Cadila Pharma phase I clinical trial for chicken pox shot: SEC recommends nod FOR trial
The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on vaccines, which reviews proposals and advises the Drugs Controller General (India) in matters for biologicals and post approval change proposals, has recommended granting nod to Gujarat-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals to conduct phase I clinical trial for its chicken pox vaccine.
The decision was taken in a recent meeting last month of the SEC after the company submitted a revised phase I clinical trial protocol for grant of permission to conduct the trial for Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) vaccine.
The pharma firm had earlier submitted its proposal for grant of permission to conduct Phase I clinical trial of its Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) vaccine along with preclinical data and it was considered in a SEC meeting held on May 16.
The SEC, during then, after detailed deliberation recommended that the company should submit single dose toxicity data as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019.
Further, it recommended, the firm should revise the phase I clinical trial protocol with some changes such as the volume of blood to be withdrawn for analysis should be reduced.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Varicella (chickenpox) is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpesvirus family.
"Only one serotype of VZV is known, and humans are the only reservoir. Following infection, the virus remains latent in neural ganglia and in about 10-20% of cases it is reactivated to cause herpes zoster, or shingles, generally in persons over 50 years of age or immunocompromised individuals," it said.
This robot can navigate living lung tissue to detect tumoR
Scientists from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University in the US have developed a robot that can autonomously traverse human lungs, enabling physicians to reach tumours that are extremely small and hide deep within tissues.
The robot with an autonomous steerable needle can go from "Point A" to "Point B" while avoiding important structures, such as tiny airways and blood vessels, in a living laboratory model.
"This technology allows us to reach targets we can't otherwise reach with a standard or even robotic bronchoscope," said Jason Akulian, from the UNC Department of Medicine. "It gives you that extra few centimeters or a few millimeters even, which would help immensely with pursuing small targets in the lungs," he added.
The robot, detailed in the journal Science Robotics, is made of several separate components. A mechanical control provides controlled thrust of the needle to go forward and backward and the needle design allows for steering along curved paths. The needle is made from a nickel-titanium alloy and has been laser etched to increase its flexibility.
QCI calls for healthcare quality interventions in rural areas
The Quality Council of India (QCI) has highlighted the importance of initiating healthcare quality interventions in rural areas and tier 2 and tier 3 cities with the launch of Digital Health Accreditation Standards for Hospitals among others.
In order to achieve the goal of patient safety, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) has recently released new standards including 1st Edition of Digital Health Accreditation Standards for Hospitals, Entry Level Certification Standards for Dental Clinics, Care Home Accreditation Standards and 3rd Edition of Accreditation Standards for Dental Service Providers among others to ensure patient safety at the grassroots level.
The NABH is a constituent board of QCI, set up to establish and operate accreditation programmes for healthcare organisations.
Jaxay Shah, chairperson, QCI, said, “We believe that quality change begins at the very foundation of our healthcare system, not limited to only metropolitan cities but also in the rural and tier 2 and tier 3 cities of India.”
Dr RP Singh, secretary general, QCI said, “Recognizing the profound significance of quality and well-being of patients, a robust quality ecosystem in healthcare is not only crucial for elevating our healthcare industry but also for positioning it firmly on the global map.
Dr. Atul Mohan Kochhar, CEO, NABH emphasized on the intricate link between technology and patient safety.
Neuberg Diagnostic strengthens its position in sector
Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited, a prominent player in the diagnostics sector with a global presence, has announced the successful merger of Neuberg Supratech Reference Laboratory, Ahmedabad, and Neuberg Anand Reference Laboratory, Bangalore, into Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited. This merger has been facilitated through an NCLT court-based process, further solidifying Neuberg Diagnostics' position as a frontrunner in the diagnostic industry.
Dr GSK Velu, chairman and managing director of Neuberg Diagnostics said, "The merger marks a significant step forward in our journey to provide unparalleled healthcare solutions. By integrating these renowned laboratories, we reinforce our commitment to delivering excellence in diagnostics and patient care."
TechEagle, AIIM Jodhpur bid to reachout to tribals
TechEagle, India's leading drone delivery company, announces partnership with AIIMS Jodhpur to deliver healthcare essentials for the tribal population. Its state-of-the-art, hybrid e-VTOL Drone, Vertiplane X3 took off for its maiden flight from Sirohi carrying medicines to Waloriya, a location habited by the tribal population. AIIMS, Jodhpur is recognised as a “Centre of Excellence (COE) for Tribal Health” by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Vikram Singh Meena, founder & CEO of TechEagle said, “Time is the most crucial dimension when we talk about emergency healthcare as every second is important in such a scenario and by deploying innovative solutions such as drones a lot of time could be saved and in turn lives.”
