Pankaj Phatak has been appointed as the Vice President of Human Resources at Biotech Healthcare Group. In this role, he will be responsible for driving the HR function globally. Phatak expressed his excitement about the new opportunity, stating that he looks forward to advancing a purpose-driven global people agenda and enabling access to innovation to serve people for a better life.

Prior to joining Biotech Healthcare, Phatak was associated with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, where he worked as the Director and Group HR Head for Central Functions – Global Manufacturing Operations. He had been with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories since 2003, making it a long-standing tenure of over 22 years.

Before joining Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Phatak worked at Cipla for approximately two years. His experience and expertise in the field of human resources will likely be valuable assets to Biotech Healthcare Group as they move forward.

Phatak’s appointment was announced on January 2, 2026, and he shared the news on his LinkedIn profile. The move is expected to bring new perspectives and ideas to the HR function at Biotech Healthcare Group, and Phatak’s global experience will likely be beneficial in driving the company’s people agenda.

As Vice President of Human Resources, Phatak will play a key role in shaping the company’s HR strategies and initiatives. His focus on advancing a purpose-driven global people agenda suggests that he will prioritize creating a positive and supportive work environment that enables employees to thrive and contribute to the company’s success.

Overall, Phatak’s appointment is a significant development for Biotech Healthcare Group, and his expertise and experience are expected to make a positive impact on the company’s HR function. With his leadership, the company is likely to see improvements in its people management and HR initiatives, which will ultimately contribute to its overall success and growth.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has faced a setback in its efforts to bring its denosumab biosimilar, AVT03, to the US market. The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has issued a warning letter to the company after conducting an inspection of its manufacturing facility. The inspection revealed several issues with the plant’s quality control systems, which have raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of the biosimilar.

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat osteoporosis, bone metastases, and giant cell tumor of bone. The reference product, Prolia, is marketed by Amgen and has been a major commercial success. Dr. Reddy’s AVT03 is a biosimilar version of Prolia, which the company had hoped to launch in the US market.

The USFDA inspection, which took place in 2022, identified several issues with the plant’s quality control systems, including inadequate procedures for ensuring the sterility of the product, insufficient testing of the product’s stability, and inadequate training of personnel. The agency also found that the company had failed to investigate and correct deviations from its quality control procedures.

As a result of the inspection, the USFDA has issued a warning letter to Dr. Reddy’s, which outlines the specific issues that need to be addressed. The company must now take corrective action to address these issues and demonstrate to the agency that its quality control systems are adequate to ensure the safety and efficacy of AVT03.

The setback is a significant blow to Dr. Reddy’s, which had been hoping to launch AVT03 in the US market in the near future. The company will now need to take time to address the issues raised by the USFDA and resubmit its application for approval. This could delay the launch of AVT03 by several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the issues and the time it takes to resolve them.

The news is also a disappointment for patients who were hoping to have access to a more affordable version of denosumab. Biosimilars like AVT03 have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of biologic therapies, making them more accessible to patients who need them. However, the USFDA’s strict regulatory requirements are in place to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products, and Dr. Reddy’s must now take the necessary steps to demonstrate that AVT03 meets these standards.

The Vizag Pharma Summit 2025 is scheduled to take place on December 17th, 2025, at the Fairfield by Marriott in Vizag. The event will feature a speaker, Mr. Gurupyar Reddy, who is the Head of Production Complex Injections at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Mr. Reddy will be discussing the topic of generic complex injections.

The key takeaway from Mr. Reddy’s presentation is that advanced drug delivery systems, such as Nanotechnology-based Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS), are no longer optional in the pharmaceutical industry. Instead, they are critical to improving the efficacy of treatments, patient outcomes, and the future value of pharmaceutical innovation. This suggests that the industry is shifting towards more sophisticated and targeted approaches to drug delivery, which can enhance the effectiveness of treatments and improve patient care.

The Vizag Pharma Summit 2025 is likely to be an important event for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, as it will provide a platform for discussion and knowledge-sharing on the latest trends and advancements in the field. The summit may cover a range of topics related to pharmaceuticals, including research and development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.

The focus on generic complex injections and advanced drug delivery systems reflects the growing importance of these areas in the pharmaceutical industry. Generic complex injections are a type of medication that is designed to be more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional drugs. They often involve the use of advanced technologies, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, to deliver the active ingredient to the target site in the body.

Overall, the Vizag Pharma Summit 2025 is an event that is likely to be of interest to anyone involved in the pharmaceutical industry, from researchers and manufacturers to regulators and healthcare professionals. The summit will provide a valuable opportunity for networking, learning, and discussion, and will help to shape the future of the industry. With its focus on advanced drug delivery systems and generic complex injections, the event is likely to be an important milestone in the development of new and innovative treatments for a range of diseases and conditions.

The Delhi High Court has issued a restraining order against Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, preventing the company from using the ‘SUN’ mark on their sunscreen product labels. This decision comes after a lawsuit was filed by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, which claimed that Dr. Reddy’s was infringing on their trademark rights.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries had been using the ‘SUN’ mark for their various pharmaceutical products, including sunscreens, and had registered the trademark in 2002. The company argued that Dr. Reddy’s use of the ‘SUN’ mark on their sunscreen labels would cause confusion among consumers and dilute the distinctiveness of their trademark.

The Delhi High Court agreed with Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, stating that Dr. Reddy’s use of the ‘SUN’ mark was likely to cause confusion among consumers. The court also noted that Dr. Reddy’s had not provided any evidence to show that they had been using the ‘SUN’ mark prior to Sun Pharmaceutical Industries’ registration of the trademark.

As a result of the court’s decision, Dr. Reddy’s will be required to remove the ‘SUN’ mark from their sunscreen product labels and packaging. The company will also be prohibited from using any other marks that are similar to the ‘SUN’ mark, in order to avoid causing confusion among consumers.

This decision highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry where consumer safety and trust are paramount. It also demonstrates the proactive approach taken by the Delhi High Court in enforcing trademark rights and preventing infringement.

The court’s decision is a significant victory for Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, which had invested significant time and resources into building their brand and protecting their trademark. The company can now continue to use the ‘SUN’ mark without fear of confusion or dilution, and can focus on providing high-quality products to consumers.

In contrast, Dr. Reddy’s will need to rebrand their sunscreen products and find alternative names or marks that do not infringe on Sun Pharmaceutical Industries’ trademark rights. This may require significant investments in marketing and advertising, as well as changes to their product packaging and labeling.

Overall, the Delhi High Court’s decision in this case emphasizes the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and the need for companies to conduct thorough trademark searches before launching new products or using new marks. It also highlights the role of the courts in protecting trademark rights and preventing infringement, and the need for companies to be vigilant in defending their intellectual property.

An error occurred during the execution of a web request, resulting in an unhandled exception. The exception was a System.FormatException, which indicates that the input string was not in the correct format. This error occurred in the Page_Load method of the NewsDetails.aspx.cs file, specifically on line 140.

The stack trace provides more information about the origin and location of the exception. It shows that the error occurred in the Pharmabiz.NewsDetails.Page_Load method, which is part of the NewsDetails.aspx.cs file. The method is called when the page is loaded, and it is responsible for initializing the page and its controls.

The error is likely due to the fact that the input string is not in the correct format, which is causing the Page_Load method to fail. The exact cause of the error is not specified, but it could be due to a variety of factors, such as invalid user input, incorrect data formatting, or a bug in the code.

The version information provided shows that the error occurred on a server running Microsoft.NET Framework version 4.0.30319 and ASP.NET version 4.8.4676.0. This information can be useful for debugging and troubleshooting purposes.

To resolve the error, the developer will need to review the code and identify the cause of the exception. This may involve checking the input data, validating user input, and ensuring that the data is in the correct format. Additionally, the developer may need to modify the code to handle exceptions and errors more robustly, to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future.

In general, a System.FormatException is a common error that can occur when working with strings and data formatting. It is often caused by incorrect or invalid data, and can be resolved by validating and sanitizing user input, and ensuring that data is in the correct format before attempting to process it. By reviewing the code and identifying the cause of the exception, the developer can take steps to resolve the error and prevent it from occurring again in the future.

A new sign has been erected at the former Dr. Reddy’s plant in Shreveport, indicating that Frymaster, a commercial fryer manufacturer, will be occupying the space. This development marks a significant turning point for the facility, which was previously home to Dr. Reddy’s, a pharmaceutical company. The sign’s installation suggests that Frymaster is moving forward with its plans to utilize the plant, potentially bringing new economic activity and job opportunities to the area.

The former Dr. Reddy’s plant, located in Shreveport, has been vacant for some time, leaving the community wondering about its future. With Frymaster’s sign going up, it appears that the facility will be repurposed for the manufacture of commercial fryers, which are used in the food service industry. This change in occupancy could have a positive impact on the local economy, as Frymaster may create new jobs and stimulate growth in the region.

Frymaster, a leading manufacturer of commercial fryers, has a long history of producing high-quality equipment for the food service industry. The company’s products are used in restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments around the world. By establishing a presence in Shreveport, Frymaster may be able to expand its operations, increase production, and better serve its customers in the southern United States.

The arrival of Frymaster in Shreveport is likely to be welcomed by local officials and residents, who have been eager to see the former Dr. Reddy’s plant reused. The plant’s revitalization could also have a positive impact on the surrounding area, potentially leading to increased investment and development in the region. As Frymaster begins to occupy the facility, the community will be watching with interest to see how the company’s presence will shape the local economy and job market.

While the exact details of Frymaster’s plans for the facility are not yet clear, the installation of the sign is a promising sign for the future of the plant and the local community. As the company moves forward with its operations, it is likely that more information will become available about its intentions and the potential benefits of its presence in Shreveport. For now, the sign serves as a symbol of hope and renewal for the area, suggesting that the former Dr. Reddy’s plant will once again be a hub of economic activity.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new oral medicines, Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin) and Blujepa (gepotidacin), to treat gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is increasingly resistant to existing treatments. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, as a “high priority” pathogen due to its growing resistance to antibiotics. Gonorrhea is spread through sexual contact and can cause painful urination, bleeding, and discharge in the genital area, as well as infertility and complications if left untreated.

The two new drugs offer a critical addition to the limited treatment options available for gonorrhea. Nuzolvence, which is administered as a single oral dose, was developed by Entasis Therapeutics in partnership with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), a nonprofit organization. Blujepa, also an oral tablet, was developed by GSK. Indian pharmaceutical company Dr. Reddy’s is working to obtain market authorization for Nuzolvence in Thailand and South Africa, where clinical trials were conducted.

The WHO estimates that there were 82.4 million new cases of gonorrhea among adults aged 15-49 in 2020. The rise in cases is attributed in part to the increased use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, which does not protect against other STIs. The approval of these new drugs is a significant milestone in the treatment of gonorrhea, and GARDP is working to ensure that they are accessible to those who need them, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

GARDP’s R&D Drug and Treatment Project Leader, Pierre Damar, notes that limiting the clinical use of zoliflodacin to treating gonorrhea will help to delay the emergence of resistance and prolong the effectiveness of the drug. The organization is exploring partnerships with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that the drug is available and accessible to those who need it. With the rise in gonorrhea cases, the approval of these new drugs is a crucial step in addressing this growing public health concern.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Immutep Limited have formed a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize Eftilagimod alfa, a novel immunotherapy treatment. The partnership aims to accelerate the development and availability of this promising therapy for patients with various types of cancer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dr. Reddy’s will obtain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Eftilagimod alfa in India, Australia, New Zealand, and several countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Immutep will retain rights to the product in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Eftilagimod alfa is a soluble LAG-3 protein that has shown potential in treating various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. The treatment works by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells, and has been shown to be well-tolerated in clinical trials.

The partnership brings together Dr. Reddy’s expertise in developing and commercializing pharmaceuticals in emerging markets with Immutep’s expertise in developing innovative immunotherapies. The companies plan to work together to accelerate the development of Eftilagimod alfa, with Dr. Reddy’s providing funding and support for clinical trials and regulatory submissions.

The partnership is a significant milestone for Immutep, which has been working to develop Eftilagimod alfa for several years. The company has already completed several clinical trials, including a Phase II trial in breast cancer, and is planning to initiate additional trials in other indications.

Dr. Reddy’s is a leading pharmaceutical company with a strong presence in emerging markets. The company has a long history of developing and commercializing pharmaceuticals, and has a strong track record of partnering with biotechnology companies to bring innovative treatments to market.

The partnership is expected to accelerate the development and availability of Eftilagimod alfa, and has the potential to bring new hope to patients with cancer. The companies plan to work together to make the treatment available to patients in need, and to explore new indications and opportunities for the product.

Overall, the partnership between Dr. Reddy’s and Immutep is a significant development in the field of immunotherapy, and has the potential to bring new and innovative treatments to patients with cancer. The companies’ combined expertise and resources are expected to accelerate the development and commercialization of Eftilagimod alfa, and to make the treatment available to patients in need.

An Indian court has ruled in favor of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, allowing the company to manufacture and export generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s popular diabetes and weight-loss medications, Ozempic and Wegovy. The key ingredient in these drugs is semaglutide, which is currently patented by Novo Nordisk. The Delhi High Court dismissed Novo Nordisk’s application to block production of semaglutide, paving the way for Dr. Reddy’s to produce and export the generic version to countries where the patent has expired or does not exist.

The decision is significant, as the patent for semaglutide is set to expire in India in March next year. Dr. Reddy’s has confirmed that it will not sell the generic version in India until the patent expires, but it can export it to other countries where the patent has lapsed. The company has already begun producing the drug and has been ordered by the court to keep a record of the quantity and value of the products it manufactures and sells.

The ruling has implications for the global market, as patent protections for semaglutide are also set to expire in Canada, Brazil, and China next year. This will allow cheaper generic versions of the drug to be sold in these markets, potentially disrupting Novo Nordisk’s sales. However, in Europe, the US, and Japan, patents for semaglutide are not due to expire until the 2030s, so Novo Nordisk will maintain its exclusive rights in these markets for the time being.

Novo Nordisk has the option to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, and the company is currently reviewing the judgment. Dr. Reddy’s has not commented on the ruling. The decision is a significant development in the pharmaceutical industry, as it highlights the importance of generic competition in making life-saving medications more accessible and affordable for patients around the world.

The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, allowing the company to manufacture and export its version of the diabetes and anti-obesity drug semaglutide, while restricting domestic sales until 2026. The decision comes in a patent infringement case filed by Novo Nordisk, a Danish company that manufactures and sells the blockbuster weight-loss drug under the brand name Wegovy. Novo Nordisk had alleged that Dr. Reddy’s had infringed its patent by importing the active ingredient and producing finished formulations without consent.

The court found that there is a credible challenge to the validity of Novo Nordisk’s patent for semaglutide, which is used in several of its medicines, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Dr. Reddy’s had argued that Novo Nordisk’s patent was invalid and that its production was solely for export to countries where there was no patent. The Indian pharma company also claimed that Novo Nordisk was attempting to extend its monopoly by “evergreening” its patent, which would extend exclusivity beyond the expiry of the primary patent.

While the court allowed Dr. Reddy’s to export its version of semaglutide, it barred the company from domestic sales until March 2026, when Novo Nordisk’s secondary patent expires. This decision is significant, as Novo Nordisk had recently entered the Indian market with Wegovy, pricing the drug between ₹17,000 and ₹25,000 per month. Dr. Reddy’s had given an undertaking to the court that it would not sell or market its version of the anti-obesity drug in India pending the outcome of the patent infringement lawsuit.

The ruling is a win for Dr. Reddy’s, which can now export its version of semaglutide to countries where there is no patent. However, the company will have to wait until 2026 to sell its version of the drug in India, pending the expiry of Novo Nordisk’s secondary patent. The decision also highlights the ongoing battle between pharmaceutical companies over patent rights and the importance of intellectual property protection in the industry.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has promoted Manish Shukla to the position of Global Head of HR – Corporate and Head of HR Strategy. This move is part of the company’s efforts to strengthen its global people agenda and enhance its strategic HR capabilities across international operations. In his new role, Shukla will be responsible for developing and implementing global HR strategies for the company’s corporate functions, including learning and development initiatives, functional academies, and HR strategy for over 30 countries.

Shukla will oversee a workforce of over 1,200 on-roll and 1,000 off-roll employees, focusing on advancing workforce planning and reinforcing organizational effectiveness across markets. He will also lead initiatives to strengthen capabilities in key areas such as finance, HR, digital, process excellence, legal and compliance, and corporate affairs. With his experience in driving large-scale HR transformation, enhancing workforce capability, and partnering with senior business leaders, Shukla is well-equipped to handle the complexities of this role.

Shukla joined Dr. Reddy’s in 2023 as the lead HRBP for global finance, global legal and compliance, and FMCRE. Prior to this, he held key leadership roles at prominent organizations such as ITC, Samsung Electronics, and Tata Advanced Systems. He has a strong track record of driving talent development, organizational structure design, performance culture enhancement, and compensation strategy. Shukla has also implemented high-impact talent programs, including campus initiatives and leadership development frameworks.

The elevation of Shukla to this role is expected to support Dr. Reddy’s continued expansion and strengthen its people-first agenda worldwide. With his blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, Shukla is poised to make a significant impact on the company’s global HR operations. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to building a unified HR architecture across its global footprint and positioning itself for long-term success. Overall, Shukla’s new role is a key step in Dr. Reddy’s efforts to enhance its global people agenda and drive business growth through strategic HR initiatives.

Dr. Kishore B Reddy, a renowned orthopedic oncologist and Managing Director of Amor Hospital, has been invited to speak at the prestigious international conference, BOSCON 2025, organized by the Bangladesh Orthopedics Society. The two-day event will take place in Dhaka from November 30th to December 1st, 2025, and will bring together leading orthopedic surgeons, researchers, and medical innovators from around the world.

Dr. Reddy’s selection is a significant honor, as he is the only orthopedic expert from the Telugu States (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) and one of only two speakers representing South India. His clinical excellence and international reputation in complex trauma care, joint reconstruction, regenerative orthopedics, and advanced sports injury management have earned him this recognition.

At BOSCON 2025, Dr. Reddy will deliver a keynote session on emerging surgical techniques, rapid-recovery orthopedic protocols, and innovations that are transforming patient outcomes. His participation is expected to foster cross-border collaboration and create new opportunities for academic exchange between India and Bangladesh.

Dr. Reddy expressed his gratitude and privilege at being invited to BOSCON 2025, stating that conferences like this play a crucial role in sharing knowledge, advancing surgical standards, and building partnerships that ultimately benefit patients. He looks forward to contributing to meaningful discussions that can shape the future of orthopedic care in the region.

Dr. Reddy’s involvement in BOSCON 2025 is a proud moment for the medical community of South India, highlighting the region’s growing influence in international orthopedic advancements. His selection reinforces the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the medical field, and his participation is expected to have a positive impact on the future of orthopedic care in the region. Overall, Dr. Reddy’s invitation to BOSCON 2025 is a testament to his expertise and reputation as a leading orthopedic oncologist, and his contribution to the conference is eagerly anticipated.

The Jamaican government has received a significant donation from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories to support the country’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The pharmaceutical company donated essential medication valued at US$215,000, which includes 42,500 packages of antibiotics, nutritional supplements, and chronic illness medications. The donation was officially handed over to the National Health Fund (NHF) at a ceremony held on November 25 at the NHF Head Office in New Kingston.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, expressed gratitude for the donation, describing it as a timely and generous gesture that demonstrates Dr. Reddy’s social conscience and commitment to Jamaica’s well-being. The NHF will distribute the donated medication across the parishes most affected by the hurricane, aiming to restore health services and ensure access to treatment.

The donation is expected to significantly strengthen the NHF’s outreach efforts, particularly in remote areas where access to care remains limited. Since the hurricane, the NHF has expanded its mobile pharmacy network to reach approximately 60 communities. The CEO of the NHF, Everton Anderson, thanked Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories for their continued support, stating that the donation will go a long way in Jamaica’s recovery.

The donation was also welcomed by the High Commission of India, with First Secretary Yash Pal Singh describing it as a gesture of friendship and solidarity between India and Jamaica. The donation reflects not only Dr. Reddy’s corporate commitment but also their humanitarian spirit. With over 90% of public-sector pharmacies now back in operation, the donated medication will help meet the increased demand for medication and support recovery efforts in the most severely affected communities.

The handover ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Tufton, Preetdarshi Patnaik, Country Head and Director of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Yash Pal Singh. The donation is a significant contribution to Jamaica’s recovery efforts and will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the hurricane. The NHF will work closely with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories to ensure that the donated medication reaches those who need it most, and that the country’s health services are restored to their full capacity.