Narayana Health Reports Success in Haplo-Cord Transplant for Thalassaemia & Dual-Target CAR-T for Brain Cancer

RK-251: India's ROS-Activated Smart Cancer Drug Could Transform Chemotherapy

RK-251 is a novel 'smart' cancer drug developed by Indian researchers that activates only inside cancer cells using high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, potentially reducing chemotherapy side effects. This marks a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy and is a key topic for UPSC Science & Technology.

Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Restricted to Clinical Trials; Health Ministry Advisory Follows SC Order

The Union Health Ministry has reiterated that stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can only be offered as part of approved clinical trials, not as routine or commercial treatment. This follows a landmark Supreme Court judgment in January 2026 that examined the issue. The advisory reinforces existing regulations under the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, and the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017.

India Gets First Disease-Modifying Alzheimer's Drug Leqembi After CDSCO Nod

Eisai's Leqembi (lecanemab), India's first disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer's, has been launched after CDSCO approval. This marks a shift from symptomatic to disease-modifying treatment, but challenges of early diagnosis, biomarker infrastructure, and affordability remain significant.

WHO's IARC Classifies Hydrochlorothiazide, Voriconazole, Tacrolimus as Group 1 Carcinogens

Three widely used medicines for hypertension, fungal infections, and transplant rejection have been classified as Group 1 carcinogens by WHO's IARC. Patients are warned not to discontinue treatment without consulting doctors, as the classification identifies hazard, not real-world risk at prescribed doses.

CSIR-IICT Develops IND-Ready Phytopharmaceutical from Gymnema sylvestre for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

CSIR-IICT has developed a phytopharmaceutical from the medicinal plant Gymnema sylvestre for diabetic foot ulcers, a major complication of diabetes. The technology has been transferred to Mumbai-based Viridis Biopharma for clinical development and regulatory approvals, including CDSCO and USFDA. This marks a significant step in India's evidence-based botanical drug discovery and academia-industry collaboration.

SCTIMST Unveils Chitra Core Stent: 30-40% Less Metal, Reduces Restenosis & Thrombosis

SCTIMST has launched 'Chitra Core', a fully indigenous coronary stent with a patented design that uses 30-40% less metal than conventional stents, aiming to reduce complications like restenosis and thrombosis. A second stent, 'Chitra TiN' with a titanium nitride coating, is ready for global pre-clinical trials.

Proposed Patient Data Collective (PDC) Model for Rare Diseases in India Inspired by Amul Cooperative

A new proposal suggests creating a Patient Data Collective (PDC) for rare diseases in India, modeled on the Amul dairy cooperative. This collective would pool patient data to accelerate drug discovery and clinical trials, addressing the challenge of small patient populations for rare diseases.

IISc Bengaluru Discovers Cow Enzyme CRhAB Effective Against Drug-Resistant Biofilm Bacteria Klebsiella & Acinetobacter

IISc Bengaluru has discovered a new cow enzyme (CRhAB) that breaks down biofilms of two major drug-resistant bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae & Acinetobacter baumannii) found in hospitals. This breakthrough, published in Nature, offers a potential new treatment for chronic wound infections and diabetic foot ulcers.