National Task Force on Brain Health set up under Leadership of Dr Rajinder Dhamija

New Delhi: The government has taken a significant step towards prioritizing brain health by establishing the National Task Force on Brain Health. This initiative is being led by Dr Rajinder K Dhamija, Director of the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS).

The creation of the task force marks a substantial move towards placing brain health at the forefront of the national healthcare agenda.  

NITI Aayog’s Health & Family Welfare Division has recently released an office memorandum for the constitution of the “National Task Force on Brain Health” for strengthening Brain Healthcare and services in India. The memo mentioned that Brain Health is an emerging and growing concept encompassing preventive, promotive and rehabilitative domains to provide and ensure Brain Health for all as part of universal health coverage and to accomplish SDGs. The Task Force has been instructed to submit its report by the 15th of July 2024. 

The memo stated, “A pragmatic approach for effective strategies on surveillance, prevention, acute care and rehabilitation are needed urgently to provide easily accessible services for promotion, protection and recovery of Neurological Health and Care in India. Accordingly, it has been proposed to constitute a “National Task Force on Brain Health” with technical experts in the field of neurological care and science, and concerned ministries to review the gaps in-depth and make recommendations.”

“Disorders of the nervous system are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for 9 million deaths per year. In the past three decades, most studies in India have shown a high disease burden for specific diseases including stroke, epilepsy, headache, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia, mostly reported for the urban Indian population. Despite progress in improving access to national health care, disparities persist based on socioeconomic status, age, geography, and gender”, the memo added.

The task force will recommend pathways to improve accessibility and quality of Brain health at primary, secondary and tertiary health care levels and it will also come up with specific action to be taken for strengthening and creating a robust, structured system to provide effective, timely diagnosis, treatment and care to patients with Neurological disorders.

The task force will be responsible for formulating strategies for promoting, managing, and preventing Neurological Disorders in Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs. It will also recommend ways to create systems for supportive rehabilitation infrastructure, equipped to provide services and interventions aimed at enhancing overall well-being and functioning for individuals living with Neurological conditions.

Dr Dhamija’s leadership is expected to guide the task force in its efforts to address various brain health concerns, including mental health disorders, neurological diseases, and overall cognitive well-being. The task force includes well-qualified members like Ms Indrani Kaushal, Economic Adviser, MoHFW, Ms Radhika Chakravarthy B, Joint Secretary (Social Defence), Prevention of Drug Abuse, PMU, MoSJE, Shri Rajesh Yadav, Joint Secretary, DePwD, MoSJE, Dr Suvarna Alladi, NIMHANS, Dr Manjari Tripathi, HOD, Neurology, AIIMS, Dr Veena Kalra, Ex-Professor & Head Paediatrics, AIIMS, Dr Ravinder Singh, Neuro-rehabilitation Scientist, ICMR, and Shri Rajib Kumar Sen, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog. 

Also Read: Mindfulness and meditation: inward attention as tool for mental health

Powered by WPeMatico

Roche Alecensa gets USFDA nod for ALK-positive early-stage lung cancer

Basel: Roche has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Alecensa (alectinib) for adjuvant treatment following tumour resection for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (tumours ≥ 4 cm or node positive), as detected by an FDA-approved test.

“Alecensa is now the first and only ALK inhibitor approved for people with ALK-positive early-stage NSCLC who have undergone surgery to remove their tumour,” the Company stated.

“With an unprecedented 76% reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death versus chemotherapy, Alecensa significantly improves upon the standard of care for people with early-stage ALK-positive lung cancer,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “At Roche, our goal is to give patients the best chance of cure by bringing effective, targeted treatments to early-stage disease before their cancer has spread. This approval brings us one step closer to achieving that mission.”

“The approval of Alecensa marks a pivotal moment for people newly diagnosed with early-stage ALK-positive lung cancer, who until now, were not able to receive ALK-specific therapy,” said Ken Culver, Director of Research and Clinical Affairs at ALK Positive, Inc. “These patients, who are typically diagnosed at a younger age, often face recurrence and have a higher risk of developing brain metastases than those with other types of NSCLC. Now, with this significant advance, it is more important than ever that all people diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer undergo testing for ALK and other recommended biomarkers to receive the treatment most appropriate for them.”

The approval is based on positive results from the Phase III ALINA study that demonstrated Alecensa reduced the risk of disease recurrence or death by 76% (hazard ratio [HR]=0.24, 95% CI: 0.13-0.43, p<0.001) compared with platinum-based chemotherapy in people with completely resected IB (tumour ≥ 4 cm) to IIIA (UICC/AJCC 7th edition) ALK-positive NSCLC. In an exploratory analysis, an improvement of central nervous system (CNS) disease-free survival was observed (HR=0.22; 95% CI: 0.08-0.58). The safety and tolerability of Alecensa in this trial were generally consistent with previous trials in the metastatic setting and no unexpected safety findings were observed. These data were presented as a late-breaking oral at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress 2023 Presidential Symposium in October 2023 and were also recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine in April 2024.

Alecensa is a kinase inhibitor currently approved as first- and second-line treatment for ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC. It has demonstrated significant efficacy in patients, including those with CNS metastases, and now with this approval, these benefits could extend to people with early-stage disease. Routine testing of resected surgical tissue or biopsy for ALK, EGFR and PD-L1 biomarkers in patients with stage IB to IIIA and select IIIB (UICC/AJCC 8th edition) NSCLC, in addition to in the advanced setting, is recommended by international guidelines, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines), to support clinicians’ decision-making. About 5% of people with NSCLC are ALK-positive, equating to approximately 90,000 people worldwide diagnosed each year.

The review of this application was conducted under the FDA’s Project Orbis initiative, which provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology medicines among international partners. According to the FDA, collaboration among international regulators may allow patients with cancer to receive earlier access to products in other countries where there may be significant delays in regulatory submissions. For this review, FDA collaborated with the Australian Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA), Health Canada (HC), Israel’s Ministry of Health (IMoH) Pharmaceutical Administration, Switzerland’s Swissmedic, and the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (UK MHRA). Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will also be participating as Type C Project Orbis Partners.

Additionally, the FDA reviewed and approved the supplemental application under its Real-Time Oncology Review pilot programme. Data from the Phase III ALINA study will also be used for filing submissions to additional global health authorities, including the European Medicines Agency.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally. Each year 1.8 million people die as a result of the disease; this translates into more than 4,900 deaths worldwide every day. Lung cancer can be broadly divided into two major types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer. NSCLC is the most prevalent type, accounting for around 85% of all cases. Today, about half of all people with early lung cancer (45-76%, depending on disease stage) still experience a cancer recurrence following surgery, despite adjuvant chemotherapy. Treating lung cancer early, before it has spread, may help prevent the disease from returning and provide people with the best opportunity for a cure.

Read also: CDSCO Panel Approves Roche’s Protocol Amendment Proposal For Anti-cancer Drug Atezolizumab, Lenvatinib, and Sorafenib Study

Powered by WPeMatico

Black women hospitalized in US with blood infection resistant to last-resort antibiotic at increased risk of death

New research being presented at this year’s ESCIMD Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) in Barcelona, Spain (27–30 April), finds that the odds of death in Black women with a bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by carbapenem-resistant enterobacterales (CRE)—a family of the world’s most intractable drug-resistant bacteria—was twice that of Black men or White women even after adjusting for age, BSI source, liver disease, hospital onset, race and gender and the race-gender interaction.

Powered by WPeMatico

Tumor deposits in colorectal and gastric cancers

Tumor deposits (TDs), initially recognized in colorectal cancer, have been identified in various other cancer types, including gastric cancer. It is defined as aggregates of tumor cells found in adipose and fibrous tissues in the lymph node drainage area of a primary tumor.

Powered by WPeMatico

Shoe technology helps reduce risk of diabetic foot ulcers

Researchers have developed a new shoe insole technology that helps reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, a dangerous open sore that can lead to hospitalization and leg, foot or toe amputations.

Powered by WPeMatico

Battle against fatal neurodegenerative disease advances on two fronts

European researchers are pioneering a vaccine and treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Powered by WPeMatico

High genetic risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder suggests possible health consequences

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is closely linked to a person’s mental and physical health and is often accompanied by a range of health problems in patients. Researchers at the University of Tartu found that this is also true for people who do not have a confirmed diagnosis but are at high genetic risk of developing ADHD. The study was published in the journal Psychological Medicine in early April.

Powered by WPeMatico

NEET MDS 2024 Result Scorecard Out for All India 50 Percent Quota Seats, know cutoff scores

New Delhi- Through a notice, the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced the release of the result-cum-scorecard for the NEET MDS 2024 All India 50% Quota Seats.

Candidates can download the NBEMS NEET MDS 2024 Individual Scorecard from the NBE official website. To access the NEET MDS Scorecard, a candidate must enter their application number and date of birth.

As per the notice, “Individual scorecard for NEET-MDS 2024- All India 50% quota seats will be available for download at NEET-MDS official website on/after 29th April 2024. Copy of scorecard will not be sent to individual candidates”.

Cut-off scores (out of 960) for All India 50% quota Post Graduate MDS Courses (2024-25 admission session) are as follows:

CATEGORY

MINIMUM QUALIFYING/ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

CUT-OFF SCORES (OUT OF 960)

General/EWS

50th percentile

263

SC/ST/OBC (Including PwBD of SC/ST/OBC)

40th percentile

230

General PwBD

45th percentile

246

NEET-MDS 2024 candidates with scores at or above the cut-off scores mentioned above in their respective categories are eligible to participate in the counselling for All India 50% quota Post Graduate MDS seats to be conducted by DGHS, MoHFW.

Qualification to participate in online counselling for NEET-MDS 2024 – All India 50% quota seats does not confer any automatic rights upon the candidates for admission to All India 50% quota Post Graduate MDS Courses.

NEET-MDS 2024 – All India 50% Quota scorecard mentions the following:

1 All India 50% Quota Rank: This is the overall merit position of the candidate amongst all the candidates who have appeared in the NEET-MDS 2024 and are eligible for All India 50% quota counselling and is valid only for All India 50% quota MDS Courses (2024-25 admission session).

2 All India 50% Quota Category Rank: This is the overall merit position of the candidate in the category (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) as opted by the candidate in the NEET– MDS 2024 amongst the candidates of the same category who are eligible for All India 50% quota counselling and is valid only for All India 50% quota MDS Courses.

National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-MDS was held on March 18 and the result was declared by NBEMS on April 3, 2024.

To view the notice, click the link below

Powered by WPeMatico

Shilpa Medicare marketing partner unveils Pemrydi Rtu in US

Karnataka: Shilpa Medicare’s marketing partner, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, has launched PEMRYDI RTU (Pemetrexed injection 10 mg/mL), the first ready-to-use pemetrexed formulation in the US market.

The product has already been granted permanent J-code (J9324) by U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Read also: Shilpa Medicare gets Code J for Pemetrexed Injection

Pemetrexed Injection is used as a drug, in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in combination with other chemotherapy agents. It is also indicated in the treatment of mesothelioma in combination with cisplatin.

PEMRYDI RTU is a novel ready-to-use injection which eliminates the need for refrigeration or reconstitution and dilution for administration to the patient. This offers hospitals and oncology clinics a new, value-added presentation that should improve pharmacy efficiency by eliminating preparation steps and freeing up refrigerator space.

Currently product is available in two vial sizes: 100mg/10mL and 500 mg/50mL, and we intend to introduce 1000mg/100mL soon in the market.


According to IQVIA, U.S. annual sales for pemetrexed for the 12 months ended February 2024 were $287 million.

Shilpa Medicare Limited, headquartered at Raichur, Karnataka, India, is a vertically integrated, manufacturer and distributor of quality drugs to global markets; specializing in the Oncology therapeutic segment and introducing novel drugs focusing on patient convenience and compliance.

Read also: USFDA closes inspection at Shilpa Medicare Hyderabad lab

Powered by WPeMatico

Manipal Hospitals Launches New Autism Clinic

Bengaluru: When Ishaan Kabra’s parents noticed he wasn’t meeting developmental milestones by the age of just over two years, they became concerned. Despite attending play school, Ishaan remained non-verbal and displayed restless behavior. After consulting with healthcare professionals and experiencing limited progress with speech and occupational therapies over six months, a chance encounter with Dr. EV Raman for treatment of fluid accumulation in Ishaan’s ears led the Kabras to Dr. Chitra Shankar, where he was diagnosed with Autism. The Kabra family committed themselves to providing the best care for their son.

Recounting the challenges and the ordeal Mr Piyush Kabra emphasized the importance of quality care and access to comprehensive treatment. Mrs Kabra left her career as a teacher to devote herself entirely to Ishaan’s upbringing, while their daughter felt the strain of reduced parental attention. Yet, the family remained a pillar of strength for each other, supporting Ishaan’s journey with autism. Today, at 12, Ishaan has made remarkable strides thanks to the multidisciplinary approach to his treatment and his family’s unwavering support. “Occupational training has been particularly transformative,” Mr. Kabra adds. Ishaan now engages in activities he loves, like cycling, skating, and yoga, contributing immensely to his overall well-being. Ishaan’s story highlights the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care in managing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which affects children differently and requires tailored support, reports news agency ANI.

Also Read: Manipal Hospital Doctors give new lease of life to 47-Year-old Iraqi Patient with HIPEC surgery

ASD is a developmental disorder associated with the brain. It is called a spectrum disorder because it affects people differently and to varying degrees from mild to severe with functional challenges and profoundly influences a child’s communication, social interaction, and response to stimuli. In India, one in every 68 children is affected by autism, with boys being more commonly impacted than girls, at a ratio of approximately 3:1. Although not curable, early detection enables effective management.

Announcing the launch of The Autism Clinic at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, the Departments of Paediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation underscored the critical need for comprehensive and tailored care for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The inaugural event was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals, Dr. Jagadish Chinappa, Consultant Paediatrics, Dr. Chitra Sankar – Consultant in Developmental Paediatrics, and Dr. Bidisha Banerjee, Consultant – Paediatric Neurology at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road.

Dr. H Sudarshan Ballal emphasized the uniqueness of each child on the autism spectrum, highlighting the clinic’s dedication to providing personalized care. Dr Jagadish Chinappa elaborated on the clinic’s premier features, highlighting its status as one of Bengaluru’s premier centers for comprehensive ASD management. He emphasized the collaborative effort required in the management of autism and stated, “Management of ASD is teamwork and requires expansive coordination by various specialists including child development specialists, psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists, working towards the prevention of worsening of symptoms or complications and focusing on the holistic development of every child with ASD.” Dr. Chitra Sankar assured the audience of the clinic’s commitment to creating a nurturing environment. She emphasized individualized therapy plans tailored to each child’s needs and strengths, addressing core symptoms as well as associated medical and emotional needs. Dr. Bidisha Banerjee emphasized the crucial importance of family involvement, with the clinic offering guidance and support to parents and caregivers throughout the journey.

According to an ANI report, The clinic launch received overwhelming support from families seeking treatment for their children with ASD. Mr. Piyush Kabra expressed optimism and relief regarding the high-quality treatment and holistic approach of the Autism Clinic at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, and said “Parents of autistic children face numerous challenges, especially concerning the quality of care and fragmented treatment approaches. Manipal Hospitals’ Autism Care Centre represents a significant step forward in providing high-quality treatment within a holistic framework encompassing speech, behavioral, and occupational therapy, as well as medical care. I am confident the center will offer solace to parents and caregivers of special children.”

Also Read: Manipal Hospital in association with IAP organises Health Camp for Children with Down Syndrome

Powered by WPeMatico