Bharat Serums & Vaccines Ltd.

Globally, only half of the Women get treatment for the Rh disease and may be linked to the deaths of more than 1,00,000 foetuses and newborns worldwide* NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rh factor (Rhesus factor) is a red blood cell surface antigen also known as Rh disease, is a condition that occurs when a woman with Rh-negative blood type is exposed to Rh-positive blood cells, leading to the development of Rh antibodies. Rh incompatibility can occur in 2 ways. The most common type occurs when a Rh-negative pregnant mother is exposed to Rh-positive fetal red blood cells secondary to fetomaternal haemorrhage during pregnancy from spontaneous or induced abortion, trauma, invasive obstetric procedures, or normal delivery. Continue Reading Experts raising awareness on HDFN A treatment developed over 50 years ago to prevent Rh disease—an often-fatal condition in foetuses and newborns—only reaches half of the women in the world who need it, according to a study led by researchers at Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre*. Leading doctors appreciated the impact and effectiveness of this treatment but are concerned about its access and reach. "This treatment is the standard of care for preventing Rh disease, but we recognize that there remain significant obstacles to expanding access to this lifesaving therapy around the world," says Spitalnik, who has been working with an international team of physicians to increase access to therapy with Rh(D) immunoglobulin around the world. * Improved access which currently is a challenge, could change the outcomes dramatically, saving lives. Hence there is an utmost need to highlight the role of antenatal care and its crucial role in prevention of Rh diseases across African region. So, what is the problem and Role of Antenatal care and Collaborative strategies from KOGS and govt institution/insurance organisation for supporting Rh disease prevention in Kenya? "According to our research in Kenya, the prevalence of Rhesus negativity among pregnant women is significantly higher than previously believed and varies by county. The range is between 6-10%, inconsistent with prior reports that claimed an average of 4%. This suggests that the need for treatment is likely to increase and the government must put policies in place to meet this demand" said Dr. Moses Obimbo, a Professor at the University of Nairobi and KOGS Hon Secretary. According to KOGS, Rhesus isoimmunization : an underappreciated reproductive risk, article published in JOGECA 2023, there has been a contentious suggestion for the universal prophylactic use of anti-D immunoglobulin in all pregnancies, including those following termination or ectopic pregnancies. Despite being preventable, Rhesus disease was identified as one of the roadblocks to achieving maternal universal health coverage. The team recommended all stakeholders to facilitate access to anti-D immunoglobulin and screening tools for widespread screening and treatment.^ Such measures would go a long way in prevention of Rh disease. The first step in creating awareness though is also the simple knowledge of one's own blood groups and Rh testing. Knowing your Rh status reduces these risks dramatically Rh sensitization is evaluated by a blood test known as indirect Coombs' test. This test can assess presence of cell-destroying antibodies and alert the doctor to take appropriate treatment. Effects of Rh incompatibility can be prevented by getting an injection of RhIg (Rh immunoglobulin,) during the first course of pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage, while having any bleeding during pregnancy or within 72 hours of delivery. Importance of Blood group testing in pregnant women "Uganda has made significant strides in the reduction of maternal mortality from haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, we should not forget the morbidity and suffering caused by Rhesus incompatibilities during all trimesters of pregnancy and after childbirth. Make Blood group/Rhesus testing an indicator of quality of care at all levels offering care to women" said Dr. Othiniel Musana, Member Senior Leader Team National Safe Motherhood Expert Committee (NASMEC), President of Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda (AOGU) 2021-2023. How is Rh incompatibility managed? If a Rh-negative woman is pregnant and has given birth to a Rh-positive child in the past, the doctor can test for Rh positive antibodies in her blood, and even take a sample of amniotic fluid to check for bilirubin levels in the fetus (amniocentesis). It is possible to take a sample of fetal blood from the umbilical cord as well. Once diagnosed, depending on the severity of the disease, the fetus may either require single or multiple intrauterine blood transfusions or it may have to be delivered early to manage complications. Haemolytic disease of the newborn is a devastating disease for babies and their families and is a huge challenge to handle. But it does not have to be. Being forewarned is being forearmed and awareness of this condition can go a long way in saving lives Collaborative strategies from AGOTA with govt institution/insurance organisation for supporting Rh disease prevention. "The association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Tanzania (AGOTA) has worked very closely with the Government and other health concerned stakeholders like BSV in preparing guidelines, mentoring and evaluating of all issues pertaining to maternal newborn and child health including Rh incompatibility. The awareness of antenatal care in Tanzania is of paramount with the aim of solving the existing challenges of provision of antenatal care services focusing on improving maternal and perinatal outcome. The Government of Tanzania priority is to insure universal, quality, comprehensive and equitable health services to all of its citizens, with much emphasis on improving health status of women and children" said Dr. Matilda Ngarina - AGOTA President. *Source : ^ Obimbo, M., & Omanwa, K. (2023). Rhesus isoimmunization: An underappreciated reproductive risk. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Eastern and Central Africa, 35(2), 74. 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The acquisition is anticipated to bolster Mankind Pharma’s position in the Indian women’s health and fertility drug market. Credit: fizkes / Shutterstock. Mankind Pharma has announced a definitive agreement for the acquisition of a 100% stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV) from private equity investor Advent International in a Rs136.3bn ($1.6bn) deal. The move bolsters Mankind Pharma’s position in the Indian women’s health and fertility drug market. The deal will also aid Mankind Pharma in providing access to high-barrier products in critical care leveraging complex research and development (R&D) tech platforms. BSV, with more than five decades of expertise in biopharmaceuticals, has an established presence with its in-house developed recombinant and niche biologic products. The company’s branded product portfolio spans women’s health, fertility and critical care, with several leading brands in their respective therapy areas. See Also: FDA committee proposes overhaul of perioperative lung cancer trials Mankind Pharma vice-chairman and managing director Rajeev Juneja stated: “BSV’s acquisition represents a pivotal milestone in Mankind’s journey, establishing us as a market leader in the Indian women’s health and fertility segment. We believe the women’s health and fertility segment has massive opportunity along with strong growth visibility globally, led by structural tailwinds. “BSV’s established speciality R&D tech platforms with a complex portfolio across women’s health, fertility, critical care and [the] immunoglobulin segment perfectly aligns Mankind Pharma’s strategic vision to expand its footprint in high entry barrier portfolio. We are also delighted to welcome BSV’s 2,500+ members to our Mankind family.” The acquisition includes BSV’s comprehensive portfolio in women’s health, covering the reproductive lifecycle from fertility to post-pregnancy. Its significant portfolio in the fertility segment will aid in scaling in both Indian and international markets, especially with the increasing penetration of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. Mankind Pharma CEO and whole-time director Sheetal Arora stated: “Mankind’s strategic acquisition of BSV with branded speciality pharma portfolio across India and emerging markets presents immense growth potential and will add to the existing growth velocity of Mankind.”

Boehringer Ingelheim announced today the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a permanent J-code (J1747) for SPEVIGO (spesolimab-sbzo) Injection, indicated for the treatment of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flares in adults. According to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), the J-code for SPEVIGO becomes effective as of today, April 1, 2023. "People living with GPP can experience unpredictable flares and are in need of timely access to novel treatment options," said Claudia Beqaj, Executive Director, Dermatology, Sales and Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim. "We are pleased to receive the permanent J-code for SPEVIGO that aims to enhance and expand market access for those affected by this rare and potentially life-threatening neutrophilic skin disease." J-codes are permanent, product-specific reimbursement codes used by commercial insurers and government payers to facilitate and streamline billing for Medicare Part B drugs, which cannot be self-administered. The permanent J-code for SPEVIGO, J1747 (Injection, spesolimab-sbzo, 1 mg), has been published online in the CMS HCPCS Application Summaries and Coding Recommendations, Fourth Quarter, 2022 HCPCS Coding Cycle, here. What is SPEVIGO? SPEVIGO is a prescription medicine used to treat generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flares in adults. It is not known if SPEVIGO is safe and effective in children. Allergic reactions and infusion-related reactions. Serious allergic reactions may happen during or after your infusion of SPEVIGO. If you have a serious allergic reaction, your healthcare provider will stop treatment with SPEVIGO. If you have an infusion-related reaction, your healthcare provider will stop your SPEVIGO infusion and treat your symptoms and may restart SPEVIGO at a slower infusion rate. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms during or after your infusion of SPEVIGO: About generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) GPP is a rare, heterogenous and potentially life-threatening neutrophilic skin disease, which is clinically distinct from plaque psoriasis. GPP is caused by neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) accumulating in the skin, resulting in painful, sterile pustules all over the body. The clinical course varies, with some patients having a relapsing disease with recurrent flares, and others having a persistent disease with intermittent flares. While the severity of GPP flares can vary, if left untreated they can be life-threatening due to complications such as sepsis and multisystem organ failure. This chronic, systemic disease has a substantial quality of life impact for patients and increased healthcare burden. GPP has a varied prevalence across different geographical regions and more women are affected than men. GPP flares can lead to hospitalization with serious complications, including heart failure, renal failure and sepsis, and the unpredictability and severity of these flares greatly affect a person's quality of life. Boehringer Ingelheim Immunology: Pioneering Science, Inspired By Patients Living with fibrotic and inflammatory diseases greatly impacts patients' lives emotionally and physically. These patients are our guides, partners, and inspiration as we redefine treatment paradigms. As a family-owned company, we can plan long-term. Our goal is to discover and develop first-of-their-kind therapies. With a deep understanding of molecular pathways, we are pioneering scientific breakthroughs that target, repair, and prevent many fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. By building on long-term external collaborations, we strive to bring treatment breakthroughs to patients in the shortest time. We won't rest until we can give people the chance to live the lives they want. Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that improve the lives of humans and animals. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term perspective. Around 52,000 employees serve more than 130 markets in the three business areas, Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com. SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim