Jagannath Shinde and Rajiv Singhal Reelected as AIOCD President and General Secretary

Indore: Through a recent press note, the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has informed that Jagannath Shinde and Rajiv Singhal have been unanimously reelected as President and General Secretary of AIOCD.

This announcement was made during its triannual general meeting in the cleanest city in India, Indore. The meeting addressed significant issues that the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing, as well as significant decisions and resolutions that shaped the organization’s future direction.

The main agenda item was the election for the next term, where Jagannath Shinde and Rajiv Singhal secured their positions. Zonal Vice Presidents and Joint Secretaries were also elected, but the Treasurer’s post remains vacant.

The results were announced by Shri Vaijanath Jagushte, with ARO Shri Dinesh Madan and K. Shanmugam in attendance. Sandeep Nangia, Organizing Secretary, A K Jeevan Dypt. Organizing Secretaries and Jaswant Singh Patel PRO were appointed.

In addition to the above, the summit discovers that despite High Court orders, the Central Government authorities are hesitant to take visible action when it comes to online pharmacies that are functioning illegally.

However, concerning the above, Health Minister Shri. Mansukh Mandaviya has assured AIOCD of protecting its 12 lakh members’ interests and preventing corporate involvement in online medicine sales.

Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned, J S Shinde proposed, “AIOCD would wait for the time allowed by the Hon. Delhi HC before initiating a nationwide protest, the “Halla Bol ANDOLAN,” in the future. A committee empowered under the President will make suitable decisions.”

Furthermore, the summit observed that a crucial unanimous decision by AIOCD is the objection to the “National Pharmacy Commission” draft, which neglects the input of community pharmacists and threatens the autonomy of State Pharmacy Councils.

The proposed draft raised concerns during the conference since, if passed, it may erode democratic processes and result in a bureaucratic department. AIOCD has already filed objections within the stipulated time.

The Madhya Pradesh Chemists Association team, under the leadership of Shri Gautam Chand Dhing, Rajiv Singhal along with Ramesh Gupta, Arvind Gupta Team of Maharashtra MSCDA were engaged in a three-day successful mega event.

Also Read:Rocky Road to E-Pharmacy Regulations

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How can Early-Onset Dementia be prevented?

In the quest to understand and combat young-onset dementia (YOD), a groundbreaking study has delved into previously unexplored territory, shedding light on modifiable risk factors that could revolutionize preventive initiatives. In a groundbreaking prospective cohort study utilizing data from the UK Biobank, researchers sought to unravel the factors associated with the incidence of YOD in individuals younger than 65 years without a dementia diagnosis at baseline. The study found many modifiable factors that were associated with young-onset dementia.

The study results were published in the journal JAMA Neurology.

Exploring the landscape of young-onset dementia (YOD) has been hindered by a lack of comprehensive information on modifiable risk factors. Hence, researchers conducted a prospective cohort study using data from the UK Biobank to examine factors that are associated with the incidence of YOD.

The study, conducted between 2006 and 2010 with follow-up until March 2021 in England and Scotland and until February 2018 in Wales, excluded participants aged 65 and older and those with dementia at baseline. A total of 39 potential risk factors were examined, categorized into domains such as sociodemographic, genetic, lifestyle, environmental, blood marker, cardiometabolic, psychiatric, and other factors. The association between the risk factors and the incidence of YOD was assessed using the Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Findings:

  • Among the extensive cohort of 356,052 participants included in the study, 197,036 (55.3%) were women, and the baseline mean age stood at 54.6 (with a standard deviation of 7.0) years.
  • Throughout the extensive follow-up period encompassing 2,891,409 person-years, researchers observed 485 incident cases of young-onset dementia (YOD), with 251 of these cases occurring in men, representing 51.8% of the male population.
  • This translated to an incidence rate of 16.8 per 100,000 person-years, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 15.4 to 18.3.
  • In the conclusive model, a profound exploration of factors revealed 15 variables significantly associated with an elevated risk of YOD.
  • These factors encompassed a spectrum of influences, including lower levels of formal education, diminished socioeconomic status, possession of two apolipoprotein ε4 alleles, abstinence from alcohol use, the presence of alcohol use disorder, experiences of social isolation, vitamin D deficiency, elevated C-reactive protein levels, reduced handgrip strength, hearing impairment, orthostatic hypotension, a history of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and the presence of depression.
  • Each of these elements contributed distinctly to the heightened risk of young-onset dementia, forming a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors implicated in the onset of this condition.

Thus, These factors, many of which are modifiable, provide crucial insights into potential avenues for dementia prevention initiatives. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing lifestyle, environmental, and health-related factors to mitigate the risk of YOD. The identification of modifiable risks opens new possibilities for therapeutic interventions and strengthens the foundation for comprehensive dementia prevention strategies tailored to a younger demographic.

As we delve deeper into the complexities of dementia, understanding and addressing modifiable risk factors not only enriches our knowledge but also paves the way for targeted interventions that can make a significant impact on the incidence of YOD.

Further reading: Hendriks S, Ranson JM, Peetoom K, et al. Risk Factors for Young-Onset Dementia in the UK Biobank. JAMA Neurol. Published online December 26, 2023. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.4929

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INI SS January 2024 Session: Round 2 Counselling To Begin From 3rd January

Delhi: INI SS January 2024 Round 2 counselling by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is going to begin on 3rd January 2023. 

As per the schedule, the announcement of the institute allocation of 2nd round will be done on 3rd January 2024. The online acceptance of the allocated institute from 4th January 2024, 11.00 am to 9th January 2023, up to 05.00 pm. Reporting & submission of documents/security deposit can be done from 4th January 2024, 11.00 am to 9th January 2023 up to 05.00 pm.

If the round 1 allotted candidates participate in round 2 and they are allocated another Institute as per their choice in 2nd round, then they will have to join the Institute allocated during 2nd round. The Institute allocated in the first round shall be considered vacated, and the same shall be automatically allocated to other candidates in order of merit. Failure to join the upgraded Institute shall lead to impositions of penalty of Rs. 3.00 Lakh.

All the candidates who are allocated Institute are mandatorily required to report in person (for reporting and/or joining to allocated Institute within the date and times specified.

For those who have not been allocated any Institute in the first round of Institute allocation, the allocation will be done in the second round of Institute allocation as per their choice in order of merit if they follow the guidelines given in the Information brochure of 2nd Round of Institute Allocation.

The entrance test for admission into DM/MCh/MD Hospital Administration Courses at Institutes of National Importance (INI) for Medical Education, namely, AIIMS-New Delhi and all new AIIMS, JIPMER-Puducherry, PGIMER-Chandigarh, NIMHANS-Bengaluru and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology- Thiruvananthapuram is held twice in a year for January and July session of respective year. The common entrance test is known as the Institute of National Importance Super-Specialty Entrance Test (INI-SS).

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CDSCO Panel Grants Novartis Protocol Amendment For Ofatumumab

New Delhi: The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved the drug major Novartis protocol amendment request for Ofatumumab study.

This came after the firm presented protocol amendment version 03 dated 13 April 2023, Protocol no. COMB157G2399.

The study is an Open-label, single-arm, Multi-center Extension Study Evaluating the Long-term Safety, Tolerability, and Effectiveness of Ofatumumab in Subjects With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis.

The purpose of this study is to collect long-term safety, tolerability, effectiveness, and health outcomes data in eligible subjects who have participated in a Novartis ofatumumab clinical Multiple Sclerosis (MS) study.

Ofatumumab, a recombinant human anti-CD20 monoclonal immunoglobulin G1 antibody, was initially approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and is now approved as a subcutaneous (SC) injection in several countries (including the USA , those in the EU and Japan) for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS.

At the recent SEC meeting for Neurology held on the 12th and 13th of December 2023, the expert panel reviewed the protocol amendment version 03 dated 13 April 2023, Protocol no. COMB157G2399, presented by the drug major Novartis.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended approval of the protocol amendment as presented by the firm.

Also Read: Synokem Pharmaceutical Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To study Antidiabetic FDC Drug

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Modify eGFR value as per standard guidelines: CDSCO Panel Tells Hetero Lab on Antidiabetic FDC Drug

New Delhi: Reviewing the drug major Hetero Lab’s revised Phase III clinical trial protocol of fixed-dose combination antidiabetic drug Sitagliptin plus Metformin plus Voglibose, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has suggested that in the exclusion criteria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value should be modified as per the standard guidelines.

Furthermore, the expert panel suggested the firm submit the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol along with the bioequivalence (BE) report to the committee.

This came after Hetero Lab presented its proposal along with the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol before the committee.

Sitagliptin is an oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The effect of this medication leads to glucose-dependent increases in insulin and decreases in glucagon to improve control of blood sugar

Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic used in conjunction with diet and exercise for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.Metformin’s mechanisms of action are unique from other classes of oral antihyperglycemic drugs. Metformin decreases blood glucose levels by decreasing hepatic glucose production (also called gluconeogenesis), decreasing the intestinal absorption of glucose, and increasing insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization

Voglibose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor indicated in the management of postprandial blood glucose in patients with type II diabetes. Voglibose is used to reduce high post-meal glucose levels in diabetes mellitus in patients who have been using other diabetic medications. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Voglibose is an anti-diabetic medicine.

The hypoglycaemic action of voglibose results from a reversible inhibition of membrane-bound intestines α glycosidase hydrolase enzymes which hydrolize oligosaccharides and disaccharides to glucose and other monosaccharides in the brush border of the small intestine.

At the recent SEC meeting endocrinology and metabolism held on 23 November 2023, the expert panel reviewed the proposal along with the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol of the antidiabetic drug Sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate plus Metformin HCl plus Voglibose film-coated tablet, presented by Hetero Lab.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended that in the exclusion criteria, the eGFR value should be modified as per the standard guidelines.

Accordingly, the expert panel suggested that the revised Phase III clinical trial protocol along with BE study reports should be presented before the SEC.

Also Read: Submit Justification to study Tocilizumab in patients with giant cell arteritis: CDSCO Panel Tells Cipla

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Over 5 crore ABHA accounts created at Ayushman Bhav Campaign

New Delhi: In a significant milestone, more than 5 crore ABHA accounts have been created during the ongoing Ayushman Bhava campaign. In addition, a total of 4,44,92,564 Ayushman cards have been generated and 1,15,923 Ayushman Sabha organized.

This is reflective of data up to 28.12.2023.

Under the ongoing Ayushman Bhav campaign, the cumulative footfall of Ayushman Arogya Mandir Melas and Community Health Centre Melas has reached 11,30,98,010 in 13,84,309 health melas till 28.12.2023.

Also Read:1.5 lakh patients get ABHA-based Scan and Share service at Noida’s DGCH hospital

The following activities are being carried out in the Health Melas:

Ayushman Arogya Mandir Melas: Ayushman Arogya Mandir have successfully organized and conducted 13,49,356 with a footfall of 9,76,56,060. The Melas included 9,21,783 wellness, yoga, meditations with 1,02,90,345 Tele consultations conducted. 6,41,70,297 people received free drugs and 5,10,48,644 people received free diagnostics services. 74,04,356 people received Ayush services and 10,99,63,891 were counselled for lifestyle activities. 45,43,705 Pregnant mothers registered in the first trimester and completed the first Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) Checkup and Immunization was provided to 29,83,565 mothers and 49,44,359 children. 7 types of screening (TB, Hypertension, diabetes, Oral Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer and Cataract) were conducted for 18,94,71,490 people. This data is reflected up to 28.12.2023.

Community Health Centre Melas (CHC): Community Health Centre Melas witnessed a registration of 1,54,41,950 people in 37,664 melas. 1,10,05,931 patients consulted general OPD while 49,67,675 patients consulted specialist OPD. 38,309 major surgeries and 1,30,760 minor surgeries have been conducted. This data is reflected up to 28.12.2023.

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CDSCO Panel grants AstraZeneca’s Protocol Amendment Proposal for Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate

New Delhi: The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved the protocol amendment request presented by drug major AstraZeneca Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate.

This came after the firm presented Protocol amendment version 3.0 dated 04 Apr 2023 Protocol no. D9487C00001. The study is to evaluate the effect of Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate on Arrhythmia-related cardiovascular outcomes in participants on chronic hemodialysis with recurrent hyperkalemia.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is a potassium binder used to treat hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia is a condition defined by elevated potassium levels in the blood, often caused by cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. Hyperkalemia occurs in 23 to 47% of patients with chronic kidney disease and/or chronic heart failure and may lead to cardiac arrest and death.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is subsequently a non-absorbed, non-polymer inorganic powder with a uniform micropore structure that preferentially captures potassium in exchange for hydrogen and sodium cations. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is highly selective for potassium ions, even in the presence of other cations such as calcium and magnesium, in vitro. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate captures potassium throughout the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract and reduces the concentration of free potassium in the GI lumen, thereby lowering serum potassium levels and increasing fecal potassium excretion to resolve hyperkalemia.

At the recent SEC meeting for the Cardiovascular and Renal held on 28 November 2023, the expert panel reviewed the protocol amendment version 3.0 dated 04 Apr 2023 Protocol no. D9487C00001

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended approval of the protocol amendment as presented by the firm.

Also Read:Akum Pharmaceutical Gets CDSCO Panel Nod to Manufacture, Market Azelnidipine, Metoprolol FDC tablet

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Investments worth Rs 25813 crore made under pharma PLI scheme as of Sept 2023, says Govt

New Delhi: Investments worth Rs 25,813 crore have been made and 56,171 new jobs were added as of September this year under the production-linked incentive scheme for pharmaceuticals, the government said on Friday. In its year-end review, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) also said the ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana‘ achieved its target of opening 10,000 retail outlets in 2023 to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the poor and underprivileged.

The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals is being implemented with an objective of enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and contributing to product diversification to high value goods in the pharmaceutical sector.
The total outlay of the scheme is Rs 15,000 crore and the scheme duration is from 2020-2021 to 2028-29, an official statement said.
Under the Scheme, 55 applicants have been selected, which includes five applicants of In-vitro Diagnostics (IVD) devices with committed investment of Rs 17,275 crore.
Progress made under the scheme and as of September 2023, “investment worth Rs.25,813 crore has been grounded and employment for 56,171 persons have been generated”, it added.
“The sales made by the selected applicants is worth Rs 1,16,121 crore, which includes exports of Rs 75,141 crore. The scheme envisages manufacturing of a specialised category of pharmaceuticals/ IVD devices,” the statement said.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), the flagship scheme of the department, as on November 30, 2023, as many as 10,006 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) — retail outlets — have been opened across the country, it added.
In 2023, 206 medicines and 13 surgical equipment were added in the product basket of the scheme. Product basket of PMBJP comprises 1,965 medicines and 293 surgical equipment covering all major therapeutic groups such as anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, cardiovasculars, anti-cancers and gastro-intestinal medicines.
On the PLI scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical key starting materials (KSMs), drug intermediates (DIs) and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in India, DoP said a total of 249 applications across all four categories of products were received.
Out of 249 applications, 48 applications have been approved with committed investment of Rs 3,938.57 crore and expected employment generation of around 9,618 persons, it added.
As of September 2023, out of 48 approved projects, 27 projects have been commissioned. Investment of Rs 3,063 crore has been grounded and employment for 2,777 persons has been generated, the statement said, adding sales made by the commissioned projects are worth Rs 817.33 crore, including exports of Rs 252.62 crore.
Similarly, for the PLI scheme for medical devices that has a financial outlay of Rs 3,420 crore, a total 64 applications across four categories of products were received and 26 applications have been approved with committed investment of Rs 1,330.44 crore and expected employment generation for around 7,950 persons.
DoP said as of September 2023, out of the 26 approved projects, 16 projects have been commissioned and manufacturing of 39 medical devices has started with investment of Rs 879 crore grounded and employment generated for 4,546 persons.
“The sales made by the commissioned projects are worth Rs 3251.76 crore which includes exports of Rs 1654.09 crore,” it said.
In terms of FDI inflows in the pharmaceutical sector comprising both pharmaceuticals and medical devices — during the current financial year from April 2023 to September 2023, foreign investment stood at Rs.4,456 crore.
Further, the DoP has approved six FDI proposals worth Rs 9,848 crore for brownfield projects during April 1, 2023 to November 30, 2023, it said.

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PGIMER To Conduct Counselling For PhD Courses On 9th January

Chandigarh: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has released the counselling schedule for admission to the course for the January 2024 session.

As per the notice, the counselling process will be conducted on 09.01.2024 at 12:00 Noon in the APC Auditorium, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The list of provisional qualified candidates on the basis of merit in the entrance exam will be displayed on the PGI website shortly.

Selected candidates must join their respective courses on the prescribed date, as indicated in their admission letters. The selection of those who fail to join by the specified date shall automatically stand cancelled.

Admission to PhD courses offered at the Institute is done twice a year. The sessions commence in January and July each year. The admission to the PhD courses imparted at the Institute is made on an India Merit basis by holding an entrance examination by the Institute, after issuing a countrywide admission notice. The PhD courses are offered in the fields of Medical Sciences, Non-Medical/Life Sciences/Social Behavioral Sciences, Non-Medical/Life Sciences, and Social & Behavioral Sciences.

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research is a public medical university in Chandigarh and was conceived in 1960 as a centre of excellence. It has educational, medical research, and training facilities for its students, including all specialities, super specialities, and sub-specialities. Apart from the clinical services, PGI also provides training in almost all disciplines of Medicine, including postgraduate and post-doctoral degrees, diplomas, and fellowships. Admission to post-doctoral and postgraduate courses conducted at PGIMER is made twice a year. The sessions commence in January and July. Admission to the courses is made on merit on an all-India basis.

To view the notice, click on the link below –

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/phd-counseling-notice-27dec2023162843-228903.pdf

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BGS Gleneagles Kengeri Sets Record as First Hospital in Karnataka with 300+ Liver Transplants

Kengeri: BGS Gleneagles Kengeri proudly marks a momentous occasion as the first hospital in Karnataka to achieve 300+ successful liver transplants.   

This significant milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of the exceptional medical professionals and support teams.  

The hospital extends its deepest gratitude to the transplant surgeons, physicians, intensivists, anesthesiologists, nurses, coordinators, and all supporting staff who have played a pivotal role in nurturing the transplant ecosystem at BGS Gleneagles Kengeri over the past decade.

Also Read:Bharat Biotech, IHH Healthcare collaborate to provide Covaxin at Gleneagles Global Hospitals

Dr Suresh Raghavaiah, Chief Liver Transplant Surgeon, expresses his gratitude, stating, “This achievement is a testament to the relentless commitment of our team in ensuring the success of each transplant, giving patients a new lease on life.”

Dr Adarsh C K, Chief Transplant Hepatologist, emphasizes the importance of teamwork, saying, “The collaborative spirit among our professionals has been instrumental in reaching this milestone, showcasing the power of unity in healthcare.”

Dr Pradeep Krishna, Lead Liver Transplant Surgeon, commends the perseverance of the team, noting, “It is the dedication and resilience of every team member that has paved the way for 300 successful liver transplants, setting a benchmark in healthcare.”

Dr Pramod Kumar, Lead Transplant Hepatologist, reflects on the journey, stating, “This achievement reflects not only the expertise of our medical professionals but also the trust our patients place in us. It’s a shared victory for the entire BGS Gleneagles community.”

Biju Nair, Cluster COO, Gleneagles Bengaluru, acknowledges the collective effort, saying, “Our success is a reflection of the coordinated efforts of every individual across departments. Together, we have made a lasting impact on the lives of our patients.” 

As they celebrate this remarkable achievement, BGS Gleneagles Kengeri remains committed to advancing medical excellence and providing compassionate care to those in need. They look forward to continuing their journey of transforming lives through transplantation.

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