USTR collects comments on cases of suppressing pharmaceutical prices

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Washington, May 24 (IANS) The US Trade Representative (USTR) has kicked off a process to collect public comments on cases of the suppression of pharmaceutical product prices below market value in foreign countries, as it seeks to stop what it calls “freeloading” on US-financed medical research.The USTR’s efforts to collect comments by June 27 came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month to lower the cost of prescription drugs for American citizens to match prices paid in other countries, reports Yonhap news agency.The move spawned concerns that South Korean pharmaceutical firms could come under U.S. scrutiny, given that the USTR has taken issue with the Asian country’s pricing policies for pharmaceuticals.”USTR invites comments from interested parties regarding any act, policy, or practice that may be unreasonable or discriminatory or that may impair United States national security and that has the effect of forcing American patients to pay for a disproportionate amount of global pharmaceutical research and development,” it said on a public docket.In an annual report on foreign trade barriers released in March, the USTR pointed out the U.S. pharmaceutical and medical device industries’ concerns over what they describe as a lack of transparency in Korea’s pricing and reimbursement policies and a lack of substantive opportunities for stakeholder input into proposed policy changes.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has threatened to roll out 25 per cent tariffs by the end of next month on smartphones made by Apple, Samsung Electronics Co. and other companies if they are not manufactured in the United States. Trump issued the threat hours after he warned in a social media post that if iPhones are not made in the U.S., a “tariff of at least 25 percent must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”Trump reiterated that companies manufacturing their product in the US would not face tariffs.–IANSna/

Skin cancer surges worldwide in older men in last 30 years: Study

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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) There has been a sharp uptick in the burden of skin cancer, especially in older adults, in the last three decades, according to a study.Besides ageing, researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in China attributed the surge to the increase in population growth.The study also cited a disproportionately higher burden of skin cancers in countries with higher sociodemographic index (SDI) levels.“The older population (particularly male individuals and those living in high-SDI countries) is facing a substantial growing burden of skin cancer,” said the team in the paper published in JAMA Dermatology.“The results highlight the urgency for more effective prevention and management strategies targeting high-risk groups,” they added.In the study, researchers analysed about 4.4 million new skin-cancer cases — melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma — recorded in 2021 among older adults aged above 65 years and older. The data is based on the Global Burden of Diseases 2021, covering 204 countries and territories.The findings showed that the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma — that starts as a growth of cells on the skin — soared by roughly 2 per cent per year from 1990 to 2021. Basal cell carcinoma — most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face; and melanoma — the most serious type of skin cancer — showed similarly steady gains.Further, the study found that squamous cell carcinoma produced the steepest toll in terms of healthy years lost (DALYs) by 2021 compared with three decades earlier.New Zealand and Australia recorded the highest 65 and older melanoma rates in 2021.East Asia experienced the most rapid rise in basal cell carcinoma burden from 1990 to 2021, with average annual percentage increases exceeding 6 per cent for incidence, prevalence, and DALYs.”These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies and resource allocation to address the growing public health challenge of skin cancer among the ageing population,” the researchers said.–IANSrvt/

Allahabad HC slams deplorable state of Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital, orders urgent action against corruption

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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) In a scathing indictment of the state of public healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court on Saturday came down heavily on the condition of Swarup Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital, calling it a “mortuary” instead of a hospital. The bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr Arvind Kumar Gupta, issued a series of stringent orders to both medical and administrative authorities in Prayagraj.The court expressed outrage over the unhygienic, dysfunctional and corrupt state of affairs at SRN, Colvin, and Dufferin hospitals. Justice Agarwal directed the Municipal Commissioner to ensure that all three hospitals were thoroughly cleaned and restored to proper working condition within 48 hours. He also instructed the hospital staff and administration to fully cooperate in the clean-up drive.Taking note of severe allegations regarding absentee doctors, poor infrastructure, and illegal private practice, the court ordered raids on the residences of all doctors and professors associated with SRN. “Form a team of two to three honest officers and raid the homes of doctors. Take strict action and file FIRs against those involved in unauthorised private practice,” the court instructed.In a pointed rebuke to the SRN hospital administration, the Single In-Charge (SIC) and Deputy SIC were questioned about alleged bribery in the operation of private ambulances. “Are these ambulances running through corruption? If you don’t fix this, I’ll send you to Naini jail in this 45-degree heat,” the judge warned.The amicus curiae’s report, which revealed shocking details of negligence and malpractice, played a pivotal role in the court’s severe stance.It was noted that basic amenities like water, fans, and air-conditioning were missing in the hospital, while doctors were frequently absent. Brokers from private diagnostic centres were seen roaming within hospital premises, allegedly luring patients away for profit.The court further criticised the local administration, municipal authorities, and elected representatives of Prayagraj for failing to uphold their duties, especially in the run-up to Maha Kumbh 2025, during which over 66 crore devotees are expected.“Had a major accident occurred, the consequences would have been catastrophic,” said the court.The High Court directed the Municipal Commissioner to initiate an investigation into the private medical shops operating outside the SRN hospital. It also made the presence of the hospital superintendent, deputy SIC, and chief medical officer mandatory for the next hearing scheduled on May 29.Justice Agarwal concluded with a strong message: “If things don’t improve, why not shut down SRN Hospital altogether?”–IANSrs/dan

Study shows impact of weight loss drugs on nerve cells in brain

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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) Swedish researchers have tracked how nerve cells get activated by weight loss drugs such as semaglutide and how it affects the brain.Semaglutide belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1R agonists and has been shown to effectively reduce food intake and body weight. The drug is already well established as part of the treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes but can cause side effects such as nausea and muscle loss.In the study, researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg showed that it is possible to distinguish the nerve cells in the brain that control the beneficial effects –such as reduced food intake and fat loss — from those that contribute to side effects.To investigate how semaglutide affects the brain, the researchers worked with mice. They tracked which nerve cells were activated by the drug and were then able to stimulate these cells—without administering the drug itself.The results, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, revealed that the mice ate less and lost weight, just as they did when treated with semaglutide.When these nerve cells were killed, the drug’s effect on appetite and fat loss instead decreased significantly. However, side effects such as nausea and muscle loss remained.”This suggests that these nerve cells control the beneficial effects of semaglutide. We have therefore identified a specific group of nerve cells that is necessary for the effects that semaglutide has on weight and appetite, but which does not appear to contribute to any significant extent to side effects such as nausea.”If we can target the treatment there, we may be able to maintain the positive effects while reducing side effects,” says Júlia Teixidor-Deulofeu, first author of the study and Ph.D. student at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg.The identified nerve cells are located in an area of the brain called the dorsal vagal complex.The team noted that the finding is not only an early step toward potentially improved treatment, but it also provides new knowledge about how semaglutide works in the brain.The study also provides deeper insight into how the brain stem regulates our energy balance.–IANSrvt/

Uttarakhand on high alert after two women test Covid positive

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Dehradun, May 24 (IANS) Two women, including a doctor from AIIMS Rishikesh, have tested positive for Covid-19 in Uttarakhand, prompting the state health department to issue a high alert. According to officials, both individuals recently travelled to Uttarakhand from other states.Dr Sunita Tamta, Director General of Health, Uttarakhand, confirmed that a 57-year-old woman from Gujarat who had come to Rishikesh for religious purposes exhibited symptoms of coronavirus.After testing, she was confirmed positive and is currently under treatment. The second patient is a doctor from Bengaluru who has also tested positive and is receiving treatment at home, said Tamta.She added that, as of May 22, a total of 277 COVID-19 cases have been reported across India, primarily from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala.While there are currently no active local cases in Uttarakhand, the state is intensifying preventive measures in line with central government guidelines.”All Chief Medical Officers across the state have been instructed to increase Covid testing and sampling. If any new case is detected, genome sequencing should be conducted to identify the variant,” Dr. Tamta stated.She also emphasised that oxygen plants and hospital beds are being kept operational as a precaution.Following the two positive cases, the health department is focusing on aggressive sampling and monitoring of incoming travellers from other states.Meanwhile, Karnataka has also seen a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, especially in Bengaluru. State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday confirmed that 35 cases have been reported in Karnataka this year, with 32 of them from Bengaluru.”A gradual increase in Covid-19 spread has been observed in Bengaluru over the past 20 days, though the situation remains under control,” he said.Minister Rao urged citizens to proactively follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.”Pregnant women, children, immuno-compromised individuals, and those with comorbidities should wear face masks in crowded places,” he advised.He also encouraged the use of hand sanitisers and recommended testing for individuals showing symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).In another development, a nine-month-old infant tested positive for COVID-19 in Bengaluru on May 22 via a Rapid Antigen Test, officials confirmed.Authorities across multiple states are on alert as the country witnesses a fresh wave of sporadic COVID-19 cases, and health departments are urging continued vigilance to prevent a broader outbreak.–IANSsd/dan

US FDA warns about rare side effects from some allergy drugs

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New York, May 24 (IANS) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on Saturday that some popular allergy medications could cause a rare but severe itching side effect.The FDA said in a safety warning issued in mid-May that some patients who have taken oral allergy medicines daily for long periods, at least a few months but often several years, have experienced a severe type of itching, which is known medically as pruritus, Xinhua news agency reported.FDA warned about “rare but severe itching after stopping long-term use of oral allergy medicines cetirizine or levocetirizine (Zyrtec, Xyzal, and other trade names)”. It can occur with both prescription and over-the-counter forms of these medicines, the agency said.While the reported cases of severe itching side effects are rare, some have been serious and required medical intervention.Both cetirizine and levocetirizine are available over the counter (OTC) or through a prescription. The FDA said it has revised the prescribing information for both medicines to include a warning about the possible effects.“We will subsequently request that manufacturers add a warning about pruritus to the Drug Facts Label of the OTC versions,” the FDA said.Cetirizine and levocetirizine are antihistamines that block a molecule called histamine that the body releases during allergic reactions. Both medicines are approved to treat seasonal allergies, called seasonal allergic rhinitis, in adults and children 2 years and older.The medicines are also approved to treat year-round allergies, called perennial allergic rhinitis, and chronic hives, called chronic idiopathic urticaria, in patients six months and older.Cetirizine was approved for oral use by prescription in December 1995 under the trade name Zyrtec (no longer sold as a prescription medicine) and approved for OTC use in November 2007.Levocetirizine was approved for oral use by prescription in May 2007 under the trade name Xyzal and approved for OTC use in January 2017.–IANSrvt/

New blood test to boost diagnosis for rare genetic diseases in kids

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New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) Australian researchers have developed a new blood test that can rapidly diagnose rare genetic diseases in babies and children. The simple blood test, developed by researchers from the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), eliminates the need for costly and invasive procedures.It can rapidly detect abnormalities in up to 50 per cent of all known rare genetic diseases in a matter of days. The test works by analysing the pathogenicity of thousands of gene mutations at once, potentially replacing thousands of other functional tests, said the team in the research, published in the journal Genome Medicine.”A disease is rare if it affects fewer than one in 2,000 people and there are more than 7,000 different rare diseases, most of which have a genetic origin and many of these diseases are serious and progressive,” said David Stroud, Associate Professor at University of Melbourne.”If our blood test can provide clinical diagnoses for even half of the 50 per cent of patients who don’t get a diagnosis through genome sequencing, that’s a significant outcome as it means those patients don’t have to undergo unnecessary and invasive testing such as muscle biopsies, which for a baby requires general anaesthetic and that doesn’t come without risks,” he added.The team benchmarked their test against an existing clinically accredited enzyme test offered by the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services at MCRI, focussing on mitochondrial diseases.These are a group of severe rare disorders that rob the body’s cells of energy, causing single or multiple organ dysfunction or failure, and potentially death.The team found, comparatively, their new test is more effective in confirming a mitochondrial disease diagnosis as it’s much more sensitive and accurate and can produce faster results.The researchers are now in the process of recruiting 300 patients with a range of different genetic disorders to participate in a study to investigate the broad utility of their diagnostic test.–IANSrvt/