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FDA Approves First-Ever Cholesterol-Lowering Pill Targeting PCSK9 for High-Risk Patients

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lipfendra, a groundbreaking oral medication developed by Merck, marking the first pill designed to lower cholesterol by targeting the PCSK9 protein. Until now, this treatment approach was available only through injectable medicines. The newly approved drug is intended for patients whose LDL (“bad”) cholesterol remains elevated despite taking statins, the standard treatment for reducing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Lipfendra works by blocking the PCSK9 protein in the liver, allowing the body to remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Existing PCSK9 therapies, offered as injections by several pharmaceutical companies, have been effective for years but have faced challenges related to high costs, insurance barriers, and limited patient access. Merck secured FDA approval after positive results from two clinical trials involving high-risk patients who received Lipfendra in addition to their regular cholesterol-lowering therapy. In one study involving around 3,000 participants, patients experienced a reduction of more than 55% in LDL cholesterol after six months. A second trial showed an average 59% decrease in LDL levels compared with those receiving a placebo. The cholesterol-lowering effect remained largely consistent over a year of treatment. Researchers reported that side effects, including dizziness and diarrhea, were generally mild and occurred at rates similar to those seen with the placebo. Patients are advised to take the medication on an empty stomach for optimal effectiveness. The FDA reviewed Lipfendra under its accelerated approval programme for promising therapies that address significant public health needs, enabling a faster regulatory process. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, with elevated LDL cholesterol being a major contributor to heart attacks and strokes. While an LDL level below 100 mg/dL is generally considered healthy for most individuals, experts recommend reducing it to 70 mg/dL or lower for people with heart disease or those at high cardiovascular risk. The approval of Lipfendra offers a convenient oral alternative to injectable PCSK9 inhibitors and could significantly improve access to advanced cholesterol-lowering treatment for patients who require additional LDL reduction beyond statins. Source: AP

FDA Approves First-Ever Cholesterol-Lowering Pill Targeting PCSK9 for High-Risk Patients Read More »

NMC Announces 1.37 Lakh MBBS Seats for 2026–27; Karnataka Leads Surge in Private Medical College Capacity

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The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the undergraduate (UG) medical seat matrix for the 2026–27 academic session, notifying a total of 1,36,939 MBBS seats across government and private medical colleges in India. The announcement comes as aspirants continue to await the revised NEET UG 2026 results. According to the latest seat matrix, 63,297 seats are available in government medical colleges, while 73,643 seats are offered by private institutions. This marks an overall increase of 7,913 MBBS seats compared to the previous academic year. However, education experts believe the effective increase could exceed 9,900 seats, as several newly approved colleges were not operational last year due to pending state-level clearances. Private medical colleges have accounted for the majority of the expansion this year. While government institutions added 1,739 seats, private colleges contributed 6,175 additional seats, highlighting the growing role of the private sector in expanding medical education infrastructure. Karnataka has emerged as the biggest contributor to this growth, increasing its total MBBS seats from 13,944 to 15,395, the highest among all states. The state continues to hold the top position in terms of total medical undergraduate seats nationwide. Other states that recorded notable increases include Tamil Nadu with 949 additional seats, Rajasthan with 750, Telangana with 710, West Bengal with 701, and Uttar Pradesh with 575 new seats. Despite already having a large medical education network, Maharashtra added 275 seats this year. Admission experts have cautioned that not all seats listed by the NMC may be available during the counselling process. Although colleges have received approval from the NMC, they must also secure clearances from their respective state authorities and affiliated universities before admissions can begin. Similar delays last year resulted in several approved seats remaining unavailable during counselling. Among the states with the largest MBBS capacity are Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra, each offering over 10,000 undergraduate medical seats. In contrast, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland have the lowest intake, with only 100 MBBS seats each. Other regions with limited capacity include Chandigarh (200 seats), Goa (250 seats), and Manipur (250 seats). Source: Indian Express

NMC Announces 1.37 Lakh MBBS Seats for 2026–27; Karnataka Leads Surge in Private Medical College Capacity Read More »

Poor Muscle Health Along With Obesity May Significantly Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk: Study

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A combination of poor muscle health and excess body fat may substantially increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care. Researchers found that individuals with sarcopenic obesity—a condition marked by both obesity and reduced muscle mass and strength—face a considerably higher diabetes risk than those affected by either condition alone. The research, led by Zhongyang Guan, a PhD candidate at Curtin University in Australia, analyzed health data from 479,607 participants in the UK Biobank who were free of diabetes at the start of the study. During an average follow-up period of more than 14 years, nearly 32,950 participants developed type 2 diabetes. According to the findings, people with sarcopenic obesity were more than 3.5 times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to individuals with a healthy body composition. They also had a 19% higher risk than people with obesity alone and a 91% higher risk than those with only sarcopenia. The study revealed that nearly 15% of participants with sarcopenic obesity developed type 2 diabetes within 10 years, compared with around 11% of those with obesity alone and only 3% of individuals without obesity or sarcopenia. Researchers also observed that the association between sarcopenic obesity and diabetes was particularly pronounced among women and adults younger than 60 years. Guan noted that while excess body weight is widely recognized as a diabetes risk factor, the findings highlight that muscle health plays an equally important role in determining an individual’s risk. The authors concluded that evaluating both body fat and muscle health could improve the identification of people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Senior author Professor Mario Siervo from Curtin University’s Faculty of Health Sciences said healthcare providers should consider assessing muscle health alongside body weight. He added that maintaining muscle strength through regular physical activity, resistance training, and healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce the growing burden of type 2 diabetes, particularly as obesity rates continue to rise and populations age. Source: PTI

Poor Muscle Health Along With Obesity May Significantly Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk: Study Read More »

Novo Nordisk Introduces Once-Weekly Insulin Injection ‘Awiqli’ in India for Adults with Diabetes

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Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli, its once-weekly basal insulin injection, in India, offering adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes an alternative to conventional daily insulin therapy. The company announced the launch on July 9, with the product set to become available across the country next week. Awiqli, also known by its generic name insulin icodec, is the world’s first clinically approved once-weekly long-acting basal insulin. By requiring just 52 injections annually instead of 365, the treatment aims to improve patient convenience and adherence to insulin therapy. Novo Nordisk has priced the weekly dose of 70 insulin units at ₹261. The product will be available in two pre-filled pen formats: a 1 ml pen containing 700 units priced at ₹2,611, and a 3 ml pen with 2,100 units priced at ₹7,833. According to the company, this makes the therapy competitively priced compared to existing daily basal insulin options, which cost between ₹345 and ₹453 for an equivalent weekly dose. The company highlighted the significant diabetes burden in India, where more than 101 million people are living with diabetes, while another 136 million are estimated to have prediabetes. It also noted that insulin therapy is often initiated 7–9 years later than recommended, largely due to concerns over frequent injections, pain, and treatment costs. India currently has around 6 million people receiving insulin therapy, and Novo Nordisk expects that figure to increase to 9 million in the coming years as awareness and access improve. According to market estimates by IMARC, India’s insulin market is projected to expand from $660.5 million in 2025 to $916.4 million by 2034, supported by the rising prevalence of diabetes driven by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and genetic factors. Earlier this year, Awiqli received regulatory approval in the United States and has also been cleared for use in the European Union and several other countries. India becomes the seventh country to introduce the once-weekly insulin. The new therapy is expected to compete with established basal insulin brands, including Sanofi’s Lantus, as well as insulin glargine products marketed by Indian pharmaceutical companies such as Biocon, Eris Lifesciences, and Lupin. Novo Nordisk is also strengthening its presence in India’s rapidly growing obesity treatment market, where it faces competition from Eli Lilly and several domestic drug manufacturers. Source: REUTERS

Novo Nordisk Introduces Once-Weekly Insulin Injection ‘Awiqli’ in India for Adults with Diabetes Read More »

AIIMS Delhi Completes Major Faculty Recruitment Drive Using Blockchain-Enabled Technology

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All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi has successfully concluded one of its largest faculty recruitment drives in recent years, announcing the results for nearly 460 teaching positions through a blockchain-enabled digital evaluation system. According to the institute, around 370 faculty members have been recruited for AIIMS New Delhi and the AIIMS–Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences campus. The appointments span more than 50 medical and allied health disciplines, covering roles from Assistant Professor to Professor. The recruitment process attracted over 3,200 applications for 265 faculty positions at AIIMS New Delhi and 199 positions at the AIIMS-CAPFIMS campus. The selection exercise was carried out over a period of six months. AIIMS stated that the use of blockchain-enabled digital technology ensured a secure, transparent, and efficient evaluation process. Candidate assessment scores were protected using one-time password (OTP) authentication, while final merit lists were generated through predefined algorithms, reducing manual intervention and enhancing the integrity of the recruitment process. The institute noted that adopting advanced digital technologies for faculty appointments reflects its commitment to strengthening institutional governance through innovation. The large-scale recruitment is expected to enhance patient care, medical education, research, and innovation across a broad spectrum of healthcare specialties. Source: Economic Times

AIIMS Delhi Completes Major Faculty Recruitment Drive Using Blockchain-Enabled Technology Read More »

Health Ministry Makes 80% Biometric Attendance Mandatory for PG Dental Students Appearing in Exams

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The National Dental Commission (NDC) has instructed all dental colleges and universities in India to ensure that postgraduate (PG) dental students maintain a minimum of 80% biometric attendance to qualify for university and MDS examinations. In its latest directive, the commission reiterated that institutions must strictly comply with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the DCI MDS Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates the attendance requirement. Colleges have been warned that allowing students with attendance below the prescribed limit to appear for examinations will amount to non-compliance, and the institutions themselves will be held accountable. The NDC emphasized that no postgraduate dental student should be permitted to sit for university examinations unless the biometric attendance threshold of 80% has been met. The latest order reinforces an earlier directive issued on January 19, 2026, when the then Dental Council of India (DCI) had instructed institutions to implement biometric attendance norms following recommendations from its Grievance Sub-Committee. The committee had reviewed complaints from dental colleges in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, where several postgraduate students were reportedly falling short of the mandatory attendance requirement. Based on its findings, it recommended strict implementation of the attendance regulation across all dental institutions. Reaffirming the importance of compliance, the NDC stated that institutions failing to enforce the biometric attendance rule could face action for violating the commission’s statutory directions. Source: Indian Express

Health Ministry Makes 80% Biometric Attendance Mandatory for PG Dental Students Appearing in Exams Read More »

Kerala Set to Launch PM-RAHAT Scheme, Offers ₹1.5 Lakh Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims

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Kerala is preparing to roll out the PM-RAHAT (Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme, aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare access for road accident victims across the state. The announcement was made by Kerala Transport Minister C.P. John during discussions on departmental grants in the Assembly on Tuesday. Under the scheme, accident victims will be entitled to cashless medical treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum period of seven days from the date of the accident. The official state launch will take place at the Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram and will be inaugurated by Health Minister K. Muraleedharan. Alongside the scheme, the Transport Department is also preparing a statewide road safety awareness campaign inspired by Kerala’s literacy movement. The initiative aims to educate people from children to senior citizens, with a long-term target of reducing annual road accident fatalities from over 4,000 to nearly 1,000. The government is also planning to identify and eliminate accident-prone black spots across the state through road geometry corrections and improved traffic signage. In another relief measure, authorities are finalising a proposal to provide immediate financial assistance of ₹10,000 to families of victims involved in accidents with KSRTC buses to help cover funeral expenses while compensation claims remain pending before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal. Kerala is further exploring green transport alternatives, with a pilot proposal under consideration to introduce hydrogen-powered buses in collaboration with KSRTC, Travancore Titanium Products Limited and Anert. The state government is simultaneously reviewing multiple infrastructure and tourism development initiatives, including expanding inland water cargo transport routes, introducing new boat connectivity services in Thiruvananthapuram, and launching a sunset cruise service on Vembanad Lake to boost tourism. Meanwhile, PWD Minister P.K. Basheer said the government is planning reforms to the PWD Manual to ensure faster execution of projects, while Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph confirmed Kerala’s participation in the parliamentary committee evaluating the ongoing Mullaperiyar dam dispute. Local Self-Governments Minister K.M. Shaji also assured that concerns regarding the Life Mission housing project would be addressed without excluding eligible beneficiaries. Source: The Hindu

Kerala Set to Launch PM-RAHAT Scheme, Offers ₹1.5 Lakh Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims Read More »

Autism Care Centre Crosses 1,000 Enrolments in 18 Months, Plans Major Expansion of Services

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The Centre of Excellence for Persons with Autism has achieved a major milestone by registering more than 1,000 children within just 18 months of its launch, marking a significant step forward in specialised autism care and rehabilitation services in India. Established on December 5, 2024, at the Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in K.K. Nagar, the centre has so far enrolled 1,050 children, with over 700 currently receiving regular therapy sessions. The facility now handles nearly 100 visitors daily and sees around eight to ten new patients each day, reflecting growing awareness and demand for specialised autism support services. According to officials, the centre initially received only a handful of patients in its first month, but steady word-of-mouth awareness has contributed to rapid growth. Families from across Tamil Nadu have approached the centre, while even visitors from countries including Canada and parts of the Middle East have sought consultation during their visits to India. The facility, which was initially supported by the National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu, is now preparing to expand its services significantly. Upcoming additions include physical education programmes, pre-vocational skill development for children under 18, vocational training for adults, and new infrastructure such as a hydrotherapy swimming pool and a sensory park designed specifically for therapeutic intervention. The centre operates with a multidisciplinary team comprising paediatricians, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, and special educators. Children visiting the facility first undergo screening by paediatricians using internationally recognised autism screening tools that help identify developmental concerns at an early age. Medical experts at the centre say early signs of autism often include limited response to name calling, communication difficulties, and challenges in social interaction. Following diagnosis, children undergo personalised therapy plans where specialists work on improving daily life skills and addressing developmental gaps. Doctors also note that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often occurs alongside other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. In such cases, additional medical treatment is provided alongside therapy sessions to support overall development. The centre is also running a daycare programme in collaboration with the Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children, where young children receive structured training focused on building essential life skills. The curriculum covers hundreds of developmental activities ranging from eating independently and dressing to early writing skills. Looking ahead, the centre is developing a dedicated mobile application for parents and therapists to monitor therapy progress and treatment goals. Plans are also underway to introduce skill-based vocational programmes such as block printing, fireless cooking, computer training, and tailoring, aimed at improving long-term independence and employability for persons with autism. Source: The Hindu

Autism Care Centre Crosses 1,000 Enrolments in 18 Months, Plans Major Expansion of Services Read More »

One Billion More People Now Exposed to Extreme Heat Stress Than in the 1970s, Study Finds

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A new study has revealed that nearly one billion more people across the world are now experiencing at least one day of extreme heat stress every year compared to the 1970s, highlighting the growing intensity, frequency, and duration of dangerous heat conditions globally. The research, conducted by scientists from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts based in the U.K. and Germany, suggests that governments urgently need stronger heat-health action plans, early warning systems, urban cooling strategies, and improved climate risk assessments to better protect populations from rising heat-related threats. Heat stress refers to the overall heat burden placed on the human body and is determined by multiple environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. Researchers used the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), commonly described as a “feels-like” temperature, to evaluate how these combined factors impact human health. Published in the journal Nature Climate Change, the study examined global heat stress data spanning from 1950 to 2024 and found that both daytime and nighttime temperatures have significantly intensified since the 1970s. According to the researchers, during the 1970s nearly 55 percent of the world’s population experienced around 90 days of strong heat stress annually. In today’s climate, that figure has increased to 70 percent. Exposure to at least one day of extreme heat stress has also risen from 16 percent to 22 percent globally, translating into roughly one billion additional people being affected. The analysis further found that nighttime temperatures are rising faster than daytime temperatures. The 10 warmest nights recorded annually have been warming at an average rate of 0.32 degrees Celsius per decade, slightly higher than the 0.27 degrees Celsius increase observed during the 10 hottest daytime periods. Researchers also noted that extreme “feels-like” temperatures are becoming more frequent across every continent, with subtropical regions witnessing the sharpest rise in heat exposure. Areas including southern parts of North America, southern Europe, northern and southern Africa, as well as South America, are now facing up to 50 extra days every year of strong to extreme heat stress compared to conditions seen in the 1970s. The findings add to growing concerns over the accelerating impact of climate change and underline the urgent need for countries worldwide to develop stronger adaptation measures as extreme heat events become increasingly common. Source: PTI

One Billion More People Now Exposed to Extreme Heat Stress Than in the 1970s, Study Finds Read More »

India Aims to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia Before 2047, Says President Murmu

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Droupadi Murmu has expressed confidence that India will eliminate sickle cell anaemia much before the government’s 2047 target, urging all states to intensify efforts and spread awareness about the disease, particularly among tribal communities where prevalence remains significantly higher. Speaking at a government event in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, the President said that with collective participation from all states, the country is well-positioned to achieve its mission of eradicating sickle cell-related diseases ahead of schedule. She highlighted that since the launch of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in 2023, several major milestones have already been achieved, including the screening of over seven crore individuals aged between 0 and 40 years. The initiative has so far identified nearly 2.5 lakh affected patients and over 20 lakh carriers, making it one of the world’s largest genetic disease screening programmes. President Murmu also commended Madhya Pradesh for screening more than 1.25 crore people and distributing genetic counselling cards to a majority of beneficiaries. She emphasized that sickle cell anaemia should not be underestimated, as the hereditary disease passes from one generation to another, but can be treated and eventually eliminated through sustained intervention. The President praised the mission launched by Narendra Modi in Shahdol in 2023, describing it as India’s first nationwide campaign integrating public health, tribal welfare, genetic science, and digital monitoring. She noted that 17 states are actively participating in the campaign to help India achieve a sickle cell disease-free future. Source: The Hindu

India Aims to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia Before 2047, Says President Murmu Read More »