Scientists at the University of Bath have identified that a combination of two existing licensed drugs could be used as a potential new treatment for depression. Current antidepressants, called SSRIs, increase the amount of serotonin in the brain although the exact mechanism by which they work is still unclear. However around 30-50 per cent of… Read More Drug combination highlights potential new depression treatment

Leaves of the European chestnut tree contain ingredients with the power to disarm dangerous staph bacteria without boosting its drug resistance, scientists have found. PLOS ONE is publishing the study of a chestnut leaf extract, rich in ursene and oleanene derivatives, that blocks Staphlococcus aureus virulence and pathogenesis without detectable resistance. The use of chestnut… Read More European chestnut leaves contain ingredients with power to disarm deadly staph bacteria

Sales at Rs 6,157 crore were also about 16.5 per cent lower than expected. Although net profit at Rs 892 crore was helped by MAT credit of Rs 600 crore, it was still about 50 per cent lower than anticipated by analysts. Post completion of the Ranbaxy acquisition, this is the first quarter where Sun’s… Read More Ranbaxy: A new challenge for Sun Pharma

A 2013 survey by the American Chemistry Society showed that more than half of its members believed the returns on investment in green chemistry R&D are higher than for standard investments. In another study conducted in 2014, 62 percent of chemical manufacturers said that their customers are interested in sustainable chemicals. The American Sustainable Business… Read More ‘Green Chemistry’ Products Show Higher Sales Growth

Shortage of manpower, compromising acceptable quality levels to meet production targets or dispatch time-lines and lack of understanding of good manufacturing practices (GMP) are some of the basic reasons behind data integrity issues faced by Indian pharmaceutical companies, according to  global consultancy firm EY. Also, one-third of the companies in India have not conducted reviews… Read More Indian pharma yet to overcome data integrity issues: EY survey

n the wake of Maggi controversy, Department of Pharmaceuticals is mulling to bring a proposal to ban sale of baby food products and other supplements at pharmacies.  The department said only pharmaceutical items like medicines and syrups must be allowed for sale in such shops.  “People purchase baby food products and supplements from chemist shops… Read More Pharma Department mulls ban on sale of baby food items at pharmacies

Noting a regulatory environment which is more “enabling than restrictive” is required for innovation, a position paper prepared by Pricewaterhouse coopers released at the summit organised by the USA-India Chamber of Commerce (USAIC) said.  ADVERTISING “The Indian government should explore programs and incentives for encouraging non-traditional organisations to partner with it, academia and pharmaceutical companies… Read More Pharma industry grappling with pricing, regulatory issues: Survey

The precedent set by former Ranbaxy employee Dinesh Thakur, who blew the lid over the company’s malpractices, has encouraged employees of pharmaceutical firms who have become crusaders of upholding quality and compliance of their respective companies. Research reports released by the forensic divisions of consultancy firm Deloitte and EY reveal a growing trend of whistleblowing… Read More Internal whistleblowers ensure Pharma companies stick to guidelines and rules