| |AUGUST 20268TOP STORIESCAN STRATEGIC MOUS ACCELERATE MEDICAL RESEARCH IN INDIA?IS MENTAL WELLNESS FINALLY A PRIORITY IN BRICS HEALTH TALKS?CIPLA BREAKS INDIA SALES RECORD, EYES BIGGER US OPPORTUNITYNEW EVIDENCE LINKS GLP-1 DRUGS TO HIGHER HAIR LOSS ODDSCAN ROCHE'S GROWTH STORY SURVIVE THE VABYSMO SLOWDOWN?India is strengthening its healthcare ecosystem through new institutional collaborations. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission signed an MoU with Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University. It also renewed its partnership with CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.These initiatives aim to enhance healthcare quality and expand research capabilities while fostering innovation in medicinal and pharmaceutical sciences. The move highlights a growing push to accelerate Medical Research in India, with a clear focus on improving patient-centric outcomes through data-backed and evidence-based practices. POMental health is increasingly gaining recognition as a critical component of global healthcare systems. The latest BRICS Health Ministers' meeting signals a notable shift in that direction. Alongside key discussions on digital health and tuberculosis (TB) research, mental wellness has emerged as a priority area for collaboration among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.This marks an important development, as BRICS nations collectively represent a significant share of the global population and disease burden. The inclusion of mental health in high-level policy discussions reflects a broader effort to move toward more inclusive and comprehensive healthcare frameworks. POCipla has reported its highest-ever quarterly sales record in India, marking a strong start to Q1 FY27. The company's domestic business grew 12 percent year-on-year and became the biggest growth driver. Cipla also delivered steady gains across global markets.Its US opportunity remained a major focus as the company prepares for further expansion in North America. The strong performance came despite a competitive global pharmaceutical environment. The company reported revenue from operations of Rs. 7,119 crore during the quarter. EBITDA stood at Rs. 1,192 crore, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 16.7 percent. Profit after tax reached Rs. 789 crore, while the PAT margin stood at 11.1 percent. POPatients using GLP-1 drugs for obesity and type 2 diabetes may have a slightly higher chance of developing hair loss, according to three new studies. Researchers stressed that the overall risk remains low, and most cases are temporary. The findings add fresh evidence to the safety profile of these widely used medicines.The studies focused on medicines used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. These included semaglutide, sold as Wegovy and Ozempic, and tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound and Mounjaro. Researchers compared them with other commonly prescribed diabetes drugs. PORoche has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, keeping Roche's Growth Story alive despite Vabysmo slowdown sales and ongoing currency headwinds. The Swiss drugmaker said its broader drug portfolio and continued demand for newer medicines will support growth through 2026. The company believes its overall business remains strong, even as one of its key products missed market expectations. The latest financial update showed that Vabysmo sales were below analyst estimates. However, Roche chose not to change its full-year forecast. The company expects both sales and core earnings to grow at a constant exchange rate, reflecting confidence in its wider pharmaceutical business. PO
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