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ICMR Has Not Studied Whether Ultra-Processed Foods Show Addiction-Like Behaviour: Centre

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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has not conducted any study to determine whether ultra-processed foods (UPFs) display addiction-like behavioural characteristics similar to tobacco or other habit-forming substances, the government informed the Lok Sabha. Responding to a written question in Parliament, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav said ICMR’s assessment is based on available global scientific evidence, which links higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with a greater risk of several health problems. These include obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain mental health disorders. However, the minister clarified that such conditions have multiple contributing factors, with excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods being only one of several modifiable risk factors. The government also pointed out that much of the existing evidence on UPFs and health outcomes is observational. Therefore, the available research does not, on its own, establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. ICMR Steps Up Nutrition Awareness Jadhav said ICMR has undertaken various measures to educate the public about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods. The Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, advise people to limit their intake of free sugars, avoid frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods. The guidelines also encourage consumers to identify such products and read food labels before making purchasing decisions. ICMR has additionally launched the “Let’s Fix Our Food” initiative in partnership with national and international organisations. The programme focuses on creating healthier food environments for children and adolescents by working with schools, parents, policymakers and civil society organisations. The initiative aims to develop evidence-based communication resources, improve food environments in schools and encourage healthier eating habits, while discouraging the consumption of foods high in sugar, fat and salt. The minister said ICMR also conducts nutrition awareness activities through public lectures, workshops, training programmes, National Nutrition Month campaigns and other public health initiatives. Educational material on nutrition is also disseminated in regional languages. FSSAI Campaigns Promote Healthier Eating The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also introduced several initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices. These include the “Eat Right India” movement and the “Aaj Se Thoda Kam” campaign, which encourages consumers to reduce their intake of fat, salt and sugar. FSSAI is also using social media campaigns to raise awareness about obesity and related health concerns. In collaboration with MyGov, FSSAI has launched the “Eat Right Quiz on Obesity”. Its #HarLabelKuchKehtaHai campaign seeks to help consumers better understand nutritional information and other details provided on food labels. Jadhav said FSSAI has established quality and safety standards for a range of food products, aligned with international standards including those developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Existing regulations also govern the levels of sugar, salt and fat in food products. Under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, food manufacturers are required to disclose nutritional information such as energy, protein, carbohydrates, total sugars, added sugars, total fat and sodium, along with ingredient details. The rules also prohibit false or misleading labels. Meanwhile, the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 require food-related advertisements and health claims to be truthful, scientifically supported and not misleading. Claims that a food product can prevent, treat or cure diseases are prohibited unless specifically allowed under the law. The government said violations of these regulations can result in regulatory and punitive action against non-compliant food business operators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Source: PTI

ICMR Has Not Studied Whether Ultra-Processed Foods Show Addiction-Like Behaviour: Centre Read More »

ICAR Unveils India’s First Indigenous Vaccine Against African Swine Fever

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The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India’s first homegrown vaccine to combat African swine fever (ASF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect livestock from one of the world’s most destructive pig diseases. African swine fever, caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs and is known for causing extremely high mortality rates. ICAR described the vaccine’s development as a major advancement in strengthening India’s animal health ecosystem. ICAR Director General M.L. Jat hailed the achievement as a landmark in veterinary science, saying it demonstrates India’s growing capability to create globally competitive animal health technologies. He added that the breakthrough would enhance disease preparedness, improve livestock health, and contribute to the country’s food and biosecurity. The vaccine has been developed by scientists at the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, using a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II strain. According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, the vaccine has successfully cleared a series of laboratory evaluations, including tests for sterility, purity, safety, genetic stability, immune response, protective efficacy, and the possibility of the virus regaining virulence. Designed for healthy pigs aged over eight weeks, the vaccine is administered as a 1 ml intramuscular injection, followed by a booster dose after 14 days. Officials believe the vaccine will play a crucial role in reducing pig mortality, limiting financial losses, and improving the livelihoods of pig farmers across the country. The Agriculture Ministry said the vaccine is expected to strengthen India’s animal health security by providing an effective preventive solution against ASF, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the pig farming industry. ASF has emerged as a major threat to the global livestock sector, with mortality rates that can reach nearly 100 per cent. Since the disease was first detected in India in 2020, it has spread across several states and Union Territories, leading to widespread pig deaths, disruptions in production, restrictions on livestock movement and trade, and severe economic hardship for farmers, particularly in the Northeastern region. In the absence of an approved vaccine or effective treatment until now, authorities have relied on rapid disease detection, culling infected animals, and enforcing strict biosecurity measures to contain outbreaks. The financial impact of ASF has been substantial. The Ministry noted that outbreaks in Assam during 2020 and 2021 resulted in estimated losses of around ₹276 crore due to pig deaths and culling. In Mizoram, the disease affected more than 11,382 households by 2025, with reported economic losses estimated at nearly ₹982 crore. Source: The Hindu  

ICAR Unveils India’s First Indigenous Vaccine Against African Swine Fever Read More »

India Accounts for Nearly 70% of South Asia’s Childhood Leukaemia Cases: Lancet Study

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India bears the highest burden of childhood leukaemia in South Asia, accounting for nearly 70% of all reported cases in the region, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Researchers attribute the high numbers largely to the country’s vast child population, along with challenges in timely diagnosis and access to specialised treatment. An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 children below the age of 15 are diagnosed with leukaemia in India every year. In West Bengal alone, population-based estimates suggest that around 1,000 to 1,800 children develop the disease annually. Data from hospitals such as Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute and NRS Medical College indicate that acute leukaemia represents nearly 39% of all paediatric cancers in the state. Leukaemia remains the most common childhood cancer in India, accounting for nearly 30–40% of all paediatric cancer cases. Among these, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) constitutes nearly three-fourths of diagnoses. Dr. Pritam Singha Roy, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Tata Medical Centre, said the number of reported cases has increased over the past decade due to improved diagnostic facilities, greater public awareness and government initiatives that have enabled more children to receive timely treatment. Experts note that India primarily tracks new cancer diagnoses rather than the total number of children living with the disease, making incidence data more readily available than prevalence figures. According to Dr. Narendra Agarwal, Haematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, India’s large population contributes significantly to its high case count, while many neighbouring countries may still have substantial numbers of undiagnosed or unreported cases. He added that delayed diagnosis remains a major concern, although treatment facilities and patient outcomes have improved considerably across the country. The study examined childhood cancer trends across the eight SAARC nations—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives—which together are home to nearly 600 million children aged 0–14 years. Researchers estimated that the region recorded 37,716 new childhood cancer cases and 17,698 deaths in 2022. India accounted for 25,939 cases (68.8%), followed by Pakistan with 7,841 cases (20.8%). Leukaemia emerged as the leading childhood cancer across all SAARC countries, representing between 35% and 50% of cases, while central nervous system (CNS) tumours ranked second. The report also highlighted significant disparities in mortality and healthcare access across South Asia, with mortality-to-incidence ratios varying widely among countries. It called for stronger regional collaboration to improve cancer registration systems, expand access to specialised paediatric oncology care and ensure uninterrupted treatment for affected children. Source: TNN

India Accounts for Nearly 70% of South Asia’s Childhood Leukaemia Cases: Lancet Study Read More »

Manipal Health Raises ₹4,167 Crore from Anchor Investors Ahead of ₹9,275-Crore IPO

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Manipal Health Enterprises has secured ₹4,167 crore from anchor investors ahead of the launch of its ₹9,275-crore initial public offering (IPO), which opened for public subscription on Wednesday. The IPO witnessed an initial subscription of 6% by 1:30 pm, according to data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The anchor investor round attracted several prominent global institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Allianz Global Investors Fund, Morgan Stanley Asia, Natixis International Fund, Societe Generale, and Goldman Sachs Bank Europe. Domestic institutional investors such as ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, Kotak Mutual Fund, Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund, UTI Mutual Fund, and HSBC Mutual Fund also participated. As per a BSE filing, the company allotted over 7.06 crore equity shares to anchor investors at ₹590 per share, the upper end of the IPO’s price band. The public issue is priced between ₹560 and ₹590 per share, valuing the Bengaluru-headquartered healthcare provider at over ₹77,600 crore at the upper end. The IPO will remain open for subscription until July 31. The offering consists of a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹8,000 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 2.16 crore shares by existing shareholders. Promoters Imperius Healthcare Investments Pte. Ltd. and Manipal Education and Medical Group India Pvt. Ltd., along with investors including TPG SG Magazine Pte. Ltd., Seventy Second Investment Company LLC, Ammar Sdn Bhd, Novo Holdings Invest Asia, and Phoenix Bear Investments LLC, are participating in the OFS. Manipal Health plans to utilise ₹5,378 crore from the fresh issue to repay or prepay borrowings of its subsidiary, Manipal Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. Another ₹574 crore has been earmarked to acquire the minority stake in Sahyadri Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., with the remaining proceeds allocated for general corporate purposes. At the upper price band, the IPO size is estimated at ₹9,275 crore, while at the lower end it stands at approximately ₹9,210 crore. One of India’s leading hospital networks, Manipal Health operates 49 multispecialty hospitals across the country with 13,037 licensed beds as of March 31, 2026. For the financial year 2025–26, the company reported revenue from operations of ₹10,336 crore and a net profit of ₹916.52 crore. The company’s equity shares are expected to be listed on the BSE and NSE on or around August 5. Source: PTI

Manipal Health Raises ₹4,167 Crore from Anchor Investors Ahead of ₹9,275-Crore IPO Read More »

Almost Every Country Overuses Strong Antibiotics, Fueling Drug Resistance: Lancet Study

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A new global study has found that nearly every country is overusing powerful antibiotics that are meant to be reserved for severe infections, raising concerns over the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The findings, published in The Lancet Public Health, suggest that inappropriate use of these medicines is accelerating the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Researchers from the University of London and other institutions developed a framework to estimate the ideal level and type of antibiotic use for individual countries. They say the tool can help governments assess whether their antibiotic prescribing patterns are appropriate and guide efforts to curb both excessive and inappropriate antibiotic use. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises antibiotics under its Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. ‘Access’ antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are recommended as first-line treatments for common bacterial infections. ‘Watch’ antibiotics are stronger drugs that should only be used when standard treatments are ineffective, while ‘Reserve’ antibiotics are considered last-resort medicines for life-threatening drug-resistant infections. In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the AWaRe framework as the global standard for antibiotic monitoring and set a target for at least 70% of antibiotic use worldwide to come from the Access category by 2030. However, researchers noted that no country-specific benchmarks had been established until now. The study grouped countries into four clusters based on factors including income levels, infectious disease burden and antibiotic resistance. Using 2019 data, the researchers estimated that around 43 billion antibiotic treatment courses were required globally, averaging approximately one course per person annually. They concluded that nearly 77% of these should ideally come from the Access category, reinforcing the UN’s 70% target. When researchers compared these estimates with actual antibiotic consumption data from 67 countries and territories, they found widespread misuse. Around 72% of the countries consumed more antibiotics overall than necessary, while 99% exceeded the expected use of Watch antibiotics. The analysis also found that more than half of the countries were underusing Reserve antibiotics, suggesting that some patients with serious drug-resistant infections may not be receiving the specialised treatments they require. Additionally, 60% of the countries continued prescribing antibiotics that the WHO no longer recommends. India, which falls under the study’s second cluster, was estimated to require between 9.9 and 14.7 defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants per day (DID). However, the country’s actual antibiotic use stood at 18.3 DID, with Watch antibiotics accounting for 9.3 DID and Access antibiotics making up only 4.5 DID. The researchers also highlighted a significant global disparity. Low- and middle-income countries, which face a greater burden of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, require relatively higher access to specialised Watch and Reserve antibiotics. Yet, wealthier nations currently consume these medicines at much higher rates. The authors urged governments to adopt stronger national antibiotic stewardship policies that reduce unnecessary prescriptions while ensuring patients with genuine medical needs have timely access to appropriate treatments. Source: PTI

Almost Every Country Overuses Strong Antibiotics, Fueling Drug Resistance: Lancet Study Read More »

Doctors identify simple scoring tool to spot life-threatening risks in premature newborns

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Doctors at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Medical College in Jaipur have found that a simple clinical scoring system can help identify serious health risks in premature and low-birth-weight newborns soon after admission, enabling faster treatment and improving survival prospects. The findings, published in the International Journal of Paediatric Research, are based on a study involving 181 premature infants admitted to JK Lone Hospital. Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of the Clinical Risk Index for Babies-II (CRIB-II) score in assessing the condition of newborns during the critical early hours after birth. According to paediatric specialist Dr Yogesh Yadav, one of the researchers, calculating the CRIB-II score immediately after admission allows doctors to gauge the severity of a newborn’s condition and make timely treatment decisions. The study showed that infants with higher CRIB-II scores faced a significantly greater risk of mortality. On average, the babies included in the study were born at 28.88 weeks of gestation and weighed around 1.01 kg at birth, both considerably below normal levels. The CRIB-II scoring system classifies newborns into different risk categories: a score of 0–5 indicates low risk, 6–10 moderate risk, 11–15 high risk, and above 15 very high risk. The assessment is based on five clinical factors—birth weight, gestational age, body temperature at admission, blood acid levels, and the baby’s sex. Researchers noted that beyond predicting mortality risk, the CRIB-II score serves as a valuable decision-making tool in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). It helps clinicians quickly identify infants requiring intensive care, particularly during the first few hours after admission. The study also highlighted the tool’s usefulness in resource-constrained settings. When NICU beds, ventilators, or trained healthcare staff are limited, the scoring system can help prioritise critically ill newborns and determine which babies need urgent referral to advanced medical centres. In addition, the researchers said the scoring system enables doctors to provide parents with a clearer understanding of their baby’s condition, expected outcomes, and treatment requirements. The authors believe that wider adoption of the CRIB-II score across India could strengthen newborn care, support more effective clinical decision-making, and contribute to reducing neonatal deaths, particularly among premature and low-birth-weight infants. Source: PTI

Doctors identify simple scoring tool to spot life-threatening risks in premature newborns Read More »

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 »