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Researchers at Sant Pau Research Institute, in partnership with Sant Pau Hospital and the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, have developed a groundbreaking CAR-T cell therapy—HSP-CAR30—targeting the CD30 protein. This therapy has shown promising results in a Phase I clinical trial for patients with refractory CD30+ lymphomas, including Hodgkin lymphoma. Key Highlights: 100% overall response rate in 10 patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant CD30+ lymphoma. 50% achieved complete remission, with no signs of cancer on scans and tests. 60% of complete responders remained cancer-free after 34 months. No serious side effects were observed—only mild, manageable symptoms like low-grade cytokine release syndrome and no neurotoxicity. What Makes HSP-CAR30 Unique? Traditional CAR-T therapies for CD30+ lymphoma have struggled with limited cell persistence and high relapse rates. The HSP-CAR30 version is optimized to: Target a stable region of the CD30 protein, reducing immune evasion by tumor cells. Promote long-lasting immune memory by enhancing central memory (TCM) and stem-like memory T cells (TSCM-LIKE). Use a new manufacturing mix of IL-21, IL-7, and IL-15 to boost durable T-cell responses. Phase II Trial Update: 32 patients have now been treated in the ongoing Phase II trial. Over 55% have achieved complete remission. Data from both trials were presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting. A Step Forward in Europe: This marks Europe’s first successful CAR-T30 study, potentially offering new hope to patients with limited treatment options. Backed by Strong Support: The project received funding and resources from: Josep Carreras Leukaemia Foundation La Marató de TV3 Carlos III Health Institute ‘La Caixa’ Foundation European Union and NextGen EU Blood and Tissue Bank, among others. With further study, HSP-CAR30 could redefine treatment for CD30+ lymphomas and bring renewed hope to patients who have exhausted standard options. Source: ANI

During World Immunisation Week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) renewed its commitment to safeguarding children from vaccine-preventable diseases, stressing the transformative power of vaccines in improving health, education, and national development. In a video message, Saima Wazed, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director, emphasized that immunisation is one of the most effective public health measures. “Vaccines are safe, save lives, and immunisation for all is essential,” she said, reiterating this year’s theme: “Immunisation for all is humanly possible.” Wazed noted that over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives globally—equivalent to six lives every minute. The South-East Asia Region alone has accounted for 38 million of these lives, showcasing the region’s proactive stance on immunisation. She highlighted major achievements, including the sustained elimination of wild poliovirus and maternal and neonatal tetanus, as well as significant progress against measles, rubella, and hepatitis B. “Our region vaccinates over 40 million pregnant women and 37 million newborns annually and supplies 46% of the global vaccine demand,” she added. However, Wazed acknowledged ongoing challenges. “Despite our progress, more than 2 million children remain completely unvaccinated. The risk of outbreaks continues to threaten communities,” she warned. Shrinking global health budgets, she said, are putting pressure on immunisation programmes and outbreak response systems. To counter these threats, Wazed urged renewed investment in routine immunisation, greater innovation, and a united effort to end vaccine hesitancy. “To protect our progress and reach every child, we must act now,” she urged. “Vaccines represent our greatest achievement—and our children, our greatest treasure.” Wazed concluded by calling for collective action from governments, health workers, communities, and global partners to ensure no child is left behind. Source: ANI

In a significant development aimed at strengthening Karnataka’s flagship Yeshasvini health scheme, a government-appointed expert committee has recommended a revision of treatment rates—up to 50% for certain complex medical procedures. This long-awaited move is expected to encourage greater participation from private hospitals and improve access to quality care for lakhs of beneficiaries. The committee, chaired by Kudligi MLA and ophthalmologist Dr. Srinivas N.T., submitted its findings to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday. The report suggests a standard rate hike of 15% to 25% for most of the 2,128 existing procedures, while recommending a substantial 50% increase for high-end procedures such as paediatric heart surgeries, oncology, neuro-surgery, and interventional radiology. First launched in 2003, the Yeshasvini scheme is one of India’s largest self-funded healthcare models. Merged under the Arogya Karnataka umbrella in 2018 and reintroduced in 2022-2023 due to public demand, the scheme allows rural families to access cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually with a nominal contribution of ₹500. Urban families pay ₹1,000 for the same benefits. Over 45.6 lakh cooperative society members are currently enrolled. The committee met 13 times over six months, consulting top doctors and health industry experts to assess current market trends. As a result, six outdated procedures have been dropped and 69 new ones added, bringing the total to 2,191. Dr. Srinivas noted that outdated pricing deterred many private hospitals from participating. Currently, 782 hospitals are empanelled, and the revisions could potentially increase this number. In 2024-2025, 68,159 beneficiaries were treated at a cost of ₹117.79 crore. With the projected rise in treatments and expanded coverage, the committee has requested an additional ₹40 crore in government funding to support the revamped scheme. Source: The Hindu

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda reaffirmed the central government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for every underprivileged citizen in India. Speaking during a session titled “Promoting Swasth Bharat through Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandir” at the Civil Services Day celebrations, Mr. Nadda emphasized that accessible healthcare is not just a goal but a national priority. Highlighting the strides made over the last decade, Mr. Nadda revealed that the government’s expenditure on healthcare has increased significantly—from 29 percent in 2014 to 48 percent today. This boost has resulted in a notable reduction in the financial burden on citizens seeking medical care, particularly in out-of-pocket expenses. He also noted the role of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in early screening and preventive care, particularly for communicable and non-communicable diseases. These centers have expanded their service packages, further supporting a health-first approach and enhancing public health outcomes across the country. Health facilities, he said, are being encouraged to undertake self-assessment through the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) 2022 and the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) frameworks, ensuring continual improvement in service delivery. Adding to the discussion, Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, pointed out that the implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY has resulted in a drop in out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure from 64 percent in 2013-14 to 39.4 percent in 2021-22—a milestone in making healthcare more financially accessible. The session underscored the government’s vision for a Swasth Bharat, driven by preventive care, financial protection, and quality assurance. Source: News on Air