DRDO to invest Rs. 300 crore

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) plans to upgrade and custom-make its existing slew of biotech products for civilian use. The Life Sciences cluster at the defense PSU will spend Rs. 300 crore for the upgradation of biotech products such as intensive-care units, ready-to-eat food products, and clothing, which can be worn during nuclear biological chemical warfare. Some of this will be thrown open for civilian use as well. The products which are expected to come out in the next few years will be five times more efficient in terms of cost compared to the imported ones. The Indian defense sector hopes to have biotech products worth around Rs. 300-500 crore over the next few years. Several companies have bagged contracts from DRDO to manufacture new products.

Novo Nordisk launches Victoza in India

Victoza, a new treatment for type-2 diabetes has been recently launched by Novo Nordisk, one of the leading healthcare companies in diabetes care. The drug as the first human glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue was approved in January 2010 by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for the treatment of type-2 diabetes in adults. Victoza has been proven to lower not only blood sugar but also body weight and systolic blood pressure more effectively than other diabetes therapies in people with type-2 diabetes. In addition, it has a low risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels), since it only works when there is excess blood sugar. "India has almost 50.8 million people affected by the disease, of which almost 95 percent are people with type-2 diabetes and Victoza can be a significant treatment option for these patients," says Melvin D'souza, MD, Novo Nordisk, India.

Venus Remedies to launch once-a-day pain killer injection

Chandigarh-based Venus Remedies Ltd. has planned to launch the world's first once-a-day painkiller injectable in the country. The product aceclofenac OD has just bagged a patent from the Indian Patent office. Aceclofenac is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used for the relief of acute as well as chronic pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, dental pain, post-traumatic pain, gynecological pain, and oncology pain. This novel formulation based on NDDS (novel drug delivery system) technology starts its action instantly and gives immediate relief from acute pain. The drug remains effective for the next 24 hours as against the conventional daily dose of three injections of diclofenac given every eight hours. It not only reduces the number of pricks but also drastically reduces the side effects associated with the use of NSAIDs.

Acton Biotech launches genetic test for warfarin

Acton Biotech has launched genetic test to identify the right dose of warfarin to be given to a patient. Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It reduces the formation of blood clots by blocking the formation of certain clotting factors. It is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins, arteries, and lungs. However, warfarin is the second most common drug responsible for ICU admission after insulin. Patients who have mutations in the drug target gene (VKORC1) and drug metabolizing gene (CYP2C9) will need either a much higher dose or a much lower dose as compared to patients who do not have these mutations. This test was approved by US FDA in 2007 and was not available in India so far. Through detection of these genetic markers, doctors are better able to accurately and efficiently determine the appropriate warfarin dosage level and avoid over dosing and under dosing complications.