Pharmaceuticals
70% enrolment of participants for Phase III clinical trial of dengue vaccine completed: Centre
India achieves a milestone in dengue prevention. The DengiAll vaccine trial sees 70% participant enrollment. ICMR leads the multi-center study across 20 Indian sites. The budget is approximately Rs 1.3 to 1.5 crore per site. Dengue cases are rising, with over 5 lakh confirmed in 2024. The government monitors outbreaks and provides support to states.
Sun Pharmaceutical says it won't expand US manufacturing base amid tariff concerns
Sun Pharmaceutical, India's largest drug maker, is not planning to expand its manufacturing base in the US, citing sufficient existing capacity. The company remains watchful of potential reciprocal tariffs, though pharmaceuticals are currently exempt pending a US investigation.
Pharma major Eli Lilly claims its weight loss drug reduces cardiovascular risks in Type 2 diabetes patients
Eli Lilly's Mounjaro demonstrates significant cardiovascular benefits for Type 2 diabetes patients with heart disease, reducing mortality and cardiovascular risks. The SURPASS-CVOT trial revealed Mounjaro's superiority over Trulicity, showing improvements in A1C levels, weight loss, and renal function. These findings support Mounjaro as a potential front-line therapy, with Lilly planning to submit the results to global regulatory authorities.
Trump's tariff move on India may backfire, pharma industry leaders say
Indian pharmaceutical industry leaders strongly criticize U.S. President Trump's tariff announcement, arguing it will harm the American healthcare system more than India's economy. They emphasize India's crucial role in supplying affordable medicines, particularly generics, to the U.S., warning that tariffs will lead to drug shortages and price increases for American citizens.
Trump tariff on Indian goods will hike essential drugs costs in US: Pharmexcil
Pharmexcil warns that President Trump's 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 1, will increase the cost of essential drugs in the US. India supplies nearly 47% of US pharmaceutical needs, particularly in generics. Finding alternative sources matching India's scale and affordability will be a daunting challenge, potentially harming US consumers and healthcare systems.
Pharma industry to outdo India Inc in 2025 pay hike: Study
Pharma companies in India are projected to offer an average salary increment of 9.6% in 2025, slightly lower than the previous year but still surpassing the 8.8% average for corporate India. Emerging roles like regen medicine researcher and digital health programme officer are expected to receive even higher increments.
Obesity drugs gain weight in labs: Several clinical trials by big and small pharma cos underway
Driven by the success of Wegovy and Mounjaro, numerous pharma companies are developing anti-obesity drugs, with over 170 in various stages. While giants like Novartis and GSK are cautious, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk lead the race. Research expands beyond GLP-1 targets, exploring oral options and addressing conditions like MASH and CVD.
Pharma exporters expect Trump to act benevolently to them
Indian drug makers, heavily reliant on the US market, face potential challenges due to President Trump's proposed 25% reciprocal tariff on imports from India. While analysts anticipate a possible exemption or reduced tariff for the pharma sector, companies are preparing to pass on costs to customers.
Monitor presence of potentially carcinogenic chemical in Ranitidine: DCGI to drug controllers
The DCGI has directed state and UT drug controllers to monitor levels of the potentially carcinogenic NDMA in Ranitidine, an antacid. This action follows concerns about NDMA impurity and recommendations from the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). Manufacturers are urged to take risk-based measures, including shelf-life reduction, while ICMR considers a safety study.
Torrent Pharmaceuticals plans Semaglutide rollout post patent expiry
Torrent Pharmaceuticals is gearing up to launch both oral and injectable versions of semaglutide, the weight loss drug, following the expiration of Novo Nordisk's patent. The company is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for oral products and has partnered for injectables, anticipating a launch within the next 1-2 years.
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Weight-loss drug boom likely to fuel an injector pen maker
As weight-loss drug sales surge with semaglutide's patent expiration, Gujarat's Shaily Engineering Plastics, an injector pen manufacturer, anticipates significant growth. Its stock has nearly doubled, and the company is doubling its production capacity to 80-85 million pens by fiscal year-end to meet rising domestic and export demands.
Alembic Pharmaceuticals gets USFDA nod for generic Carbamazepine tablets
Alembic Pharmaceuticals has received final approval from the USFDA for its generic Carbamazepine extended-release tablets (100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg), used to treat seizures and nerve pain. The product is a generic version of Novartis’ Tegretol-XR. According to IQVIA, the U.S. market for these tablets is estimated at $71 million for the 12 months ending March 2025.
AIOCD demands strict action against illegal e-pharmacies; raises alarm over inaction by SLAs
The All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists raises concerns. It highlights the illegal operation of online pharmacies. These pharmacies violate drug regulations. AIOCD urges the government to take immediate action. They want a crackdown on unlicensed e-pharmacies. The organization calls for the withdrawal of certain regulations. These regulations are being misused. AIOCD emphasizes the need to protect public health.
Sun Pharma, Lupin, Dr Reddy's recall products in US market due to manufacturing issues
Three major Indian pharmaceutical companies are recalling drugs in the United States. Sun Pharma is recalling Lisdexamfetamine capsules due to failed dissolution specifications. Lupin is recalling Lisinopril and Hydrochlorothiazide tablets because of product mix-up with Atazanavir and Ritonavir tablets. Dr Reddy's Laboratories is recalling Omeprazole capsules due to the presence of foreign Divalproex Sodium tablets.
Experts flag UK-India FTA over patent terms, access to drugs
Concerns are mounting in India over the UK-India Free Trade Agreement's potential impact on access to affordable medicines. Experts fear the deal may weaken compulsory licensing norms, a crucial safeguard allowing generic drug production during public health emergencies.
Cipla targets $1 bn US revenue in FY27
Cipla aims for $1 billion in US sales by FY27, offsetting Revlimid's patent expiry with new launches, particularly in respiratory generics like Advair and Symbicort. The company also plans to launch peptide assets and its first biosimilar in the US by Q2 FY26.
