Johnson & Johnson MedTech, a global leader in surgical technology, has partnered with Qure.ai, a pioneer in artificial intelligence for healthcare, through its subsidiary Johnson & Johnson Private Limited. This strategic alliance aims to enhance the early detection of lung cancer in India by integrating AI with cutting-edge medical technology, allowing for identification of the disease at its most treatable stage.

This initiative is a key component of Project BreatheEZ, a collaborative program between Johnson & Johnson MedTech and Qure.ai. The project focuses on the establishment of AI-powered Incidental Pulmonary Nodule (IPN) Detection Clinics within leading hospitals across India. These clinics will serve as centralized screening hubs to streamline early diagnosis, patient triage, and follow-up care. Initially, Qure.ai’s AI solutions will be deployed across 10 primary medical centers supported by an additional 20 spoke sites. The first of these clinics has already been launched at the Thangam Cancer Centre in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu.

India is facing a growing cancer burden, with one in nine people expected to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. The projected Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) from cancer are anticipated to rise from 26.7 million in 2021 to 29.8 million by 2025. Conventional diagnostic tools often miss early signs of lung cancer, delaying treatment and worsening outcomes. The partnership between Johnson & Johnson MedTech and Qure.ai represents a transformative approach to tackling this challenge.

Through the use of AI algorithms applied to chest X-rays and CT scans, Qure.ai's technology can detect subtle, potentially malignant lung nodules that may be overlooked during routine imaging. The establishment of structured IPN clinics promotes a systematic approach to incidental lung cancer screening, emphasizing early detection and proactive patient management.

Anuj Virmani, Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson MedTech India, stated,
"Lung cancer remains one of the leading cancer-related deaths among both men and women. In India, access to advanced diagnostic infrastructure is often limited in smaller cities, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Our collaboration with Qure.ai reflects our commitment to innovative healthcare solutions that bridge these gaps and bring impactful, AI-driven technologies to lung cancer care."

Ludwig Enterprises, Inc., a pioneer in mRNA diagnostics and AI-driven health technologies, has announced the upcoming release of Revealia Breast™, a revolutionary breast cancer screening test currently in advanced development. Expected to launch in Q3 2025, this innovative tool uses a simple, painless cheek swab to detect inflammation-related mRNA biomarkers associated with early-stage breast cancer.

Designed to identify cancer even before physical symptoms appear, Revealia Breast™ represents a major step forward in non-invasive diagnostics. Unlike mammograms, which may miss early signs—particularly in women with dense breast tissue—this test leverages cutting-edge molecular biology and artificial intelligence to deliver a personalized cancer risk score without radiation, discomfort, or invasive procedures.

“This is more than just a test—it’s a lifeline,” said Dr. Marvin S. Hausman, Chief Medical Officer at Ludwig Enterprises. “By analyzing specific mRNA biomarkers through a simple cheek swab, Revealia Breast™ offers a powerful early-detection tool, aligning with recent data showing improved outcomes through earlier intervention.”

This development comes in the wake of compelling findings presented at the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS), where patients evaluated through multidisciplinary clinics showed a significantly higher rate of non-invasive disease detection (39.7%) compared to traditional care models (13.2%). Revealia Breast™ aims to enable such early insights on a broader scale—affordably and accessibly.

The test is the first in Ludwig’s planned portfolio of AI-enhanced, mRNA-based screening tools for early cancer detection. The company’s proprietary platform targets inflammation—a known early hallmark of cancer development—using AI to interpret mRNA signals and provide clinicians and patients with actionable insights long before symptoms arise.

Beyond its clinical impact, Revealia Breast™ enters a market valued at over $4 billion, positioning Ludwig Enterprises to potentially disrupt the current breast cancer screening landscape.

The company emphasizes its commitment to transparency, education, and scientific rigor. As part of a broader outreach campaign, Ludwig will release expert commentary, educational content, and further details on its technology in the coming months. Additional clinical validation studies and scientific advisory board appointments are also expected soon.

With Revealia Breast™, Ludwig Enterprises is advancing its mission to make cancer screening more accessible, accurate, and patient-friendly—ushering in a new era of early detection.

PB Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar, has announced its foray into India's booming healthcare sector with a new venture, PB Health, which has secured $218 million in seed funding. This marks a strategic expansion beyond its core insurance aggregation business.

PB Health plans to utilize the capital to establish four to five hospitals in the New Delhi region by 2027, with an ambitious long-term goal of building a network of 25 to 30 hospitals across 10 major Indian cities, according to PB Fintech Chairman Yashish Dahiya.

The funding round includes a notable $50 million investment from Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm General Catalyst, which has previously backed prominent Indian startups like Zepto, Cred, and Spinny.

Policybazaar, known as India’s largest online insurance aggregator, currently facilitates the sale of health, life, and motor insurance products. Commenting on the venture, Dahiya emphasized that while delivering accessible and high-quality healthcare in India is a complex task, insurance can play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge.

PB Fintech’s initial commitment of approximately $62 million gives it a 26% equity stake in PB Health. Details regarding other investors in the round were not disclosed.

India's healthcare sector has seen a sharp increase in private equity and venture capital activity. In 2024 alone, the industry recorded 84 deals worth $3.2 billion, following 62 deals totaling $5 billion in 2023, according to data from an EY and IVCA report.

General Catalyst’s Managing Director Neeraj Arora noted, “India has a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional models and develop a robust, inclusive health assurance ecosystem.”

This investment follows General Catalyst’s recent expansion in India, which included a merger with domestic VC firm Venture Highway and the allocation of $500 million to $1 billion for new investments in the country.

GenNext® Technologies, Inc., a leader in protein footprinting, has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to streamline and enhance structural biology workflows, aiming to accelerate the development of biotherapeutics. This collaboration integrates GenNext’s AutoFox® Protein Footprinting System with Thermo Fisher’s state-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platforms, including the Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ series. The result is a powerful, end-to-end solution designed to deliver deeper insights into protein structure, dynamics, and drug interactions.

This integrated workflow enables researchers to map protein shape, flexibility, and binding interactions under near-native conditions using GenNext’s Radical Protein Footprinting technology. These structural features are then analyzed with high precision and sensitivity using Thermo Fisher’s Orbitrap mass spectrometers, such as the Orbitrap™ Tribrid™ and Orbitrap Exploris™ MS. Additional support is provided by EasyPep™ Sample Prep Kits and Tandem Mass Tag reagents, ensuring consistent sample preparation and enhanced protein coverage. The workflow is further elevated by the Orbitrap™ Astral™ mass spectrometer, which offers rapid throughput, deep proteome coverage, and unmatched sensitivity.

To streamline data processing, GenNext’s FoxWare® Software integrates seamlessly with Thermo Fisher’s Proteome Discoverer platform, creating a cohesive pipeline from sample prep through analysis. This comprehensive solution simplifies complex structural biology research and is particularly valuable in the development of biologics and biosimilars.

“This collaboration with Thermo Fisher enables researchers to access unprecedented clarity into biomolecular structures with greater speed and simplicity,” said Scot Weinberger, CEO of GenNext Technologies.

Beyond traditional drug development, the workflow also supports AI-driven drug discovery. While AI tools can predict protein structures and interactions, experimental validation remains crucial. The GenNext–Thermo Fisher system facilitates the efficient testing and refinement of AI-generated models, a capability already in use by researchers and clients of GenNext.

“Structural biology is critical to understanding molecular function and guiding new therapies,” said Pushkin Pant, Vice President and General Manager of Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry at Thermo Fisher. “Our synergistic technologies offer researchers actionable insights that can transform therapeutic development.”

Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital introduced the Institute of Advanced Orthopaedics, Spine & Joint Care. With a combined experience of over 200 years and 40,000+ surgeries, the institute is one of Western India’s most advanced and fully integrated centres offering comprehensive care for adult and paediatric musculoskeletal disorders.

The institute was launched in presence of distinguished chief guests — Mr. Paresh Rawal, Indian actor, comedian, film producer and former Member of the Lok Sabha, Mr. Mohammad Azharuddin, former captain of the Indian national cricket team and former Member of the Lok Sabha and Dr. Vivek Talaulikar, Director and Chief Operating Officer, Western Region, Max Healthcare.

The Institute brings together world‑class infrastructure and a multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, spine specialists, musculoskeletal oncologists, sports medicine specialists, physiotherapists, and trauma experts—delivering quaternary‑level treatment under one roof.

Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep B. Bhosale, Senior Director - Robotic Joint Replacement, Hip and Knee Surgery, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, “The Institute combines cutting‑edge robotics, minimally invasive techniques, and advanced physiotherapy to help patients regain mobility faster, with fewer complications. We aim to create a Centre of Excellence for all kinds of musculoskeletal disorders for patients in India and abroad.”

The Institute also houses one of Maharashtra’s first in‑hospital 3D‑printing laboratories. The advanced 3D Printers help doctors turn patients’ CT scans into lifelike bone models and custom cutting guides that fit seamlessly over the real bone in operating theatres. By visualising and planning the operation ahead of time—and following these made‑to‑fit guides—surgeons can remove tumours and repair complex defects with pinpoint accuracy.

Supported by the hospital’s 24×7 imaging, blood bank, and laboratory services, the Institute also offers seamless care pathways—from initial diagnosis to postoperative rehabilitation. Robotics‑guided navigation systems enhance surgical precision, while a purpose‑built physiotherapy wing accelerates recovery through personalised exercise protocols and gait‑training labs.

Dr. Mihir Bapat, Senior Director - Orthopaedics & Spinal Surgery, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Beyond the operating theatre, we also connect with the community, creating awareness about posture, ergonomics, and sports injury prevention. We are official medical partners of renowned sports clubs and teams, where our sports medicine specialists and physiotherapists guide and manage sports-related injuries during a professional game. Our multidisciplinary team doesn’t just aim to fix bones, but offer mobility and quality of life to the community in general.”

The Institute’s key clinical offerings encompass a wide spectrum of specialized orthopaedic care, including comprehensive adult and paediatric orthopaedics, trauma, and reconstructive surgery. The joint replacement unit—recognised by Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), provides cutting-edge robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements, covering primary, revision, and unicondylar procedures in a dedicated operation theatre. The institute’s advanced spine surgery portfolio features Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) and complex spinal deformity corrections.

The Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine experts of the team specialise in all Upper Limbs (Shoulder & Elbow) & Hand Surgeries. Similarly, the orthopaedic oncology unit is recognised for limb-salvage and bone-tumour surgeries. Nanavati Max Hospital’s dedicated ICU is staffed by ATLS- and ACLS-certified critical-care physicians, ensuring expert round-the-clock care. Additionally, the hospital offers integrated pain-management and rehabilitation programmes led by senior physiotherapists to support optimal recovery and long-term well-being.

At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Opus Genetics presented encouraging 12-month results from its ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of OPGx-LCA5, a gene therapy for LCA5-associated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). The data were presented by Dr. Tomas Aleman of the Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania.

The presentation, titled “Recovery of Cone-Mediated Vision in a Severe Ciliopathy after Gene Augmentation”, highlighted sustained improvements in cone-mediated (daytime) vision among adult patients. According to Dr. Aleman, “The treatment benefits observed at 6 months were maintained at 12 months, with meaningful gains in reading ability and object recognition for individuals with severe visual impairment.”

CEO Dr. George Magrath noted that these results not only validate the therapeutic potential of OPGx-LCA5 but also reinforce confidence in Opus Genetics’ broader gene therapy pipeline. The company plans to launch a Phase 1/2 trial for its BEST1 program later this year and is actively engaged with the FDA to design a registration trial for OPGx-LCA5, targeted to begin in 2026.

Study Highlights

The trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of a single subretinal injection of OPGx-LCA5 (1×10¹⁰ vg/eye) in one eye of three adult patients with severe retinal degeneration due to biallelic LCA5 mutations. Despite advanced disease at baseline, all patients retained some photoreceptor activity.

Key Findings:

• Multi-Luminance Orientation and Mobility Test (MLoMT): All three patients recognized more objects post-treatment; two met the clinically meaningful improvement threshold, and one completed the course for the first time.

• Visual Acuity: Improved by an average of 0.35 logMAR (equivalent to 3.5 lines), sustained at 12 months.

• Retinal Sensitivity: Full-field stimulus testing showed a 0.86 log unit improvement in treated eyes, with a 0.7 log unit interocular gain.

• Pupillary Light Reflex: Enhanced response to dim light stimuli indicated lasting cone function recovery.

• Microperimetry: One patient showed improved macular sensitivity and foveal fixation stability.

Safety: The therapy was well tolerated with no serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities. Mild events related to steroids or surgery resolved within 30 days, and no significant structural changes were observed in treated eyes.

BAPIO Training Academy (BTA), The Medical Travel Company (TMTC) and Marengo Asia Hospitals are delighted to announce that they have entered into a global partnership focused on increasing medical value travel (MVT) into India. The partnership, which was announced during a roundtable on medical value travel organised in London by BTA, TMTC, Marengo Asia Hospitals and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), will initially concentrate on establishing a MVT pathway between the UK and India.

The roundtable brought together leading stakeholders with an interest in promoting MVT between the two countries including representatives from Indian hospitals, UK healthcare trusts, Start-ups in the medical value travel industry, both Indian and UK governments, patients and eminent doctors from both countries. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Chief Whip, Bharatiya Janata Party (Lok Sabha), Chair of Parliamentary Estimates Committee and Chair of the Indo-UK Healthcare Alliance, was the Chief Guest at the event.

As part of the partnership, BTA, TMTC and Marengo Asia Hospitals will work seamlessly to ensure that patients receive a personalised end-to-end care offering including prompt consultations with highly experienced doctors both in the UK and India, treatment at BTA-accredited hospitals in India following UK treatment and infection control protocols, access to bespoke premium after-care facilities in India and private insurance upon return to the UK.

In his remarks during the roundtable, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal highlighted that this ground-breaking partnership aligns closely with Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Heal in India’ initiative and will help elevate India’s standing in the medical value travel industry globally. He also stressed that this partnership will allow Indian patients to travel to the UK for medical care. Furthermore, Dr. Jaiswal said that 100% FDI is allowed in India and he encouraged UK investors and companies to increase their investment in Indian healthcare. This will be a win-win situation for the India-UK investment corridor and will attract patients from other countries.

Prof. Parag Singhal, CEO of BAPIO Training Academy, said: “This global partnership is the first initiative of its kind and is fully aligned with BTA’s objectives of elevating healthcare standards, strengthening the ‘living bridge’ between the UK and India, and improving patient outcomes in both countries. BTA is happy to be partnering with TMTC and Marengo Asia Hospitals, who share BTA’s vision for enhancing healthcare delivery globally”.

Mr. Ankit Mehrotra, Founder of TMTC, remarked: “At TMTC, we are dedicated to revolutionizing medical travel for UK patients by building the world's first full-service platform that makes cross-border healthcare simple, safe, and trusted. We have partnered with the top medical professionals in The UK and the best hospitals and surgeons in India, set-up our state-of-the-art post-surgery recovery centre and launched the first of its kind post-surgery insurance product for the patient once they are back in the UK. Our commitment is to deliver seamless comprehensive care from initial consultation to post-treatment recovery, ensuring patients receive the best possible clinical outcomes. At TMTC, we are building more than a platform—we are building a bridge between people and the care they deserve.”

Dr. Raajiv Singhal, Founding Member, Managing Director and Group CEO, Marengo Asia Hospitals, said: “We are honoured to be the Preferred Partner for Medical Value Travel under the Indo-UK Clinical Corridor initiative. At Marengo Asia Hospitals, we have always believed in the power of global collaboration, and our Clinical Corridors model—on the principles of Teach, Train, and Treat—will be central to this partnership. As a Co-Chair of the MVT Committee at FICCI, we propagate this concept in the industry as a sustainable framework for knowledge exchange, clinical excellence, and capacity building across borders. This approach not only facilitates the movement of patients, but also of clinicians, ideas, and innovation. Through this association, patients from the UK will gain access to timely, high-quality treatment at Marengo Asia Hospitals in India. They will also experience personalised care and the support of super-specialities that are often time-consuming to access in their home system. The strategic locations of our hospitals—particularly in the northern and western regions of India—are designed not only to serve local communities and civilians, but also to resonate with the large Indian diaspora from these very regions now settled in the UK.”

India and the UK have concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which includes notable tariff reductions on medical devices—an important win for the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Announced following a "very warm" phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the deal aims to deepen economic ties between the two nations and unlock substantial trade growth.

“Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India—one of the fastest growing economies in the world—which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business,” said Prime Minister Starmer in an official statement.

Under the terms of the FTA, India will lower tariffs on UK exports of medical devices, improving affordability and accessibility of advanced healthcare technologies in the Indian market. The UK’s Department for Business and Trade noted that these reductions form part of broader tariff cuts totaling over £400 million, which are projected to grow to around £900 million within a decade.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal finalized the agreement during discussions in London with UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. “By striking a new trade deal with the fastest-growing economy in the world, we are delivering billions for the UK economy and unlocking growth in every corner of the country,” Reynolds stated, highlighting the benefit to sectors such as advanced manufacturing and healthcare.

The healthcare component of the deal is particularly significant, as it strengthens medical trade and supports innovation in both countries. With high-end UK medical devices gaining easier access to the Indian market, patients may benefit from advanced diagnostics and treatment options, while UK manufacturers tap into a vast and expanding healthcare landscape.

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of the UK-based India Global Forum, called the agreement “a significant milestone in UK-India relations,” emphasizing the potential it holds for transformative partnerships across strategic sectors, including health technology.

The FTA is now undergoing legal formalization and will require approval by the British Parliament before coming into effect.

In a major initiative to safeguard India’s classical medical heritage, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has revived and published two rare and significant Ayurvedic texts—Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanāmākara Nighaṇṭu. The manuscripts were unveiled at an event hosted by the RRAP Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Mumbai.

The event featured a keynote address by Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, who highlighted the Council’s efforts in research, digitisation, and revival of ancient Ayurvedic literature. He noted, “These texts are not just historical artefacts—they are living knowledge systems that can transform contemporary healthcare when studied and applied thoughtfully.”

The manuscripts were critically edited and translated by renowned manuscriptologist and Ayurveda scholar, Dr. Sadanand D. Kamat of Mumbai. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures in the Ayurveda community, including Shri Ranjit Puranik, President of Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal and MD of Shri Dhootapeshwar Ltd., Dr. Ravi More, Principal of Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, and senior members of Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal and CARI.

Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu, authored by Mudgala Paṇḍita in 1480 AD, comprises 18 chapters and provides a comprehensive account of drug synonyms, properties, and therapeutic actions. Drawing from earlier classical texts like Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭu, it also introduces novel medicinal substances from plant, mineral, and animal origins. Widely cited in Maharashtra until the 19th century, this is its first critical edition.

Dravyanāmākara Nighaṇṭu, attributed to Bhisma Vaidya, serves as a supplement to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, focusing on the homonyms of Ayurvedic drugs—a complex but essential area of study. With 182 verses and detailed commentary by Dr. Kamat, the text is a valuable reference for students and researchers in Rasashastra, Bhaishajya Kalpana, and classical pharmacology.

These revivals by CCRAS and its collaborators not only preserve rare literary treasures but also enhance the contemporary relevance of Ayurveda. The critical editions are set to become key resources for students, practitioners, and scholars, inspiring deeper engagement with India’s ancient healing wisdom.

Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO), a global leader in eye health, announced today that it has received CE Mark approval for its LuxLife™ intraocular lens (IOL), designed to provide a continuous range of vision from near to far. This milestone highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing cataract surgery solutions that align with the individual needs of both patients and surgeons.

The preloaded LuxLife IOL joins Bausch + Lomb’s growing portfolio of full range of vision lenses, following the recent launches of the enVista® Envy™ lens in the U.S. and Canada and the enVista Aspire™ intermediate-optimized IOLs in Europe.

“This platform has delivered both quality of vision and patient satisfaction since its introduction,” said Luc Bonnefoy, President of Surgical at Bausch + Lomb. “LuxLife is a continuation of that success, offering premium options that address the evolving demands of surgeons and their patients.”

Data from a multicenter clinical study comparing LuxLife to the monofocal LuxGood® IOL showed strong binocular visual outcomes at near, intermediate, and distance ranges. Impressively, 95.6% of patients reported independence from glasses at intermediate distances, and 89.5% at near distances.

The LuxLife IOL features Pure Refractive Optics (PRO) Technology and two Allied Ray Technology (ART) Zones, resulting in a non-diffractive lens that maintains a continuous refractive surface across the entire optical diameter. Unlike diffractive IOLs, LuxLife delivers light efficiently to the retina, enhancing visual quality.

Additionally, the IOL is available in a wide range of toric powers, from +0.75D to +6.00D, allowing surgeons to address corneal astigmatism in nearly 80% of cataract patients. The lens is preloaded with a dual injector system that gives surgeons flexibility during implantation.

“The LuxLife lens offers truly multifocal optical performance and clear vision across all distances,” said Dr. Francisco Javier Castro Alonso of Miguel Servet University Hospital, Spain. “It’s a top choice for patients wanting freedom from glasses.”

LuxLife will be commercially available in Europe in the coming weeks, with a toric version to follow. Regulatory submissions in other regions are currently underway.