Zydus Lifesciences, a leading life sciences company, has launched the world’s first biosimilar of nivolumab in India under the brand name Tishtha. This milestone marks a significant expansion of patient access to cutting-edge cancer therapies, particularly in the field of Immuno-Oncology. Tishtha will be available in two dosage strengths, 100 mg and 40 mg, priced at ₹28,950 and ₹13,950, respectively, which is approximately one-fourth of the reference product. This competitive pricing aims to improve treatment affordability and reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment.

The launch of Tishtha reinforces Zydus Lifesciences’ commitment to patient-centric care, with a focus on providing timely access to affordable and advanced cancer care. The company aims to support patients throughout their treatment journey, ensuring consistency, affordability, and reach. The development and manufacturing of Tishtha in India ensures long-term supply reliability, enabling patients to continue therapy without disruption.

The introduction of Tishtha in India significantly broadens access to advanced Immuno-Oncology treatments, making high-quality biosimilar immunotherapies accessible to a wider patient population. This launch is a pivotal step in Zydus Lifesciences’ efforts to make innovative, affordable healthcare solutions available to patients. By providing a reliable and consistent supply of Tishtha, the company aims to reduce clinical risk and financial stress associated with treatment interruptions.

According to Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, every patient deserves timely access to affordable and advanced cancer care. The company’s commitment to patient access and affordability is reflected in the pricing of Tishtha, which is designed to minimize drug wastage and optimize dosing. With the launch of Tishtha, Zydus Lifesciences continues to play a leading role in advancing patient-centric Immuno-Oncology care in India, providing patients with access to innovative and affordable treatment options.

The Zydus Pinkathon, a prominent women’s running event, is set to return to Bengaluru on January 25, marking its eighth edition in the city after a seven-year hiatus. With an expected participation of over 5,000 women, the event aims to promote fitness and community engagement among women of all age groups and fitness levels. The event will feature various race categories, including 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km runs, as well as ultradistances of 50 km, 75 km, and 100 km, and a 100 km relay.

The Bengaluru edition is being supported by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka, and has received institutional backing from the Sports Authority of India and Fit India. The event is designed to encourage women to adopt regular physical activity, particularly in a city like Bengaluru, which is known for its young, working population and high-pressure lifestyles.

Founded by Milind Soman in 2012, Pinkathon has positioned Bengaluru as a key city in its journey, citing the city’s strong running culture and growing focus on wellness. The event has become a significant part of the city’s fitness landscape, and its return is expected to be a major boost to the city’s running community.

The Zydus Pinkathon is part of the 2025-26 nationwide season, which will also include events in Hyderabad on February 15 and Delhi on March 8. The event’s organizers aim to use the platform to promote fitness-led community engagement and encourage women to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. With its diverse range of race categories and inclusive approach, the Zydus Pinkathon is expected to be a memorable and empowering experience for all participants. Overall, the return of the Zydus Pinkathon to Bengaluru is a significant development for the city’s fitness enthusiasts and a testament to the growing importance of women’s health and wellness in India.

The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has completed an inspection at Zydus Cadila’s manufacturing facility in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, with three observations. The inspection was conducted from February 13 to February 17, 2023. Although the company has not provided detailed information about the observations, it has stated that they are not related to data integrity or repeat observations from previous inspections.

The Ankleshwar plant is a key manufacturing facility for Zydus Cadila, producing a range of pharmaceutical products, including injectables, oral solids, and topical formulations. The USFDA inspection is a critical step in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for products exported to the US market. The observations made by the USFDA are considered minor, and the company is expected to respond to them within a specified timeframe.

Zydus Cadila has a history of USFDA inspections at its various manufacturing facilities. In 2020, the company’s Moraiya facility received a warning letter from the USFDA, citing several observations related to quality control and manufacturing practices. However, the company has since taken corrective actions and has been working to improve its compliance with regulatory requirements.

The outcome of the recent inspection at the Ankleshwar plant is seen as a positive development for Zydus Cadila, as it indicates that the company is on the right track in terms of compliance with USFDA regulations. The company’s management has stated that it is committed to maintaining high standards of quality and compliance at all its manufacturing facilities.

The inspection outcome is also significant for the Indian pharmaceutical industry as a whole, as it demonstrates the country’s ability to produce high-quality pharmaceutical products that meet international regulatory standards. India is a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry, with many companies exporting products to the US and other countries.

In conclusion, the USFDA’s inspection at Zydus Cadila’s Ankleshwar plant with three observations is a positive development for the company and the Indian pharmaceutical industry. While the observations are minor, the company will need to respond to them promptly to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The inspection outcome highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of quality and compliance in the pharmaceutical industry, and Zydus Cadila’s commitment to these principles is expected to support its growth and success in the global market.