Baricitinib and UV-B phototherapy combination effective against severe vitiligo, reveals research

A recent clinical trial found that combining the oral medication baricitinib with narrowband UV-B light therapy significantly improves outcomes for adults with severe and active nonsegmental vitiligo. The findings were published in the recent issue of Journal of American Medical Association.

The study was conducted at 4 dermatology centers between July 2021 and April 2023, by including patients with this chronic autoimmune disorder that leads to skin depigmentation and diminished quality of life (QOL). This randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluated a total of 49 adult participants with extensive and active vitiligo.

The patients were assigned in a 3:1 ratio to receive either baricitinib (4 mg daily) or a placebo. During the first 12 weeks, patients received the oral treatment alone, followed by the addition of narrowband UV-B therapy twice weekly from weeks 12 to 36. The primary measure of this study was to assess the percentage improvement in total Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) scores over the 36-week trial period. The study also examined changes in disease activity, quality of life, and potential adverse effects.

The outcomes found that the group receiving baricitinib and UV-B therapy achieved a mean VASI improvement of 44.8% when compared to their baseline scores. This was significantly greater than the placebo group, which only showed a 9.2% improvement. Also, patients in the treatment group experienced improved quality of life and reduced disease activity, with no significant increase in adverse effects when compared to placebo.

Despite the mean improvement in VASI for the treatment group (44.8%) narrowly exceeding the threshold of 42.9% previously observed with UV-B therapy alone, post hoc analyses further emphasized the benefits of this treatment. Specifically, the baricitinib-plus-UV-B group outperformed the placebo-plus-UV-B group by a significant margin (44.8% vs. 9.2%, P = .02).

71% of participants were female, with a median age of approximately 50 years. This research found no meaningful differences in the occurrence of adverse events between the two groups by underlining the treatment’s safety profile.

Overall, this study represents a significant step forward in vitiligo treatment for patients with extensive and active cases who are often the hardest to treat. The combined use of baricitinib and narrowband UV-B therapy demonstrates a powerful synergy. This offers a promising option for long-term skin repigmentation and quality-of-life improvements.

Source:

Seneschal, J., Guyon, M., Merhi, R., Mazereeuw-Hautier, J., Andreu, N., Cazenave, S., Ezzedine, K., Passeron, T., & Boniface, K. (2025). Combination of baricitinib and phototherapy in adults with active vitiligo: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatology (Chicago, Ill.). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.5737

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Tranexamic acid during myomectomy reduces intraoperative and postoperative blood loss: Study

Myomectomy can be associated with life-threatening
conditions such as bleeding. Excessive bleeding usually necessitates blood
transfusion. Interventions to reduce bleeding during myomectomy will help
reduce the need for blood transfusion with its associated complications.
Tranexamic acid has been used to reduce bleeding in other surgical procedures,
and its usage during myomectomy merits evaluation.

In view of the limited numbers of RCTs conducted on efficacy
of TXA vs. placebo, additional research on the topic of utmost importance to
consolidate the evidence from different populations is needed. Also,
considering the need to reduce blood loss during myomectomy and the need for
further work on tranexamic acid in that regard, this study was conceived.

To assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing
myomectomy-associated blood loss, a prospective double-blinded randomized trial
was conducted on women who had abdominal myomectomy. Patients were randomized
into two groups. The study group received perioperative intravenous tranexamic
acid (TXA) while the control group received a placebo. Intraoperative blood
loss was calculated by measuring the volume in the suction apparatus and
weighing the surgical swabs. In addition, blood collected postoperatively from
the wound drains and drapes were measured. Haemoglobin concentrations were
determined preoperatively and on second postoperative day for all cases. Any adverse
effect was noted in both groups.

Symptomatic uterine myomas constituted 17.3% of all
gynaecological admissions and 21.3% of gynaecological operations at Federal
Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.

The mean intraoperative blood loss among patients that had perioperative
tranexamic acid infusion was 413 6 ± 165 6 ml, while that of patients with
placebo infusion was 713 6 ± 236 3 ml.

Perioperative tranexamic acid infusion therefore reduced
mean intraoperative blood loss by 300 ml, and this was statistically significant
(SMD = −0 212, 95% CI: −403.932 to −196.067, P < 0 0001).

Perioperative tranexamic acid reduced mean total blood loss
by a value of 532.3 ml, and this is statistically significant (SMD = 30 622,
95% CI: 393.308 to 670.624, P < 0 0001).

Tranexamic acid also improved postoperative haemoglobin
concentration by 1.8 g/dl compared with placebo, and this is statistically
significant (SMD = −0 122, 95% CI: 1.182 to 2.473, P < 0 0001).

Tranexamic acid infusion decreased hospital stay by about 2
days, and this difference was statistically significant (SMD = −3 929, 95% CI:
-3.018 to –0.983, P = 0 0003). There was no adverse drug reaction in the course
of the study.

This was a double-blind RCT that determined the efficacy of
TXA in reducing blood loss during open-myomectomy surgical procedures. The
predesigned pro forma used in this study is in the appendix. The findings of
this study demonstrate that tranexamic acid (TXA) significantly reduced the intra-
and postoperative, as well as total blood loss associated with open myomectomy
in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids in the cohort of patients
recruited. Tranexamic acid also reduced the need for blood transfusion,
improved the postoperative haemoglobin concentrations 6and reduced the duration
of hospital stay in the same participants. This is probably due to the ability
of TXA acid to reduce blood loss by inhibiting enzymatic breakdown of fibrins
in blood clots through inhibition of conversion of plasminogen to plasmin.

Tranexamic was shown, in this study, to significantly reduce
myomectomy-associated blood loss, the requirements for blood transfusion and
intraoperative time as well as the duration of admissions.

Source: Ayodele Adegbite Olaleye, Joshua Adeniyi Adebayo,
Justus Ndulue Eze; Hindawi International Journal of Reproductive Medicine
Volume 2024, Article ID 2794052, 8 pages

https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2794052

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Antibiotic-Loaded Hydrogel Does Not Compromise Hip Stem Stability

Researchers have discovered that an antibiotic-loaded hydrogel did not compromise the primary stability of uncemented hip stems. A biomechanical study recently proved that construct stiffness and stem subsidence in hip implants prepared with or without hydrogel were equivalent under varied load conditions. The study was conducted by Georgios and colleagues which was published in the journal BMJ Surgery.

The primary stability is considered the key determinant of success for uncemented hip implants because it influences long-term fixation. Antibiotic-loaded hydrogels, providing antimicrobial benefits without impacting stability, have been an area of interest and, therefore, required a comprehensive biomechanical assessment.

The primary stability was assessed using an electro-mechanic material test system (#5866, Instron, Norwood, MA, USA) provided with a 10-kN load cell. A quasi-static ramped compression loading protocol was applied at a rate of 0.005 mm/s. Six intermittent load levels from 500 N to 3000 N in steps of 500 N were used for testing.

Twelve artificial femora were set up and instrumented with collarless uncemented standard offset stems (Corail; DePuy Synthes, Zuchwil, Switzerland). These were divided into two groups, one with an application of antibiotic-loaded hydrogel, and one without. Stiffness was calculated by load-displacement curves; stem subsidence was assessed using motion measurement techniques.

Key Findings

Construct Stiffness:

  • Control group: 4176±240 N/mm

  • Hydrogel group: 4588±448 N/mm

  • No significant difference between the groups (p=0.076).

Stem Subsidence:

  • There was a marked increase in subsidence at all levels of loading for both groups (p≤0.002).

  • No significant difference between the two groups for subsidence (p=0.609).

Load Tolerance:

  • Both groups exhibited stable performance at incremental levels of load (500 N to 3000 N).

The study concludes that antibiotic-loaded hydrogel application is associated with non-inferior primary stability in uncemented hip stems. This finding supports its potential use in clinical practice, although further investigations are required to fully establish its safety and efficacy.

Reference:

Orfanos, G., Zderic, I., Gueorguiev, B., Nylund, P., D’Este, M., Varga, P., & Okoro, T. (2024). The impact of adjuvant antibiotic hydrogel application on the primary stability of uncemented hip stems. BMJ Surgery, Interventions, & Health Technologies, 6(1), e000307. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsit-2024-00030

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Cysteamine 5 Percent Cream: A Promising Alternative to Hydroquinone for Melasma Management, Research Reveals

Indonesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials have highlighted the efficacy and safety of cysteamine 5% cream in managing melasma, offering a potential alternative to the widely used topical hydroquinone.

The study, published in the Archives of Dermatological Research, indicated that cysteamine 5% cream could serve as a viable alternative to topical hydroquinone for managing melasma, offering comparable efficacy and safety.

Melasma, a common hyperpigmentation disorder, often presents as dark, irregular patches on the face and affects quality of life. While hydroquinone has been the standard treatment for decades, concerns about its long-term safety and tolerability have spurred the search for effective alternatives.

Cysteamine 5% cream has emerged as a promising candidate. This topical formulation harnesses cysteamine, a naturally occurring compound, to reduce melanin production in the skin. Unlike hydroquinone, which has been associated with side effects like irritation and ochronosis, cysteamine offers a comparable efficacy profile with potentially fewer risks.

Against the above background, Ferra Olivia Mawu & Paulus Mario Christopher from Sam Ratulangi University/R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cysteamine 5% cream in managing melasma.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a comprehensive search across Europe PMC, Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases up to June 22, 2024. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared cysteamine with placebo or hydroquinone in patients with melasma. To analyze the outcomes, random-effect models were employed to determine the odds ratio and standardized mean difference (SMD). A total of seven RCTs were included in the analysis.

The following were the key findings:

  • Cysteamine 5% cream was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the Melasma Area and Severity Index (SMD −0.84).
  • There was no significant difference in efficacy between cysteamine 5% and hydroquinone 4% (SMD 0.16).
  • The incidence of adverse events (AEs) such as erythema, irritation, burning, itching, and dryness was higher with cysteamine 5% compared to a placebo.
  • The occurrence of adverse events was similar between cysteamine 5% and hydroquinone 4%.

Despite the promising findings, the authors emphasize the need for further research, particularly large-scale studies, to establish cysteamine’s long-term safety and effectiveness across diverse populations. Continued exploration could also identify optimal treatment protocols, enhancing its integration into standard melasma management practices.

As melasma remains a challenging condition to treat, the emergence of cysteamine 5% cream represents an encouraging development. Its potential to provide a safe, effective, and well-tolerated solution offers hope to millions of individuals seeking relief from this persistent skin condition.

Reference:

Mawu, F.O., Christopher, P.M. Efficacy and safety of cysteamine 5% cream for the management of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Dermatol Res 317, 117 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03571-3

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Children exposed to in utero zika virus infection face neurodevelopmental delays, finds study

A recent study published in the Pediatrics journal highlighted the long-term impacts of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections during pregnancy which revealed a significant risk of neurodevelopmental delays in children exposed to the virus in utero. The research was conducted between 2018 and 2022 and illuminates the pressing need for improved prenatal care and long-term monitoring of children exposed to ZIKV.

This retrospective-prospective matched cohort analysis, enrolled mother-infant pairs from Mato Grosso do Sul. This research compared those exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy with a control group of unexposed pairs. Clinical and epidemiological data from the Brazilian health surveillance system provided insight into the gestational period and neonatal outcomes, while children underwent assessments for both early congenital anomalies and long-term neurodevelopmental challenges.

The incidence risk ratio (IRR) for adverse outcomes in ZIKV-exposed children was 2.7 times higher than that of the control group. The risks of motor and cognitive delays were particularly concerning. Motor development delays were 3.4 times more likely (95% CI, 1.2–9.6) in exposed children, while cognitive delays were 4.7 times more likely (95% CI, 1.7–13.0).

The timing of maternal infection played a critical role in determining the risk severity. When ZIKV infection occurred during the first trimester, the odds of adverse outcomes in children surged to an 11.2 times greater (95% CI, 3.6–35.0) when compared to infections in the third trimester. Nearly half (44%) of first-trimester infections resulted in at least one adverse event in the child.

The study also addressed the risks of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), characterized by severe brain and skull abnormalities, among other complications. However, even in children without CZS, the risk of neurodevelopmental delays persisted by emphasizing that the effects of ZIKV exposure can be subtle but profound.

Overall, this study called for increased vigilance in monitoring and supporting ZIKV-exposed children, even if no immediate congenital anomalies are observed at birth. Early interventions could reduce the long-term impact of these developmental challenges. This study highlights the urgent need for public health initiatives to prevent ZIKV transmission, especially during pregnancy. 

Reference:

Venancio, F. A., Quilião, M. E., Gabeira, S. C. de O., Carvalho, A. T. de, Leite, S. H. dos S., de Lima, S. M. B., Alves, N. dos S., Moura, L. da C., Schwarcz, W. D., Azevedo, A. de S., Demarchi, L. H. F., Zardin, M. C. S. U., Lichs, G. G. de C., Taira, D. L., Fernandes, W. de S., Alves, N. O., Arrua, A. E. C., Nascimento, A. I. do, Mareto, L. K., … Oliveira, E. F. de. (2025). Early and long-term adverse outcomes of in utero Zika exposure. Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-067552

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Deeper Anterior Chamber Depth associated with Faster Myopia Progression in Children: Study

Axial length (AL) is a more sensitive indicator than spherical equivalent (SE) for monitoring the progression of myopia in children, according to a recent study published in Frontiers in Medicine. The study was conducted by Huijie C. and colleagues. The present study highlights the role of AL as an essential parameter in myopia progression monitoring and the role of ACD in possibly contributing to the growth of AL.

The study spanned over six months where 417 students from grades 1 to 8 in Chongqing, China participated. Baseline data were collected in March 2023 through comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations that included a spectrum of tests: UCVA, non-cycloplegic refraction, AL measurements, and corneal topography. Follow-up evaluations were done six months later. All the same procedures applied to evaluate visual parameters were used. In addition, a visual habits questionnaire was administered to study the association of vision-related behavior with AL growth.

Results

The following results were found from the study:

  • Incidence of Myopia: It increased from a baseline value of 33.3% to follow-up value of 38.6%.

  • Axial Length (AL): Demonstrated an increase, and the follow-up AL was measured at 23.69 ± 1.03 mm against the baseline measurement of 23.57 ± 1.03 mm, p < 0.001.

  • Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD): Students with an increase in AL ≥0.2 mm had a deeper ACD than those with AL growth ≤0.05 mm, at 3.16 ± 0.23 mm as against 3.02 ± 0.28 mm, p = 0.001.

  • LT: Lower in children with higher AL growth (3.29 ± 0.10 mm) than in those with lesser AL growth (3.33 ± 0.10 mm, p = 0.004).

  • Correlation: ACD was positively correlated with AL growth (r = 0.181, p < 0.001).

  • These findings emphasize the importance of AL and ACD as key parameters in the study of myopia progression in children.

Axial length significantly proved to be a more sensitive and reliable parameter than spherical equivalent for monitoring myopia progression in children. It was observed that a positive correlation between anterior chamber depth and AL growth, which means deeper ACD more likely leads to longer AL growth. Thus, the new findings raise the necessity to include AL and ACD assessment in routine ophthalmologic examinations to better understand and address the issue of myopia progression.

Reference:

Cao, H., Xiang, Y., Cheng, H., Sun, K., Zheng, S., Du, M., Gao, N., Zhang, T., Yang, X., Xia, J., Wan, W., & Hu, K. (2025). Deep anterior chamber depth may be a risk factor for axial length growth in children. Frontiers in Medicine, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1489989

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Accelerated surgery tied to lower mortality risk than standard care among hip fracture patients: study

Myocardial injury after a hip fracture is common and has a poor prognosis. Patients with a hip fracture and myocardial injury may benefit from accelerated surgery to remove the physiological stress associated with the hip fracture.

The study by Flavia K. Borges et al aimed to determine if accelerated surgery is superior to standard care in terms of the 90-day risk of death in patients with a hip fracture who presented with an elevated cardiac biomarker/enzyme measurement at hospital arrival.

The HIP fracture Accelerated surgical TreaTment And Care tracK (HIP ATTACK) trial was a randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether accelerated surgery for hip fracture (median of 6 hours from orthopaedic diagnosis) was superior to standard care (median of 24 hours from orthopaedic diagnosis) in reducing death or major complications. This sub study is a post-hoc analysis of 1392 patients (from the original study of 2970 patients) who had a cardiac biomarker/enzyme measurement at hospital arrival. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary composite outcome included all-cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and congestive heart failure 90 days after randomization.

Key findings of the study were:

• Three hundred and twenty-two (23%) of the 1392 patients had troponin elevation at hospital arrival. Among the patients with troponin elevation, the median time from hip fracture diagnosis to surgery was 6 hours (interquartile range [IQR] = 5 to 13) in the accelerated surgery group and 29 hours (IQR = 19 to 52) in the standard care group.

• Patients with troponin elevation had a lower risk of mortality with accelerated surgery compared with standard care (17 [10%] of 163 versus 36 [23%] of 159; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24 to 0.77]) and a lower risk of the secondary composite outcome (23 [14%] of 163 versus 47 [30%] of 159; HR = 0.43 [95% CI = 0.26 to 0.72]).

The authors opined – ‘In conclusion, 1 in 5 patients with a hip fracture present with myocardial injury. Mortality is 3-fold higher in this population compared with the patients with a hip fracture who do not have a myocardial injury. Accelerated surgery has the potential to improve mortality rates and major cardiovascular outcomes compared with standard care. These findings must be confirmed in additional trials.’

 

Further reading:

Myocardial Injury in Patients with Hip Fracture A HIP ATTACK Randomized Trial Substudy

Flavia K. Borges et al

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I.

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024;106:2303-12

http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.23.01459

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Low-Dose Prophylactic Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy Not Associated With Gastrointestinal Complaints: Study

During pregnancy, the demand for iron is markedly increased
due to the expansion of the pregnant woman’s hemoglobin mass and the
concomitant need for iron in the growing fetus. In many European and developed
countries, oral iron supplementation is now routinely recommended to pregnant
women because studies have shown that women not taking iron supplements suffer
a high frequency of iron deficiency (ID) and many display ID anemia (IDA).

A Danish randomized study found that a low dose (i.e., a
dose being considerably lower than the dose used for treatment of IDA) of 40mg
of elemental iron as ferrous fumarate daily is sufficient to prevent ID and IDA
in 90% and 95%, respectively, of all pregnancies. Thus, in 2013, the Danish
Health Authorities changed their recommendation on prophylactic oral iron
supplementation from 50–70 mg of elemental ferrous iron/day to 40–50 mg/day without
recommending any specific iron formula.

However, many women are still reluctant to follow the
recommendation, as they are worried about gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort or
side effects of oral iron supplements.

Uncomplicated pregnancy is accompanied by “physiological” GI
discomfort, with considerable individual variation between the women. The GI
complaints are partly due to hormonal changes, for example, increased
production of progesterone inhibiting GI motility resulting in constipation,
increased levels of prostaglandins causing diarrhea, and increased
fetoplacental production of GDF15, which appears to be linked to the maternal
risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Furthermore, the pressure of the
growing uterus on the abdominal organs, the ventricle, and the intestines
provokes gastroesophageal reflux with symptoms such as epigastric pain,
pyrosis, heartburn, cardialgia, and constipation. Due to these physiologically
induced changes in GI function in uncomplicated pregnancy, it is difficult to
evaluate the possible GI side effects of oral iron supplements during
gestation.

To assess the frequency of GI complaints during low-dose
oral iron prophylaxis and compare three iron formulas in equipotent doses:
ferrous fumarate versus ferrous bisglycinate versus ferrous sulphate, in
healthy women with an uncomplicated single pregnancy, study was carried out by
Nils Thorm Milman and Thomas Bergholt. Results from two randomized,
double-blind studies are reported: the Gentofte study comprising 404 women
allocated into four groups taking 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg of elemental iron as
ferrous fumarate/day and the Naestved study comprising 78 women allocated into
two groups: 25 mg of elemental iron as ferrous bisglycinate/day and 50 mg of
elemental iron as ferrous sulphate/day between meals from 15 to 19 weeks of
gestation to delivery. GI complaints (nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain/
pyrosis, belching, meteorism, borborygmi, intestinal colic, flatulence, loose
stools, constipation, and use of laxatives), as well as black stools, were
recorded by interview at the time of inclusion and at regular intervals during
gestation.

At inclusion, the frequency of total combined GI complaints
in all women (n = 482) was 21%. The Gentofte study showed that in the groups
taking 20–60 mg iron/day as fumarate, there was no association between the iron
dose and the frequency of GI side effects. An iron dose of 80 mg as fumarate
was associated with significantly higher frequencies of constipation and the
use of laxatives. Comparing the three equipotent doses of iron formulas, which
can prevent iron deficiency, ferrous bisglycinate 25 mg iron had the most
favourable GI side effect profile, while ferrous fumarate 40 mg iron and
ferrous sulphate 50 mg iron had higher but similar GI side effect profiles. The
frequency of black stools increased with the iron dose. Ferrous bisglycinate 25
mg iron had a lower frequency of black stools (8%) than ferrous fumarate 40 mg
iron (22%) and ferrous sulphate 50 mg iron (31%).

This study showed that low-dose iron supplementation for
pregnant women appears to have no clinically significant GI side effects.
However, an iron dose above 60 mg of elemental ferrous iron as fumarate/day,
for example, 80 mg/ day, most likely causes an increased frequency of specific
GI complaints. Comparing the three iron formulas in doses that can prevent ID
and IDA, ferrous bisglycinate 25 mg iron had the most favourable GI side effect
profile, while ferrous fumarate 40 mg iron and ferrous sulphate 50 mg iron had
somewhat higher but similar GI side effect profiles. Ferrous bisglycinate may be
considered for iron prophylaxis, especially in women experiencing GI side
effects when taking conventional iron formulas.

Source: Nils Thorm Milman and Thomas Bergholt; Wiley Journal
of Pregnancy Volume 2024, Article ID 1716798, 10 pages

https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1716798

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Drug Price Transparency: Committee Asks NPPA To Rollout PMRU In Remaining States, UTs

New Delhi: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has been asked by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers to prioritize the establishment of Price Monitoring and Resource Units (PMRUs) in the remaining five States and Union Territories (UTs).

Currently, PMRUs have been set up in 31 States and UTs, with the remaining ones being Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Sikkim, and Manipur. The Committee highlighted that the setting up of PMRUs in these five regions is crucial for extending the benefits of the Price Monitoring and Resource Unit scheme.

In its report on the Demands for Grants of the DoP for the fiscal year 2024-25 submitted in the Lok Sabha recently, the Committee noted that despite efforts from the Department, PMRUs have not yet been established in these regions. “Notably, letters have been issued by the Department to the States/UT Authorities for regular follow-ups, and officers from NPPA have also been deputed to some of the States to expedite the process,” the report stated. The Committee strongly recommended that these PMRUs be set up as soon as possible to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach every part of the country.

The CAPPM (Consumer Awareness, Publicity and Price Monitoring) scheme has two main components: assistance to PMRUs in States and UTs, and advertising and publicity to raise consumer awareness about drug prices. PMRUs function as key partners in price monitoring at the grassroots level, collaborating directly with State Drug Controllers.

According to the DoP, PMRUs have been functioning satisfactorily in the 31 States and UTs where they are currently operational. These units operate as registered societies under the supervision of the respective state drug control administrations. Their key activities include market-based data collection, monitoring of price movements of both scheduled and non-scheduled formulations, collection of test samples of medicines, and conducting training seminars and workshops to create awareness about the prices of medicines.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, PMRUs conducted 320 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities aimed at increasing consumer awareness. In the current fiscal year, 114 IEC activities have been carried out as of August 2024. These activities are designed to educate the public about various provisions of the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), the role of NPPA in price fixation, and the Pharma SahiDaam (PSD) mobile app, which enables users to check drug prices and lodge complaints about pricing and availability issues.

The Department further informed the panel that PMRUs also conduct regular availability surveys to monitor the stock and supply of essential medicines across the country. During the fiscal year 2023-24, PMRUs conducted 1,107 such surveys.

While PMRUs in the majority of states have been effective in achieving their objectives, the Committee expressed concern over the delay in setting up PMRUs in the remaining five states and UTs. It recommended that NPPA take immediate action to establish these units to ensure uniform benefits from the scheme across the nation.

The PMRU setup is being funded by NPPA under the CAPPM scheme, with each State or UT categorized based on its population size. States with larger populations receive a higher allocation for the establishment and operation of PMRUs. As of the end of FY 2023-24, NPPA has revised its budget estimates for 2024-25 to ensure greater funding allocation in line with the growing activities of PMRUs.

The Department has assured the Committee that efforts to establish PMRUs in the remaining states are ongoing. Regular follow-ups, along with the deputation of NPPA officials, have been initiated to facilitate the setting up of these units.

However, the Committee is keen to ensure that every State and UT benefits from the scheme, urging NPPA to expedite the process in the five remaining regions. “The Committee desire that the PMRUs be set up in these five remaining States at the earliest so that the benefits of the Scheme reach these states too,” Panel headed by Lok Sabha member Kirti Azad Jha said.

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69 MD, MS, DNB seats vacant after Round 2 NEET PG counselling: DME Gujarat

Gujarat- The Director of Medical Education (DME) Gujarat has released the list of vacant seats after MD, MS and Diploma Round 2 Counselling for the academic year 2024-25. As per the list, 69 seats are vacant across MD, MS and DNB courses.

Recently, DME Gujarat has released the Vacant Seat details after Round 02 (MD/MS/Diploma) for 2024-25 on its official website.

Also Read: DME Gujarat Begins Round 2 Admission Cancellation Process for PG Medical Courses

VACANT SEATS

S.NO

COURSES

VACANT SEATS

MD, MS

1

Biochemistry.

3

2

Community Medicine.

6

3

Forensic Medicine.

5

4

Microbiology.

1

5

Physiology.

21

6

Anatomy.

26

TOTAL

62

DNB

1

General Surgery.

1

2

Anesthesiology.

1

3

Pathology.

1

4

Diploma in Anesthesiology.

1

5

Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

3

TOTAL

7

Meanwhile, DME Gujarat has begun the started the process of cancellation of admissions of Round 2 for MD, MS and Diploma courses from 27th January 2025. Therefore, candidates who have confirmed their admission in the 1st/2nd Round of PG Medical (MD/MS/Diploma) Courses after paying the tuition fees and submitting the original documents and want to cancel their admission can do so.

The process of cancellation of admissions for Round 2 for MD, MS and Diploma courses started on January 27, 2025, at 10 am and will end on January 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm.

The Government of Gujarat had constituted the “Admission Committee for Professional Post Graduate Medical Educational Courses (ACPPGMEC)” to regulate the admission of candidates to the CPS Diploma courses. The mission assigned to this Committee is to carry out the counselling process fairly and transparently. The admission process is conducted by this Committee strictly based on the candidate’s merit. The Gujarat Government has also established the Admission Committee for Professional Post-Graduate Medical Educational Courses (ACPPGMEC) to regulate the admission of candidates to professional medical courses. 

To view the vacant seats, click the link below

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/vacant-seats-271630.pdf

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