to develop 12 indigenous drugs for eight rare diseases, health minister J.P. Nadda said on Monday. The programme aims to provide financial relief to many rare disease patients in the country. “As part of India’s drive towards becoming a global leader in affordablea healthcare, DHR is set to launch a programme developing 12 indigenous drugs for eight rare diseases. This initiative will aim to drastically reduce the cost of treatment for conditions like muscular dystrophy and Gaucher’s disease, making life saving therapies accessible and affordable for the masses,” said Nadda. A health ministry official later listed the diseases as: Familial Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Gaucher Disease, Pompe Disease, Fabry Disease, Niemann Pick Disease (NPD) and Alkaptonuria. Currently, the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) lists 63 rare diseases. Financial support is provided of up to lakh per patient during the course of the treatment at centres of excellence (COEs) for rare diseases. Since the launch of the policy in 2021, approx. 1,118 patients have benefited under NPRD. Health conditions classified under the policy are osteopetrosis that causes bone diseases; Fanconi Anemia that causes bone marrow failures, tumours and other abnormalities; Laron Syndrome that causes growth hormone insensitivity; and immune deficiency disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency and Wiskot Aldrich Syndrome. The rare diseases Familial DMD is a genetic disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, Familial Hypercholesterolemia is a disorder that causes LDL (bad) cholesterol level to be very high. The condition begins at birth and can cause heart attacks at an early age. SMA is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Gaucher disease causes bone pain, anaemia, enlarged organs, a swollen, painful belly, and bruising and bleeding. Pompe Disease is a metabolic disorder that causes a buildup of glycogen in the body’s cells, damaging cells and impairing the function of organs and tissues, especially muscles. Fabry Disease is a rare X-Iinked lysosomal disorder that results in excessive deposition of lipids in the tissues. NPD is a group of inherited disorders that cause lipids to build up in the cells  of the brain, liver, and spleen. Alkaptonuria, or black urine disease, is a very rare inherited disorder that prevents the body fully breaking down two protein building blocks (amino acids) called tyrosine and phenylalanine. Other government initiatives Nadda, while highlighting the initiatives taken by his ministry in the first 100 days of the government, said a Centre for Evidence-Based Guidelines is ready for inauguration to help standardize medical practices nationwide, ensuring better standards of care. The department also launched the National One Health Mission (NOHM) for Pandemic Preparedness to manage zoonotic diseases and pandemics. The government also launched the Med-Tech Mitra online platform to help meditech innovators, startups and industry partners fulfill regulatory compliance. Inspired by India’s landmark Chandrayaan-3 mission, the department has also undertaken “First in the World” challenge to fund 50 high-risk, high- reward innovations in biomedical research. “These initiatives represent transformative steps in healthcare innovation, pandemic preparedness, and the development of indigenous medical solutions, contributing to a healthier, more resilient and Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said. The establishment of the “Research to Action” vertical in DHR will ensure that cutting-edge health research is seamlessly integrated into policy and practice. The government said that Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) across the country have been strengthened through funding support. “Six of these VRDLs are being converted into Integrated Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (IRDLs) covering larger domain of infectious diseases. Construction of Zonal laboratories of National Institute of Virology (NIV) has also been initiated,” it said. Source: Live Mint

Sep 24, 2024 To protect public health and avoid the inevitable financial drain on the national economy due to escalating chronic disease, the United Kingdom’s (UK) All-Paity Parliamenta1Y Group (APPG) on Indian Traditional Sciences intends to integrate Ayurvedic principles into mainstream healthcare for a comprehensive approach to well-being. “Ayurveda is our collective heritage. Every nation can benefit from the integration of the traditional science of Ayurveda to supplement the constantly evolving technologies of crisis management within modern science,” said Amarjeet Singh Bhamra of Ayurveda Centre of Excellence (ACE), APPG. He added that the history of ‘Safe Use’ of Aytuvecla to restore innate immunity within individual life provides the essential prevention- oriented approach to public health and well-being required within the family of nations. He informed that APPG will hold ‘The Ayurveda Summit 2024: Integrating Evidence-Based Preventive Medicine into Healthcare Delivery” on October 24 and 25 in London. “APPG has been conducting events and engaging with policymakers since its inception in 2014, to integrate Ayulveda and Yoga into the health architecture of the UK and Europe,” he said. ACE and APPG Indian Traditional Sciences were established to contribute capacity building, competent to maintain the health of the nation, and to interact thereby with academics and practising medical professionals in the UK and abroad. He said they intend to educate and promote preventive health measures through a variety of initiatives, including workshops, educational programmes, publications, research, awareness campaigns, and consultations. Practitioners and global statistics report the growing demand for non- invasive medical treatments and increasing responsibility for ‘self-care’ to create wellness and avoid ill-health. “The unprecedented rate of growth for natural and traditional healthcare products and treatments is reflected by a multi-trillion-dollar ‘Wellness Indust1Y’ worldwide, which is expanding year on year. Source: Economic Times