https://biospectrumindia.com/rssfeed/states/gujarat gujarat https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28494/sahajanand-medical-technologies-secures-regulatory-approval-in-egypt-for-supraflex-cruz-coronary-stent.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28494/sahajanand-medical-technologies-secures-regulatory-approval-in-egypt-for-supraflex-cruz-coronary-stent.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:43:35 +0530 Surat-based Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT) has received regulatory approval from the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Central Administration of Medical Devices, for its Supraflex Cruz Sirolimus Eluting Stent System, marking the company’s entry into a new market in Africa. This EDA approval gives physicians in Egypt access to the Supraflex Cruz platform and strengthens SMT’s broader expansion strategy in new markets. According to World Health Organization data, ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in Egypt in 2021, underscoring the country’s substantial cardiovascular disease burden. By making SupraFlex Cruz available to Egyptian interventional cardiologists, SMT is expanding access to its clinically evaluated, coronary stent platform. This milestone also advances SMT’s commitment to improving access to cardiovascular care and saving lives. “Egypt is an important addition to SMT’s international footprint and strengthens our presence in Africa. Expanding access to our coronary technologies in this market advances our commitment to supporting physicians, improving cardiovascular care and saving more lives around the world,” said Anil Suri, Chief Commercial Officer, at Sahajanand Medical Technologies. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28341/orthograft-to-commercialise-advanced-tissue-derived-biological-dressings-for-wound-care.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28341/orthograft-to-commercialise-advanced-tissue-derived-biological-dressings-for-wound-care.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:24:18 +0530 With an aim to translate advances in tissue engineering into useful solutions for the therapeutic treatment of chronic wounds, the Technology Development Board (TDB) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India has provided financial assistance to Gujarat-based Orthograft for a project titled "Production Setup of Advanced Tissue Derived Biological Dressings". In collaboration with TDB, the company will establish the capability to manufacture indigenous organic dressings for clinical wound treatment applications, including chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers and burns. Orthograft is a DPIIT accredited medical device startup engaged in developing tissue alternatives for diagnostic reconstruction and functional repair. The company is developing its own specialised technology to process viable human tissue into long-term safe tissue alternatives. At the same time, it also maintains the key biological and structural characteristics of the parent tissue relevant to the wound healing process. With the support of TDB, Orthograft will strengthen its production infrastructure at the Gujarat government's Savli Technology Business Incubator in Vadodara, where the company has rented a bio-incubation facility. The company has also obtained necessary licenses from CDSCO for manufacturing of medical devices for testing purposes. At the same time, it is exploring the possibilities of collaboration with tertiary care hospitals and medical institutions for further development and clinical use of the technology. The company has developed multifaceted expertise in tissue processing and tissue replacement and currently holds two approved US patents.  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28334/concord-biotech-supports-ahmedabad-university-to-open-biology-teaching-lab.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28334/concord-biotech-supports-ahmedabad-university-to-open-biology-teaching-lab.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:05:20 +0530 Concord Biotech has extended support to Ahmedabad University with a state-of-the-art Biology Teaching Lab, inaugurated by Sudhir Vaid, Chairman & Managing Director, Concord Biotech Limited, recently. The new facility will provide students with hands-on exposure to industry-relevant skills and foster the next generation of scientists, researchers and biotech leaders. Sudhir Vaid shared, “We believe that the future of life sciences in India will be shaped by the quality of education and research talent we nurture today.” Through initiatives like these, Concord Biotech remains committed to strengthening the bridge between academia and industry, while laying the foundation for the next generation of life sciences and biopharmaceutical innovation. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28280/zydus-launches-revahale-indias-first-once-daily-nebulised-long-acting-muscarinic-antagonist-for-copd.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28280/zydus-launches-revahale-indias-first-once-daily-nebulised-long-acting-muscarinic-antagonist-for-copd.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:13:54 +0530 Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences has launched REVAHALE™ (Revefenacin), India’s first once-daily nebulised Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (LAMA) indicated for the maintenance treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). REVAHALETM is the first and only LAMA available in India that combines once-daily dosing with nebulised administration, offering a new treatment option for COPD patients who require nebulised therapy. Designed to provide sustained 24-hour bronchodilation with a single daily dose, REVAHALETM addresses important challenges associated with inhaler-dependent therapies, particularly among elderly patients and those with severe respiratory impairment. COPD remains a significant public health challenge in India and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. While inhaled bronchodilator therapies have transformed disease management, many patients continue to experience difficulties using handheld inhalers, cognitive limitations, severe breathlessness, or an inability to generate sufficient inspiratory effort for effective drug delivery. REVAHALETM has been developed to address these unmet needs through a convenient nebulised delivery platform that reduces dependence on inhalation technique and inspiratory flow. The therapy is compatible with standard jet nebulisers, providing flexibility and ease of use for patients and caregivers. Revefenacin is designed to deliver sustained bronchodilation over 24 hours through once-daily administration. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant and sustained improvements in lung function in patients with moderate to very severe COPD, while maintaining a favourable safety profile. Its lung-selective design is intended to maximise bronchodilatory effects in the airways while minimising systemic exposure. By combining once-daily administration, compatibility with standard jet nebulisers and sustained 24-hour bronchodilation, REVAHALETM offers a differentiated maintenance treatment option in COPD care. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28281/lifecell-international-partners-with-shraddha-diagnostics-for-expansion.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28281/lifecell-international-partners-with-shraddha-diagnostics-for-expansion.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:26:14 +0530 LifeCell International, one of India’s integrated diagnostics and preventive healthcare companies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Shraddha Diagnostics to expand access to advanced and specialised diagnostic services across Gujarat. The partnership combines Shraddha Diagnostics established regional presence, clinician relationships and expertise in routine diagnostics with LifeCell’s scientific capabilities, specialised diagnostic portfolio and technology-enabled laboratory infrastructure. Together, the organisations will operate the Gujarat business under the Shraddha LifeCell entity. With Shraddha Diagnostics’ existing network of six laboratories and four centres across Ahmedabad and Surat, the partnership will provide access to a combined portfolio of approximately 4,500 diagnostic tests, covering routine pathology as well as specialised areas including genomics, oncology, transplant and IVF diagnostics. Together, LifeCell and Shraddha Diagnostics aim to extend their diagnostic services across the entire state of Gujarat, enabling clinicians and patients to access a broader range of diagnostic capabilities through an integrated regional platform. The partnership will focus on strengthening diagnostic quality and accessibility, expanding the specialised test portfolio, enhancing technology and digital capabilities, and improving the overall experience for patients, clinicians and healthcare partners.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28249/time-medical-international-ventures-announces-partnership-for-installation-of-inter-op-mri-suite.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28249/time-medical-international-ventures-announces-partnership-for-installation-of-inter-op-mri-suite.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:14:05 +0530 Time Medical International Ventures (India), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fischer Medical Ventures and a global leader in advanced medical imaging solutions, has entered into a partnership with Parul Sevashram Hospital, Vadodara, to install its revolutionary DRIS–iMRI Medharanya Suite, an AI-enabled next-generation portable intraoperative MRI system. Time Medical has developed a revolutionary new variant of MRI imaging technology — DRIS–iMRI Medharanya, an AI-enabled, next-generation, portable and specialised MRI system integrating Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Exoscope technologies. The intraoperative MRI platform is designed to transform intraoperative imaging by providing surgeons with real-time visualisation during complex neurosurgical procedures, enabling unprecedented precision, safety, and surgical control in procedures that traditionally rely on limited visual feedback. Time Medical International Ventures has entered into a partnership to install its first Modern Brain Suite: the DRIS–iMRI Medharanya system at Parul Sevashram Hospital, Vadodara. Through this upcoming partnership, the DRIS–iMRI Medharanya Suite is expected to strengthen the university's academic and clinical ecosystem, giving medical students, residents, and faculty at Parul University hands-on exposure to next-generation neurosurgical imaging technology. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28179/researchers-in-gujarat-develop-ai-powered-device-to-identify-disease-carrying-mosquito-species-.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28179/researchers-in-gujarat-develop-ai-powered-device-to-identify-disease-carrying-mosquito-species-.html Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:33:00 +0530 With mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria continuing to pose a significant public health challenge in India, Associate Professor Kiran Trivedi from the University of Wollongong in Gujarat has developed a low-cost artificial intelligence (AI)-powered device that can identify disease-carrying mosquito species within seconds by analysing the sound of their wingbeats. The portable AI device uses Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) to accurately identify three of the world's most significant disease-carrying mosquito species—Aedes, Anopheles and Culex—without requiring internet connectivity or cloud-based computing. By enabling rapid, on-site identification of mosquito species, the innovation has the potential to support faster and more efficient mosquito surveillance, particularly in regions where access to laboratory infrastructure may be limited. Unlike conventional surveillance methods, which require mosquito larvae to be collected and analysed in laboratories to determine species, the AI-powered device identifies mosquitoes by their distinct acoustic signatures from wingbeats. Developed in collaboration with Professor Trivedi’s former student Harsh Shroff, the embedded AI model processes sound locally on the device, enabling real-time species identification while operating on minimal power. The model was trained using publicly available mosquito sound recordings and achieved an accuracy of 88.3 per cent. Built on a compact Arduino-based platform with an integrated microphone and display, the device provides a portable and affordable alternative for mosquito monitoring in the field. The device also has the potential to be deployed as part of wider surveillance networks, enabling continuous monitoring of mosquito populations and generating real-time data to support public health planning and outbreak preparedness. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28050/corona-remedies-commercialises-womens-hormone-manufacturing-facility-in-ahmedabad.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/28050/corona-remedies-commercialises-womens-hormone-manufacturing-facility-in-ahmedabad.html Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:47:14 +0530 CORONA Remedies has announced the inauguration and commercialisation of its dedicated EU-GMP approved Hormone Manufacturing Facility at Bhayla, Ahmedabad. The facility marks a significant milestone in the company's journey towards building globally benchmarked pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. As global attention towards women's healthcare continues to grow, driven by greater awareness and diagnosis of hormonal disorders, increasing demand for fertility care and expanding focus on menopause management and hormone replacement therapies, the need for specialised, high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing has become more critical than ever (as per WHO factsheet on Infertility Nov. 2025).   Hormonal medicines are among the most complex pharmaceutical products to manufacture. Their high potency, sensitive formulations and stringent contamination control requirements demand dedicated facilities equipped with sophisticated technologies, specialised engineering systems and uncompromising regulatory standards.   CORONA's integrated manufacturing platform supports multiple dosage forms—including tablets, soft gel capsules, ointments and gels—within a single specialised manufacturing ecosystem, enabling the company to cater to a broad spectrum of women's healthcare therapies.   Spread across 1.0 lakh sq. ft; the facility has an annual manufacturing capacity of 194 million tablets/capsules and 1.5 million ointments/gels. With the commissioning of this facility, CORONA's in-house hormone manufacturing capacity is expected to increase by nearly 20%. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27962/siemens-healthineers-expands-make-in-india-portfolio-with-manufacturing-of-atellica-chemistry-reagents-at-vadodara-factory.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27962/siemens-healthineers-expands-make-in-india-portfolio-with-manufacturing-of-atellica-chemistry-reagents-at-vadodara-factory.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:40:03 +0530 In an effort to elevate healthcare in India, Siemens Healthineers has begun local manufacturing of Atellica chemistry reagents at its Vadodara facility, a milestone for the Make in India initiative that will benefit patients and healthcare professionals across the country.  These chemistry reagents are used in routine blood tests that detect conditions such as infections, diabetes, and organ function abnormalities. Local production aims to strengthen better access to quality care for patients and supports early detection and preventive care, enabling clinicians to monitor risk factors in time. “Bringing the expertise and legacy of over 50 years, our Vadodara facility will play a pivotal role in producing diagnostic solutions tailored to the needs of Indian laboratories and healthcare providers. This move also aligns with national priorities to boost domestic manufacturing in critical healthcare segments, advancing preventive healthcare and contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance in healthcare technologies", said Hariharan Subramanian, Managing Director, Siemens Healthcare. The Atellica Solution is widely recognised for its innovation, sustainability and efficiency in laboratory diagnostics, and the availability of locally manufactured reagents will further strengthen its value for healthcare providers and patients in India. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27938/rayat-bahra-university-partners-with-shukra-pharma-to-launch-rs-10-lakh-student-startup-fund.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27938/rayat-bahra-university-partners-with-shukra-pharma-to-launch-rs-10-lakh-student-startup-fund.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:31:09 +0530 The Entrepreneurship & Startup Support Cell (ESSC) of Rayat Bahra University (RBU) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ahmedabad-based Shukra Pharmaceuticals, a publicly listed pharmaceutical company, committing Rs 10 lakh in seed capital alongside incubation services and expert mentorship for student-led ventures. The agreement marks a rare example of a corporate entity providing a named pre-seed fund directly to a university startup cell outside India’s major metro hubs. The collaboration will support student ventures across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, agriculture, and biotechnology, providing direct industry exposure for RBU’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Students will gain access to manufacturing insights, patent development, regulatory affairs, and innovation challenges, bridging the gap between academic research and commercial enterprise. “Under the MoU, RBU (ESSC) and Shukra Pharmaceuticals will jointly organise startup boot camps, hackathons, entrepreneurship development programmes, faculty workshops, and innovation challenges to identify and nurture high-potential projects. The collaboration will also facilitate joint research initiatives, consultancy projects, and participation in funded programmes aligned with healthcare innovation and pharmaceutical entrepreneurship.” said Dr Simmi Prakash, Group Director, ESSC, Rayat Bahra University.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27811/zydus-to-acquire-us-based-assertio-for-166-4-m-to-support-oncology-therapies.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27811/zydus-to-acquire-us-based-assertio-for-166-4-m-to-support-oncology-therapies.html Wed, 13 May 2026 21:11:53 +0530 Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences has announced that Zydus Worldwide DMCC, a subsidiary of the company, has signed a definitive agreement through  its wholly owned acquisition subsidiary Zara Merger Sub Inc. with Assertio Holdings, Inc. a US-based pharmaceutical company focused on specialty and oncology supportive-care therapies, to acquire all outstanding shares of Assertio for $23.50 per share in cash, representing total consideration of approximately $166.4 million on a fully-diluted basis, calculated using the treasury stock method. The acquisition provides Zydus with an established US specialty oncology commercial platform, anchored by Assertio’s presence in oncology supportive care. Assertio’s portfolio includes ROLVEDON® (eflapegrastim‑xnst), approved as a Biologics License Application (BLA) by USFDA for long‑acting G‑CSF biologic for the prevention of febrile neutropenia in adult cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. ROLVEDON® is administered once per chemotherapy cycle in the oncology supportive‑care market. Zydus intends to leverage Assertio’s focused commercial infrastructure and oncology relationships to build and expand its specialty oncology presence in the US. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Zydus will commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Assertio common stock.  The tender offer is expected to commence within five business days following the date of the merger agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the financial year 2026-27, subject to satisfaction of all closing conditions. Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving legal counsel to Zydus. Moelis & Company LLC is serving as financial advisor to Assertio and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is serving as its legal counsel. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27516/lupin-manufacturing-solutions-announces-expansion-of-facility-at-dabhasa-gujarat.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27516/lupin-manufacturing-solutions-announces-expansion-of-facility-at-dabhasa-gujarat.html Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Lupin Manufacturing Solutions (LMS), a global contract research, development and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO) and subsidiary of global pharma major Lupin, has announced a strategic expansion of its Dabhasa (Gujarat) manufacturing facility, marking a significant step toward scaling its peptide building-blocks platform and CRDMO capabilities. The expanded infrastructure features a new block to enhance existing CRDMO capabilities supported by dedicated peptide manufacturing capacity across two additional specialized units. These upgrades will enable advanced development and flexible manufacturing, supporting complex therapeutics and meeting global demand for advanced pharmaceutical solutions. Dr Abdelaziz Toumi, Chief Executive Officer, Lupin Manufacturing Solutions, said, “As pharmaceutical innovation increasingly shifts toward complex modalities, building deep capabilities and execution excellence has become critical. This expansion underscores our commitment to building advanced, scalable capabilities that support complex development programs and reinforce our role in the global peptide ecosystem, enabling meaningful partnerships with innovators worldwide.” With global drug development increasingly defined by molecular complexity, such as peptides and biologic antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), this expansion reinforces LMS’s capability to consistently supply high‑quality peptide building blocks, including protected amino acids. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27178/amit-shah-lays-foundation-stone-of-bsl-4-bio-containment-facility-of-gujarat-biotechnology-research-center.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27178/amit-shah-lays-foundation-stone-of-bsl-4-bio-containment-facility-of-gujarat-biotechnology-research-center.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of BSL-4 Bio-Containment Facility, at Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Several dignitaries including Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi were present on the occasion. Amit Shah said that this will be India's second high-level lab after the Virology Institute in Pune. But this is the first lab being built by a state government, the credit for which goes to Gujarat. A huge complex with an area of 11,000 square meters at a cost of Rs 362 crore is going to be a strong fortress of biological security of the country. He said that we were lagging behind for many years due to the cutting-edge research being done in the world, but the BSL-4 bio-containment facility will provide new opportunities to the youth working in the biotechnology sector and India will be able to move ahead in this field. This facility will provide a platform for scientists to conduct research on highly contagious and deadly viruses in a safe environment. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that BSL-4 Bio-Containment Facility is being prepared by studying BSL labs around the world. There will also be a world-class system to study diseases that reach humans through animals. Shah said that according to a study, 60 to 70 percent of diseases reach humans through animals, so India has started a programme to ensure the safety of both humans and animals through the One Health Mission. He said that now our scientists will not have to depend on foreign countries to test samples of dangerous viruses. Ending dependence on foreign countries will speed up the investigation and we will become self-reliant. The Home Minister said that BSL-4 will provide all the facilities. We need research-based permanent security and this lab will meet all our needs. Amit Shah said that we have set a target of investment of Rs 20,000 crore and 1 lakh jobs under the Biotech Policy. Special assistance for mega projects has also been announced.  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27139/ntpc-sanctions-rs-23-16-cr-to-upgrade-radiotherapy-services-at-gujarat-cancer-and-research-institute.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27139/ntpc-sanctions-rs-23-16-cr-to-upgrade-radiotherapy-services-at-gujarat-cancer-and-research-institute.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0530 NTPC Limited – Western Region-I Headquarters, Mumbai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) for upgradation of radiotherapy services. This initiative has been taken under NTPC's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Under this project, NTPC has sanctioned Rs 23.16 crore for upgradation of radiotherapy services at GCRI's Siddhpur Satellite Centre in Ahmedabad. This assistance will be used for the purchase and installation of the High-Energy Linear Accelerator (LINAC), which will significantly enhance advanced cancer treatment capabilities and ensure better availability of quality radiotherapy services to patients in the region. The MoU was exchanged between Dr Shashank Pandya, Director, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) and E. Satya Phani Kumar, Regional Executive Director (West-I), NTPC, in the presence of senior officials of both the organisations. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27130/corona-remedies-commences-capacity-expansion-for-commercial-production-at-bhayla-facility-in-gujarat.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27130/corona-remedies-commences-capacity-expansion-for-commercial-production-at-bhayla-facility-in-gujarat.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Corona Remedies has announced the successful commencement of capacity expansion for commercial production of tablets and capsules at its Bhayla manufacturing facility, effective from December 22, 2025. This strategic expansion aims to meet the growing market demand and enhance the company’s in-house production capabilities. With this addition, the installed capacity of the facility will increase by 400 million, raising the available capacity by 240 million. This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to optimising production and streamlining its supply chain. The expansion is fully funded through internal accruals and is expected to improve operational efficiency and ensure a more agile supply chain. As of March 31, 2025, the Bhayla facility has an installed capacity of 852.80 million units, with an impressive capacity utilization rate of 93.58%. This development marks a significant step in Corona Remedies’ growth trajectory and is aligned with its long-term vision of scaling operations to cater to increasing market demands. Corona manufactures products for healthcare solutions as per international quality standards in its WHO-GMP/EU GMP-certified plant. The company has 2 DSIR-approved R&D centres with 80+ scientist teams working on new formulation development. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27115/kashiv-biosciences-secures-rs-648-cr-financing-from-ubi-to-expand-manufacturing-facilities-in-gujarat.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/27115/kashiv-biosciences-secures-rs-648-cr-financing-from-ubi-to-expand-manufacturing-facilities-in-gujarat.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Kashiv BioSciences, a biopharmaceutical company, has secured financing of Rs 648 crore from the Union Bank of India (UBI). The proceeds will be used to expand its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pipan, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The new single-use commercial manufacturing facility will be one of India’s largest, equipped with cutting-edge technologies to support the production of high-quality biologics and specialty pharmaceuticals. At full capacity, Kashiv expects the facility to manufacture up to 50,000L. This milestone represents a major step forward in Kashiv’s mission to expand its global footprint and strengthen its position in India as a leading center for advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing. “This funding marks a pivotal milestone in Kashiv’s journey to expand biomanufacturing capacity in India,” said Dr Sandeep Athalye, Global CEO of Kashiv BioSciences. “The new facility in Pipan will not only accelerate innovation and access to high-quality biologics but also reinforce our commitment to building world-class infrastructure that supports global healthcare needs. This infrastructure is being financed with the support of the Union Bank of India and is in alignment with the Biotechnology Policy and schemes implemented by GSBTM (Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission), a body of the state government, which continues to catalyze investment in advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing.” ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26877/medgenome-makes-majority-investment-in-leading-gujarat-based-diagnostics-chain-green-cross.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26877/medgenome-makes-majority-investment-in-leading-gujarat-based-diagnostics-chain-green-cross.html Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530 MedGenome, a leading global genomics-driven diagnostics and research services company, has announced a majority investment in Gujarat-headquartered pathology laboratory chain, Green Cross Genetics Lab. With a legacy of over 30 years of trust and quality excellence, Green Cross continues to expand its presence with 17 state-of-the-art laboratories and 35 collection centres operating across Gujarat today. Each facility operates under the supervision of senior experts dedicated to precision, reliability, and patient trust. Founded by renowned industry veteran Vinod Patel, the company has, for over three decades, been guided by a leadership team of accomplished pathologists and medical professionals. Most of the management team brings more than 30 years of clinical experience and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategy and growth journey to its current scale. The company’s promoters are committed to continuing to lead the business in this partnership as the company enters its next phase of growth. Green Cross’s operational capabilities, combined with the credibility it has earned over the years, complement MedGenome’s commitment to making genomics-led, affordable solutions accessible to the larger population. MedGenome operates South Asia’s largest CAP-accredited end-to-end multiomics laboratory, along with in-house developed AI/ML-enabled analysis pipelines, empowering clinicians with data-driven genetic insights to better diagnose and treat complex diseases. Commenting on the announcement, Dr Vedam Ramprasad, CEO, MedGenome, said, “This partnership will strengthen MedGenome's market presence in Gujarat, allowing us to better serve a broader population. It reiterates our commitment to improving access to affordable omics solutions, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With Green Cross’s three-decade legacy of trust and high-quality diagnostics, this partnership perfectly aligns with our mission to harness genomics for early, accurate disease detection and management. As we work towards positioning Indian genomics on the global stage, we will continue to innovate and create solutions that meet the needs of diverse markets worldwide.” Vinod Patel, Promoter & Director, Green Cross Genetics Lab, added, “Combining our extensive portfolio of over 800 diagnostics solutions and a dedicated team of 500+ employees, with MedGenome’s world-class genomics capabilities, we can offer a more comprehensive menu of services across the country. The collaboration also enables more efficient integration of genomics into diagnostics, unlocking new opportunities to service our clinicians and patient base.”   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26815/marengo-asia-hospitals-acquires-majority-stake-in-gujarats-sunshine-global-hospitals.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26815/marengo-asia-hospitals-acquires-majority-stake-in-gujarats-sunshine-global-hospitals.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Marengo Asia Hospitals has further strengthened its Western India footprint with majority acquisition of Sunshine Global Hospitals — a prominent multi-specialty hospital chain in Gujarat with presence in Surat and Vadodara and a combined capacity of 350 beds. Both hospital units are NABH-accredited and offer more than 20 super-specialties. Marengo Asia Hospitals focuses on providing tertiary and quaternary care, creating ‘Centers of Excellence’ across medical specialties, and adopting a ‘patient first’ approach. This acquisition further consolidates its presence in Gujarat where it already has two facilities located in Ahmedabad and Bhuj. This acquisition follows Marengo Asia Hospitals’ recent expansions into Varanasi with Metis-The Medicity, marking its entry into a new state (Uttar Pradesh), and into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), marking its first international collaboration with Specialized Najran Hospital. With all these additions, Marengo Asia Hospitals now operates a total of 8 hospitals with a cumulative capacity of 2,500 beds, supported by a team of over 900 doctors and 5,200 employees. “As we expand our presence in Western India, we are excited to enter 2 prominent cities of Vadodara and Surat and bring in our advanced tertiary and quaternary care expertise to the people of these cities and nearby areas.” said Dr Raajiv Singhal, Founding Member, Managing Director and Group CEO, Marengo Asia Hospitals. “Every new hospital we bring into the Marengo Asia Hospitals’ network strengthens our commitment to the ‘Patient First’ approach — making specialised, affordable, and compassionate care accessible to more people, closer to their homes. Marengo Asia Hospitals aims to grow sustainably by developing clinical Centers of Excellence across specialties to deliver the best clinical outcomes for its patients.” ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26798/cadila-pharmaceuticals-launches-dlorfast-m-ablets-dual-action-breakthrough-for-allergy-relief.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26798/cadila-pharmaceuticals-launches-dlorfast-m-ablets-dual-action-breakthrough-for-allergy-relief.html Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals has launched Dlorfast-M-Tablets, a new fixed-dose combination therapy containing Desloratadine (5 mg) and Montelukast (10 mg). The product is designed for the management of allergic rhinitis and urticaria and marks an important advance in addressing the growing burden of allergic disorders in India. Allergic rhinitis and urticaria are chronic conditions that affect millions of people worldwide, causing recurrent sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, hives, and swelling. These conditions can significantly reduce productivity, impair sleep quality, and diminish overall well-being. In India, allergy-related health problems have increased steadily over the past decade, driven by factors such as rising pollution levels, changing lifestyles, and genetic predisposition. Recognising this challenge, Cadila Pharmaceuticals has introduced Dlorfast-M-Tablets as a dual-action therapy that targets two key pathways of allergic response, namely histamine and leukotriene, to provide broader and more effective symptom relief. Desloratadine is a potent and selective histamine H₁-receptor antagonist that blocks histamine, the primary mediator responsible for itching, swelling, and other allergy symptoms. Montelukast is a highly selective leukotriene receptor antagonist that binds with high affinity to cysteinyl leukotriene receptors, preventing airway oedema, smooth muscle contraction, and other inflammatory reactions. Together, the combination works synergistically to deliver comprehensive relief that is superior to either antihistamines or leukotriene inhibitors alone. Clinical evaluations have shown that the Desloratadine and Montelukast combination significantly improves respiratory allergic pathology symptoms. The once-daily dosage enhances patient compliance and tolerability, making it suitable for long-term management of allergies. Dlorfast-M - Tablet is indicated for adults and adolescents with allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It is administered orally once daily as a single tablet.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26781/asg-eye-hospital-and-bavishi-eye-hospitals-announce-landmark-partnership-to-expand-eye-care-in-gujarat.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26781/asg-eye-hospital-and-bavishi-eye-hospitals-announce-landmark-partnership-to-expand-eye-care-in-gujarat.html Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530 ASG Eye Hospital, one of India’s fastest-growing super-specialty eye-care chains with 175+ hospitals and 200 vision centres across 87 cities, has announced a strategic partnership with Bavishi Eye Hospitals, a pioneer in ophthalmology with six decades of trusted care in Gujarat. The Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel was the Guest of Honour and hailed the partnership as a prestigious milestone in advancing eye care in the state.  The Chief Minister congratulated ASG Eye Hospital and Bavishi Eye Hospitals on joining forces to expand access to high-quality ophthalmic services across Gujarat, and emphasised that such collaborations not only strengthen the healthcare ecosystem but also bring world-class medical care closer to communities. The alliance between ASG Eye Hospital brings together Bavishi’s deep-rooted community trust and clinical expertise with ASG’s national network, advanced technology, and standardised protocols. This partnership will immediately expand access to world-class eye care across Gujarat, while maintaining Bavishi’s legacy of excellence. These centres will be manned by round the clock for all specialities and sub specialities for ophthalmology under one roof, which include spectacle correction or LASIK, retina services, paediatric ophthalmology, Myopia clinic,  Amblyopia correction, Ocular oncology, Oculoplasty and facial Aesthetics, glaucoma management, corneal transplantation along with many more.      The collaboration will also expand services to new locations, including Nehru Nagar, Relief Road, Isanpur, and a flagship Centre of Excellence on SG Highway. Patients will benefit from shorter waiting times, uniform clinical standards, and enhanced training programmes for doctors.  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26724/dmma-warns-regulatory-burden-threatening-gujarats-pharma-msmes.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26724/dmma-warns-regulatory-burden-threatening-gujarats-pharma-msmes.html Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0530 The Drug Marketing and Manufacturing Association (DMMA) has warned that the growing regulatory burden could force widespread closure of small and medium-sized pharmaceutical units in Gujarat and sought urgent government intervention to safeguard the industry. The association has warned that the shutdown of units would have a huge impact on pharma exports and trigger job losses. Over 30 pharma associations (DMMA, Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs, Laghu Udyog Bharti, state associations from Himachal (HDMA), Haryana, Karnataka, etc.) have jointly appealed to Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and submitted a detailed representation outlining the challenges specially withdrawal of the recent directive enforcing bio-equivalence studies under GSR 327 (E). Each BA/BE study costs Rs 20–40 lakh per product, and MSMEs may have dozens of formulations. This makes compliance financially unviable, saying the lack of officially notified reference products, the high cost of studies, and ethical concerns make compliance impractical and impossible for small units to absorb. Without urgent relief, thousands of units will collapse, leading to medicine shortages nationwide.  The association called for an end to the constant issuance of regulatory circulars that make operations unpredictable and capital-intensive. The association raised alarm over the Revised Schedule M (Good Manufacturing Practices) requirements, slated to come into effect from January 1, 2026. It warned that the expanded scope and costly upgrades, notified without accommodating the objections of the MSME sector, could force 4,000–5,000 units to close. It demanded that the deadline for companies have a turnover of less than Rs 50 crores should be extended till April 2027. DMMA objected to risk-based inspections that selectively target MSME units while sparing large corporates, and to the practice of shutting down plants merely based on a manufacturer's own corrective action report if no critical lapses are found. DMMA President Amit Thakkar said, "Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of India's pharmaceutical industry, but they are being burdened by an endless stream of regulatory circulars that run counter to the government's own Ease of Doing Business agenda. While MSME manufacturers will be hit the hardest, these measures will also create shortages of affordable medicines and erode our export competitiveness, allowing other countries to overtake India in global markets."   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26561/gujarat-health-minister-inaugurates-advanced-radiotherapy-system-for-cancer-care-at-apollo-hospitals-in-ahmedabad.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26561/gujarat-health-minister-inaugurates-advanced-radiotherapy-system-for-cancer-care-at-apollo-hospitals-in-ahmedabad.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel inaugurated the cutting-edge Varian TrueBeam 3.0 Radiotherapy system at Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, marking a significant leap forward in precision cancer treatment in Gujarat. The inauguration was attended by the hospital’s Radiation oncology team, other Oncologists and entire staff of oncology department.  The Varian TrueBeam 3.0 is a modern fully equipped most Advanced linear accelerator (LINAC) used for External beam radiotherapy for patients suffering from cancer. It delivers high-energy X-rays with exceptional accuracy, targeting tumours while sparing healthy surrounding tissues. For patients, this translates into faster treatment sessions, reduced side effects, and improved overall outcomes. Its ability to integrate advanced imaging with treatment also allows doctors to adapt therapy with greater precision for each individual case. Speaking at the event, Rushikesh Patel said, “Ahmedabad has emerged as a hub for advanced healthcare, with patients from across Gujarat and neighbouring states and countries seeking treatment here. Availability of advanced treatment facilities and clinical expertise of doctors further strengthens the city’s position as a centre for cutting-edge medical care and gives new hope to cancer patients.”  With this launch, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, has strengthened its role as a regional referral centre for advanced cancer care, blending cutting-edge technology with compassionate treatment. This was the first Radiation centre in corporate sector in Gujarat and has the highest number of Radiation treatment delivered to cancer patients with his experienced Team. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/interviews/103/26540/vector-biomed-brings-affordable-car-t-therapy-to-rural-india.html https://biospectrumindia.com/interviews/103/26540/vector-biomed-brings-affordable-car-t-therapy-to-rural-india.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0530 In an exclusive conversation with BioSpectrum India, Ankit Kankar speaks with Dr. Indraneel Ghosh, Country Manager of Vector BioMed India. Dr. Ghosh shares the vision behind selecting Kailash Cancer Hospital, a nonprofit rural healthcare institution, as the first Indian site for CAR-T deployment. He explains how Vector BioMed’s LENTIVERSE™ platform is enabling decentralised and cost-effective manufacturing of advanced therapies, reflects on the philosophy of “democratising cell and gene therapy” championed by founder Dr. Boro Dropulic, and outlines the broader roadmap for expanding access across India’s underserved regions. What were the key considerations in choosing Kailash Cancer Hospital, a rural nonprofit setup, as the first Indian site for CAR-T deployment via Vector BioMed’s platform? Vector BioMed is a public benefit corporation redefining lentiviral vector manufacturing for accessible, affordable gene therapies. Spun out of the nonprofit Caring Cross, the company supports biotech startups, research institutions, and global health systems with customizable and off-the-shelf vector solutions that simplify development and bridge innovation to cure. The philosophy of Vector BioMed as promulgated by the founder Dr. Boro Dropulic is “democratization of cell and gene therapy”. Muni Seva Ashram is a very spiritual and peaceful place for peace of mind and health. Muni Seva Ashram was established by Anuben Thakkar in 1980, without any prior mission but only sought to serve the needy and deprived people. At present the main vision of ashram is “To serve, strengthen and sustain the wellbeing of the less fortunate without any discrimination and build organizational resilience through agriculture, health, education, welfare program and alternative energy by deploying most appropriate technologies in total harmony with nature, culture and human values”. The principle that ‘No service is provided for free, but no one is denied service for the lack of funds’ is sincerely followed. Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center, under the aegis of Muni Seva Ashram follows the principles of serving without discrimination, aiding without bias, healing without profit, welfare without limitations. These values resonated with Vector BioMed located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Our senior team members each have decades of experience in Lentiviral vector (LV) and CAR-T cell manufacturing. clinical trial at UPenn; Our current senior team developed the first LV vector used in the production of Kymriah® - first FDA approved CAR-T cell product. Experience with GMP Lentiviral vector production and pre-clinical Lentiviral vector batches bolstered the resolution that cell and gene therapy can be made amenable to everyone including economically disadvantaged groups of patients in LMIC countries. Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center caters to those patients afflicted with various types of cancers and are financially not strong enough to afford treatments like radio therapy, chemotherapy and other modalities. Given the noble mission, Boro Dropulic saw the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of thousands of less fortunate patients. This initial interaction was sheer providence which included my daughter Dhruti and Mr. Deepak Gadhia who played a serendipitous role in initiating the initial interaction. How does the LENTIVERSE™ platform uniquely enable decentralised, low-cost CAR-T manufacturing and administration, especially in low-resource settings like rural India? Vector BioMed specializes in providing solutions that empower partners to advance their lentiviral vector-based treatments into clinical trials, thereby expediting their journey to commercialization. In January 2023, Vector BioMed innovated a technological platform for designing and producing lentiviruses utilized in cell and gene therapy LENTIVERSE™ system, is designed for flexibility, affordability, and scalability, especially for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Current production systems in India are either manual in bags or using automated systems which are dedicated to one patient cell processing, resulting in an average of treating two patients per month. Dedicated systems also have consumables specific to that system which adds to the cost of production. LENTIVERSE™ is a production platform agnostic of expensive consumables or unproductive instrument engagement. In a country where thousands of patients wait for life saving therapeutic cell and gene therapy products, increased processivity with the assurance of no or minimum batch failure due to process generated contamination is of prime importance. LENTIVERSE™ provides the needed processivity of one patient per day with the assurance of safety of the therapeutic product. In our decentralized model established at Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center Will be able to produce maximum number of therapeutic doses for hematological cancer patients at a significantly less price already available. During CAR-T cell production the outcome of the final therapeutic product depends on the starting cellular material, cellular engineering strategy and ex vivo cell expansion methods. The ensemble of various components of LENTIVERSE™ when implemented results in local on-site production of CAR-T cells at a much lesser cost due to proprietary production techniques and specifically designed components for an accelerated growth without compromising the T cell lineages. The local procurement of process components along with availability of skilled personnel who would produce the actual therapeutic product at much lesser cost as compared to the U.S. allows a faster and way less expensive production cost of CAR-T cells in India using the LENTIVERSE™ system. Can you elaborate on the regulatory, technical, or infrastructural challenges faced during the evaluation phase—and how they were addressed? I would use the term novel approaches instead of the word challenge. The esteemed doctors of Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center have state of the art facilities like Asias largest day chemotherapy unit, a full-fledged cyclotron, Asias largest solar power parabolic mirror and many more such achievements. The hospital has its own blood bank, pathology lab, 10 operation theaters and pharmacy department, services like Diagnostic imaging, Radiology, CT scan, X-ray departments, Bone marrow transplant unit and Neutropenia care area. Drs. Yogesh Mistry, Shailesh Lavana, Arpit Patel, Bhavna Chaudhury are the core CAR-T team under the guidance of the director Dr. Vikram Patel. They have a deep understanding of the therapy and the steps required leading to successful conducting of clinical trials. Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center is an USFDA approved clinical trial center. The hospital maintains highest standards in every aspect and by no means any less than the so called urban “corporate hospitals”. Late President Dr. Abdul Kalam visited Muni Seva Ashram in 2011 to witness a living example of his life-passion, “Providing Urban amenities in Rural Areas – PURA”. Given this background it is needless to say that if a cyclotron can be installed and operated a CAR-T facility is relatively much easier proposition to install and operate. Our channel partner Hygine Airtech who has done an excellent job in establishing the GMP facility did the bulk of the work, installation of equipment was supervised by the highly qualified core team of doctors. Their understanding of our process was seamless, and the word challenge was never encountered in the whole process. What models of affordability are being considered to ensure long-term sustainability of CAR-T therapy delivery at KCHRC, especially beyond initial philanthropic support? When brilliant minds, across the ocean, of Muni Seva Ashram and Vector BioMed came together an idea nucleated with the sole aim to benefit humanity irrespective of economic capability, religion, race, caste or sex. The model that was decided upon is not dependent on philanthropic aid. Indeed, philanthropic aid and CSR funding played a pivotal part in initiating the project, however long-term sustenance was also considered in parallel as part of the feasibility studies even before initiating the project. In India medical treatment is mostly covered by private insurance and they do not cover CAR-T cell therapy. The government insurance policy introduced by the Modi government covers 10 lakh and is not restricted to certain therapeutic modalities only. Dr. Boro Dropulic decided on offering Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center the best possible pricing to enable the cancer afflicted patients to avail this cutting-edge therapy. Dr. Vikram Patel on his side decided to charge only the bare minimum operational cost to the patients. This resulted in pricing which in the major part can be covered by the government Ayushman Bharat policy. For the remaining amount, which is not very large, Muni Seva Ashram is in talks with various insurance companies. What potential do you see for this collaboration to serve as a template for future CAR-T access points across tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India? India exhibits wide regional diversity in the incidence, prevalence, and pattern of cancer presentation and care. Nearly 70% of patients suffering from cancer are from rural areas. However almost 95% of the cancer care services are concentrated in the urban areas. The significant disparity between the demand and supply of cancer care in India can be bridged by following the snowflake model (https://doi.org/10.1200/GO-24-00453).The establishment of CAR-T cell therapy at Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center is a case study in itself which goes to show that Dr. Boro Dropulic’s dream of democratizing cell and gene therapy is not utopian. During the initiation, progress and completion of the CAR-T cell project at Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center, we gathered valuable understanding of the bare minimum requirements of establishing a CAR-T cell therapy project in India which will not treat only affluent patients. Typically, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities have less resources to establish a full-fledged CAR-T center. Showcasing Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center efforts in establishing and treating patients with cutting edge cell and gene therapy utilizing a very economically affordable budget within a reasonable time frame will generate interest of many philanthropic organizations to invest in establishing therapy centers in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. We have been approached by many people’s representatives to establish centers in their constituencies which mainly comprise of Tier-1 and 2 cities so that people of that constituency do not have to travel long distances for life saving therapies. How is Vector BioMed planning to work with Indian regulators, policymakers, and academic partners to create an ecosystem for ethical, scalable, and indigenous advanced therapies? India is the 5th largest global economy, and the fastest growing amongst the G20. India’s bioeconomy touched $150 billion this fiscal and we look forward to having $300 billion by 2030, Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared these projections while inaugurating the 3rd edition of Global Bio-India, mega international congregation on biotechnology in New Delhi December 2023. A little more than 1 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year in India (~ 8% of the world’s cancer patients are in India). Despite a lower incidence of cancer, India suffers a higher mortality rate and without access to advanced interventions, this number is estimated to rise to over 1.3 million by 2040. In India 10,000 to 25000 new cases of CD19 malignancies (NHL, B-ALL, DLBCL, FL etc) are seen per year out of which 20-45% relapse (2nd I-OSI Annual Conference 2020). Two pharmaceutical company have obtained commercial license for making CAR-T cells commercially available in India. There is a huge unmet need for treating hematological malignancies and autoimmune disorders. There is no market presence in India of dual and triple CAR-T to treat hematological malignancies and autoimmune disorders. nascent field of treating solid tumors with CAR-T cell therapy.  Indian regulators, policymakers, and academic partners are aware of the potential of CAR-T cell therapy and there is no need for creating the ecosystem. Scientists and policy makers from key offices of ICMR, DCGI and CDSCO are familiar with the rule book of approval and commercialization of CAR-T cell therapies. Vector BioMed intends to work closely with them from a very early stage of the program in question. This will generate regulatory authorities’ confidence in our product when we apply for permission to conduct clinical trials.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26404/adia-to-invest-usd-200-million-in-meril.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26404/adia-to-invest-usd-200-million-in-meril.html Sun, 20 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0530 A wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”) has entered into definitive agreements to invest USD 200 million for a 3% stake in Micro Life Sciences Private Limited (“Meril”), one of India’s leading medical devices companies. This investment values Meril at an enterprise value of USD 6.6 billion. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Post this investment, Meril will be backed by two globally recognized investors, ADIA and Warburg Pincus.   Founded by the Bilakhia Group, Meril is a global innovator in medical technology (MedTech), with a strong focus on clinically advanced solutions across multiple specialties — including Cardiovascular, Structural Heart, Orthopaedics, Endo-surgery, In-vitro Diagnostics and Surgical Robotics.   Headquartered in Vapi, India, Meril operates state-of-the-art, vertically integrated, and globally certified manufacturing and RCD facilities, across a 100 acre sustainable MedTech campus. The company employs more than 13,000 people, has 35+ global subsidiaries, and serves healthcare systems in 150+ countries. Meril is committed to becoming the world’s leading MedTech company, powered 100% by green energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable innovation.   With a robust in-house global RCD ecosystem and a portfolio of 200+ technology platforms, Meril continues to lead in global clinical research and education. Breakthrough innovations such as the Myval Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) series, MyClip Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) system, and the MISSO Surgical Robotic System highlight Meril’s dedication to next-generation innovation. Through its 12+ global training academies, Meril empowers over 10,000 healthcare professionals annually.   Sanjeev Bhatt, Senior Vice President – Strategy, Meril said: “This investment by ADIA reinforces confidence in Meril’s long term vision and global ambitions. This investment will enable us to accelerate growth, attract world-class talent, and further strengthen our RCD and clinical research efforts as we work towards improving the quality of human life through advanced healthcare solutions.”     ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26346/veeda-lifesciences-brings-ai-innovation-to-clinical-trial-services.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26346/veeda-lifesciences-brings-ai-innovation-to-clinical-trial-services.html Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Ahmedabad-based contract research organization (CRO) Veeda Lifesciences has announced an investment in Mango Sciences, a Boston-based healthcare AI and data company. With this investment, Veeda intends to leverage AI capabilities to improve the speed, efficiency and quality of clinical trial services across its expanded global network, enabling more diverse and efficient recruitment as well as globally representative patient selection. Building on the Querent platform™ powered by Mango Sciences' AI, Veeda will effectively use the technology to automate accurate patient identification and expand its reach across Europe. "Our partnership will make Veeda an AI-driven oncology drug development organisation that can meet the growing demand for diversity in clinical trials, in line with the expectations of regulators and pharmaceutical companies. We will be one of the few oncology CROs with access to this proprietary technology," said Mahesh Bhalgat, Group Executive Director and Managing Director of Veeda Clinical Research Limited. By deploying the Querent platform™ powered by AI, Veeda will streamline processes, improve data management capabilities, and ensure higher quality standards through broader representation of non-Caucasian populations. This will increase the efficiency of clinical trials through advanced data analytics, benefiting patient matching, trial design and monitoring, while reducing costs and time.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26300/kashmik-formulation-to-expand-capacity-eyes-rs-100-cr-revenue-in-fy26.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26300/kashmik-formulation-to-expand-capacity-eyes-rs-100-cr-revenue-in-fy26.html Sat, 28 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Kashmik Formulation, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company headquartered in Ahmedabad, has announced significant expansion plans aimed at increasing production capacity, strengthening its presence in international markets, and enhancing operational efficiencies through automation. The company has also set an ambitious revenue target of Rs 100 crore for the financial year 2025–26, following a 100% year-on-year growth from Rs 20 crore to RS 40 crore in FY24–25. Currently operating at full capacity with a daily output of 1 crore tablets, the company is planning to undertake a 50% capacity enhancement to scale up production to 1.5 crore tablets per day. An investment of approximately Rs 20 crore will be allocated towards this expansion, with infrastructure development already underway to support the planned growth. Kashmik Formulation currently derives approximately 70% of its revenue from its own branded generics and 20–30% from contract manufacturing for reputed pharmaceutical clients. Exports account for 20% of the company’s revenue, and plans are in place to increase this share to 50% over the next few years. The company is in the process of registering its products in several semi-regulated international markets, including Myanmar, Latin America, and select African countries. Further, the company is investing Rs 4–5 crore in the automation of its packaging operations, to enhance productivity and ensure compliance with evolving industry standards. Plans are also underway to establish a new R&D centre in Jammu, with a long-term vision to diversify into injectables within the next 3 to 5 years. While the company is not currently raising external capital, it is actively exploring the possibility of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) within the next 2 to 3 years as part of its strategic roadmap.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26178/shivtek-spechemi-industries-invests-rs-600-cr-to-set-up-new-chemical-manufacturing-unit-in-hazira-gujarat.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26178/shivtek-spechemi-industries-invests-rs-600-cr-to-set-up-new-chemical-manufacturing-unit-in-hazira-gujarat.html Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Leading speciality chemicals manufacturer, Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd, a flagship company of the Shiva Group of Industries, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and high-quality solutions for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial coatings, has announced the finalisation of a new manufacturing facility near Hazira, spread across 1 million+ square feet. The new facility being build with an investment of Rs 600 crore, to be operational from 2027, will add to the production capacity of 2,50,000 MTPA by 2027-28 and offers cost-effective logistics and seamless connectivity to both domestic and international markets. The location offers easy access to major ports including Hazira, Dahej, Kandla, and Mundra, ensuring seamless connectivity for both imports and exports. Its proximity to the dedicated freight corridor further enhances the efficient and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished goods. Additionally, being just 70 kilometers from the Dahej plant significantly reduces logistics costs, making it a strategic advantage for streamlined supply chain operations. The expansion is further supported by a 5000 KL storage facility and a dedicated warehousing space of 1,50,000 square feet for export orders and products from the Dahej plant. The new Hazira plant will pioneer the production of oil additives, Proteogenic to Aprotic solvents, and specialty petrochemicals.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26172/medkart-introduces-indias-first-room-temperature-stable-nicorandil-tablets-for-cardiac-care.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/26172/medkart-introduces-indias-first-room-temperature-stable-nicorandil-tablets-for-cardiac-care.html Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0530 In a country where cardiac care costs continue to burden millions, Ahmedabad-based Medkart has introduced a game-changing innovation: India’s first room-temperature stable generic Nicorandil tablets, making heart medication more accessible, affordable, and logistically convenient. This innovation eliminates the need for cold-chain storage, reducing logistical challenges and making the medication more accessible and affordable for patients across diverse regions. Nicorandil is widely prescribed for the treatment of chronic stable angina. Due to its sensitivity to temperature and humidity, its storage has traditionally required stringent cold-chain logistics. This requirement often poses significant challenges, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where maintaining cold-chain infrastructure is difficult. Medkart's room-temperature stable Nicorandil tablets are manufactured under WHO-GMP-certified facilities, ensuring high-quality standards. By eliminating the need for refrigeration, the company significantly reduces distribution costs, allowing the medication to be priced up to 80% lower than its branded counterparts. Dr Ramesh Mehta, a senior cardiologist based in Ahmedabad, said, "Ensuring that a cardiac drug like Nicorandil remains effective without refrigeration is a major step forward, particularly for patients in remote regions. We’ve long seen efficacy compromised due to storage issues. This advancement will save lives and improve treatment consistency." ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25825/zydus-invests-in-illexcor-therapeutics-to-advance-novel-oral-therapy-for-sickle-cell-disease.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25825/zydus-invests-in-illexcor-therapeutics-to-advance-novel-oral-therapy-for-sickle-cell-disease.html Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Zynext Ventures USA LLC (Zynext Ventures), the venture capital arm of Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences, has announced its investment in US-based Illexcor Therapeutics, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation oral therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD).  Illexcor is developing a first-in-class oral drug that directly targets the root cause of SCD. Their lead asset, currently in preclinical development, is designed to bind to Hemoglobin S and effectively block polymerisation and sickling, offering the potential for disease-modifying clinical benefits. Speaking on the development, Dr Sharvil Patel, MD of Zydus Lifesciences, said, "This investment reflects our commitment to patients battling rare and orphan diseases. Recognizing the profound impact of sickle cell disease on patients' lives, we are pleased to support Illexcor in their efforts to develop a novel therapeutic solution addressing this critical unmet medical need." Emphasising the strategic significance of the investment, Jay Kothari, Director of Zynext Ventures said, "This investment is consistent with Zynext Ventures' objective of identifying and fostering transformative early-stage healthcare innovations. Beyond the financial backing, Zynext Ventures will leverage its unique data analytics and strategic expertise to accelerate Illexcor's path to delivering this potentially life-changing therapy globally." Andrew Fleischman, CEO of Illexcor stated, "We are excited to partner with Zynext Ventures to advance our lead drug ILX002 into clinical trials later this year. We are hopeful that ILX002 will be a transformative treatment not only for SCD patients in the U.S. but also for millions around the globe. Zynext Ventures and Zydus Lifesciences are in a strategic position to help us achieve these goals." Sickle cell disease is a devastating and debilitating genetic condition that affects up to 10 million people worldwide. The disease continues to severely impact quality of life and longevity. Highly efficacious oral drug therapies are urgently needed to manage this condition on a global scale. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25814/zydus-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-france-based-amplitude-surgical-for-256-8-m.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25814/zydus-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-france-based-amplitude-surgical-for-256-8-m.html Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences has entered into exclusive negotiations to purchase from PAI Partners and Amplitude Surgical’s management, as well as two minority shareholders, 85.6% of the share capital of Amplitude Surgical, at a price of €6.25 per Amplitude Surgical share. The acquisition price represents a 80.6% premium over the last closing price as on 10/03/2025 and premia of 88.2% and 92.2% over the 3-month and 6-month volume-weighted average price of Amplitude Surgical respectively. Amplitude Surgical is a European MedTech leader in high-quality, lower-limb orthopaedic technologies. The company provides numerous value-added innovations to best meet the needs of patients, surgeons and healthcare facilities. This includes the design and development of knee and hip prostheses, which are implanted in place of damaged or worn-out joints. Supported by PAI Partners, through its Mid-Market Fund, Amplitude Surgical has experienced significant growth over the last four years, driven by new product development, international growth, investments in manufacturing capabilities and R&D. In fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, Amplitude Surgical generated sales of €106 million and EBITDA of €27.1 million on a consolidated basis under IFRS. For the 6 months ended December 31, 2024, Amplitude Surgical’s consolidated sales amounted to €51.5 million (a growth of 5% Y-o-Y at current exchange rates) with an EBITDA margin of approximately 25.4% (unaudited figures). Zydus MedTech is focusing on high quality products and solutions for patients with cutting-edge research and innovation around design and engineering. The focus will also be on state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities that will enable high quality solutions supported by a specialist team. The business currently markets interventional cardiology products.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25771/senores-pharmaceuticals-begins-operations-at-greenfield-api-facility-in-mehsana.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25771/senores-pharmaceuticals-begins-operations-at-greenfield-api-facility-in-mehsana.html Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Senores Pharmaceuticals Limited has inaugurated and commenced manufacturing activities at its greenfield Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) plant located at Mehsana, Gujarat.   Spread across approximately 230,000 sq. ft. with an installed capacity of ~100 Metric Tons per Annum, this is Senores' second API manufacturing facility, adding significantly to the existing API manufacturing capabilities.   Commenting on the inauguration, Swapnil Shah, Managing Director, Senores Pharmaceuticals Limited said, Commissioning of this API facility will help Senores broaden its offerings and strengthen its competitiveness in the Regulated Markets, especially in the CDMO/CMO business."   Recently, Senores also acquired the USFDA-approved Abbreviated New Drug Application (‘ANDA’) for Roflumilast 250 mcg and 500 mcg tablets from Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc., strengthening its presence in the US generic pharmaceutical market. The acquisition, funded through the IPO proceeds, aligns with the company's strategic growth initiatives.   The companies’ current portfolio includes 24 ANDA and 21 CMO/CDMO commercial products that are permitted for distribution in the USA.    Senores has 2 manufacturing facilities for formulations– one in Atlanta, US which is USFDA approved and DEA/BAA compliant & other is in Chhatral, Ahmedabad, approved by WHO-GMP to cater to emerging markets. The company also has 2 manufacturing facilities for API in India, both located around Ahmedabad, with one in Chhatral and the other in Naroda. Senores has strong R&D capabilities to drive differentiated product portfolio across 3 R&D sites (1 in the USA and 2 in India). ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25740/zydus-lifesciences-to-launch-protection-against-new-strain-of-influenza-virus-.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25740/zydus-lifesciences-to-launch-protection-against-new-strain-of-influenza-virus-.html Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Ahmedabad-based Zydus, a leading, discovery-based, global pharmaceutical company, is ready to launch the season’s first India’s Flu protection as per WHO recommended composition of quadrivalent influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2025 southern hemisphere.  The company’s Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza vaccine VaxiFlu-4 will offer protection against A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus, B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus, B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.  A quadrivalent vaccine, by covering strains of both influenza A and influenza B, provides a broader protection and significantly reduces the risk of vaccine mismatch. The vaccine has been cleared by the Central Drug Laboratory (CDL). VaxiFlu-4 is being marketed by Zydus Vaxxicare-a division of the group focussing on preventives. The Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza vaccine has been developed at the Vaccine Technology Centre (VTC) in Ahmedabad which has proven capabilities in researching, developing, and manufacturing of safe and efficacious vaccines. Speaking on the development Dr Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Limited said, “Preventives are the key to public health in both the developing and the developed world and vaccines have the potential to improve the quality of life. In India, there is a pressing need for access to affordable, high-quality vaccines that can address healthcare challenges. With vaccines like VaxiFlu-4 we are serving the cause of public health through annual immunisation and preventing flu outbreaks.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal influenza results in 290,000-650,000 deaths every year.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25736/cadila-pharma-unveils-advanced-warehouse-to-enhance-efficiency-and-market-reach.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25736/cadila-pharma-unveils-advanced-warehouse-to-enhance-efficiency-and-market-reach.html Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals has announced the expansion of its state-of-the-art pharmaceutical warehouse, a strategic move aimed at bolstering efficiency, streamlining logistics, and supporting the company’s growing market presence. Spanning approximately 30,000 sq. ft., the newly expanded warehouse is designed to optimise storage and distribution. With a storage capacity of 3,888 pallets in the main warehouse and 75 pallets in a temperature-controlled cold room, it ensures safe storage for sensitive products such as vaccines and insulin. The facility is equipped with advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), a fixed racking system, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) equipment, and reach trucks, reinforcing Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ commitment to technological excellence. The integration of automation and smart logistics solutions is set to significantly enhance efficiency. WMS implementation reduces human error, ensuring accuracy in inventory management. A G + 8 racking system increases material inward capacity, optimising space utilisation. Automated material handling through VNA and WMS integration accelerates operations, improving productivity. Dedicated inward and outward gates minimize product interchange, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational precision. Commenting on this significant development, Dr Rajiv I. Modi, Chairman & Managing Director stated, "This facility represents our unwavering commitment to innovation and operational excellence. By integrating automation and advanced logistics solutions, we are not only improving efficiency but also reinforcing our ability to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry. This expansion aligns with our vision of ensuring seamless access to high-quality healthcare products worldwide." ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25678/eyeq-fortifies-leadership-in-gujarat-with-major-expansion-and-facility-upgradation-in-surat.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25678/eyeq-fortifies-leadership-in-gujarat-with-major-expansion-and-facility-upgradation-in-surat.html Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Eye-Q, a leading chain of super-specialty eye care hospitals, has announced the substantial upgradation of its Surat eye care facility in Gujarat, with the addition of four cutting-edge modular operation theatres (OTs) dedicated to cataract, LASIK, and retina treatments.  The Surat facility now provides an even broader spectrum of services, including cataract surgery, retina treatment, LASIK, glaucoma care, ICL procedures, squint correction, and optical services, meeting the growing demands of the community with world-class expertise. Notably, this facility is home to over 20 highly skilled eye care specialists, each bringing decades of experience in their respective fields.  The inauguration of this newly upgraded facility was graced by Chief Guest Anita Vanani, Deputy Commissioner of Police. Guest of Honour, Kamlesh Naik, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Surat also attended, alongside Ashish Naik, Deputy Municipal Commissioner. The event even saw participation from senior officials at Eye-Q, marking a moment of pride for both the organization and the local community. With the rising demand for specialised eye care services, Eye-Q has been at the forefront of providing high-quality care in Gujarat. Since its entry into the state in 2011, Eye-Q has conducted 10,21,066 eye examinations and performed 65,048 surgeries across its network of 6 super-speciality hospitals.  In Surat alone, the facility has completed 281,933 eye examinations and 41,124 surgeries, establishing itself as a go-to destination for advanced eye care. With the introduction of four modular OTs and dedicated specialists, Eye-Q aims to further increase its capacity to serve the community, offering enhanced precision and care to more patients. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/views/103/25590/the-ecosystem-of-gujarat-is-ready-to-promote-deep-tech-areas-of-biotech-product-development-.html https://biospectrumindia.com/views/103/25590/the-ecosystem-of-gujarat-is-ready-to-promote-deep-tech-areas-of-biotech-product-development-.html Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 How does the GSBTM plan to leverage infrastructure and incentives under the current policy to position the state as a globally competitive biotechnology hub? Known for its entrepreneurship spirit, Gujarat has continued to be one of the preferred investment destinations for Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), Good Governance Index (GGI), Energy & Climate Index, Startup & LEADS ranking. The state contributes 40 per cent to India’s total cargo throughput with ~8.2 per cent in India’s GDP (as on FY2022-23 on current price). The state accounts for $12 billion (2023) with 8 per cent share of Bio-economy, way above ~4 per cent state-wise average contribution of Bio-economy, amongst top 5 states of India in terms of Bio-economy contributors. This is the result of its top-class trunk and core infrastructure coupled with a safe and sound social environment in attracting top entrepreneurs from various parts of the country and abroad.  Gujarat showed great foresight, by setting up a dedicated mission office two decades ago, the  Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) followed by eco-system strengthening initiatives like Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) – Asia’s first ever dedicated biotechnology university and one of the top 5 public incubators Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI) with dedicated biotechnology parks for greenfield and brownfield spaces. These initiatives indicate Gujarat’s readiness to attract top biotech players in one of the thriving biotech ecosystems. GSBTM not only operates different schemes for facilitation of biotechnology, but is also the single window clearance office for all purposes, bringing in ease of doing business. An additional advantage to the biotechnology business in the state is the Biotechnology Policy 2022-27. The policy offers substantial incentives such as 25 per cent capital assistance with a ceiling of Rs 200 crore for mega projects, operational assistance for research initiatives, and employment generation schemes like Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Rojgar Sahay.    Could you elaborate on specific initiatives like the Gujarat Genomics Initiative or the Marine Bioresource Centre, and how they are progressing? The Department of Science and Technology, in  2017, created GBRC by merging several initiatives including Gujarat Genomics Initiative, Marine Bioresource Centre etc. GBRC is established with a vision to undertake cutting edge translational research in the diverse areas of biotechnology including healthcare, agriculture, marine and industrial biotechnology. Today GBRC is undertaking several international, national and state funded research projects with more than Rs 100 crore outlay. The GBRC team was part of the highly competitive Global Challenge Research Fund programme of UK Research and Innovation, One Health Poultry Hub. Some of the National flagship research programmes of GBRC include, Genome India Initiative, Genomic Selection Network for Dairy Cattle and Buffalo Breeds in Gujarat, Network Programme on Antimicrobial Resistance, Superbugs and One Health etc. During COVID-19, GBRC team contributed in genome sequencing of SARS-COV-2, establishing waste water epidemiology, understanding host pathogen interaction, identifying the virus from non-human hosts resulting in efficient pandemic management in the state. Recently, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of  India has sanctioned a large consortium project under Deep Ocean Mission where GBRC is in lead role, extending the works of Marine Bioresource Centre. GBRC also acts as a shared laboratory facility by extending its existing infrastructure to relevant stakeholders through an online booking system.   The Biotech Policy (2022-2027) aims to attract Rs 20,000 crore in investments and create 1.2 lakh jobs by 2027. What strategies are being implemented to meet these ambitious goals, and what progress has been made so far? The policy is loud on the strategy, where it has spelled out the Mega Projects, Ecosystem Strengthening and Special Projects. These categories of projects would see a capital support of up to Rs 200 crore and an Operational Expenditure support of up to Rs 125 crore. The interest subsidy on Term Loan @7 per cent on borrowings up to  Rs 100 crore and @3 per cent on borrowings above Rs 100 crore, is a strong contribution of the state government to get the economy rolling for the biotech space, eyeing the target investment of Rs 20,000 crore. The past edition of the policy incentives has seen approximately 16 times the investment by the private sector, on the government contribution. GSBTM having dedicated arms for facilitating entrepreneurship and HRD development coupled with handholding support for BT unit establishments showcases the great support system for incoming investments. This feat gives the state government confidence that the goals set in the new policy are attainable. In July 2023 and December 2023, GoG has inked MoUs worth ~Rs 9000 crore with an expected employment generation of 3000, in the biotech sector. More than 20 companies have committed this investment and will be contributing to the sectors and products, most important for the state.  Employment Generation Incentive, i.e. Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Rojgar Sahay, is a new element added to this edition of the policy, which focuses on engaging local manpower, with a one time incentive of Rs 50,000 per male and Rs 60,000 per female CTC, to the companies establishing base or expanding in the state. The EPF Assistance of the policy also is providing a generous support of 100 per cent EPF support for female employees and 75 per cent EPF for male employees.    Mega projects are a highlight of the policy. Could you share insights into any ongoing or upcoming mega biotech projects in Gujarat, and their expected contribution to the state's bioeconomy? Mega biotech projects in Gujarat are pivotal for driving the state’s bioeconomy. Some very thoughtful initiatives have come up in this section of applications. These involve rDNA vaccines, RNA interference vaccines, Fermentation based APIs and rDNA therapeutic enzymes. Not only the size of these operations, but, the technological leap that these projects could bring to the sector in the state, would be enormous, setting new trends in biotechnology. These projects are expected to generate significant revenue by operating in volumes, create high-value jobs, and establish Gujarat as a global biotech leader. Their multiplier effect on ancillary industries will further boost the state’s economic and innovation landscape.   How do you envision the biotech landscape evolving in Gujarat, particularly in emerging sectors like synthetic biology, gene therapy, and bioinformatics? The ecosystem of Gujarat to promote these deep tech areas of biotech product development is ready. The Biotech Park in Vadodara, Savli Technology and Business Incubator and the upcoming infrastructure project to support the sector are all set to support research and developmental activities in these areas. GBRC has developed a comprehensive facility in the bioinformatics space, which serves an end-to-end solution in bioinformatics research. The centre is also the central data repository for One Health Programme and AMR Network Project of the state. The state has also expanded the super-computing abilities by installing 16 super computers in different institutes of the state. These super-computers are spread across the state and contribute to research and capacity building.   The private sector in the biotech space is investing heavily in the areas of synthetic biology and gene therapy, and have already initiated product development which is focused on customised therapeutics. As it is known that these products require a delivery partner to reach the product to the end user, the private sector is playing a pivotal role in doing the same.  The state is ready to embrace these new era technologies, and place Gujarat on the world map with its products. Gujarat is well-positioned to be at the forefront of these transformative sectors.   With the introduction of the Gujarat Biotech Start-Up Venture Fund (GBSVF), what impact do you foresee on biotech startups in Gujarat, especially in terms of funding and scaling up? The Gujarat Biotech Start-Up Venture Fund is a game-changer for biotech startups and clearly declares the proactive risk taking appetite of the state government. Unhesitant, the state government has contributed approximately 9 per cent to the corpus of the Rs 150 crore fund. The fund is still building up, and is in its investment phase. It provides equity-based financing to early-stage startups and MSMEs, addressing critical funding gaps. By fostering innovation and reducing financial barriers, GBSVF enables startups to develop, validate, and commercialise their technologies. The fund is supporting startups in upcoming technology areas, making the biotech ecosystem more vibrant and setting up a new league of deep tech startups in the state.    How does the state ensure alignment of its biotech initiatives with national programmes like ‘Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech UNaTI Mission’ and global trends in biotechnology innovation? ‘Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech UNaTI Mission’ was launched in 2019, for 5 years, which was focused on  delivering technologies that are important for the country, like safe child birth, affordable vaccines, nutrition for all, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Clean Energy. GSBTM with its three pillars of execution, namely, research and development supporting 100+ projects, human resource development, skilling 2000 students annually and business development, is working towards these goals. The network project on AMR is a key catalyst in surveying, identifying and providing control strategies to stop spread of AMR in the environment. The programme aims at continuous surveillance and communicating the same to relevant stakeholders, for better results.  The Biotechnology Policy has identified Biofuels as a special project, providing a special package of grants to propel the sector. The recognition of this technology as an important contributor to Clean Energy, and government initiative to encourage entrepreneurship in this area, falls in congruence with UNaTI mandate. The strength of vaccines to make a society disease free, thus reducing the economic burden of diseases in a society is well understood by the state. State grown Zydus Lifesciences was the first to launch ZyCoV-D, which was a children-safe Corona vaccine to be developed in India.    Ankit Kankar ankit.kankar@mmactiv.com ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25579/emcure-pharmaceuticals-opens-formulation-research-and-development-centre-in-ahmedabad.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25579/emcure-pharmaceuticals-opens-formulation-research-and-development-centre-in-ahmedabad.html Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Emcure Pharmaceuticals has announced the inauguration of its state-of-the-art Formulation Research and Development (R&D) Centre near Tapovan Circle, Ahmedabad. The Emcure Research Centre (ERC) is strategically designed to enable breakthroughs in complex drug delivery systems, such as sustained-release formulations, liposomal injections and advanced dermal therapies. The landmark facility was inaugurated by Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Gujarat, Rushikeshbhai Patel, in a ceremony that marks Emcure’s commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research and transformative drug development. The new ERC facility is designed to accelerate pharmaceutical innovation with state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced equipment for each of the dosage forms. From early-stage pre-formulation studies to scaling-up, the ERC seamlessly integrates all aspects of pharmaceutical development while adhering to global regulatory standards. A team of 350 highly skilled professionals, including doctorate, post-graduate and graduate specialising in pharmaceutical sciences, bio-engineering, analytical chemistry, pharmacovigilance and regulatory affairs will work together to develop novel formulations, enhance drug bioavailability and create patient-centric delivery solutions. With a focus on sustainable solutions and green chemistry practices, the Emcure Research Centre reflects the company’s dedication to environmentally conscious innovations. It also serves as a catalyst for job creation and collaborations with academic institutions, industry experts and regulatory bodies, promoting an ecosystem of shared knowledge and growth. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25569/union-health-minister-unveils-niper-infrastructure-augmentation-project-in-ahmedabad.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25569/union-health-minister-unveils-niper-infrastructure-augmentation-project-in-ahmedabad.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 In a landmark move set to bolster India’s pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, J P Nadda, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, laid the foundation stone for the NIPER Infrastructure Augmentation project at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad.  The ceremony was attended by over 50 industry leaders at the CEO/CXO level from the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, alongside NIPER faculty and key government officials. The Infrastructure Augmentation project is designed to expand NIPER Ahmedabad’s research capabilities, foster industry-academia collaboration, and enhance India’s self-reliance in pharmaceuticals and healthcare technologies. Speaking on the occasion, Nadda emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical education and innovation.   “This initiative aligns with our vision of making India a global pharmaceutical powerhouse. NIPER Ahmedabad is at the forefront of cutting-edge research, and this infrastructure expansion will enable further advancements in medical technology and drug development”, said Nadda. An interactive session was also held with key stakeholders from the pharmaceutical and medical device industry after the ceremony. The discussions revolved around fostering industry-academia collaboration, regulatory frameworks, and the role of NIPER Ahmedabad in driving innovation. The event featured presentations from Director, NIPER Ahmedabad Dr Shailendra Saraf on the Centre of Excellence for Medical Devices, highlighting recent breakthroughs in medtech research. Rahul Gupta, Vice-chairman and Managing Director, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) elaborated on Gujarat’s Bulk Drug Park and its potential to drive pharmaceutical self-sufficiency. Industry leaders shared their insights on the evolving landscape of pharma and medical technology, discussing policy frameworks, global market expansion, and research funding avenues. In his keynote address, Nadda outlined the government’s strategy to create a robust ecosystem for pharmaceutical innovation, emphasising the role of institutes like NIPER in bridging the gap between academia and industry. He underscored the importance of skill development, technology adoption, and investment in R&D to propel India’s pharma sector to new heights. The Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) Amit Agrawal also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the government’s commitment to policy support and funding for research-driven initiatives. The visit concluded with a tour of NIPER Ahmedabad’s laboratories, where Nadda examined ongoing research projects and interacted with scientists and researchers. The expansion of NIPER’s infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance its capabilities in drug discovery, medical devices, and biopharmaceutical research.   Bhagwati Prasad ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25520/us-based-cvs-caremark-partners-with-zydus-lifesciences-to-strengthen-diabetes-portfolio.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25520/us-based-cvs-caremark-partners-with-zydus-lifesciences-to-strengthen-diabetes-portfolio.html Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences has entered into an agreement with CVS Caremark , a CVS Health company based in the US, to add Zituvio, Zituvimet and Zituvimet XR (Sitagliptin | Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride) tablets to its template formulary. CVS Caremark will add Zydus’ Zituvio and combination products to its template formulary starting January 1, 2025. Zituvio and combination products include Zituvio (sitagliptin), Zituvimet (sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride) and Zituvimet XR (sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride) extended-release tablets. These three NDAs of Sitagliptin (base) and combination franchise have been approved by the USFDA earlier through the 505(b)(2) route. The Zituvio range of products contain active ingredients sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and metformin hydrochloride (HCl), a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolic and lifestyle conditions, such as diabetes have been a significant contributor to prescription drug growth over the last decade. According to IQVIA (MAT Aug-2023), US market for DPP-IV inhibitors and their combinations is $10 billion. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25509/veeda-group-rebrands-as-veeda-lifesciences.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25509/veeda-group-rebrands-as-veeda-lifesciences.html Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Veeda Group has unveiled a new logo and brand identity- Veeda Lifesciences- marking a key milestone in its journey. The new brand name reflects the evolution from a generics-focused Contract Research Organization (CRO) to a drug development services enterprise for different modalities of drugs including generics and novel chemical and biological entities. Veeda Lifesciences will operate through four Strategic Business Units: Clinical Trials, Healthy Volunteer Services, Biopharma Services, and Preclinical & Non-Clinical Testing Services, making Veeda an integrated research service provider. Veeda Lifesciences represents the brand that integrates Veeda Clinical Research, Health Data Specialists, and Bioneeds India, showcasing its research services across various stages of the drug development value chain from discovery and preclinical to late-phase development. This new identity reflects the transition from generics to innovation, local to global, and small molecules to biologics, transitioning to a CRO-CDMO model, while leveraging AI & Real-world data. Founded in India in 2004, Veeda Lifesciences now operates out of 5 countries while conducting trials in 26 geographies. The strategic acquisition of Bioneeds in 2021 expanded Veeda into preclinical services.  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25462/maxivision-super-speciality-eye-hospital-commits-rs-200-cr-for-gujarat-expansion.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25462/maxivision-super-speciality-eye-hospital-commits-rs-200-cr-for-gujarat-expansion.html Sat, 14 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530 Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital, one of India's leading eye care networks, is gearing up for a major expansion in Gujarat. With an extensive presence across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat, the group aims to strengthen its footprint in the state significantly within the coming year. The ambitious plan includes an investment of Rs  200 crore and the establishment of 25 hospitals, generating over 300 employment opportunities within the next year. Having entered Gujarat in 2023 with four hospitals in Rajkot, one in Jamnagar, and one in Morbi, Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital has partnered with Dr. V.V. Sapovadia, a reputed ophthalmic practitioner and the leader of the largest eye care group in the Saurashtra region. The expansion plan includes new facilities in Bhuj, Surendranagar, Porbandar, Upleta, Bhavnagar, and Junagadh. In 2024, Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital expanded to Surat in partnership with Dr. R.K. Sachdev, a leading ophthalmologist in the region, establishing two hospitals. Plans are underway to add two more units in Surat and extend operations to Navsari and Bharuch. The group also aims to collaborate with prominent practitioners in Vadodara, Himmatnagar, and Mehsana. A state-of-the-art super specialty centre is planned in Ahmedabad as a Greenfield project. This facility will feature cutting-edge technology and provide a platform for local surgeons to cater to advanced eye care needs. Speaking on the occasion, Dr GSK Velu, Chairman of Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital, said ,“Our entry into Gujarat began with a reputed partnership in Saurashtra, which has grown from four to six hospitals and will expand further. Similarly, in Surat, we are building on the strong reputation of Dr. R.K. Sachdev. Our vision is to establish a network of 25 hospitals across Gujarat within three years, leveraging a successful partnership model and a mix of Greenfield projects in key cities like Ahmedabad.”   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25459/cosara-diagnostics-inaugurates-new-oligo-facility-in-ranoli-gujarat.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25459/cosara-diagnostics-inaugurates-new-oligo-facility-in-ranoli-gujarat.html Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530 US-based Co-Diagnostics, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company with a unique, patented platform for the development of molecular diagnostic tests, has announced the inauguration of CoSara Diagnostics's oligonucleotide synthesis facility in Ranoli, Gujarat. In support of the "Make in India" initiative, the new facility is designed to manufacture the company's patented Co-Primers chemistry, which underpins Co-Dx's and CoSara's lab-based PCR diagnostic tests and which powers the test cups for the new Co-Dx PCR at-home and point-of-care testing platform. Qualifying under this initiative is anticipated to facilitate access to India's large and robust healthcare marketplace. "We are greatly pleased with the results of this growth stage as we look towards the future, which is expected to include additional facility expansion for manufacturing the Co-Dx PCR Pro instrument and the test cups for illnesses like TB, HPV and more, as we scale to meet the needs of the most populous country in the world," remarked Mohal Sarabhai, CEO of CoSara, the joint venture between Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises Limited (ASE group) and Co-Diagnostics, Inc. "India is home to some of the world's best and brightest scientists, researchers and medical professionals who we believe will recognise the value of the Co-Primers PCR technology and of the forthcoming testing platform." Co-Diagnostics' CEO Dwight Egan added, "The new facility and the grantors who helped to fund it provide tangible evidence of the Company's foresight that partnering with Synbiotics Ltd. (an ASE group company) in 2017 to form CoSara would help lay the groundwork for introducing state-of-the-art Co-Dx technology to India's high-tech healthcare marketplace. We believe that synthesising Co-Primers in-house will play a vital role in enhancing manufacturing efficiency and removing barriers as we move towards regulatory approval and commercialisation of our new PCR testing platform in India."   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25422/meril-life-sciences-launches-myval-octapro-transcatheter-heart-valve.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25422/meril-life-sciences-launches-myval-octapro-transcatheter-heart-valve.html Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530 Vapi-based Meril Life Sciences, a leading global medtech company specialising in cardiovascular and structural heart solutions, marked a significant milestone with the launch of its Myval Octapro Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) at GISE 2024 (National Congress of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology) and PCR London Valves 2024. These esteemed scientific events provided an ideal platform for Meril to showcase its commitment to advancing structural heart care. The Myval THV series, known for its innovative contributions to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures, continues to set new benchmarks with the Myval Octapro THV. This latest iteration introduces low frame foreshortening, enhancing operator control and enabling precise deployment for improved procedural predictability. Additionally, its comprehensive size matrix, which includes conventional, intermediate, and extra-large valve sizes, ensures optimal valve selection tailored to diverse patient anatomies. At PCR London Valves 2024, Meril presented key findings from the LANDMARK trial subset analysis and comparative studies, further establishing the safety and efficacy of the Myval Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) series. Published in EuroIntervention Journal, the findings confirmed the Myval THV’s non-inferiority to both Sapien and Evolut valve series at 30 days post-implantation, solidifying its position as a reliable solution for structural heart interventions. The results highlighted comparable composite safety and effectiveness outcomes between Myval and Sapien (24.7% vs. 24.1%), with Myval demonstrating a lower rate of permanent pacemaker implantation (15.0% vs. 17.3%) and superior hemodynamic performance. Similarly, the Myval THV series performed on par with Evolut in composite endpoints (24.7% vs. 30%), while showing advantages in reducing pacemaker implantation rates and moderate/severe valve regurgitation. Effective orifice areas were also comparable between 26 and 29 mm of Myval THV series and Evolut THV series, underscoring its strong performance in key clinical measures. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25316/pm-virtually-inaugurates-merils-advanced-medtech-manufacturing-facility-in-gujarat-under-pli-scheme.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25316/pm-virtually-inaugurates-merils-advanced-medtech-manufacturing-facility-in-gujarat-under-pli-scheme.html Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0530 Meril, one of India’s leading global medtech company, celebrated a significant milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendrabhai Patel was present in Vapi at the Meril headquarters during the inauguration. At the 2024 Vibrant Gujarat summit, Meril signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government, committing Rs 910 crore in new investments in the medical devices sector. To date, Meril has invested over Rs 1,400 crore, highlighting its commitment to India’s medtech ecosystem. This investment is expected to create 5,000 jobs and significantly reduce imports of critical medical devices. “This new facility embodies Meril’s commitment to innovation and quality, enabling us to deliver advanced healthcare solutions globally across 150 countries. With 12 Meril Academies in India and abroad, we are equally dedicated to education and training, empowering healthcare professionals worldwide” said Vivek Shah, CEO, Meril. Under the PLI scheme, four of Meril’s group companies operating in Structural Heart, Vascular Interventions, Orthopaedics, and Endo Surgery are included, supporting the production of essential devices domestically. Founded in 2007, Meril operates across five key segments: Cardiovascular, Orthopaedics, Endo Surgery, Surgical Robotics, and Diagnostics. With over 10,000 employees and operations in 150+ countries, Meril has established direct subsidiaries in 31 countries.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25285/redcliffe-labs-expands-its-network-in-gujarat-offering-quality-diagnostics-in-surat-and-vadodara.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/25285/redcliffe-labs-expands-its-network-in-gujarat-offering-quality-diagnostics-in-surat-and-vadodara.html Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0530 Redcliffe Labs, a purpose-driven PAN India omnichannel diagnostics service provider, has expanded its footprint in Gujarat with two more state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratories in Surat and Vadodara. The company now operates with a network of 3 laboratories and 30 collection centers across the state, and the latest expansion reinforces Redcliffe's commitment to Giving India its Right to Quality Diagnostics. Aligned with Redcliffe Labs’ strategic goal to extend its reach into Tier II and Tier III cities and beyond, this expansion ensures that accurate and reliable diagnostic services are not restricted to metropolitan regions but accessible to communities across the entire geography of Bharat. These advanced facilities are well-equipped with the latest diagnostic technology, enabling accurate reports within the minimum possible turnaround time. This development underlines Redcliffe Labs’ dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility, considering the increasing demand for reliable and timely diagnostic services. Redcliffe Labs offers over 3,600 routine and specialized tests, covering a broad spectrum of diagnostic categories such as advanced pathology, biochemistry, hematology, immunoassays, histopathology, clinical pathology, cytopathology, molecular/genomic testing, hormones, microbiology, and infectious disease serology. The Vadodara lab, situated near Samruddhi Trade Centre in Kendranagar, will be operating under the leadership of seasoned consultant pathologist Shah Jigar Kiritkumar, with over 12 years of experience offering quicker access to diagnostic services for nearby communities, including Pal Gam, Adajan, Vesu, Hazira, Gopi Talav, Utran, Bardoli, Palsana, Kamrej, and Ichchhpur.  In Surat, the lab will be managed by Tejal Keyur Bhatt, Zonal Laboratory Head - West, who brings over eight years of industry expertise. Located at the Zenon Complex near Unique Hospital, it will efficiently serve residents surrounding Surat's Ring Road, Alkapuri, Bhayli, Manjalpur, Karelibaug, Gorwa, Vemali, Sardar Nagar, Akota, Harni, and Tarsali.  Dr. Geetanjali Gupta, Director-Technical Operations and Quality Assurance at Redcliffe Labs, said, “The opening of our two advanced diagnostic centers in Surat and Vadodara marks a key milestone in our journey to make high-quality diagnostic services accessible to everyone, surpassing all geographical limitations. We aim to provide timely, accurate, and reliable diagnostics to individuals in every corner of the country to drive better health outcomes across Bharat.  Redcliffe Labs maintains exceptional quality standards by strictly following NABL and ISO protocols, utilizing six-sigma methodologies, and performing more than 50 regular stringent quality checks across its diagnostic network.Furthermore, Redcliffe Labs’ temperature-controlled technology safeguards sample integrity, whether patients visit the lab in person or opt for the convenience of home sample collection through the app, website, or WhatsApp. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/24923/jrs-pharma-gujarat-microwax-open-new-manufacturing-facility-in-mehsana.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/103/24923/jrs-pharma-gujarat-microwax-open-new-manufacturing-facility-in-mehsana.html Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0530 JRS Pharma, a leading manufacturer of excipients, in partnership with Gujarat Microwax, has commissioned a new manufacturing facility for cotton-based croscarmellose sodium. This state-of-the-art plant is located in Mehsana and marks their fourth manufacturing facility in India. The grand opening ceremony was attended by heads of over 50 prominent pharmaceutical companies in the region, among other dignitaries. JRS Pharma, known for its plant fiber technology innovations and with a legacy of 149 years, offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for the global health science industry. Their excipients portfolio includes high functionality excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, functional fillers, thickeners, stabilisers, carriers, and coatings. Rohit Raut, Managing Director of Rettenmaier India, the Indian subsidiary of JRS Group, said, "The excipients market in India is growing due to rising awareness of health and wellness, increasing disposable incomes, and an ageing population. Our new facility will cater to the fast-growing demand for functional excipients in India." Manas Jhajharia, Director of Gujarat Microwax, emphasised, "The Indian excipient industry, with less than 1% market share globally, needs quality improvement to reduce dependency on imports. Our Mehsana plant operations have a world-class production facility that meets global standards for the export of quality excipients." Alongside their extensive range of excipients, JRS Pharma also offers technical support and biopharma services to address customer needs and formulation challenges. This expansion marks a significant step towards self-sufficiency in the Indian excipient industry. ]]>