VIP Convoy: No Doctor in Ambulance accompanying MP Governor, Protocol Officer Suspended

Indore: A protocol officer from the Madhya Pradesh Health Department has been suspended following the discovery that no doctor was designated for duty in the ambulance accompanying the convoy of Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot. The incident came to light when Gehlot’s granddaughter fell ill while traveling through Indore district, prompting swift action and raising concerns over the adequacy of medical arrangements.

“The Karnataka Governor’s granddaughter, who was with him in the convoy, fell ill near Indore on Friday evening. But there was no doctor in the ambulance,” Collector Ashish Singh told PTI.

Also Read:Wrong blood transfused at Rajkot Hospital, Resident doctor suspended

Subsequently, Gehlot’s granddaughter was admitted to a private hospital, where she received necessary medical care and is reported to be in stable condition. However, the incident led to disciplinary action against the responsible protocol officer.

“The protocol officer of the health department has been suspended for negligence in putting in place appropriate medical arrangements in the governor’s motorcade,” Indore’s Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr B S Saitya said.

“It was the duty of this protocol officer to mark a doctor on duty in the ambulance attached to the convoy of the important and very important persons,” he added.

Also Read:Dereliction of Duty: Medical Officer faces suspension, another under radar of JnK Health Dept

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Gilead Sciences gets exclusive global license to develop, commercialize Xilio tumor-activated IL-12

Foster City: Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. have announced an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialize Xilio’s Phase 1 tumor-activated IL-12 program, XTX301.

Xilio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies. The company is using its proprietary tumor-activation platform to build a pipeline of novel, tumor-activated molecules, including antibodies, cytokines, bispecifics, and cell engagers, which are designed to optimize the therapeutic index and localize anti-tumor activity within the tumor microenvironment. XTX301 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 dose escalation trial in patients with advanced solid tumors.

“Xilio’s novel tumor-activation platform naturally complements Gilead’s clinical development program in difficult-to-treat cancers and expands our focus in immuno-oncology,” said Bill Grossman, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Oncology Clinical Development, Gilead Sciences. “We believe IL-12 has the potential to treat a broad range of tumor types and are excited to partner with Xilio to advance XTX301, a tumor-activated IL-12, as a monotherapy and a combination therapy across a variety of solid tumors.”

“Gilead’s confidence in our tumor-activated technology, combined with their deep expertise in developing and commercializing novel immuno-oncology products, will enable us to accelerate and expand the development of XTX301, our tumor-activated IL-12,” said René Russo, Pharm.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Xilio. “We look forward to collaborating with Gilead as we seek to deliver on the potential for XTX301 to provide a meaningful benefit for a range of tumor types, including immunologically cold tumors, while overcoming the severe toxicities historically associated with IL-12.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Xilio granted Gilead an exclusive global license to develop and commercialize XTX301, Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12. Xilio will receive $43.5 million in upfront payments, including a cash payment of $30 million and an initial equity investment by Gilead of $13.5 million in Xilio common stock at a premium. Xilio will be eligible to receive up to $604 million in additional contingent payments, including additional equity investments by Gilead, a transition fee and specified development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. Xilio will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties ranging from high single digits to mid-teens on annual global net product sales.

Xilio will be responsible for conducting clinical development of XTX301 in the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial through dose expansion. Following the delivery by Xilio of a specified clinical data package for XTX301, Gilead can elect to transition responsibilities for the development and commercialization of XTX301 to Gilead, subject to the terms of the agreement and payment by Gilead of a $75 million transition fee. Prior to the potential transition fee, Xilio is eligible to receive up to a total of $29 million in additional equity investments and a development milestone payment.

Gilead does not exclude acquired IPR&D expenses from its non-GAAP financial measures. This transaction is expected to reduce Gilead’s GAAP and non-GAAP 2024 EPS by approximately $0.03 – $0.04.

Read also: Gilead Sciences completes acquisition of CymaBay Therapeutics for USD 4.3 billion

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CSIR-NIIST unveils innovative technology for safe biomedical waste management

Thiruvananthapuram: CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) has pioneered a groundbreaking technology for the safe, sustainable, and cost-effective management of biomedical waste, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the country.

This innovative technology was unveiled at the Biomedical Waste Management Conclave, a one-day event hosted at the CSIR-NIIST campus in the city on March 26. 

According to UNI, Dr M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi, inaugurated the meet, which was presided over by Dr N Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and Director General, CSIR, through videoconferencing.

Also Read:Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital slapped Rs 10,000 fine for irresponsible disposal of waste near Operation Theatre

Dr Srinivas emphasized the importance of innovative technologies in the biomedical field and reiterated AIIMS’ commitment to collaboration with academic and research institutions, particularly CSIR. He commended CSIR-NIIST Director Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan and his team for their groundbreaking alternative for the disposal of pathogenic biomedical waste.

Dr Kalaiselvi said the biomedical waste treatment technology of CSIR-NIIST will help effectively address one of the biggest challenges of modern times. “This technology will have a great impact on the global biomedical arena by addressing the limitations of conventional technologies, including energy intense incineration,” she observed.

Dr Anandharamakrishnan said using the technology one kilo medical waste can be converted into soil additives in three minutes and it can be used for agriculture purposes. This technology, which is safe and cost effective, will help hospitals dispose of medical waste at its origin very easily, the UNI news agency reported.

However, the implementation of the technology in hospitals across the country requires the concurrence of the Central Pollution Control Board.

“CSIR-NIIST is actively working on various waste management strategies, including biomedical waste. The technology that we developed for converting pathogenic biomedical waste into value added soil additives is a perfect example for the ‘Waste to Wealth’ concept,” he added.

The event saw the participation of notable figures such as Dr Sanjay Behari, Director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology; Er. Sreekala S., Chairperson of Kerala State Pollution Control Board; Dr Joseph Benavan, State President of the Indian Medical Association; Dr Pragya Yadav, Director-in-Charge of ICMR-NIOH and Head of the BSL 4 Facility at the National Institute for Virology, Pune; M. S. Faisal Khan, MD of NIMS Medicity, Thiruvananthapuram; and Er. J. Chandrababu, Regional Director of the Central Pollution Control Board, Bengaluru.

Following the development of this groundbreaking technology, CSIR-NIIST has transferred it to Bio Vastum Solutions, a firm based in Angamaly.

The conclave also facilitated discussions on various aspects of scientific biomedical waste management, underscoring the need for innovative technologies to replace conventional methods. Over 250 delegates, including policymakers, major medical institutions, technocrats, NGOs, industries, and academia, attended the event.

NIIST is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (CSIR).

Also Read:Bombay HC directs BMC to set up bio-medical waste plant in 2 years

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CT waiver not considered, Conduct BA study: CDSCO Panel Tells Sun Pharma on Pulmonary FDC

New Delhi: Denying to consider the clinical trial waiver proposal for the fixed dose combination (FDC) Vilanterol Trifenatate plus Umeclidinium Bromide Dry Powder Inhaler in capsule, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has opined the drug major Sun Pharma Laboratories to conduct the bioavailability (BA) study of Vilanterol Trifenatate equivalent to Vilanterol 25mcg plus Umeclidinium Bromide equivalent to Umeclidinium 62.5mcg Dry Powder Inhaler in capsule.

This came after the drug maker Sun Pharma Laboratories presented the proposal along with comparative BA study protocol and justification for CT waiver before the committee.

Vilanterol trifenatate, a novel inhaled long-acting beta2 adrenoceptor agonist, is well tolerated in healthy subjects and demonstrates prolonged bronchodilation in subjects with asthma and COPD.

Vilanterol stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs. Beta-2 receptors mediate bronchodilation, so stimulation of these receptors leads to bronchodilation. Glycopyrronium blocks muscarinic M3 receptors. M3 receptors in lungs mediate bronchoconstriction, so blockade of these receptors leads to bronchodilation.

Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist used as a long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Umeclidinium blocks muscarinic M3 receptors. M3 receptors in lungs mediate bronchoconstriction, so blockade of these receptors leads to bronchodilation. Vilanterol stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs. Beta-2 receptors mediate bronchodilation, so stimulation of these receptors leads to bronchodilation.

At the recent SEC meeting for Pulmonary held on 5th March 2024, the expert panel reviewed the proposal presented by drug major Sun Pharma along with the comparative BA study protocol and justification for the CT waiver of the pulmonary FDC Vilanterol Trifenatate plus Umeclidinium Bromide Dry Powder Inhaler in capsule

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended that the firm should conduct a BA study and the clinical trial waiver was not considered at this stage.

Accordingly, the expert panel suggested that the result of the BA study should be presented before the committee for further review of waiver of clinical trial study

Also Read: AstraZeneca India bags dual CDSCO nod for Trastuzumab deruxtecan

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19-year-old NEET aspirant found hanging from ceiling fan

The coaching town of Kota has once again in spotlight as yet another NEET aspirant allegedly took her own life, marking the seventh suicide by a coaching student since the beginning of this year.

Somya Kurmi, a 19-year-old NEET aspirant was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her PG room late Wednesday night, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Tailor informed PTI. This heartbreaking incident comes just a day after the discovery of another NEET aspirant, Mohammad Urooj (20), who was found dead at his PG accommodation in Vigyan Nagar.

For more information click on the link below:

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Santosh Kumar Mahil joins Shilpa Pharma Life Sciences as CEO

Karnataka: Shilpa Medicare Limited has announced the appointment of Santosh Kumar Mahil, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shilpa Pharma Life Sciences Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

Santosh Kumar Mahil, aged 51, boasts over 28 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector. He holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry from H.P. University Shimla. His extensive experience spans API, Formulation, and Intermediate sectors on a global scale, showcasing his adeptness in making critical decisions and navigating complex business challenges while ensuring consensus among diverse functional groups.
Prior to this role, Mr. Santosh Kumar Mahil served as the Chief Commercial and Business Officer at Unichem Laboratories Limited, where he provided strategic leadership and spearheaded various initiatives for organizational advancement. He has also held significant positions at companies such as USV Limited, RLFC, Lupin, and Sun Pharmaceuticals.

Shilpa Medicare Limited started its operations as an API manufacturer way back in 1987 at Raichur, Karnataka- India. The commercial production in the SML was started in November 1989. Today Shilpa Medicare Limited is a global brand in manufacturing and supplying of API and Formulation globally in different regulated markets.

Read also: Shilpa Medicare secures Europe approval for smoking cessation drug Varenicline

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Result of NEET MDS 2024 to be announced on April 18

As per the official schedule of the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test For Master Of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) 2024 result will be declared on April 18, 2024.

Candidates can check their NEET MDS Result 2024 through candidate login and download the result from the official website of NBE after the declaration of the result.

For more information, click on the link below:

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Slight hike in price of essential medicines from April 1

A slight hike in the price of essential medicines, such as painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-infectives, is set to take place on April 1st, in line with the change observed in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) between 2022 and 2023.

Through a recent notification, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has declared to permit the pharmaceutical sector to increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of scheduled formulations by approximately 0.00551% at the start of the fiscal year 2024-25, considering the change observed in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) between 2022 and 2023.

For more information, click on the link below:
Prices Of Essential Medicines To Rise Slightly From April 1

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Health Bulletin 30/ March/ 2024

Here are the top health news for the day:

Essential medicine prices to rise up from April 1st

A slight hike in the price of essential medicines, such as painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-infectives, is set to take place on April 1st, in line with the change observed in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) between 2022 and 2023.

Through a recent notification, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has declared to permit the pharmaceutical sector to increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of scheduled formulations by approximately 0.00551% at the start of the fiscal year 2024-25, considering the change observed in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) between 2022 and 2023.

For more information, click on the link below:
Prices Of Essential Medicines To Rise Slightly From April 1

NEET MDS 2024 results set for release on April 18th

As per the official schedule of the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test For Master Of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) 2024 result will be declared on April 18, 2024.

Candidates can check their NEET MDS Result 2024 through candidate login and download the result from the official website of NBE after the declaration of the result.

For more information, click on the link below:

 7th NEET aspirant suicide reported since January 2024

The coaching town of Kota has once again in spotlight as yet another NEET aspirant allegedly took her own life, marking the seventh suicide by a coaching student since the beginning of this year.

Somya Kurmi, a 19-year-old NEET aspirant was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her PG room late Wednesday night, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Tailor informed PTI. This heartbreaking incident comes just a day after the discovery of another NEET aspirant, Mohammad Urooj (20), who was found dead at his PG accommodation in Vigyan Nagar.

For more information, click on the link below:


Secondhand e-cigarette vapor may pose risk to children like secondhand smoke: Study

As the debate around the safety of electronic cigarettes continues to swirl, a recent pilot study has shed light on a concerning aspect: the potential impact of secondhand vapor on children. Presented at the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners conference, the study conducted by researchers at Emory University delved into the effects of e-cigarette exposure on children aged 4 through 12. What they discovered raises alarms about the potential health risks posed by vaping around kids.

The study, involving 48 parent-child pairs, examined the levels of metabolites linked to chemicals found in e-cigarettes in children regularly exposed to vaping. Comparing these findings with a control group of non-exposed children, researchers identified higher levels of metabolites associated with disruptions in dopamine levels, inflammation, and cellular damage due to oxidative stress. While the study serves as a preliminary exploration, it sets the stage for further investigation into the long-term health implications of secondhand e-cigarette vapor exposure in children.

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123 Vacancies For Assistant Professor Post At UPSC In Health Ministry, Applications Open

New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited online applications for the Specialist Grade III Post Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on permanently in different dept.

UPSC is India’s premier central recruiting agency. It is responsible for appointments to and examinations for All India services and group A & group B of Central services.

UPSC Vacancy Details:

Total no. of Vacancies:- 123

The Vacancies are in the departments of Anaesthesiology, Cardio Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Neonatology, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Last Date of Application: 11th April 2024.

For more details about Qualifications, Age, Pay Allowance, and much more, click on the given link:

HOW TO APPLY?

i) Candidates must apply online through the website http://www.upsconline.nic.in. Applications received through any other mode would not be accepted and summarily rejected.

ii) Candidates must upload the documents/certificates in support of all the claims made by them in the application like, Date of Birth, Experience (preferably in prescribed format), Desirable Qualification(s) etc. or any other information, separately against each claim in pdf file in such a way that the file size does not exceed 1 MB for the respective aforesaid modules and 2 MB for the “UPLOAD OTHER DOCUMENT” module and is legible when a printout taken. For that purpose, the applicant may scan the documents/certificates in 200 dpi grey scale. Documents like Pay Slip, Resume, Appointment Letter, Relieving Letter, Un-signed Experience Certificate etc. must not be uploaded in the Document Upload Module:-

a) Matriculation/10th Standard or equivalent certificate indicating date of birth, or mark sheet of Matriculation/10th Standard or equivalent issued by Central/State Board indicating Date of Birth in support of claim of age. Where date of birth is not available in certificate/mark sheets, issued by concerned Educational Boards, School leaving certificate indicating Date of Birth (in case of Tamil Nadu& Kerala).

b) Degree/Diploma certificate as proof of educational qualification claimed. In the absence of Degree/Diploma certificate, provisional certificate along with mark sheets pertaining to all the academic years.

c) Order/ letter in respect of equivalent Educational Qualifications claimed, indicating the Authority (with number and date) under which it has been so treated, in respect

of equivalent clause in Essential Qualifications, if a candidate is claiming a particular qualification as equivalent qualification as per the requirement of advertisement.

d) Certificate(s) in the prescribed proforma from the Head(s) of Organization(s)/Department(s) for the entire experience claimed, clearly mentioning the duration of employment (date, month & year) indicating the basic pay and consolidated pay. The certificate(s) should also mention the nature of duties performed/experience obtained in the post(s) with duration(s). Experience Certificate should be issued in prescribed format relevant to the post. Experience certificate not in prescribed proforma but containing all the details as mentioned above would be considered on merits by the Commission.

e) Caste certificate by candidate seeking reservation as SC/ ST/ OBC, in the prescribed proforma from the competent authority indicating clearly the candidate’s Caste, the Act/ Order under which the Caste is recognized as SC/ ST/ OBC and the village/ town the candidate is ordinarily a resident of.

f) A declaration in the prescribed format by candidate seeking reservation as OBC, that he/she does not belong to the creamy layer on the crucial date, in addition to the community certificate (OBC). Unless specified otherwise, the prescribed closing date for receipt of Online Recruitment Application for the post is to be treated as crucial date.

g) Certificate of Disability in prescribed proforma issued by the competent authority to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) eligible for appointment to the post on the basis of prescribed standards of Medical Fitness. The Competent Authority to issue Certificate of Disability shall be a Medical Board duly constituted by the Central or a State Government. The Central/ State Government may constitute Medical Board(s) consisting of at least three members out of which at least one shall be a specialist in the particular field for assessing Locomotor/ Cerebral / Visual / Hearing disability, as the case may be.

h) Documentary support for any other claim(s) made.

Note: If any document/ certificate furnished is in a language other than Hindi or English, a transcript of the same duly attested by a Gazetted officer or notary is to be uploaded.

Also Read:1,930 Nursing Officer Vacancies At UPSC In ESIC: Check All Details Here

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