| |NOVEMBER 20268TOP STORIESJ&J BUILDS CAPLYTA'S BIPOLAR TREATMENT POTENTIAL WITH TRIAL WININDIA EXTENDS MEDICAL DEVICE PLI SCHEME TO 2036INDIA'S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS GOES BEYOND LACK OF ACCESSDIVI'S LABS BETS ON PEPTIDE GROWTH WITH RS 2,000 CR EXPANSIONJohnson & Johnson (J&J) has taken another significant step in expanding Caplyta's bipolar treatment potential, securing its second positive Phase 3 trial result for bipolar mania. The latest findings strengthen the drug's prospects for a broader role in managing bipolar I disorder and bring the company closer to a planned US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) submission.The development also creates an opportunity for J&J to expand its neuroscience portfolio and strengthen Caplyta's commercial position. The trial success further reinforces Caplyta's potential to address unmet needs in bipolar mania while supporting J&J's long-term growth ambitions in neuroscience. J&J evaluated Caplyta 42 mg once daily against placebo over three weeks in adults experiencing manic episodes, with or without mixed features, associated with bipolar I disorder. POIndia's medical device manufacturing ambitions are entering a new phase as the center extends the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme until 2035­36 and invites fresh applications. The eight-year extension offers manufacturers a longer investment horizon, while relaxed eligibility conditions could make incentives more accessible to existing players and new investors. However, the bigger opportunity lies beyond expanding assembly operations.India's mental health crisis extends far beyond the availability of treatment. More than 140 million people in the country live with mental health conditions, yet nearly eight in ten lack access to the care they need, according to ETHealthworld. This enormous treatment gap highlights the distance between healthcare needs and timely support. However, expanding mental health care alone cannot solve the problem. Social stigma, limited awareness, financial barriers, and the shortage of trained professionals continue to prevent people from seeking help, making mental wellbeing both a healthcare and a social challenge.The shortage of mental health professionals and uneven access to healthcare services create significant obstacles for people Peptide growth is emerging as an important opportunity for pharmaceutical contract manufacturers as demand for innovative medicines continues to rise globally. Divi's Laboratories plans to invest around Rs 2,000 crore, with a 20% variation, in new manufacturing capacities, including peptide synthesis infrastructure. The Hyderabad-based company is installing multiple 3,000-litre Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) lines to support customer requirements and ongoing development programs.This expansion reflects Divi's focus on innovative peptide manufacturing, where complex molecules, longer production cycles and growing pharmaceutical demand create opportunities for specialized contract manufacturers. Divi's Laboratories is expanding its peptide synthesis capabilities around customer interest and ongoing development programs. Speaking to analysts after the company's second-quarter FY27 results, CEO Dr Kiran Divi explained that long-chain peptides require considerable manufacturing time, often taking one to two months to produce. POWith a stronger emphasis on critical components and advanced medical equipment, the revised framework aims to deepen domestic production, strengthen indigenous supply chains and reduce import dependence. The challenge now is to translate policy support into manufacturing capabilities across the medical technology value chain. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has extended the Medical Device PLI Scheme and simplified its eligibility requirements following lessons from the first phase. The revised framework offers companies greater flexibility to plan investments and establish manufacturing facilities. PO
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