Study Reveals ABO Blood Group Incongruence Linked to Lower Risk of Newborn Infections After 90 Days

Canada: A recent cohort study published in JAMA Network Open has examined the relationship between maternal-newborn ABO blood group incongruence and the risk of bacterial infections in newborns.

The study found no link between maternal-newborn ABO blood group mismatches and the risk of bacterial infections in newborns during the first 30 and 7 days after birth. However, such mismatches were associated with a reduced risk of bacterial infection within the first 90 days of life.

Newborn immunity is primarily dependent on the transfer of antibodies from mother to fetus during pregnancy. While mismatches in ABO blood groups between mothers and their infants may offer some protection against serious infections, there is a lack of specific data regarding bacterial infections in newborns. To address this gap, Emily Ana Butler, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues aimed to explore the relationship between maternal-newborn ABO blood group incongruence and a reduced risk of bacterial infections in newborns.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a cohort study using linked patient-level datasets of all singleton live births in Ontario, Canada, from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020. The study focused on maternal-newborn pairs with known ABO blood groups. Data analysis occurred between February and May 2024.

The primary outcome measured was bacterial infection in newborns within 30 days of birth, with secondary outcomes at 7 and 90 days. Modified Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted relative risks, accounting for neonatal sex and preterm birth.

A total of 138,207 maternal-newborn pairs were analyzed. The findings include:

  • Maternal Age: Average age was 31.8 years for those with ABO blood group incongruence and 31.5 years for those with congruence.
  • Newborn Gestational Age: Average gestational age was 38.5 weeks for the incongruent group and 38.4 weeks for the congruent group.
  • Gender Distribution: 51.3% of males in the incongruent group and 51.9% in the congruent group.
  • ABO Blood Group Distribution: 37,953 pairs (27.5%) had ABO blood group incongruence, while 100,254 pairs (72.5%) had congruency.
  • Bacterial Infections Within 30 Days:
    • Incongruent group: 328 infections (8.6 per 1,000).
    • Congruent group: 1,029 infections (10.3 per 1,000).
    • Adjusted relative risk (ARR) for infection: 0.91.
  • ARRs for Bacterial Infections:
    • Within 7 days: 0.89.
    • Within 90 days: 0.86.

“The findings showed that maternal-newborn ABO blood group incongruence did not correlate with a reduced risk of infection within the first 30 or 7 days after birth. However, there was a noted association indicating that incongruence was linked to a lower risk of bacterial infection in infants within 90 days of birth,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Butler EA, Ray JG, Cohen E. Maternal-Newborn ABO Blood Groups and Risk of Bacterial Infection in Newborns. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(10):e2442227. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.42227

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Methotrexate first line, viable treatment option for effective mycosis fungoides, finds study

A new study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that methotrexate (MTX) has a favorable benefit/risk ratio and is a good therapy choice for Mycosis fungoides (MF) when administered as a first-line treatment. A uncommon and varied subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are distinguished by their distinct T-cell phenotype and clinical presentation.

The two most common main CTCL subtypes are Sézary syndrome (SS) and Mycosis fungoides. As a folate antagonist, methotrexate (MTX) works by blocking the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is necessary for DNA synthesis. It is one of the most common chemotherapeutic options used to treat a variety of cancers, including CTCLs. This study by Vasiliki Nikolaou and colleagues was set out with the intention of summarizing and reporting the clinical experience of MF patients treated with low-dose MTX in tertiary experienced centers in Greece.

MF participants from 5 Greek cutaneous lymphoma referral centers participated in this retrospective multicenter investigation. Information about safety and efficacy was examined. The median (IQR) age of diagnosis for the 211 MF patients who were enrolled (68.3% of whom were male) was 68.3 (56–75) years.

There were 124 individuals with late-stage (IIB-IVB) illness (59.3%). 112 (53.1%) patients received MTX monotherapy, whereas 99 patients received combination regimens that included phototherapy, interferon, and retinoids. In 103 patients, MTX was the first-line treatment (48.9%). There was a 55.5% overall response rate (ORR), with 29.9% of patients providing full answers.

With no discernible differences between monotherapy and combination therapy, MTX showed higher efficacy as a first-line treatment than in later usage. 3.8 months (IQR 2.3–9.9 months) was the median time to greatest response. The individuals with erythrodermic disease (Stage III) had improved ORRs when compared to the ones with tumor stage disease (Stage II).

The median progression-free survival (PFS) for early-stage disease was 17.1 months, for Stage IIB disease it was 5.7 months, for Stage III it was 46 months, and for Stage IV it was 9.6 months (0.7-.). Also, 14 (6.7%) of the individuals had serious adverse (Grade 3) events that resulted in treatment termination. A weekly median dosage of 15 mg of oral MTX was administered to all patients once a week. Overall, this study provides important insights into the real-world response rates of MF patients treated with MTX.

Source:

Nikolaou, V., Panou, E., Tsimpidakis, A., Koumprentziotis, I., Patsatsi, A., Siakantaris, M., Kruger‐Krasagakis, S., Marinos, L., Georgiou, E., Lampadaki, K., Velissari, A., Daponte, A., Doxastaki, A., Kaliampou, S., Vaiopoulos, A., Konstandinou, I., Koumourtzis, M., Lakiotaki, E., Pappa, V., … Papadavid, E. (2024). Effectiveness and safety of methotrexate in the treatment of mycosis fungoides: Real‐world data from a multicentre study. In Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.20350

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Semaglutide 2.4 mg may significantly improve liver fibrosis and resolve MASH in ESSENCE trial

According to Headline results from part 1 of the phase 3 ESSENCE trial,  Semaglutide 2.4 mg may significantly improve  liver fibrosis and lead to  resolution of steatohepatitis in MASH patients compared to placebo.

The results from part 1 of the ongoing ESSENCE trial, a pivotal phase 3, 240-week, double-blinded trial in 1,200 adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (stage 2 or 3) have been announced by Novo Nordisk. Part 1 of the ESSENCE trial evaluated the effect of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg on liver tissue (histology) compared to placebo on top of standard of care for the first 800 randomised people at 72 weeks.

The trial achieved its primary endpoints by demonstrating a statistically significant and superior improvement in liver fibrosis with no worsening of steatohepatitis, as well as resolution of steatohepatitis with no worsening of liver fibrosis with semaglutide 2.4 mg compared to placebo. At week 72, 37.0% of people treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg achieved improvement in liver fibrosis with no worsening of steatohepatitis compared to 22.5% on placebo. 62.9% of people treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg achieved resolution of steatohepatitis3 with no worsening of liver fibrosis compared to 34.1% on placebo.

In the trial, semaglutide 2.4 mg appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile in line with previous semaglutide 2.4 mg trials.

“We are very pleased about the ESSENCE clinical trial results and the potential of semaglutide to help people living with MASH” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president and head of Development at Novo Nordisk. “Among people with overweight or obesity, one in three live with MASH. This has a serious impact on their health and represents a significant unmet need.”

Novo Nordisk expects to file for regulatory approvals in the US and EU in the first half of 2025. The detailed results from ESSENCE will be presented at a scientific conference in 2024. Part 2 of the ESSENCE trial will continue with expected readout in 2029.

About MASH

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a serious, progressive, metabolic disease affecting the liver, which can be fatal if not properly managed. More than 250 million people live with MASH and the number of individuals in advanced stages of the disease is expected to double by 2030. Of those who are currently overweight or living with obesity, more than one in three are also living with MASH. People living with MASH often experience few or no specific symptoms in the early stages of the disease, which often results in delayed diagnosis. The risk of progression to advanced liver disease, including liver cancer, is higher in people living with MASH than in the general population.

About the ESSENCE trial

ESSENCE is a phase 3 trial evaluating the effect of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (stage 2 or 3). ESSENCE is a two-part trial where 1,200 planned participants were randomised 2:1 to receive semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo, on top of standard of care for 240 weeks. In part 1, the objective was to demonstrate that treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg improves liver histology at 72 weeks based on biopsy sampling from the first 800 randomised patients. In part 2, the objective is to demonstrate that treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg lowers the risk of liver-related clinical events compared to placebo in adults with MASH and moderate to advanced liver fibrosis at 240 weeks.

About semaglutide 2.4 mg

Once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg is a GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed under the brand name Wegovy®. Wegovy® is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity), adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition and paediatric patients aged 12 years and older with an initial BMI at the 95th percentile or greater for age and gender (obesity).

In the US, Wegovy® is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce the risk of MACE in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight, as well as to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults and paediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity and in adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.

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Sleep apnea contributes to dementia among elderly women

A common yet underdiagnosed sleep disorder contributes to the development of dementia among adults-particularly women, a Michigan Medicine study suggests.

Investigators uncovered this by examining survey and cognitive screening data from more than 18,500 adults to determine the potential effect of known or suspected obstructive sleep apnea on the risk for dementia.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by episodes disrupted or restricted breathing during sleep.

For all adults age 50 and older, having known obstructive sleep apnea or its symptoms-as people often do not know they have the problem-was associated with a higher chance of having signs or a diagnosis of dementia in coming years.

While the overall difference in those dementia diagnoses never rose above 5%, the association remained statistically significant even after researchers accounted for many other factors that can affect dementia risk, such as race and education.

At every age level, women with known or suspected sleep apnea were more likely than men to be diagnosed with dementia.

In fact, the rate of dementia diagnosis decreased among the men and grew larger for the women as they aged.

The results are published in SLEEP Advances.

“Our findings offer new insight into the role of a treatable sleep disorder on long-term cognitive health at the population level for both women and men,” said first author Tiffany J. Braley, M.D., M.S., neurologist, director of the Multiple Sclerosis/Neuroimmunology Division and co-founder of the Multidisciplinary MS Fatigue and Sleep Clinic at University of Michigan Health.

Reasons for the sex-specific differences in dementia diagnosis by sleep apnea status, researchers say, are not yet known. However, they pose several possible explanations.

Women with moderate sleep apnea may have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and are more likely to have insomnia, both of which can negatively impact cognitive function.

“Estrogen starts to decline as women transition to menopause, which can impact their brains,” said co-author Galit Levi Dunietz, Ph.D., M.P.H., an associate professor in the University of Michigan Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep Medicine.

“During that time, they are more prone to memory, sleep and mood changes that may lead to cognitive decline. Sleep apnea increases significantly post-menopause yet remains underdiagnosed. We need more epidemiologic studies to better understand how sleep disorders in women impact their cognitive health.”

Six million Americans have been officially diagnosed with sleep apnea, yet the disorder is believed to affect closer to 30 million people.

In a 2024 report, a Lancet Commission identified several modifiable risk factors that together account for around 40% of global dementia.

While sleep was not included as an official risk factor, the commission noted that sleep apnea “might be associated with dementia” and to consider adding screening questions about dementia for people with the sleep disorder.

Other modifiable risk factors for dementia include cardiovascular disease and mental health problems, both of which may be exacerbated by untreated sleep apnea.

“These potential harms caused by sleep apnea, many of which threaten cognitive performance and decline, highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment,” Braley said.

“Obstructive sleep apnea and resultant sleep deprivation and fragmentation are also associated with inflammatory changes in the brain that may contribute to cognitive impairment.”

The Michigan Medicine study used existing data from the Health and Retirement Study, an ongoing survey that is representative of Americans aged 50 and older.

“This study design cannot fully prove that sleep apnea causes dementia-that would likely require a randomized trial, over many years, to compare effects of sleep apnea treatment to the effects of no treatment,” said co-author Ronald D. Chervin, M.D., M.S., director of the Division of Sleep Medicine in the Department of Neurology at U-M Health.

“As it may be a long time if ever until such a trial occurs, backward-looking analyses such as ours, within large databases, may be among the most informative for years to come. In the meantime, the results provide new evidence that clinicians and patients, when making decisions about testing for sleep apnea and treating it, should consider the possibility that untreated sleep apnea causes or exacerbates dementia.” 

Reference:

Tiffany J Braley, Xiru Lyu, Galit Levi Dunietz, Paul C Schulz, Riley Bove, Ronald D Chervin, Henry L Paulson, Kerby Shedden, Sex-specific SLEEP Advancesdementia risk in known or suspected obstructive sleep apnea: A 10-year longitudinal population-based study, SLEEP Advances, 2024;, zpae077, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleepadvances/zpae077

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Adalimumab and corticosteroids may reduce uveitis recurrence among patients with Behçet’s disease: Lancet

A new study published in The Lancet Rheumatology showed that adalimumab and corticosteroids resulted in a noticeably decreased risk of recurrence in Behçet’s disease uveitis when compared to ciclosporine with corticosteroids. There is a lack of information about head-to-head studies of immunomodulatory treatments for Behçet’s disease. In order to avoid uveitis recurrence in patients with severe Behçet’s disease, this study examined the safety and effectiveness of ciclosporin, interferon alfa-2a, and adalimumab when used in combination with corticosteroids. Thus, Zhong and colleagues carried out this study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ciclosporin, interferon alfa-2a, and adalimumab (Humira, AbbVie) when used in conjunction with corticosteroids.

This large, randomized study was conducted in specialized uveitis center in Chongqing, China. Eligible patients were the ones who were 18 years of age or older, using corticosteroids for severe Behçet’s disease uveitis, and had never used anti-TNF medication. The patients received a tapering dosage of corticosteroids with subsequent dose modifications, and were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to either ciclosporin, interferon alfa-2a, or adalimumab. The annualized recurrence rate of uveitis, as determined by the whole data set, was the main outcome. For the main endpoint, the non-inferiority margin of difference between the adalimumab and interferon alfa-2a groups was established at 1·0. Every patient who got at least one dosage of the trial medications had their safety evaluated. The conception and execution of the trial involved people who had firsthand experience with Behçet’s illness uveitis.

A total of 270 individuals were randomized to receive interferon alfa-2a, ciclosporin, or adalimumab between May 12, 2020 and February 22, 2022; 261 patients made up the whole analysis set. The least-squares mean for the main outcome was 0·95 for adalimumab, 1·84 for ciclosporin and 1·44 for interferon alfa-2a. The patients on ciclosporin had a considerably greater annualized recurrence rate than those on adalimumab. Non-inferiority criterion were not met by the 0·50 least-squares mean difference between interferon alfa-2a and adalimumab. Ciclosporin and interferon alfa-2a did not significantly vary in the main result. 12 (13%) out of 90 patients receiving ciclosporin plus corticosteroids, 8 (9%) out of 90 patients receiving interferon alfa-2a plus corticosteroids, and 7 (8%) out of 90 patients receiving adalimumab plus corticosteroids experienced serious side effects. Overall, the combined protocol of adalimumab plus corticosteroids was better to that of ciclosporine plus corticosteroids for Behçet’s disease uveitis on corticosteroid treatment.

Source:

Zhong, Z., Deng, D., Gao, Y., Bu, Q., Dai, L., Feng, X., Tang, C., Luo, X., Wang, Y., Zhou, C., Su, G., & Yang, P. (2024). Combinations of immunomodulatory agents for prevention of uveitis relapse in patients with severe Behçet’s disease already on corticosteroid therapy: a randomised, open-label, head-to-head trial. In The Lancet Rheumatology (Vol. 6, Issue 11, pp. e780–e790). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00194-2

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Use of Ovulation Tracking Wearables and Devices on the Rise, unravels study

The industry of Fertility tracking devices and wearables is rapidly expanding. These track ovulation and guide the conception. Researchers from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago have provided a narrative review of various products that are available in the present market and discussed on innovation of new technologies that tailor the ovulation in women. The review was published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

The rapid growth of the Femtech industry focuses on technologies like apps and devices that help to improve women’s health. Females of reproductive age use this technology to track their fertility and pregnancy. Despite the presence of multiple novel products in the market that track fertility, they are not backed up by scientific research. Hence, researchers conducted a narrative review of various products to help these products help those in need.

The study identified and categorized fertility-tracking wearables and devices that help to track a woman’s fertile window till ovulation using sensors that collect data and send it to other smartphones. The researchers focused on technologies that went beyond calendar or symptom tracking and included technologies that monitor specific biomarkers by using wearable devices or tools. By using terms like ‘fertility tracker’, ‘hormone’, ‘urinary’, ‘device’, and ‘wearable’ the researchers reviewed the first 100 results in each category.

Also Read: Patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause at high Multimorbidity risk, suggests study

They grouped the fertility trackers into two categories. They include wearables and devices. Wearables are tools worn for long periods that are in contact with the body for a long time. Devices are tools that analyze the bodily fluids and for a short duration. The researchers later searched scientific databases to validate the tools and compared the performance of these technologies.

These technologies help women track their fertile window which is the six-day up to ovulation. Most of the two tools the wearables and the devices work on the principle of raising the basal body temperature (BBT) after ovulation and the surge of luteinizing hormone before ovulation.

Wearables: These track the rise in BBT1-2 days after ovulation to identify the fertile window. They come in different forms like rings, wristbands, vaginal inserts, and skin patches. They measure temperature precisely, non-invasively, and sync data with the smartphone. Oura ring and Apple watches can sync with FDA-approved fertility tracking apps like the Natural Cycle.

Devices: These measure various biomarkers like oral temperature or urinary hormones including LH and metabolites of estradiol and progesterone. These use Bluetooth or smartphone apps to interpret the hormone levels and give feedback. Devices like Mira, Inito, and Proov use actual hormone levels whereas others like Premom and Femometer just indicate if the individual is in a fertile window.

Also Read: Blastocyst telomere length predicts successful implantation after frozen-thawed embryo transfer: Study

These fertility trackers are promising but have a significant gap in validation for women with irregular cycles and a diversified population. As there is inconsistency in how these devices are tested, it is necessary to critically evaluate the findings.

Even though some fertility trackers have FDA clearance and are promising, there is a high necessity for independent research to check their validation. They lack evidence on outcomes like pregnancy or birth rates. Fertility tracking needs more innovation and not just commercialized products at higher prices. Further research is needed that focuses on cost-effectiveness, accessibility, personalization, and continuous monitoring.

Further reading: Cromack SC, Walter JR. Consumer wearables and personal devices for tracking the fertile window. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024;231(5):516-523. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2024.05.028

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Sun Pharma alopecia drug Leqselvi launch blocked in US

New Delhi: Pharma giant, Sun Pharmaceutical’s launch of its specialty drug Leqselvi in the U.S. market is in limbo as the U.S. District Court in New Jersey has issued a preliminary injunction. The drug, which recently gained approval to treat severe alopecia areata, is now on hold pending further legal developments.

Sun Pharma has announced plans to appeal the decision while complying with the injunction.

On November 1, 2024, the U.S. District Court in New Jersey issued a preliminary injunction against Sun Pharma, preventing the launch of its drug LEQSELVI due to a patent infringement suit filed by Incyte Corporation.

Prior to this, in October, Sun Pharma had presented new data highlighting the clinical efficacy and safety of LEQSELVI (deuruxolitinib) 8 mg tablets at the 44th Annual Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, held October 24-27, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Also Read: Sun Pharma presents Leqselvi data highlighting clinical efficacy, durability for Alopecia Areata treatment at 2024 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference

LEQSELVI (deuruxolitinib) 8 mg tablets received FDA approval on July 25, 2024, for treating severe alopecia areata in adults.

Also Read: Sun Pharma gets USFDA nod for alopecia areata drug Leqselvi

However, Incyte Corporation and Incyte Holdings Corporation subsequently filed a patent infringement lawsuit, along with a motion for a preliminary injunction, in the New Jersey District Court to block the launch.

In response to the injunction motion filed by Incyte on August 1, 2024, Sun Pharma expressed its opposition and confirmed plans to challenge the court’s recent decision.

The injunction halts Sun Pharma’s plans to release LEQSELVI until a favorable court ruling or the expiration of the contested patent. “We respectfully disagree with the decision and intend to file an immediate appeal,” Sun Pharma stated in a public filing.

Despite this setback, Sun Pharma’s Q2FY25 consolidated financials demonstrated solid growth across multiple segments. The company announced a 28% year-over-year increase in net profit for Q2FY25, reporting Rs. 30,402 million. It further reported a 10.5% year-on-year rise in gross sales, amounting to Rs. 132,642 million, with U.S. formulation sales increasing by 20.3% to $517 million. Specialty sales reached $286 million, up 19.2%, reflecting strong demand across its existing U.S. portfolio.

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AYUSH Simplifies Licensing for Drug Manufacturers with New Fee Structure, Details

New Delhi: The Ministry of AYUSH has amended the Drugs Rules of 1945 to streamline the licensing process for Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Unani, and Homoeopathy (ASU) drugs.

The new regulations, officially announced on October 28, 2024, introduce notable changes designed to enhance efficiency and accessibility for practitioners and manufacturers.

A key highlight of the amendments is the implementation of a one-time license retention fee of Rs 1,000 for existing licensed drugs, along with a fee of Rs 100 per product for those under specific categories. For manufacturers of Homoeopathic medicines, a fee structure of Rs 2,000 applies for any number of single-ingredient medicines, and Rs 200 per product for combinations. Additionally, the application fee for obtaining a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificate is set at Rs 5,000.

The Ministry has established the e-AUSHADHI online portal to streamline the submission of applications for licenses related to ASU and Homoeopathic drugs. The updated rules also introduce provisions for perpetual license validity, provided that licensees submit a self-declaration every five years and adhere to GMP standards.

Significant clarifications have been made regarding the definition of “New Homoeopathic Medicine.” Any new product entering the market will require explicit written permission from the Licensing Authority, which will assess its safety and efficacy based on established guidelines.

Also Read: No evidence to endorse efficacy: Ayush Ministry asks ASU drug makers to stop use of Aswagandha

Furthermore, the amendments allow applicants whose licenses or GMP certificates were previously rejected to reapply within six months. If compliance with the stipulated conditions is demonstrated and a nominal inspection fee is paid, a follow-up inspection by the Licensing Authority may lead to successful license or certificate issuance, thereby reducing barriers for manufacturers.

With the indefinite validity of licenses, contingent on the maintenance of GMP certificates, the updated rules require license holders to pay a retention fee every five years to keep these certificates valid. Enhanced oversight of manufacturing processes will be ensured through rigorous inspection protocols conducted by qualified inspectors appointed by the Central or State Government. Manufacturers who maintain detailed online records will be recognized for their adherence to these standards, fostering transparency and accountability in the industry.

The revised regulations emphasize the necessity of qualified technical staff in the manufacturing of AYUSH drugs. Rule 157 mandates that manufacturing processes be overseen by professionals with specified educational qualifications, ensuring that competent individuals uphold the quality and efficacy of the products produced.

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Colleges free to prescribe higher qualification, recruit faculties only with medical qualifications: NMC

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified that medical colleges are “free to prescribe higher qualification which includes recruiting only those with medical qualification” while appointing for the position of Tutors/Demonstrators.
NMC Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) issued this clarification in response to a grievance filed by the non-medical teachers, who highlighted the violation of NMC Teachers Eligibility Qualifications (TEQ) 2022 guidelines by an Agra-based medical college while recruiting Tutors/Demonstrators.

For more information, click on the link below:

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Fortis Healthcare gets CCI nod to acquire additional 31.52 per cent stake in Agilus for Rs 1,780 crore

New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of additional share capital of Agilus Diagnostics Limited (Agilus) by Fortis Healthcare Limited (FHL).

The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition of an additional 31.52% share capital of Agilus by FHL. Post the Proposed Combination, the shareholding of FHL in Agilus will increase from 57.68% to 89.2%.

FHL is primarily engaged in providing integrated healthcare delivery services such as medicare, healthcare, diagnostics and its businesses include managing and operating a network of multi-specialty hospitals and providing preventive healthcare and diagnostics services.

Also Read:Fortis Hospital performs total Knee Replacement Surgery on 97-year-old woman

The diagnostics services business of FHL is being undertaken primarily through Agilus.

Agilus is, inter alia, engaged in establishing, managing, maintaining clinical reference laboratories and other laboratories for providing testing and diagnostic services. It offers a range of routine and specialized diagnostics tests as well as wellness packages that cover an extensive range of specialties.

It also offers a wide range of corporate wellness services and preventive care health packages comprising several pathology and radiology tests including home collection services.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

Also Read:Fortis Healthcare to Raise Rs 1,500 Crore Through NCDs

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