Medical Bulletin 26/ April/ 2025

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Can a Plant-Based Diet Lower Breast Cancer Risk?
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition concludes that following a healthy plant-based diet significantly lowers the risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women and those with a healthy weight. Conducted in Iran, the research examined the dietary habits of 133 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 265 healthy women to understand how different plant-based diets impact cancer risk. Using a detailed food questionnaire, they assessed how closely each woman’s diet matched three plant-based diet indexes:
PDI (Plant-Based Diet Index): Overall intake of plant vs. animal foods
hPDI (Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index): Emphasis on healthy plant foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
uPDI (Unhealthful Plant-Based Diet Index): Focus on less healthy plant foods like refined grains, sweets, and sugary drinks
Foods were grouped into three categories: animal-based, unhealthy plant-based, and healthy plant-based. Higher scores on each index showed stronger adherence to that diet type.
The findings revealed that women who followed diets rich in whole, unprocessed plant foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and vegetable oils—had about half the risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who consumed fewer of these foods. In contrast, women consuming plant-based diets high in refined grains, sweets, sugary beverages, and potatoes had a notably higher risk, especially if they were premenopausal.
The study also found that the protective effects of a healthy plant-based diet were strongest in women with a BMI below 25, suggesting that maintaining a healthy weight may enhance the benefits of such diets. These plant-based foods are naturally high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals—compounds known to support DNA protection, regulate cell growth, and reduce inflammation, all of which can contribute to lowering cancer risk.
However, the study had limitations, including unassessed tumor subtypes, potential recall bias from self-reported diets, and a small, hospital-based sample, underscoring the need for larger, broader studies.
Future research should further explore how different types of breast cancer interact with diet and how hormonal status and therapy affect these relationships.
Reference: Souni F, Mansouri F, Jafari F, Sharifi R, PourvatanDoust S, Shateri Z, Nouri M, Rashidkhani B. The association between plant-based diet indices and the risk of breast cancer: a case-control study. J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Apr 19;44(1):127. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00879-2. PMID: 40253371; PMCID: PMC12008985.
Indian Scientists Develop Eco-Friendly Cholesterol Detection Device
A highly sensitive, eco-friendly and cost-effective optical sensing platform developed for cholesterol detection can help identify early symptoms of diseases like atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cancer. The work was published in the “Nanoscale” Journal, published by Royal Society of Chemistry.
Detecting fatal diseases at their earliest symptoms is essential, as abnormal biochemical markers may sometimes accompany such disorders. Therefore, reliable point-of-care (POC) detection of biomarkers associated with these diseases is necessary for personalized health monitoring.
Cholesterol is an essential lipid in humans, produced by the liver. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol because it can accumulate in the walls of arteries and contribute to severe diseases, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as ‘good’ cholesterol.
However, maintaining a balance in cholesterol levels is crucial. Both high and low cholesterol levels can lead to various diseases, including atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cancer. Atherosclerotic plaques form when excess cholesterol builds up on artery walls, hindering proper blood flow.
A team of interdisciplinary researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST, has developed an optical sensing platform for cholesterol detection based on silk fibre functionalized using phosphorene quantum dots.
A point-of-care (POC) device has been developed in the laboratory scale for detecting cholesterol using this. It can sense cholesterol in trace amounts, even below the preferred range. It can be an efficient tool for routine monitoring of cholesterol levels in the human body.
The project, led by Prof. Neelotpal Sen Sarma, a retired Professor; Dr. Asis Bala, an Associate Professor; and Ms. Nasrin Sultana, a DST INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow incorporated the material – the silk fibre, into a cellulose nitrate membrane to create an electrical sensing platform for cholesterol detection.
The synthesized sensors were highly sensitive as well as selective for cholesterol detection. Furthermore, the electrical sensing platform generates no e-waste, a key advantage of the fabricated device. Both sensing platforms respond similarly to real-world media such as human blood serum, experimental rat blood serum, and milk.
Reference:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspxPRID=2123766#:~:text=A%20team%20of%20interdisciplinary%20researchers,silk%20fibre%20functionalized%20using%20phosphorene
Fear of Vision Loss May Delay Cataract Surgery: Study Finds
Fear of vision loss may deter some patients from undergoing necessary cataract surgery, according to a newly published study published in The Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. The study highlights the trust patients place in their physicians and the critical role of doctor-patient communication in making medical decisions.
The research team surveyed 42 patients at Hoxworth Eye Clinic, the training site for UC’s ophthalmology residents located near UC Medical Center. The study explored a possible link between health literacy and fear surrounding cataract surgery.
Among those surveyed, 36% reported fear of cataract surgery, and more than half of those specifically feared it would lead to vision loss. However, researchers found no correlation between this fear and a patient’s health literacy level.
“We found patients who would benefit from surgery reasonably understood the procedure after we educated them,” said Lisa Kelly, MD, a Taylor Asbury-endowed professor-educator and director of medical student education in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “But even with clear explanations, sometimes their fear persisted.”
The study pointed to the importance of open communication.
“Yes, patient education matters, but it’s not always sufficient,” said Kelly. “What’s equally important is building relationships and trust to help patients overcome fear.”
Reference: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2025/04/uc-study–fear-may-deter-patients-from-cataract-surgery.html

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Merger of Suven Pharma, Cohance Lifesciences to take effect from May 1

Mumbai: Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has announced that
it has received final approval from the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP),
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, for foreign investment
under applicable regulations.

This marks the final regulatory clearance required to
implement the Scheme of Amalgamation between Cohance Lifesciences Limited
and Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited, a transaction previously approved by
shareholders and sanctioned by the Hon’ble NCLT, Mumbai Bench.


In line with the terms of the approved Scheme of Amalgamation, the merger will
take effect from the business opening hours of 1st May 2025, following the
satisfaction of all prescribed conditions.

The merged company will operate under the name Cohance Lifesciences Limited,
subject to applicable regulatory approvals, reflecting a unified platform with
expanded CDMO capabilities.

“This approval is a significant milestone and reinforces the strategic vision behind
the merger,” said Vivek Sharma, Executive Chairman, Suven Pharmaceuticals. “We
are combining niche, technology-led capabilities to create a differentiated,
innovation-driven global CDMO. This integration positions us to scale complex
modalities such as ADCs and Oligonucleotides, deepen customer partnerships,
and enhance execution across the value chain—enabling us to deliver on our US$1
billion(INR85bn) revenue ambition through a mix of organic growth and strategic
acquisitions.”

“The merged entity will operate with an expanded scope of capabilities across the
pharmaceutical value chain, combining Suven’s scale and commercial execution
strengths with Cohance’s domain expertise in Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
and complex chemistry platforms. This integration strengthens our positioning as an innovation driven integrated CDMO partner to global innovators, with a focus on
scaling high-growth modalities such as ADCs and oligonucleotides,” Suven Pharma stated.

The Board has also approved Thursday, May 8, 2025, as the Record Date for
determining the eligible shareholders of Cohance Lifesciences Limited who shall
receive equity shares of Suven Pharmaceuticals as per the approved share
exchange ratio under the Scheme of Amalgamation.
With the merger becoming effective, the Company has initiated the operational
and organizational integration, aligning systems, capabilities, and teams.

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GMC Jammu withdraws Staff Alert Directive amid Cross-border tensions

Srinagar: The Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) Jammu has officially withdrawn a circular it issued on April 25, 2025, which had instructed hospital staff to remain on high alert due to reported cross-border tensions in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. 

The earlier circular, issued by the Medical Superintendent of GMCH Jammu, had directed all staff to remain on high alert and ensure complete preparedness to meet any exigencies that may arise at any time. These measures included keeping essential medicines and critical equipment ready, limiting unnecessary leave, and ensuring uninterrupted patient care.

Also read- Unauthorised Extensions: JnK Govt orders Repatriation of Overstaying Doctors

The circular issued by the medical superintendent of GMCH Jammu on April 25 mentioned, “The Store Officer and Store Keepers, GMCH are requested to keep all essential supplies, emergency medicines, and critical equipment in a state of readiness for immediate use to meet any exigency. All hospital staff are advised to restrict unnecessary holidays and are directed to ensure their presence within the hospital premises during duty hours to maintain uninterrupted and effective patient care. A 24×7 Control Room has been established to coordinate all emergency responses. The control room will function round the clock and may be contacted for any urgent requirement/issues.”

However, yesterday, the Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, issued another directive formally withdrawing the April 25 circular without explaining the decision. 

“The circular issued by Medical Superintendent GMCH Jammu vide endorsement number GMCH/2025/812 dated 25.4.2025 is withdrawn ab-initio with immediate effect,” reads the latest circular. 

Medical Dialogues had recently reported that a brutal act of terrorism in Pahalgam, which left the nation in mourning and rage, tore a family’s world apart. A Bengaluru-based paediatrician’s husband, a father, a simple man on a family vacation, was mercilessly shot even after he begged for his life. Not for himself, but for his three-year-old son.

But his cries were unheard, and he was lying on the ground, bleeding with bullet holes in his head and body after being shot for three minutes non-stop. In an instant, a child was orphaned, a wife was shattered, and a peaceful holiday turned into a lifelong nightmare.

The deceased man was Bharath Bhushan, a 41-year-old former software professional from Bengaluru, who was mercilessly shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on Tuesday in front of his wife, Dr Sujatha, a paediatrician at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital and their three-year-old son.

Also read- Pahalgam Terror Attack: Paediatrician’s husband shot dead after revealing Name, Religion

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‘Zombie’ skin cells may be harmful or helpful, depending on their shapes

Senescent skin cells, often referred to as zombie cells because they have outlived their usefulness without ever quite dying, have existed in the human body as a seeming paradox, causing inflammation and promoting diseases while also helping the immune system to heal wounds.

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What to know about processed and ultra-processed food

Take a stroll down the middle aisles of any American grocery store, and you’ll be surrounded by rows of brightly colored packaged macaroni and cheese, instant soups and chips in all forms and flavors—all with long ingredient lists. These and other familiar favorites offer consumers a convenient, tasty and often affordable meal or snack.

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Medical debt tied to higher likelihood of forgone mental health care

More than one in seven adults reported carrying medical debt in 2023, and of these, one in three forwent mental health care in the subsequent year, according to a research letter published online April 18 in JAMA Health Forum.

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Survey reveals women may be experiencing perimenopause in their 40s

Six in 10 women believe they will hit menopause in their 40s, according to survey results released April 8 by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.

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US Preventive Services Task Force recommends counseling to prevent perinatal depression

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends counseling for women at increased risk for perinatal depression (PND). This recommendation forms the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online April 22.

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Punjab set to recruit 1000 Medical Officers

Chandigarh: In a major boost to the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Punjab Government has decided to recruit 1,000 Medical Officers (MBBS). The decision was revealed during a meeting held between Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Director Health Services Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director PHSC Dr. Anil Goyal, and representatives of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA).

Also Read:Punjab to deploy security guards at all Govt Hospitals, says PCMSA

Talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Akhil Sarin, President of PCMSA, stated, “Notably, this is the largest round of recruitment of medical officers held over the last few decades. PCMSA firmly believes that this move will significantly strengthen the general emergency and specialist services alike at various public healthcare facilities of the state.” “It also showcases the persistent positive engagements between the government and PCMSA over the last couple of years on the issue of regular and time-bound recruitment of Medical Officers, effectively aimed at bolstering the public healthcare services of the state,” he added.

The association was briefed on several key developments following comprehensive discussions among Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, and Kumar Rahul. As part of efforts to strengthen security at health institutions, the Finance Department has approved the hiring of security guards through PESCO, an ex-servicemen organisation. Security personnel will be deployed round the clock at all District Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and Community Health Centres offering 24×7 medicolegal services. Morning-hour security coverage will be ensured at the remaining CHCs and Employees’ State Insurance hospitals. The proposal is expected to be formally sent to the Finance Department within the next few days, with approval likely in the next two to three weeks. 

Also Read:Over 2500 Punjab Govt doctors to resume strike on January 20 over unmet demands

PCMSA has praised the government’s proactive response to the long-pending security concerns and expressed hope that adequate arrangements will be in place within a few weeks. In addition to recruitment and security measures, several administrative reforms were discussed. These include a speaking order on the rationalisation of postgraduate allowance for pre-2016 batches, early clearance of pending Modified Assured Career Progressions (MACPs), issuance of MACP letters for batches from 2020–21 onwards, and finalisation of the postgraduate policy by the end of the month. The letter regarding leave rules for Senior Medical Officers and above ranks has also been reverted, offering further relief to senior personnel.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that 2,500 doctors in the state started their agitation on January 20th, urging the government to fulfill its time-bound commitments. This came after talks between the finance department and the PCMSA, but no significant outcomes were achieved. Finally, with the new recruitment, PCMSA acknowledged these initiatives as crucial steps toward strengthening the healthcare delivery system.

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Aurobindo Pharma arm CuraTeQ Biologics gets positive opinion for breast cancer drug Dazublys from EMA

Hyderabad: CuraTeQ Biologics s.r.o., a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma Limited, has announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending marketing authorisation of Dazublys (150
mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion), its trastuzumab biosimilar, for the treatment of
HER2-positive metastatic and early breast cancers.


Trastuzumab specifically binds and inhibits the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
protein, which is over-expressed on certain types of solid cancers such as breast and gastric
cancer. By binding to the extracellular domain of HER2, trastuzumab disrupts its ability to signal,
leading to cell cycle arrest, reduced tumor growth, and potentially immune system activation to
destroy cancer cells.

Commenting on the update, Dr. Satakarni Makkapati, Director of Aurobindo Pharma and CEO Biologics,
Vaccines and Peptides stated, “The CHMP’s positive opinion is based on demonstrating comprehensive
analytical similarity and clinically no meaningful differences between Dazublys and the reference biologic
product Herceptin in terms of pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), efficacy, safety, and
immunogenicity. Upon European Commission approval that is expected in July, Dazublys will be available
for use across EU member states. This marks our third biosimilar to receive CHMP’s endorsement and the
fourth overall in the EU, alongside the approval of Bevqolva (a bevacizumab biosimilar) by the MHRA in
November 2024. Biosimilars are playing an important role in improving cancer care, and we remain
committed to expanding our biosimilars portfolio to address the unmet needs of patients.”

Aurobindo Pharma’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Nithyananda Reddy said, “The CHMP’s
positive opinion of a third biosimilar from our portfolio in a five-month time period underscores our
extensive efforts in building biosimilars as one of the core businesses at Aurobindo. By 2030, we are
committed to launching at least 10 biosimilars across oncology and immunology therapy segments,
furthering our mission to serve patients with high-quality, cost-effective therapies.”

CuraTeQ Biologics Private Limited, a subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma Limited, is a global
biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Hyderabad, India. The company is focused on developing biosimilars for the treatment of various cancers
and autoimmune diseases. CuraTeQ’s pipeline consists of fourteen biosimilars, primarily targeting the
immunology and oncology segments. It has end-to-end capabilities in producing a full range of products
from bulk drug substance to fill-finish and packaged drug products.

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