Pharma News

An experimental drug that boosts production of the immune system protein interferon worsens tuberculosis (TB) in mice, according to scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The drug acts indirectly by drawing certain immune cells, in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) bacteria thrive, to the lungs. The findings may have potential implications for the care of people infected with TB, the authors note. The research is reported in the May 3 issue of Journal of Clinical Investigation, now available online.

Although India remained a major supplier of doctors and nurses to the developed countries over the years, the domestic scenario looked bleak with the country ranking 67th among the developing nations in the case of doctor-population ratio.

Western Ghats Task Force Board has now designated Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) in more number of locations in the State. The plan of action is to have one MPCA in every district. The matter is being taken ahead in consultation with the Bangalore-based Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). A meeting of scientists and officials of the state forest department would be held to discuss the plan of action, said Ananth Hedge Ashisara, chairperson Western Ghats Task Force.

The exports of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) medicines, medicinal plants and their by-products have recorded a commendable growth in the 10th five year Plan period and also in the beginning of the subsequent five year plan, according to a report from the Department of Ayush.

The NIPER, Mohali will appoint a few more scientists and faculty on ad-hoc basis in the next three-six months to extend all required services to the small and medium sector pharma companies under the aegis of the Small and Medium Pharmaceutical Industry Centre (SMPIC) and make it fully useful for the struggling industry.

Taking vitamin C and E supplements starting in early pregnancy does not reduce the risk for the hypertensive disorders and their complications that occur during pregnancy, according to a study by a National Institutes of Health research network.

Kylin Therapeutics, Inc, a leading RNAi company, announced that they have received patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office (US PTO).

Assam, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu have been awarded as the Best Performing States in implementing National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) which has completed five years.

[adsense:336x280:8701650588]

In a novel agreement, two global pharma majors have planned to make available their top-selling pneumonia vaccines at one-eighth of the market rates to save lives of poor children in developing countries.

Every day, 4,384 people, mostly children below the age of five, die due to preventable pneumococcal diseases, primarily pneumonia and meningitis. Most of these deaths, 1.6 million in a year, occur in some of the world’s poorest countries.