National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority Caps Retail Price of Sun Pharma’s Gemcitabine Injections
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has set the retail price for Sun Pharma’s Gemcitabine injections. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancer, including pancreatic, breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer. The NPPA, which is responsible for regulating the prices of pharmaceutical products in India, has fixed the retail price of Sun Pharma’s Gemcitabine injections to ensure that the medication is affordable for patients.
The price fixation is a significant move, as it will help to make the life-saving medication more accessible to cancer patients in India. Gemcitabine is a critical component of cancer treatment, and its high cost has been a significant burden on patients and their families. The NPPA’s decision is expected to provide relief to patients who are struggling to afford the medication.
The retail price of Sun Pharma’s Gemcitabine injections has been fixed at a level that is significantly lower than the existing market price. This will result in significant savings for patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. The price reduction is expected to benefit thousands of patients who are dependent on Gemcitabine for their treatment.
The NPPA’s decision is in line with the government’s efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all. The authority has been working to regulate the prices of pharmaceutical products, including cancer medications, to ensure that they are affordable for patients. The price fixation of Gemcitabine is a significant step in this direction and is expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare sector.
The move is also expected to promote competition in the market, as other pharmaceutical companies may be forced to reduce their prices to remain competitive. This will ultimately benefit patients, who will have access to affordable and high-quality medication. The NPPA’s decision is a significant development in the pharmaceutical sector and is expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare industry as a whole.
Overall, the NPPA’s decision to fix the retail price of Sun Pharma’s Gemcitabine injections is a welcome move that will benefit cancer patients in India. The price reduction will make the medication more accessible and affordable, and will help to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families. The move is in line with the government’s efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, and is expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare sector.
GCC will operate dialysis centers in Kolathur and Kondithope.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will oversee and maintain two dialysis centers being constructed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in Kolathur and Kondithope. The centers will provide blood purification services, and the GCC has proposed covering the beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS). Until the scheme is formally approved, the GCC will bear the dialysis treatment costs, which will be operated by Apollo Hospitals.
The Kolathur center, located in the Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zone, will be a multi-story facility offering integrated services. The center will have an artificial limb center on the first floor, a physical training center on the second floor, a blood purification unit for dialysis procedures on the third floor, and patient amenities on the fourth floor. Similarly, the Kondithope facility, located in the Royapuram zone, will function as a comprehensive rehabilitation center with similar facilities.
The decision to establish these centers was made in a meeting chaired by CMDA Minister PK Sekarbabu in September. The meeting decided that while the CMDA would establish the facilities, the GCC would handle their operation and maintenance. The GCC’s joint commissioner (Health) and the North Chennai regional deputy commissioner were also present at the meeting.
The construction of these dialysis centers aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to the residents of Chennai. The GCC’s decision to bear the treatment costs until the CMCHIS is approved ensures that the beneficiaries can receive the necessary treatment without any delays. The comprehensive rehabilitation centers will also provide a range of services, including artificial limb fitting, physical training, and patient amenities, making them a one-stop destination for patients requiring dialysis and rehabilitation services. Overall, the establishment of these centers is expected to improve the healthcare infrastructure in Chennai and provide better services to the residents.
Aurobindo Pharma Pushes Back Deadline to Purchase 26% Stake in Swarnaakshu Solar
Aurobindo Pharma has extended the timeline to acquire a 26% stake in Swarnaakshu Solar, a solar power company. The acquisition is part of Aurobindo Pharma’s strategy to diversify its business and invest in renewable energy.
The company had initially planned to complete the acquisition by a certain deadline, but it has now been extended due to various reasons. The extension of the timeline is expected to give Aurobindo Pharma more time to complete the necessary formalities and regulatory approvals.
Aurobindo Pharma is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in India, and its decision to invest in Swarnaakshu Solar marks a significant departure from its core business. The company has been looking to diversify its portfolio and reduce its dependence on the pharmaceutical sector.
Swarnaakshu Solar is a solar power company that specializes in the development and operation of solar power plants. The company has a strong presence in the Indian renewable energy market and has developed several solar power projects across the country.
The acquisition of a 26% stake in Swarnaakshu Solar is expected to give Aurobindo Pharma a significant foothold in the renewable energy sector. The company plans to use the investment to expand its presence in the solar power market and to reduce its carbon footprint.
The extension of the timeline to acquire a stake in Swarnaakshu Solar is not expected to have a significant impact on Aurobindo Pharma’s financial performance in the short term. However, the investment is expected to provide long-term benefits to the company and help it to achieve its sustainability goals.
Aurobindo Pharma’s decision to invest in Swarnaakshu Solar is part of a larger trend of pharmaceutical companies diversifying their business and investing in renewable energy. The investment is expected to help the company to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and to achieve its sustainability goals.
Overall, the extension of the timeline to acquire a stake in Swarnaakshu Solar is a positive development for Aurobindo Pharma and marks a significant step forward in the company’s strategy to diversify its business and invest in renewable energy. The investment is expected to provide long-term benefits to the company and help it to achieve its sustainability goals.
Delhi High Court bars Dr Reddy’s from producing VENUSIA sunscreens bearing the SUN logo.
The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order restraining Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories from manufacturing and selling its VENUSIA sunscreens with a label that includes the word “SUN”. The court’s decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, which claims that Dr. Reddy’s is infringing on its trademark rights.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals had launched its own sunscreen product, SUNSTAR, in 2018, and had obtained a trademark registration for the mark “SUN” in relation to sunscreen products. The company claims that Dr. Reddy’s use of the word “SUN” on its VENUSIA sunscreens is likely to cause confusion among consumers and dilute the distinctiveness of Glenmark’s trademark.
The Delhi High Court has agreed with Glenmark’s arguments, observing that Dr. Reddy’s use of the word “SUN” on its products is likely to cause confusion among consumers, who may mistakenly believe that the VENUSIA sunscreens are connected to Glenmark’s SUNSTAR product. The court has therefore restrained Dr. Reddy’s from using the word “SUN” on its VENUSIA sunscreens, pending the outcome of the lawsuit.
The court’s order is a significant setback for Dr. Reddy’s, which had launched its VENUSIA sunscreens with the SUN label in an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of sunscreens in the Indian market. The company will now have to rebrand its products and remove the SUN label, which could result in significant losses and damage to its reputation.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of trademark protection in the pharmaceutical industry, where companies invest heavily in building their brands and trademarks. The Delhi High Court’s decision demonstrates that courts will take a strict view of trademark infringement, particularly in cases where there is a likelihood of confusion among consumers.
The case will now proceed to trial, where Glenmark will have to prove that Dr. Reddy’s use of the word “SUN” on its VENUSIA sunscreens constitutes trademark infringement. If the court ultimately rules in favor of Glenmark, Dr. Reddy’s could face significant damages and penalties for its alleged infringement. The case is being closely watched by the pharmaceutical industry, which is keen to see how the courts will interpret trademark laws in cases of alleged infringement.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Stands Firm On Kannada Pride Despite Fierce Criticism Over Bengaluru’s Infrastructure Remarks
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, has defended her identity as a Kannadiga after facing backlash for her comments on Bengaluru’s infrastructure. In a recent post, she reaffirmed her love for the city and the Kannada culture, stating that she has spent seven decades living in the city and is proud to be a Kannadiga. Mazumdar-Shaw’s comments come after she criticized the poor roads and garbage management in Bengaluru, which drew sharp criticism from Karnataka officials and pro-Kannada activists.
The criticism was not only limited to her comments on infrastructure but also questioned her loyalty to Karnataka. Some netizens cited her opposition to policies favoring locals, such as the Karnataka Job Quota Bill, and her stance in the Cauvery water dispute. Additionally, her resistance to renaming Bangalore to Bengaluru was also brought up. However, others defended Mazumdar-Shaw, highlighting her decades-long contributions to Bengaluru’s growth and development.
As the founder of Biocon, Mazumdar-Shaw has played a significant role in establishing the city as a global biotech hub, creating thousands of jobs and putting the city on the map. Her defenders argued that her professional and personal connection to the city should outweigh any political or cultural criticisms. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was among those who criticized Mazumdar-Shaw’s comments, but her supporters countered that her legacy and contributions to the city should be taken into account.
Mazumdar-Shaw’s post was a clear response to the criticism, as she stated, “I don’t think I am answerable to anyone who questions my loyalty to Karnataka.” Her statement reflects her confidence in her identity as a Kannadiga and her commitment to the city and its culture. The debate surrounding Mazumdar-Shaw’s comments highlights the complex issues surrounding identity, culture, and loyalty in the context of Bengaluru and Karnataka. While some may question her loyalty, others see her as a proud Kannadiga who has made significant contributions to the city’s growth and development.
Pfizer’s Accord for a Healthier World initiative is redefining traditional stability study protocols.
Pfizer’s Accord for a Healthier World program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing healthcare disparities by providing the company’s full portfolio of medicines and vaccines on a not-for-profit basis to 45 lower-income countries. However, many of these countries are located near the equator with extreme tropical climates, posing a challenge for the stability testing of medicines and vaccines. The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) has designated five stability zones, with Zone IVa and Zone IVb presenting the greatest challenges due to high heat and humidity conditions.
Pfizer’s scientists have developed a novel statistical approach to estimate shelf life in Zone IV markets without the need for new long-term studies. This approach leverages existing long-term data from Zone II conditions and short-term accelerated data to provide a scientifically sound estimation of shelf life. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) stability guidance allows for alternative approaches if they are scientifically justified, providing flexibility for initiatives like the Accord.
The approach uses the Arrhenius model to interpolate the expiry at Zone IV conditions, taking into consideration all stability-limiting attributes for each product and the probability of breaching specified limits. The model has been applied to two product examples, which will be presented at the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering’s 2025 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo.
The development of this novel approach is crucial for increasing access to quality medicines and vaccines in lower-income countries. By estimating shelf life in Zone IV markets, Pfizer can ensure that its products are safe and effective for use in these regions. The company hopes to engage with regulatory agencies and receive feedback from peers to further validate the model.
The ultimate goal is to apply this model more broadly, beyond Pfizer’s portfolio, to save on sample and testing resources. This could have a significant impact on global health equity, as many lower-income countries struggle to access quality medicines and vaccines due to lack of stability testing. By sharing this approach, Pfizer aims to contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable healthcare systems in these regions.
The Accord for a Healthier World program is a significant step towards addressing healthcare disparities, and the development of this novel statistical approach is a crucial component of this initiative. By providing access to quality medicines and vaccines, Pfizer is helping to close the health equity gap and ensure that people in lower-income countries have access to the same level of healthcare as those in higher-income countries.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Fortis Hospital and other parties in response to a petition seeking compensation for a brain injury.
The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to Fortis Hospital in response to a plea filed by an 8-year-old child, Devarsh Jain, seeking compensation of Rs 1350 crore for an alleged brain injury at birth in 2017. The child, who is in a vegetative state, approached the court through his mother, alleging that two pediatricians employed by the hospital caused him severe brain damage due to their reckless handling. The damage has resulted in the child suffering from cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and severe visual impairment, leaving him mute and unresponsive.
The appeal was filed against the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which dismissed the original complaint in March 2025. The NCDRC’s decision was challenged by the child’s mother, who argued that the commission had misconstrued the facts of the complaint and treated it as a public interest litigation against the entire medical industry. The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing on December 8, 2025.
The child’s lawyers, senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy and advocate Rajiv Ranjan Dwivedi, argued that the two pediatricians responsible for the child’s care were unqualified and had been appointed to senior positions in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). They alleged that the doctors’ mishandling of the child had caused irreversible brain damage, resulting in a permanent vegetative state.
Fortis Hospital has responded to the allegations, stating that it has not yet been served with a notice from the Supreme Court and will review the allegations and issue a formal response once the relevant documents and legal filings are received. The hospital has retained its rights to review the allegations and will respond in accordance with the law.
The case highlights the issue of medical negligence and the need for accountability in the healthcare sector. The Supreme Court’s decision to issue a notice to Fortis Hospital is a significant development in the case, and the outcome of the hearing on December 8, 2025, will be closely watched. The child’s family is seeking compensation for the alleged negligence, which they claim has resulted in a lifetime of suffering and disability for the child.