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<keyword id="15160768" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="presvu" source="Orion">PresVu</keyword> eye drops, developed by <keyword id="20007796" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="entod-pharmaceuticals" source="keywords">Entod Pharmaceuticals</keyword>, were launched with considerable media attention earlier this month as a novel solution for <keyword id="23035383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="presbyopia" source="keywords">presbyopia</keyword>. Presbyopia is a condition where individuals aged 40 and above experience difficulty focusing on nearby objects, often requiring reading glasses. PresVu claimed to reduce or eliminate the need for these glasses, offering an alternative through its active ingredient, 1.25% Pilocarpine, which temporarily contracts the pupil, improving near vision. Entod Pharmaceuticals earlier announced that the product had approval from the <keyword id="20047866" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drug-controller-general-of-india" source="keywords">Drug Controller General of India</keyword> (<keyword id="20046022" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dcgi" source="keywords">DCGI</keyword>). These announcements created substantial buzz, as the treatment promised a non-invasive solution to a common problem affecting millions of people. <h2>Regulatory backlash</h2>The situation escalated when the Drug Controller General of India suspended the marketing and distribution licence of PresVu eye drops. The suspension was issued due to unauthorised promotional campaigns by Entod, which made unverified claims about the drug's capabilities. The company had reportedly promoted PresVu not as a prescription drug, but as an over-the-counter (OTC) solution that could potentially replace reading glasses — a claim that regulators found highly misleading. The DCGI expressed concerns that such promotions could lead to misuse, with patients potentially self-administering the product without medical guidance, raising significant safety concerns. Furthermore, the regulatory body pointed out that while the product had been approved as a prescription drug, the marketing blitz implied it was a quick-fix solution available to anyone, which it was not. <h2>Entod Pharmaceuticals responds</h2>Entod Pharmaceuticals quickly defended itself against these allegations, maintaining that their marketing campaign was based on the information cleared by the DCGI. According to Entod, the promotion highlighted only the approved uses of the <keyword id="4537914" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eye-drop" source="Orion">eye drop</keyword>, and any misconceptions arose from how the media and public interpreted the information. The company asserted that it would challenge the suspension in court, emphasising that other pharmaceutical companies frequently follow similar marketing practices without facing such scrutiny. In a statement, Entod’s CEO, <keyword id="21011592" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nikkhil-k-masurkar" source="keywords">Nikkhil K Masurkar</keyword>, clarified that the company had conducted phase 3 clinical trials in India to ensure the product’s safety and efficacy. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113251803" title="The next big market for weight-loss drugs: children" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>“Our approval by DCGI was based on a valid controlled clinical trial in 234 patients which was successful in showing efficacy and safety of these eye drops in patients of Presbyopia, who used these drops without eyeglasses and could read additional lines on Snellen's chart which is yardstick of near vision impairment,” Masurkar commented in a statement. He insisted that the product’s promotional activities had followed standard protocols and blamed the viral nature of media reports for blowing the issue out of proportion. Despite these defences, the product remained suspended pending further investigations. "Such eye drops with the same active ingredient and same concentration have been approved by the US <keyword id="19918726" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fda" source="keywords">FDA</keyword> and marketed in the US for the last three years without any serious complications. FDA didn’t take any action on the companies marketing the same in the USA,” Masurkar further elaborated. <h2>Public and expert reactions</h2>The controversy garnered widespread attention, particularly from medical professionals. The Liver Doc, a prominent liver specialist that takes to social media to debunk pseudoscientific claims, criticised the situation on X (former Twitter), warning about the dangers of exaggerated medical claims in advertising. The doctor’s tweet emphasised that blaming Indian media for blowing Entod’s claims out of proportion was “shameless”, noting that the media merely reported exactly what the company had themselves claimed earlier. <div type="twitter" handle="theliverdr" handlename="theliverdr" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1833828866210849170"></div>As of September 12, 2024, the suspension of PresVu's marketing approval remains in place. Entod Pharmaceuticals is preparing to contest the decision in court, hoping to reinstate its flagship product in the Indian market. The regulatory investigation continues, with the DCGI seeking clarification on the exact nature of the promotions and whether they indeed violated ethical standards. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113229771" title="China&amp;#39;s drug regulator clears mpox vaccine; to undergo clinical trial" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Despite Entod’s defence, the controversy has raised important questions about the marketing of prescription drugs in India, with regulators, the media, and the public closely watching how this case will evolve. The outcome could set a precedent for how pharmaceutical companies in India can market innovative treatments, particularly when dealing with sensitive areas like vision correction.

PresVu eye drops: Why has a pharma company fallen in controversy for claiming to cure near-sightedness?

India is on the brink of a significant medical innovation with the upcoming launch of <keyword id="23029757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PresVu-eye-drops" source="keywords">PresVu eye drops</keyword>, a groundbreaking treatment aimed at reducing dependency on <keyword id="23034012" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reading-glasses" source="keywords">reading glasses</keyword>. Developed by Mumbai-based <keyword id="20007796" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Entod-Pharmaceuticals" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Entod Pharmaceuticals" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Entod Pharmaceuticals">Entod Pharmaceuticals</keyword>, PresVu has recently received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and is scheduled to hit the market in early October 2024. <h3 style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">What is PresVu?</h3>PresVu eye drops are designed to treat <keyword id="23035383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="presbyopia" source="keywords">presbyopia</keyword>, a common age-related condition that affects the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects. This condition, which typically begins in the early 40s, leads to a gradual decline in <keyword id="23035385" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="near-vision" source="keywords">near vision</keyword>, making reading glasses a necessity for millions. As per estimates, nearly one third of Indian adults suffer from the condition. PresVu offers a novel solution, aiming to restore visual independence to those suffering from mild to moderate presbyopia. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112800837" title="Scientists want to help drug addicts recover — by giving them psychedelics" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>How does it work?</h2>The drug contains <keyword id="23035386" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pilocarpine-hydrochloride" source="keywords">pilocarpine hydrochloride</keyword> — a plant-derived compound that has been used for decades to treat various eye conditions and dry mouth. The drops are intended for daily use, with effects lasting several hours, allowing users to perform tasks like reading without the need for glasses. As per the company, the effects of the drops will be apparent within 15 minutes, but complete benefits are only apparent after 15 days of use. The treatment has been thoroughly tested in clinical trials across India and has shown promising results in improving near vision. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112738885" title="India bans 156 commonly used combination drugs citing possible risks to humans" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Market impact and accessibility</h2>The introduction of PresVu is expected to make a significant impact in India, where the prevalence of presbyopia is rising. As per media sources, each vial will be priced at Rs 345, making it an affordable alternative to reading glasses. Each vial is designed to last about a month, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term use. Entod Pharmaceuticals has ambitious plans for PresVu, targeting not just the Indian market but also emerging markets in Africa and Southeast Asia. The company sees this as a step towards becoming a global innovator in ophthalmology, with future plans to out-licence products in the US market. (Editor's note: PresVu eye-drops have since been suspended by the DCGI for making exaggerated marketing claims related to the product)

Say bye-bye to reading glasses! Mumbai drug-maker to soon introduce eye drops to treat presbyopia in India

We’ve always assumed <keyword id="19900302" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ageing" source="keywords">ageing</keyword> is a gradual decline, a slow march toward senescence. Wrinkles deepen, joints stiffen, and energy wanes — all part of the inevitable ageing process. But a groundbreaking new study is challenging this long-held belief. Instead of a steady slope, researchers have discovered that ageing happens in bursts. There are specific periods in our lives when the body undergoes rapid and significant changes. These acceleration points, identified at around age 44 and again at 60, could explain why certain health issues tend to spike at particular ages. Imagine your life as a journey with smooth stretches interspersed with steep inclines. The study suggests that these inclines are when the most dramatic changes occur. Your <keyword id="22839896" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="body-chemistry" source="keywords">body chemistry</keyword> shifts dramatically, from how it metabolises food to the way your immune system functions. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112159814" title="Want to age slower? You can start by cutting all that sugar out of your diet!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>The ageing accelerators </h2>The first of these critical age periods hits around 44. This is when many people start to notice more pronounced changes. Wrinkles deepen, energy levels may dip, and the first signs of joint stiffness might appear. But it's not just about outward appearances. Behind the scenes, the body is undergoing a significant molecular overhaul. The second wave of <keyword id="22839894" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="accelerated-ageing" source="keywords">accelerated ageing</keyword> begins in the early 60s. This is when the risk of <keyword id="19946459" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chronic-diseases" source="keywords">chronic diseases</keyword> like heart disease and Alzheimer's tends to climb sharply. The body's systems, once finely tuned, start to show signs of wear and tear. Understanding these <keyword id="22839895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="age-bursts" source="keywords">age bursts</keyword> is crucial. By pinpointing these periods of rapid change, scientists hope to develop targeted interventions. Imagine being able to bolster your body's defences during these critical times, much like a gardener fertilising plants during peak growth periods. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112503037" title="A doctor who says he&amp;#39;s reversed his age by 20 years eats these 7 foods every week to boost his longevity" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>A new frontier in <keyword id="20585767" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="anti-aging" source="keywords">anti-aging</keyword> </h2>The implications of this research are profound. If we can pinpoint when our bodies are most vulnerable to age-related changes, we can develop strategies to mitigate their impact. Imagine tailored exercise routines designed to combat the muscle loss that accelerates in our mid-40s, or nutritional plans optimised to support the body's shifting metabolism in our early 60s. This knowledge could also revolutionise drug development. By understanding the specific <keyword id="22102247" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="molecular-changes" source="keywords">molecular changes</keyword> that occur during these age bursts, <keyword id="20068099" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pharmaceutical-companies" source="keywords">pharmaceutical companies</keyword> might be able to create targeted therapies to slow down or even reverse some of the ageing process. While we're still in the early stages of this research, the possibilities are incredibly exciting. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of ageing, we move closer to a future where we can not only live longer but live healthier, more vibrant lives. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112405984" title="Anti-aging enthusiasts are getting $16,500 injections to make their knees young again" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Human ageing dramatically speeds up around ages 44 and 60, claims study

<keyword id="22119701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Emcure-Pharma" source="keywords">Emcure Pharma</keyword>, where <keyword id="20292047" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="namita-thapar" source="keywords">Namita Thapar</keyword>, of Shark Tank India fame, serves as a member of the promotor group, opens for subscription today. The company aims to raise Rs 800 crore via fresh issue of 0.79 crore shares and Rs 1,152.03 crore via offer for sale, wherein promotors will offload around 1.14 crore shares in the market. Emcure Pharma's <keyword id="19898327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPO" source="keywords">IPO</keyword> will close for subscription on on 5th July, with allotment to be finalised by 8th June, and listing on BSE and NSE scheduled for 10th July. But should you subscribe to this IPO? What are the experts saying? Lets find out <h2>About Emcure Pharma</h2>With 13 manufacturing and 5 research facilities across the country, Emcure Pharma develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of <keyword id="20006091" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pharmaceuticals" source="keywords">pharmaceuticals</keyword>, which includes orals, injectables and biotherapeutics. The company, which recorded the highest domestic sales in <keyword id="648555" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gynecology" source="Orion">gynecology</keyword> and <keyword id="185429" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-immunodeficiency-virus" source="Orion">human immunodeficiency virus</keyword> (HIV) antivirals therapeutic areas in India in FY24, has its target market in about 70 countries. The company's total revenue from operation, as of 31st March 2024, stood at 6,658.251 crore, up sharply from Rs 5,985.811 crore it earned as of 31st March, 2023. As of 31st March, 2024, 48.28% of its revenue stemmed from sales in India, while 51.72% of its revenue came from sales outside India. The company also holds around 220 patents, alongside having 30 pending patent applications in several countries. Emcure Pharma had generated a profit of Rs 527.57 crore in FY24, slightly down from Rs 561.84 crore in FY23. The company intends to utilise the proceedings from IPO for general corporate purposes, and repaying and prepaying some loans. The company reported Profit After Tax margins of 11.81% in FY22, 9.31% in FY23 and 7.86% in FY24. <h2>How much can you invest?</h2>Retail investors can buy a minimum of 1 lot (14 shares) at Rs 14,112, or 14 lots (196 shares) at Rs 1,97,586. 50% of the issue has been allotted for QIBs (qualified institutional buyers), while 15% has been reserved for non-institutional investors, and 35% has been set aside for retail investors. The share's price band has been kept between Rs 960 and Rs 1008. <h2>What are the risks? </h2>Despite the company's strong bottom line performance, it is not without its fair share of risks. For starters, the company operates in the heavily regulated and scrutinised space of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Any failure to renew their licenses or permits, either in India or abroad, could have adverse business implications. Some other risks include: <ul><li>The company's heavy reliance on third parties for distribution and marketing of its products. A slight change in that could impact the company's supply and product pricing. </li><li> Emcure has experienced negative cash flows in the past and may continue to do so in the future.</li><li>Any manufacturing, quality control issues, or the inability to timely commercialize their research could dent their reputation and business, while opening them to strict regulatory action. </li><li>The company has significant working capital needs, which is exacerbated by its negative cash flows. </li><li>Emcure has issued show cause notices by the Regional Director, MCA on account of non-compliance with Companies Act. Additionally, they have some civil proceedings pending in the US as well.</li><li>Certain therapeutic areas contribute to a more significant portion of the company’s total revenue in India, and their business may be adversely affected if their products in these therapeutic areas do not perform as expected.</li></ul><h2>What are the experts saying? </h2>As per the IPO note of Master Capital Service Ltd, the IPO is fairly valued relative to its listed peers, and that the IPO should be subscribed to from a long-term perspective. "The company is looking to utilize the fresh proceeds to pare down their long-term debt and bring it to zero. The company has gone from strength to strength historically with a focus on major therapeutic areas such as gynaecology and is looking to double down on its strengths to fuel its future growth and expand its margins", it continued. Swastika Investmart Ltd also recommends subscribing to this IPO from a long-term horizon. "<keyword id="20737581" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Emcure-Pharmaceuticals" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Emcure Pharmaceuticals" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Emcure Pharmaceuticals">Emcure Pharmaceuticals</keyword> is a prominent player in the domestic and international pharmaceutical markets. The company boasts a large, diversified, and fast-growing product portfolio, coupled with proven brand-building capabilities and strong R&amp;D infrastructure. Emcure has demonstrated consistent top-line growth, although recent profitability has seen a slight decline due to interest expenses and depreciation". "However, some key risks require careful consideration. The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, and Emcure faces potential disruptions to its raw material supply chain. Additionally, the company relies on third parties for product marketing and distribution. Considering the company's strengths, growth trajectory, and the potential for debt reduction post-IPO, we view the P/E valuation of 36.6x as reasonable. We recommend applying for this IPO with a long-term view", it continued. As stock analyst Dilip Dawda highlights, Emcure is a R &amp; D driven pharma company that has posted continuous growth. "However, its bottom line posted declining trends with higher provisions for interest and depreciations. Based on FY24 earnings, the issue appears fully priced. Investors may park funds for the medium to long term rewards", he advises.

Emcure Pharma opens for subscription today: Should you subscribe? Know all about it here

<keyword id="22202960" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bain-Capital-backed" source="keywords">Bain Capital-backed</keyword> <keyword id="20737581" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Emcure-Pharmaceuticals" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Emcure Pharmaceuticals" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Emcure Pharmaceuticals">Emcure Pharmaceuticals</keyword> on Friday said it has fixed a price band of Rs 960 to Rs 1,008 per share for its Rs 1,952-crore <keyword id="19913114" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Initial-Public-Offering" source="keywords">Initial Public Offering</keyword> (<keyword id="19898327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPO" source="keywords">IPO</keyword>). The initial share sale will be available for public subscription during July 3-5 and the bidding for anchor investors will open for a day on July 2, the company announced. The IPO comprises fresh issuance of equity shares worth Rs 800 crore and an Offer For Sale (OFS) of 1.14 crore equity shares to the tune of Rs 1,152 crore, at the upper end of the price band, by promoters and existing shareholders. This aggregates the total public size to Rs 1,952 crore. Those selling shares in the OFS include promoter Satish Mehta and investor BC Investments IV Ltd, an affiliate of US-based private equity major Bain Capital. Currently, Satish Mehta holds a 41.85 per cent stake in the company and BC Investments owns a 13.07 per cent stake. Proceeds of the fresh issue will be used towards payment of debt and for general corporate purposes. Brokerage houses have pegged the company's market capitalisation to over Rs 19,000 crore post-issue. The Pune-based firm Emcure Pharmaceuticals is engaged in developing, manufacturing, and globally marketing a broad range of pharmaceutical products across several major therapeutic areas. Employee portion has been reserved up to 108,900 equity shares in the IPO. Besides, half of the issue size has been reserved for qualified institutional investors (QIBs), 35 per cent for retail investors and the remaining 15 per cent for non-institutional investors. Further, investors can bid for a minimum of 14 shares and in multiples of 14 shares thereafter. Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, Jefferies India, Axis Capital, and JP Morgan India are the book-running lead managers to the issue. The equity shares of the company are expected to list on the BSE and NSE on July 10. Earlier this month, the company received Sebi's go-ahead to float initial share sale.

Bain Capital-backed Emcure Pharma to float ₹1,952-crore IPO on July 3

<keyword id="19900617" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stock-markets" source="keywords">Stock markets</keyword> showed resilience on Monday, closing in green after a flat and negative start to the trading day. The benchmark indices, <keyword id="19896382" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sensex" source="keywords">Sensex</keyword> and <keyword id="19896381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nifty" source="keywords">Nifty</keyword>, rebounded from intraday lows, driven by significant gains in the auto and pharmaceutical sectors. The BSE Sensex ended the day with an uptick of 131.18 points closing at 77,341.08. Meanwhile, the broader NSE Nifty 50 climbed 36.75 points to finish at 23,537.85. Both indices initially opened on a cautious note but gathered momentum as the day progressed, reflecting renewed <keyword id="20322632" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investor-confidence" source="keywords">investor confidence</keyword>. Throughout the trading session, volatility was a defining feature, with sectors like Auto, <keyword id="19933821" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pharma" source="keywords">Pharma</keyword>, and FMCG showing notable strength. The Nifty <keyword id="19979339" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-sector" source="keywords">Auto sector</keyword> registered gains of 0.44 per cent, while the Pharma sector increased by 0.39 per cent, and FMCG surged by 0.53 per cent. These sectors' performance was instrumental in counterbalancing the losses experienced in the Media sector, which faced a steep decline of over 1 per cent. In the broader markets, the Nifty SmallCap index edged up by a modest 0.06 per cent, and the Nifty MidCap index saw a more robust increase of 0.18 per cent. These movements underscore a cautiously optimistic sentiment among investors, who are showing a selective preference for mid and small-cap stocks amidst broader market uncertainties. The Nifty 50 index saw 30 stocks advancing while 20 declined, indicating a mixed yet overall positive <keyword id="20127603" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="market-sentiment" source="keywords">market sentiment</keyword>. Among the top performers were <keyword id="19993913" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mahindra-Mahindra" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Mahindra &amp; Mahindra" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Mahindra &amp; Mahindra">Mahindra &amp; Mahindra</keyword> (M&amp;M), Shriram Finance, Grasim Industries, Power Grid Corporation, and Sun Pharma. M&amp;M benefited from a buoyant auto sector, while Shriram Finance posted strong gains, contributing to the positive momentum in financial services. Grasim Industries gained due to optimism in the industrial and chemical sectors, and Power Grid Corporation saw a boost from expectations of increased infrastructure spending. Sun Pharma, a key player in the <keyword id="20598346" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pharmaceutical-sector" source="keywords">pharmaceutical sector</keyword>, ended the day on a high note, reflecting the sector's overall strength. On the downside, notable laggards included IndusInd Bank, Cipla, AdPorts and SEZ, Coal India, and Tata Steel. IndusInd Bank suffered from profit-taking and sector-specific challenges, while Cipla faced selling pressure despite the sector's gains. Adani Ports and SEZ experienced a downturn due to broader market concerns over port operations, Coal India declined amid global pressures on fossil fuels, and Tata Steel faced challenges in the metals and mining sector. Technical analysis suggests that the Nifty has been consolidating within a range of 23,300 to 23,600, indicating a phase of indecisiveness among investors. Market analysts predict that a breakout above 23,600 could propel the index towards the 24,000 mark in the short term, signaling a bullish sentiment. Conversely, a drop below 23,300 might lead to a downside correction towards 22,750. Globally, markets presented mixed cues with European shares posting gains, driven by strength in the automobile and banking sectors. In contrast, Bitcoin experienced a sudden 4 per cent decline, trading at $61,094, highlighting ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market. Varun Aggarwal, founder and managing director, Profit Idea, said, "Oil prices edged higher, fueled by expectations of increased demand during the summer months and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Investor sentiment was bolstered by positive economic indicators, including stable industrial output and optimistic forecasts for the upcoming monsoon season. However, concerns over a potential global economic slowdown and rising inflation continue to loom, keeping investors cautious." Despite a rocky start, Indian stock markets managed to close on a positive note, driven by sector-specific gains and encouraging global cues. Investors will be closely monitoring further market signals and <keyword id="22037163" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-developments" source="keywords">economic developments</keyword> in the coming days.

Stock markets end on positive note despite early setbacks

One must have to be living under a rock if they haven’t yet come across those reels of “health” influencers raving about the many health benefits of <keyword id="21778414" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="omega-3" source="keywords">omega-3</keyword> and <keyword id="21766014" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fish-oil-supplements" source="keywords">fish oil supplements</keyword>. From aiding weight loss in those suffering from PCOS to promoting bone and skin health, there’s little these tiny golden capsules can’t achieve, as far as they are concerned. To their credit, fish oil supplements do seem to be helpful to a certain extent and their role in protecting against <keyword id="21778415" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cardiovascular-risks" source="keywords">cardiovascular risks</keyword> is well documented. However, a recent <a href="https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000451">study</a> conducted by a team of international researchers has thrown the fish oil supplement's presumed safety into question. And understandably, ripples are being caused. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Contradictory results surprise scientists" comment="subhead" text="Contradictory results surprise scientists">Contradictory results surprise scientists </cmsannotation>After monitoring 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank for an average of 12 years, researchers were in for a surprise! The findings revealed a 13% higher risk of <keyword id="20710883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="atrial-fibrillation" source="keywords">atrial fibrillation</keyword> — irregular heart rhythm — and a 5% heightened risk of strokes in those with no prior history of cardiovascular disease. But for individuals who already had <keyword id="19898369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-disease" source="keywords">heart disease</keyword>, the fish oil supplements resulted in a 15% lower risk of progression from atrial fibrillation to heart attack, and 9% lesser chances of advancing from heart failure to death. This is in line with previous studies indicating how Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are beneficial for reducing cardiovascular complications. However, there is a catch: the study found mixed results for the effects of omega-3 supplements. Interestingly, women and non-smokers who were healthy at the outset saw 6% higher risks of going on to have heart attacks, heart failure or strokes. Conversely, older people and men seemed to have derived greeted benefits from fish oil, with the transition from good health to death being 11% and 7% lower respectively. It is important to note that this study is based entirely on data from mostly white people, so it doesn’t precisely account for the impacts of fish oil supplements on other ethnicities. Then again, scepticism about the side effects of fish oil supplements on people with no history of heart disease isn’t new. Groups that have traditionally consumed a lot of fish containing omega-3 fatty acids have been known to have lower instances of heart disease. Fish oil supplements, the pill form of these polyunsaturated fats, have a decades-long track record of proven benefits for heart health — for people who already have these risks being key here. Now, according to a 2023 Lancet study, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in India. In that regard, omega-3 supplements do have quite a bit of merit in the Indian market. Nutraceutical businesses have already gained traction cross-country and are growing increasingly popular. What’s more, this market is only expected to grow further due to the rise in product knowledge, disposable income and the desire for <keyword id="20523304" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="preventive-medicine" source="keywords">preventive medicine</keyword> and self-treatment. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Are over-the-counter products safe?" comment="subhead" text="Are over-the-counter products safe?">Are over-the-counter products safe? </cmsannotation>Based on older studies, as well as the recent one, the risks that fish oil supplements pose do outweigh the benefits in healthy people. So if you’ve been chugging fish oil capsules in hopes that it would help you circumvent health complications in the future, it might be a good idea to take a step back and think. The problem with <keyword id="21778416" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="over-the-counter-supplements" source="keywords">over-the-counter supplements</keyword> is that there’s no real proof that they are actually helping with anything. And given recent controversies in some of the food products being manufactured in India, caution regarding food-grade products is paramount. There is no need to villainise fish oil supplements just yet. However, getting advice and a prescription from a certified healthcare professional who knows your specific health conditions might be a better idea than just relying on half-baked and generalised information from the internet. Furthermore, opting for <keyword id="21778417" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pharmaceutical-grade-fish-oils" source="keywords">pharmaceutical-grade fish oils</keyword> is considered a safer bet to take in high doses. Over-the-counter fish oil supplements contain a low dose (about 1 gram) of two different omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Prescription fish oil pills contain about 4 grams of either a DHA/EPA combo or pure EPA — the compounds mainly responsible for cleaning you of triglycerides. With a barrage of nutraceuticals having entered our pharmacies, we might need a lot more research in the Indian context to determine just how safe these fish oil supplements are. In the meantime, stay informed and stay safe.

Is it time we stopped taking over-the-counter fish oil supplements?

The country's drugs and <keyword id="20006091" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pharmaceuticals" source="keywords">pharmaceuticals</keyword> exports increased 9.67 per cent year-on-year to USD 27.9 billion in 2023-24, even as the total exports dipped by 3 per cent in the last fiscal. According to the commerce ministry data, <keyword id="20988985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pharma-exports" source="keywords">pharma exports</keyword> in March grew by 12.73 per cent to USD 2.8 billion. In 2022-23, the exports stood at USD 25.4 billion. The top five export markets, for the sector during the last fiscal, are the US, the UK, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. The US accounts for over 31 per cent of <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s total pharma exports, followed by the UK and Netherlands (about 3 per cent each). In 2023-24, the outbound shipments also entered new geographies like Montenegro, South Sudan, Chad, Comoros, Brunei, Latvia, Ireland, Chad, Sweden, Haiti and Ethiopia. An industry expert said that increasing market opportunities and healthy demand in countries like the US are helping exports to record healthy growth rates month after month. Experts have said that India's pharmaceutical business may exceed USD 130 billion by 2030, supported by expanding market opportunities and heightened demand in the overseas markets. The business stood at over USD 50 billion for the 2022-23. On average, India exports pharma products worth USD 2-3 billion every month. India's pharmaceutical industry is the third largest by volume and the 13th largest by value in the world, producing more than 60,000 <keyword id="20581305" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="generic-drugs" source="keywords">generic drugs</keyword> across 60 therapeutic categories. The government has rolled out two production-linked incentive (<keyword id="19958919" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pli" source="keywords">PLI</keyword>) schemes to promote domestic manufacturing of key pharmaceutical ingredients and generic medicines. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-narzo-70-narzo-70x-5g-smartphones-launched-in-india-starting-at-11999/articleshow/109557895.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-narzo-70-narzo-70x-5g-smartphones-launched-in-india-starting-at-11999/articleshow/109557895.cms" target="_blank">Realme Narzo 70, Narzo 70X 5G smartphones launched in India starting at ₹11,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-let-loose-event-scheduled-for-may-7-ipads-expected-to-be-launched/articleshow/109553148.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-let-loose-event-scheduled-for-may-7-ipads-expected-to-be-launched/articleshow/109553148.cms" target="_blank">Apple Let Loose event scheduled for May 7 – New iPad models expected to be launched</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-8a-may-be-more-expensive-than-its-predecessor-as-per-a-new-leak/articleshow/109499394.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-8a-may-be-more-expensive-than-its-predecessor-as-per-a-new-leak/articleshow/109499394.cms" target="_blank">Google Pixel 8a may be more expensive than its predecessor, as per a new leak</a>

You Searched For "pharmaceuticals" and got 8 results

PresVu eye drops: Why has a pharma company fallen in controversy for claiming to cure near-sightedness?

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Human ageing dramatically speeds up around ages 44 and 60, claims study

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Emcure Pharma opens for subscription today: Should you subscribe? Know all about it here

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PTI

Stock markets end on positive note despite early setbacks

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Is it time we stopped taking over-the-counter fish oil supplements?

Ashmita Gupta

India's pharma exports rise 10% to $27.9 bn in FY24

PTI

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