Aakash Healthcare Super Specialty Hospital, in collaboration with Medtronic, has inaugurated the Aakash Vein Clinic—North India’s first dedicated center for vein care. This specialized clinic focuses on minimally invasive treatments for vein-related conditions, improving patient recovery and long-term health.

The launch event at Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, gathered top healthcare professionals, industry experts, and doctors. A significant highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Aakash Healthcare and Medtronic, reinforcing their commitment to pioneering advanced vascular treatments.

Vein disorders, such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis, are common yet often left untreated. Studies in North India show that 46.7% of women and 27.8% of men suffer from varicose veins, with many delaying treatment due to lack of awareness or access to specialized care.

Dr. Meinal Chaudhry, Director of Radiodiagnosis & Interventional Radiology at Aakash Healthcare, emphasized that varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern. If untreated, they can lead to chronic pain, swelling, skin complications, and severe health risks. “Many patients seek temporary relief for years. The Aakash Vein Clinic provides specialized treatments for lasting solutions,” she stated.

With this initiative, Aakash Healthcare and Medtronic are setting new standards in vein care, ensuring timely, effective, and advanced treatment options for patients across North India.

PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming cancer treatment, announced that its President and CEO, Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD, will participate in a fireside chat at the B. Riley Securities Precision Oncology & Radiopharma Conference 2025. The event will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel in New York, NY.

The fireside chat will be held from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM ET as part of the Holmes II – Precision Oncology Track. PDS Biotech leadership will also engage in one-on-one meetings during the conference. One week after the conference, an archived transcript of the discussion will be available in the Investor Relations section of the company’s website.

PDS Biotech is dedicated to advancing immunotherapies that enhance the immune system’s ability to target and eliminate cancers. The company is preparing for a pivotal clinical trial of its lead candidate, Versamune® HPV, for advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers. Versamune® HPV is being developed in combination with a standard-of-care immune checkpoint inhibitor and in a triple-combination therapy including PDS01ADC, an IL-12 fused antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Through these innovations, PDS Biotech aims to improve treatment outcomes and offer new hope to patients battling difficult-to-treat cancers.

To address the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched the Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign. Running from February 20 to March 31, 2025, the initiative aims to achieve 100% screening of individuals aged 30 and above for Diabetes, Hypertension, and three common cancers—Oral, Breast, and Cervical.

The campaign will be conducted nationwide across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and healthcare facilities under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). To maximize outreach, trained ASHAs, ANMs, and frontline workers will conduct door-to-door visits. States and Union Territories will ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, including BP monitors, glucometers, and medications. Real-time monitoring through the NP-NCD Portal will track daily screening, treatment, and follow-ups, ensuring accountability. Additionally, nodal officers at multiple levels will oversee seamless execution, with daily progress updates provided to the Ministry by 6 PM.

The campaign aims for 100% screening coverage, early detection, and timely intervention to improve health outcomes. Structured treatment and follow-up protocols will enhance care, reducing complications and healthcare costs. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare under Ayushman Bharat, marking a major step toward a healthier, NCD-free India.

Motherhood Hospitals, a leading name in women and child healthcare, has launched its state-of-the-art Motherhood Fertility & IVF Centre in Kharghar, addressing the rising concerns of infertility among men and women. In today’s fast-paced world, factors such as stress, lifestyle changes, and delayed family planning have significantly impacted fertility rates. With this launch, Motherhood Hospitals aims to provide advanced reproductive care, cutting-edge diagnostics, and holistic treatment solutions to help couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

The center brings in a multidisciplinary care approach to couples seeking fertility treatment by combining clinical expertise, with the next-gen technology in embryology, a state-of-the-art IVF lab, and an allied team to support couples’ journey to achieve a positive pregnancy.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Vijayarathna Venkatraman, CEO, Motherhood Hospitals emphasized the growing need for accessible fertility care, stating,
"Infertility has become a pressing issue for many couples, and access to high-quality fertility treatments is essential. At Motherhood Fertility & IVF, we are committed to bringing world-class fertility solutions closer to home. With a team of experienced specialists, state-of-the-art technology, and a patient-first approach, we aim to offer ethical, transparent, and successful fertility treatments to couples in Navi Mumbai and beyond."

Dr. Rita Modi, Senior IVF Consultant, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Kharghar, highlighted the significance of clinical advancements, stating,” As per WHO, about 1 in 6 of all couples in the reproductive age group face difficulties in conceiving naturally, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need. In the family-oriented Indian society, this leads to significant distress and stigma, thus negatively affecting the couples ' social and mental well-being. With scientific advances, it is now possible to help couples in achieving their dream. Our focus is on personalized, evidence-based, highly advanced fertility treatments in a comfortable and empathetic environment. "

DCP Rashmi Nandedkar, Navi Mumbai - Chief Guest at the launch of Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Kharghar, spoke about the importance of accessible fertility care, stating, “Starting a family is a dream for many, but fertility challenges can make the journey difficult.

With more couples facing these issues, it is important that they have access to the right medical care and advanced treatments. The launch of this IVF center in Kharghar is a great step toward making fertility care more accessible, offering ethical and effective solutions. Beyond treatment, spreading awareness and breaking the stigma around fertility issues is equally important. I appreciate Motherhood Hospitals for their dedication to providing quality fertility care, helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood.”

Dr. Rupali Sunil Kadam, Facility Director, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar), shared insights on the business and healthcare opportunity, stating,
"Kharghar is rapidly becoming a hub for specialized healthcare, and the demand for fertility services has been growing steadily. With this new center, we are ensuring that couples in Navi Mumbai have access to advanced fertility treatments without the need to travel long distances. Our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality fertility care in a supportive environment."

The center will also focus on awareness and counseling programs, educating couples about infertility, available treatment options, and the importance of early intervention in fertility care.

Motherhood Hospitals, with its extensive expertise in women and child healthcare, continues to redefine fertility treatments in India. With 12 fertility centers across multiple cities, including Bangalore, Indore, Gurgaon, Noida, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, and now Kharghar, the network is committed to making fertility care more accessible, affordable, and effective for couples across the country.

Roche has introduced its proprietary Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology, establishing a new category in next-generation sequencing. SBX chemistry, combined with an advanced sensor module, enables ultra-rapid, high-throughput sequencing that is both flexible and scalable across various applications.

Next-generation sequencing provides critical insights into genetics, genomics, and cell biology, advancing our understanding of diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Roche's SBX technology addresses limitations in existing sequencing solutions by delivering unparalleled speed, efficiency, and flexibility.

SBX employs a novel biochemical process that encodes DNA or RNA sequences into an expanded surrogate polymer called an Xpandomer. These Xpandomers are fifty times longer than the original molecule and incorporate high signal-to-noise reporters, ensuring clear signals with minimal background interference. This innovation enables highly accurate single-molecule nanopore sequencing using a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-based sensor module, which enhances speed and efficiency.

“Solving the signal-to-noise challenge is a key efficiency driver for the technology,” said Mark Kokoris, Head of Roche’s SBX Technology. “With this capability, we can flexibly operate across different throughput scales using the same system, providing a significant advantage to users.”

SBX technology’s unique combination of speed, accuracy, and flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of genomic applications, including whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing. Its advanced CMOS sensor module enables real-time base calling and analysis, allowing researchers to process multiple samples simultaneously. This scalability makes it ideal for both small-scale studies and large projects involving thousands of samples.

Originally developed by Mark Kokoris and Robert McRuer, SBX technology was pioneered by Stratos Genomics, which Roche acquired in 2020. By overcoming traditional sequencing limitations, SBX has the potential to drive broader adoption in research and clinical labs, ultimately accelerating discoveries and improving healthcare outcomes.

AstraZeneca will acquire FibroGen’s China unit for approximately $160 million, securing rights to its anemia drug in the country and further strengthening its presence in the world's second-largest economy. The deal follows AstraZeneca’s significant investments in China, its largest international market, which accounted for 12% of its 2024 sales.

In recent years, AstraZeneca has expanded its footprint in China, signing multiple licensing agreements with local companies and acquiring Suzhou-based Gracell Biotechnologies for $1.2 billion in 2023. However, the company is currently under several investigations in China, including a probe into suspected unpaid import taxes. Despite this, AstraZeneca reassured investors that potential fines, expected to be around $4.5 million, would have minimal financial impact.

To stabilize its China operations, AstraZeneca appointed Iskra Reic as international executive vice president in December, replacing Leon Wang, who was detained by Chinese authorities in October. Analysts suggest that global pharmaceutical companies remain committed to investing in China, seeking strategic deals to strengthen drug pipelines despite geopolitical tensions.

The FibroGen-AstraZeneca drug, marketed as Evrenzo, is approved in China, Europe, Japan, and over 40 other countries for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease patients. FibroGen will retain rights to the drug in the U.S. and select other regions. The U.S.-based biotech company stated that proceeds from the deal would help repay loans and extend its cash reserves through 2027.

The acquisition is expected to close by mid-2025, subject to regulatory approval in China.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for Narayana Hospitals in New Town on February 20, 2025. The ₹1,500 crore project marks a significant boost to the state's private healthcare sector.

Ms. Banerjee emphasized Narayana Group’s role in providing affordable healthcare and highlighted the swift allocation of 7.26 acres of land within three months. She noted that the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) has successfully attracted investments, countering skepticism about its impact.

The hospital will generate over 10,000 jobs, including direct and tertiary employment. Spanning 10 lakh square feet, it will feature specialty centers for oncology, cardiac sciences, organ transplants, orthopedics, advanced trauma care, and critical care. According to Narayana Group, this will be its largest initiative, expanding its Kolkata bed capacity to 2,500.

Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Narayana Health’s founder and chairman, attended the inauguration. At the 2023 BGBS, he committed to a major healthcare investment, requesting a large plot for a 1,100-bed hospital. He praised the West Bengal government’s efficiency, noting that land allocation took just three months, compared to over a year in other states.

During his speech, Dr. Shetty stressed the need for affordable healthcare, commending the CM’s schemes for the underprivileged. He expressed a vision where healthcare remains equal for all, regardless of economic status.

Group COO R. Venkatesh highlighted the importance of world-class critical care facilities, stating that this expansion will significantly enhance Kolkata’s capacity to manage medical emergencies.

Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) today announced that it has received an “A-” leadership rating from CDP for its outstanding performance in climate change and water security. This rating reflects Lupin's leadership in environmental transparency and performance and underscores the strategic and systematic efforts in its sustainability journey. 

CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system for companies to manage their environmental impact. As the founder of environmental reporting, CDP believes in transparency and the power of data to drive change. 

Commenting on this achievement, Ramesh Swaminathan, Executive Director, Global CFO and Head – API Plus SBU, Lupin said, “We are delighted to be recognized by CDP as a leader in corporate sustainability. This recognition underscores our commitment to addressing global environmental challenges through measurable action. We consider CDP scores as a critical aspect in advancing our efforts towards sustainability. Lupin will continue to lead by example, setting new standards and adopting best sustainable practices to serve our communities.”

Lupin's sustainability framework is integral to its business operations, prioritizing environmental stewardship, employee well-being, supply chain sustainability, and patient-centric innovation. By integrating these principles, Lupin is paving the way for a sustainable and equitable future. The 2024 CDP scores of “A-” with regard to Climate and Water, mark a significant development from last year's “B” rating in Climate, and “C” rating in Water. 

Lupin has demonstrated significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint through various initiatives. The company has implemented energy-efficient technologies and increased the use of renewable energy sources across its operations. These efforts have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but also set a benchmark for the pharmaceutical industry in terms of environmental responsibility.

Water security is a critical aspect of Lupin's sustainability strategy. The company has adopted comprehensive water management practices, including water recycling and conservation measures. By optimizing water usage and reducing wastage, Lupin ensures the sustainable use of this vital resource, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems and communities. 

As Lupin moves forward, it will continue to leverage advanced technologies and forge strategic partnerships to drive continuous improvement and achieve its long-term sustainability objectives.

Earlier this year, Lupin’s S&P Global ESG scores moved to 76 from 69 last year, above the industry average of 30 in the pharmaceuticals sector.

In a heartfelt initiative to raise cancer awareness, the Merck India team is donating inspiring paintings to hospitals across India as part of its ‘Art Against Cancer’ campaign. Aligning with this initiative, MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre (MOC) at Kemps Corner recently received a stunning artwork titled "Triumph over Cancer” from Merck India. The painting will be installed at the center next week, offering patients and their families a source of strength and encouragement.

The artwork was received by Dr. Vashishth Maniar, Director & Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato-Oncology, and Dr. Kunal Jobanputra, Consultant Medical Oncologist at MOC.

Dr. Vashishth Maniar expressed his appreciation for the gesture, saying, “Art is a powerful medium for conveying messages, and I’m thrilled to see such meaningful artwork being used to represent the fight against cancer. This initiative not only raises awareness but also offers emotional support to patients and their families. The painting on the wall of MOC will serve as a symbol of hope and strength for the many patients battling cancer.”

Dr. Vashishth Maniar further added, “Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of cancer can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. Some common early indicators include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, unusual bleeding or discharge, persistent cough or hoarseness, changes in bowel or bladder habits, sores that do not heal, unexplained pain or discomfort, and changes in the appearance of moles or skin. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor promptly. Early detection can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of treatment.”

Zydus Lifesciences and Guardant Health have pledged their support for the newly launched Liquid is Solid (LiS) Academy, an independent academic forum dedicated to advancing precision medicine in India through liquid biopsies. This first-of-its-kind initiative, led by top oncologists, aims to raise awareness about minimally invasive blood-based tests that can transform cancer care.

With one in nine Indians likely to develop cancer, innovative diagnostic solutions are crucial in detecting cancer early, monitoring recurrence, and identifying targeted treatment options through a simple blood test.

"Our goal in oncology is to provide holistic patient care, from affordable therapies to diagnostics, nutrition, and counseling," said Samir Desai, President, BU Biologics, Zydus Lifesciences. "Through LiS Academy, we hope to enhance clinicians' understanding of precision oncology, fostering collaboration to drive the adoption of life-saving technologies."

Simranjit Singh, CEO of Guardant Health AMEA, emphasized the initiative’s impact, stating, "LiS Academy is a vital step in bringing transformative cancer care to India. By educating oncologists on liquid biopsies, we can improve access to personalized treatment and patient outcomes."

Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, highlighted the academy's structured programs, which provide a strong foundation in liquid biopsy technologies. "With peer mentoring, doctors gain practical insights beyond theory, ensuring they confidently integrate these innovations into clinical practice," he added.

By bridging knowledge gaps, LiS Academy is set to accelerate the adoption of precision oncology in India, ultimately improving cancer care and patient survival.