Biotech
Panacea Biotec bags Rs 127 crore order for oral polio vaccines
Panacea Biotec has secured a significant deal to supply bivalent oral polio vaccines valued at Rs 127.2 crore to the Central Medical Services Society. This crucial supply, confirmed via a Letter of Acceptance, will be delivered in multiple phases over 90 to 480 days, bolstering India's ongoing polio eradication efforts.
Panacea Biotec gets supply order from UNICEF for oral polio vaccines worth Rs 315 cr
Panacea Biotec has received a long-term supply order from UNICEF. The order is for bivalent oral polio vaccines. It is valued at USD 35.65 million. Supplies will commence from April 2026 and continue until March 2030. This agreement covers vaccine requirements for UNICEF. The company will provide vaccines in 10 and 20 vial presentations.
Highs & Lows: Could the microdosing of psychedelics be a key missing piece in the mental health jigsaw?
A Netflix documentary highlights the re-evaluation of mind-expanding substances like LSD, once banned but now experiencing a scientific renaissance. New research, including a study on pharmaceutical LSD for anxiety, suggests these psychedelics could redefine mental health treatment. However, overcoming public demonisation and ensuring rigorous scientific trials are crucial for their widespread acceptance.
Fermenta board approves sale of environmental solutions biz to subsidiary
Fermenta Biotech on Friday said its board has approved transferring its environmental solutions business to a wholly owned subsidiary on a slump sale basis, effective October 1, 2025.
Biocon inaugurates first manufacturing facility in US
Biocon Ltd has inaugurated its first US manufacturing facility in Cranbury, New Jersey, operated by its subsidiary, Biocon Generics Inc. Following the acquisition of the Oral Solid Dosage facility from Eywa Pharma Inc in 2023, Biocon invested over USD 30 million to establish the plant.
Alkem's Enzene powers into US with $70 m investment
Enzene Biosciences, an Alkem Labs subsidiary, has inaugurated a new US manufacturing plant. The facility is located in New Jersey. This venture represents a $70 million investment. It aligns with calls to boost local pharma manufacturing. Enzene's technology offers cost-effective drug production. The company currently employs 50 people. Enzene plans to increase its workforce to 200.
Govt launches advanced biomanufacturing hubs to boost bioeconomy, innovation
India has launched a network of advanced biomanufacturing hubs to boost its bioeconomy and drive innovation across sectors like health, agriculture and energy. This initiative, under the BioE3 Policy, provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise to startups and researchers. India aims to achieve a USD 300 billion bioeconomy by 2030, positioning itself as a global leader in biotechnology.
PE funds vie for a majority stake in medical devices maker Sensa Core
Several private equity firms, including KKR and TPG, are considering acquiring a majority stake in Sensa Core Medical Instrumentation. The deal could value the Indian medical device manufacturer at around $300 million. Sensa Core is a major producer of in-vitro diagnostic analysers. The medical device sector in India is attracting significant investor interest.
Civil society organisations urge govt to scrap animal testing in biosimilar development
Civil society organizations are urging the health ministry to eliminate animal studies in biosimilar development to lower production costs and expedite the process. They emphasize that removing these tests will enhance affordability and uphold ethical standards. The government is revising biosimilar regulations, potentially restricting animal use and prioritizing in-vitro studies, aligning with global standards to ensure safety and efficacy.
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to buy 3% stake in Micro Life Sciences for $200 mn
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is set to acquire a 3% stake in the Indian medical device company, Micro Life Sciences Pvt Ltd (Meril), for USD 200 million. This investment values Meril at USD 6.6 billion, pending regulatory approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Meril plans to use the funds to accelerate growth and strengthen clinical research.
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Biocon Biologics gets USFDA nod for diabetes medication
Biocon Biologics has secured USFDA approval for Kirsty. Kirsty is an interchangeable biosimilar to NovoLog, used for diabetes treatment. It is a rapid-acting insulin analog. The medication will be available in prefilled pens and vials. This approval expands Biocon's insulin portfolio. Kirsty has been available in Europe and Canada since 2022. The US market for Insulin Aspart is significant.
Panacea Biotec, Apotex settle dispute over breach of collaboration agreement
Panacea Biotec settles arbitration disputes with Apotex Inc., with Panacea Biotec Pharma Ltd. set to receive a net USD 2 million. The settlement, finalized on July 9, 2025, resolves ICC arbitrations initiated by both companies. The agreement modifies profit-sharing arrangements for Paclitaxel supply in Canada and the USA, enhancing profitability for Panacea Biotec.
Karnataka CM's remarks on covid vaccines 'factually incorrect,' says Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw refuted Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's claim. Siddaramaiah linked covid-19 vaccines to heart attack deaths in Hassan. Shaw stated the vaccines followed rigorous safety protocols. She said the vaccines saved lives. The Union Health Ministry dismissed Siddaramaiah's statement. Studies show no link between vaccines and sudden deaths. The ministry cited various factors for cardiac deaths.
Bharat Biotech, GSK join hands to develop vaccine for severe diarrhoea
Bharat Biotech and GSK plc have partnered to develop a vaccine for Shigellosis, a severe bacterial diarrhea. The altSonflex1-2-3 vaccine candidate, developed by GSK, will be further developed by Bharat Biotech, including Phase 3 trials and manufacturing. This collaboration aims to address the urgent need for a Shigella vaccine due to rising antimicrobial resistance.
UAE based Shaiva Group, Taranis Capital to invest Rs 2,125 Cr in Telangana
Shaiva Group and Taranis Capital from UAE will invest Rs 2,125 crore in Telangana. They signed MoUs with five Telangana companies. Revelations Biotech, Manakin Bio and others will receive investments. This partnership will create 5,020 jobs for the youth. The firms may invest an additional Rs 24,000 crore in sectors like biotech and AI in the next three years.
Dr Reddy's, Alvotech join hands to develop biosimilar for cancer treatment
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has partnered with Alvotech to co-develop and commercialize a biosimilar for pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a crucial cancer treatment with USD 29.5 billion in 2024 sales. The collaboration aims to expedite development and broaden global access to this biosimilar. Both companies will share development, manufacturing costs, and commercialization rights.
