Pharma News

The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 (D&C rules) were amended vide Drugs and Cosmetics (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2013 published under Gazette notification G.S.R. 588(E) dated 30.08.2013 regarding the inclusion of Schedule H1 under the D&C rules containing certain antibiotics, anti-TB drugs and habit forming drugs. The notification states that these rules will come into force after six months of their publication in the official Gazette i.e. from 1st March, 2014

Researchers from Michigan University have found out cellular structure called the Golgi that mysteriously becomes fragmented in all Alzheimer's patients and looks like major cause of Alzeimer's Disease (AD). this mechanism helps decode amyloid plaque formation in the brains of Alzheimer's patients—plaques that kills cells and contributes to memory loss and other Alzheimer's symptoms.
The researchers discovered the molecular process behind Golgi fragmentation, and also developed two techniques to 'rescue' the Golgi structure.

Indian health ministry revoked the ban from Analgin, potent analgesic and antipyretic. Last year in June 2013, government issued a ban on manufacturing and selling of analgin in country because it is involved in risk to human beings and whereas safer alternatives of analgin are available. After revoking ban from pioglitazone, this is the second time when ministry has lifted ban from a drug.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Pfizer Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Eliquis (apixaban) for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.

FDA approved combination therapy of Mekinist (trametinib) and Tafinlar (dabrafenib) for treatment of advanced melanoma that is unresectable or metastatic. In May 2013, FDA had already approved both drugs as single agents to treat patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, skin cancer.

New serendipitous discovery which may open a new concept of resisting bacteria from growing in body. Associate professor Aaron Oakley and his team reported that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are exhibit some antibacterial property and acting on DNA replication of bacteria.

Researchers found that twin pairs had similar progressions of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and dementia prior to death and even they also had similar combinations of pathogenesis in two or more unconnected areas of damage to the brain. This unique study was conducted by international team of researchers led by USC psychologist Margaret Gatz.

Novartis announced that Jakavi ® (ruxolitinib) showed positive reponse in compare to present therpies for Polycythemia Vera, a rare and incurable blood cancer with increase number of erythrocytes production. In phase III trial, Jakavi ® succeed to maintain hematocrit control, erythrocytes volume, without the need of phlebotomy and reducing spleen size in patients with polycythemia vera resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea.

Karkhadi (Gujarat) based plant of Sun Pharmaceuticals imposed ban by USFDA. This ban is applied on import of all drug products from this plant. This detention was carried out without physical examination of drugs because company failed to met good manufacturing practices rules, as per FDA website on Wednesday.