The 20 most admired healthcare solution solution providers 2018

www.insightscare.com Mar-Apr 2018

THE

20 MOST

ADMIRED

Editor’s Pick Importance of Data Security in Healthcare

HEALTHCARE SOLUTION PROVIDERS

2018

Future Bots Remote Healthcare A Modern Medical Care

Dr. Charudutt Apte Chairman & MD

Sahyadri Hospitals Shedding Light on Lives through Expertise and Commitment

From the

Editor W

ith the inauguration of the Internet of Things, we can say that everything and everyone is connected. The technological shift of this dimension is felt by every division of the economy, every human being and every sector including Healthcare. Internet of Healthy Things (IoHT) bridges interoperability hurdles to transform radically the way in which healthcare is delivered, driving high-grade results, increasing efficiency and making healthcare affordable to all.

Modern Technology Transcending the Healthcare into Value-based Collaborative Care

Wearable devices and home health monitoring devices assisting patients is a common thing now. Whether data comes from electrocardiograms or temperature monitors, tracking health information is vital for all patients. Connected smart devices facilitate real-time data reporting with the capability to transmit critical data from a patient home to the hospital. It allows doctors and hospital staff to have a real-time monitoring of patient’s wellness. Increase in computing power is also a reason behind this disruption. Our smartphones now hold more processing power than entire rooms of early computers, and nowhere is that truer than in the world of medical monitoring. The leaps and bounds that technological progress has taken in the past few decades mean that whereas once you’d have to go to a medical professional to get information about.

This disruption made possible by IoHT is also creating an opportunity to reduce the cost of healthcare delivery and allowing healthcare to transform into value-based healthcare. Recently published research shows that with remote patient monitoring for the heart, asthma and diabetes patients will enable a total saving of $200+ billion mainly due to the elimination of unnecessary and redundant expenditures. The future is converging more on interconnected devices, and all these methods will help to build products that involve enough with patients to support them in crafting health goals which are relevant to their life. Adopters of the Internet of Things in Healthcare are rising steadily which delivers very compelling messaging, sustain engagement and provide powerful motivators to make health and wellness a part of our everyday lives.

Sugandha Sharma

Flourishing Healthcare Sector of India

I

n the terms of revenue and employment, Healthcare is one of the largest and vast sectors of India, and the Healthcare Industry comprises the Pharma, Biotech, Hospitals, Clinical Trials, Outsourcing, Medical Equipment, Medical Devices, Health Insurance, and Medical Tourism. The Indian healthcare division is expanding at a brisk pace due to its strengthening coverage, services and rising expenditure by public as well private players. India’s competing authority lies in its large pool of well-trained medical specialists. India is also cost effective compared to its peers in rest of the Asia and Western nations. The cost of surgery in India is around one-tenth of that in the US or Western Europe.

Today, the Indian healthcare market is meriting US$ 100 billion and is expected to grow to US$ 280 billion by 2020 and a Compound Annual Growth Rate aka CAGR of 22.9 %. Healthcare services like hospitals, nursing shelters, diagnostics centers and pharmaceuticals constitute 65% of the total healthcare market. There is still a significant opportunity for enhancing healthcare considering that healthcare spending as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is rising. Rural India in total accounts for over 70% of the total country population is set to emerge as a potential demand source.

India is still in need of 600,000 to 700,000 additional beds over the next five to six years, indicative of an investment opportunity of US$ 25-30 billion.The average investment size by private equity funds in healthcare chains has already increased to US$ 20-30 million from US$ 5-15 million, as per PriceWaterHouseCoopers.

The dire need for proficient healthcare solution providers has made us look out for “The 20 Most Admired Healthcare Solution Providers 2018.” On our cover page we have Dr. Charudutt Apte, Chairman & Managing Director of Sahyadri Hospitals Ltd. since January, 2004. He is responsible for Sahyadri Hospital’s management and also oversees the hospital’s activities while initiating unique targets and achieving accomplishments at various levels. Sahyadri Group of Hospitals started its journey of possibilities towards making world-class healthcare available in Western India. Sahyadri Hospitals is not just known for being the largest chain of hospitals in Maharashtra, but also for the approach, where it brings in the best of experts in multiple specialities and the most advanced technologies to provide a ray of hope—to give people the lifeline of possibilities, even in the most difficult cases.

So, flip through the amazing folios for insights on organizations striving hard to keep-up with the technological disruption in the healthcare industry. Find out more about the trends in the industry through articles on ‘Health Insights: Digital Health: A New Era for the Human Progress’ and ‘Tech-N-Trends: Hospital Wi-Fi: Making Healthcare Smarter’ drafted by our in-house editors for this special issue.

Let’s get started then!

Sahyadri Hospitals Shedding Light on Lives through Expertise and Commitment

30

08

Articles

Future Bots Remote HealthcareA Modern Medical Care

38 22

Editor’s Pick Importance of Data Security in Healthcare

Inside Scoop Engineered Babies: Would you Prefer Genetic Perfection?

CONTENTS Accurex Biomedical

cxo

20

Saving Lives through Quality Medical Diagnostic Solutions

26 Expert’s Foresight Molecular Genetic Diagnostics: A Bird’s Eye-View

24 Adani Pharmachem

34 Entrepreneur’s Outlook Articial Intelligence Marketing in Healthcare Remodeling approach to care…

Formulating & Enhancing Future through Innovative & Quality APIs

18 Executive Viewpoint Exploring Healthcare Marketing with Articial Intelligence

32 Arlak Biotech Delivering Affordable and Best Quality PharmaProducts

42 CXO Insights Pre-analytical Errors in a Pathology Lab context &Need for better phlebotomy practices

40 Vovantis Laboratories Leading the Pharmaceutical Market while using Effervescent Technology

Editor-in-Chief Pooja M. Bansal Managing Editor Sugandha Sharma Executive Editor Shane Gomez Visualiser David King Art & Design Director Amol Kamble Associate Designer Rahul Kavanekar Co-designer Sapana, Shweta Art & Picture Editor Paul Belin Jayant Khanna Senior Sales Manager Matt Ryder Business Development Manager Justin Smith Sales Executives Sophia Young, Paul Cooper, Grifn Willams Technical Head Swapnil Patil Technical Specialist Amar, Vivek, Pratiksha Digital Marketing Manager Marry D’Souza SME-SMO Executives Prashant Chauhan, Uma Dhenge Research Analyst Chidiebere Moses Circulation Manager Robert, Tanaji Database Management Stella Andrew Technology Consultant David Stokes

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Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success.

Dr. Charudutt Apte Chairman & MD

COVER STORY

Shedding Light on Lives through Expertise and Commitment

COVER STORY

‘‘

We bring in the best of experts in multiple specialities and the most advanced technologies to provide a ray of hope…to give people the lifeline of possibilities—even in the most difficult cases

‘‘

‘‘We’re the flag bearers of hope when most hospitals say ‘No’ and we handle those cases successfully

‘‘

Healthcare

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Company Name

Management

Brief

Accurex Biomedical Pvt. Ltd. accurex.net

Abhinav Thakur Managing Director

Accurex Biomedical Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian manufacturer and marketer, which provide accurate and quality solutions in the diagnostic industry.

Adani Pharmachem Private Limited adanipharma.com

Rushabh Adani Managing Director

Adani Pharmachem Private Limited is a trusted manufacturer, exporter, wholesaler and supplier of API’s & Fine Chemicals.

Aravind Eye Care System aravind.org

Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, Founder Chairman

Aravind Eye Hospitals is a hospital chain in India, has treated nearly 32 million patients and performed 4 million surgeries, the majority of them being cheap or free making it the world’s largest and most productive eye-care service group.

Arlak Biotech Pvt. Ltd. arlakbiotech.com

Umesh Kalra Founder & CEO

Arlak Biotech is a leading Pharma Company, which offer an extensive variety of PCD Pharmaceutical products to healthcare industry at the most affordable cost.

Bharat Serum and Vaccines Limited bharatserums.com

Syd Daftary Business Development

Bharat Serums and Vaccines is one of the fastest growing biopharmaceutical cmpanies in India.

Cachet Pharmaceuticals cachetindia.com

Shashi Shekhar Kumar VP International Business

Cachet is one of the India’s leading pharmaceutical company, engaged in manufacturing and marketing of a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations and nutraceuticals to meet the demands of domestic and international market.

Chandan Healthcare Ltd. chandan.co.in

Dr. Amar Singh Founder and chairman

Chandan Health Centres, started by the Chandan group, are providing diagnostic services as well as have retail outlets for medicines in 9 states with 80 centres.

Ciron Drugs & Pharmaceuticals cironpharma.com

Samir Ratanshi Shah Director

Ciron Group of Companies has been involved in developing a growing portfolio of best-in-class pharmaceutical formulations in the healthcare arena.

Enaltec Labs Pvt. Ltd. enaltec.com

Hammad Shah CEO

Enaltec Labs is a fast emerging API manufacturer & supplier set up by a group of young professionals with the specific objective of providing the critical India advantage to generic formulators across the world.

F. D. C. Ltd. fdcindia.com

Mayank Tikkha Head Sales Force Excellence

FDC carries forward the flaming spirit of it's first dream, achieving accreditations from the US-FDA, UK-MHRA, MCC-RSA, and the UAE, to cite a few. FDC is a forerunner in the manufacture of ORS and Ophthalmics, by setting up, globally approved, multi-location manufacturing facilities for APIs and Finished Dosage Forms.

Company Name

Management

Brief

Healthkind Labs Pvt. Ltd. healthkindlabs.com

Rohtas Sharma MD

Healthkind Labs Pvt. Ltd. Is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company, prominent supplier, trader & distributor of premium quality Pharmaceutical Medicines. offering Pharma Franchise and Pharma PCD.

KMC SPECIALITY HOSPITAL kmcspecialityhospital.in

Rushabh Adani Managing Director

KMC Speciality Hospital is the new age family hospital group, with a strong culture of personalized patient care, and a reputation of having established centers of excellence across all medical specialties and allied health services and be regarded as the most valued service provider with national acclaim.

Megafine Pharma megafine.in

Ashok K. Jhaveri Director

Megafine is a privately owned and professionally managed enterprise, provides innovative & integrated API solutions with it's decades of experience and skill in the development of novel chemical processes catering to the global drug discovery and generic companies.

Sahyadri Hospitals Ltd. Dr. Charudutt Apte sahyadrihospital.com

Dr. Charudutt Apte Chairman & Managing Director

Sahyadri Hospitals, the largest chain of hospitals in Maharashtra, is a hub of quaternary care and a leading referral centre for multiple specialities such as Neurosurgeries, Haematology, Cardiac Sciences and Organ Transplants.

Sance Laboratories sancepharma.com

Manoj Joseph Managing Director

Sance Laboratories is expert in manufactures and supply cephalosporin antibiotics in dosage forms like DRY POWDER FOR INJECTIONS, TABLETS, CAPSULES and DRY SYRUPS for various countries around the globe.

Shalina Laboratories shalina.com

Shashi Shekhar Kumar VP International Business

Shalina Healthcare is a market leader in making quality healthcare products affordable and available across Africa.

South India Surgical Co Limited sisco.in

Rohit Bajaj Director

South India Surgical Company is one of the pioneer companies in the Surgical Industry in India.

SRS Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd srslife.com

José Miguel Retamal Chief BusinessOficer

SRS Life Sciences is redefines the future of pharmaceutical industry by changing the way consumers experience medicines.

Supriya Lifescience Ltd. supriyalifescience.com

Satish Wagh Founder

Supriya Lifescience takes pride in setting the Gold Standard for Products, Processes, and Systems, having four State-ofthe-art plants, a slew of Awards and Registrations in 35 countries speak volumes of our global stature and success.

Mohal Sarabhai CEO & Director

Vovantis Laboratories is the global supplier of effervescent range of products offering basic products like tablets or packets of Vitamin C, Aspirin, multi vitamins and acetaminophen along with several combinations for cold/cough remedies as well as prescription medicines like Tramadol and Sildenafil in effervescent forms.

Vovantis Laboratories vovantis.com

Community Care Collaboration (C3) Model

Care Teams Family, friends and Professional community care providers

Mobilize Care Actions Care instructions distributed via mobile devices shared by Care Teams

Lifestyle Support Access to lifestyle products/services to keep people in their homes

Because together, we’re better. Our C3 model – Community Care Collaboration – supports care programs that require high levels of collaboration between interdisciplinary care providers, patients, and family caregivers. Our goal is your goal: to keep patients independent, living comfortably in their homes.

Care3.co

Exploring

Healthcare Marketing

with

Artificial Intelligence · Is AI for real? Is it the disruptive technology which Healthcare is looking for? · Are jobs going to be lost? Are we heading towards completely changed marketing approach in Healthcare? · What disruptions should healthcare executives prepare themselves for now? · How will the healthcare industry operate differently in 5 or 10 years into the future?

We all are seeking the answers to above questions and discovering the answers every day of those. Artificial intelligence (AI) has truly moved from concept to reality in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. AI has simplified data processing for many companies, to pour through mountains of scientific data to speed and improve the drug discovery process. AI has made inroads in areas as diverse as regulatory/compliance, clinical trials, manufacturing, and supply chain.

This brings us to the most pertinent aspects of pharma marketing.

• What are the main challenges for pharma companies to bring on and integrate AI talent and tech?

• How can they be better prepared for a data-fueled, machine learning future?

AI can transform Pharma marketing Artificial intelligence and machine learning based analytics are superior for marketing, and this is due to aggregator impact of knowledge processed by various channels. As the number of information channels increases dramatically due to technology adoption by various stake holders, like patients, physicians, pharmacists, medical representative, publications; the complexity of these channels, the fast pace of change in our market environment itself and the complexity of the decisions, it is not possible without the help of AI to make any sense of these interconnected but complex data.

Therefore, using AI powered analytics can sophisticatedly deliver accurate marketing decisions. Artificial intelligence is perfect for Pharma marketing departments because it can undertake large volumes of interconnected and complex judgmental decisions by sieving through a multiple of seemingly unrelated datasets, and this with a high degree of accuracy. The challenge in these multichannel, digital data remains is providing actionable insights are crucial.

AI guided Sales Rep In this highly competitive world of generic brands, coupled with reducing in clinic time, sales teams are struggling and must find new and different ways to engage with physicians. Sales reps are expected to do more with less; the implementation of technology solutions has become increasingly critical.

AI will help simplify the pharmaceutical sales teams’ ability to process large volumes of doctor and patient data and derive from that data accurate and consistent findings resulting in improved patient and doctor outcomes, as well as share real-world clinical outcomes. So, it may be possible soon for sales rep before entering the clinic know, about the

18 / Mar-Apr 2018

Executive Viewpoint

Dr. Mamta Jain MD Medwiz Healthcare Communications physicians preferred brands, indications he is prescribing and create customized information as per physician’s specialty and prescription pattern. In real time churn out analytical data from millions of published data, to cater to any query raised. This will help reps with guided selling tools so that they can give a more targeted, impactful message. When the message and content is more timely and relevant, detail time increases. When detail time increases, sales increase.

Using AI to automate tasks will free up sales rep time, for instance, technology can help by automatically logging calls with physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other key customers into customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Automated order and report generation can not only free his time but also predict trends for accurate forecast of sales.

Also, for marketing it would be easy to share best practices adopted by successful sales rep during their engagement with physicians, so that it can be cascaded in the entire chain, and greatly improving their chances for a successful outcome. In other words, AI can become a sales trainer and mentor that are always by the sales rep’s side, in real time and not during yearly reviews.

Challenges in adoption The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry has been a late adopter of most innovative technologies, even though they do have huge R&D budgets at their disposal. Each company generates terabytes of data and keeps it hidden behind a firewall. Partly, this is due to strict regulatory and compliance standards and partly due to an extremely competitive environment in which these companies operate. Management often doesn’t see sufficient value in something that requires such a major investment.

The biggest challenge is talent. AI experts rarely have an expertise in life science, there’s a big gap in how biology experts and computational experts think. Consequently, there is a great competition for the few experts who can bridge both domains. Companies will have to build this very important resource, and this is going to be major challenges for them. We really needs interdisciplinary innovation and collaboration to apply AI to solve meaningful problems in life sciences.

Conclusion AI is increasingly proving to be of great relevance, is an opportunity and companies who can harness it will gain the advantage. The scope to effectively utilize the full potential is huge and could be easy as it is easy now to capture a massive volume of pharma related high quality raw data, for tailor-made innovative analysis, with the help of AI to create actionable intelligence.

Mar-Apr 2018 / 19

Accurex Biomedical: Saving Lives through Quality Medical Diagnostic Solutions Abhinav Thakur Managing Director

D

iagnostics in an important component of improved value chain in the healthcare sector. The medical diagnostic industry has undergone significant transformation, driven by the innovation of medical devices and the tremendous growth in the integration of Internet of Things (IoT). Medical diagnostic devices are now being developed with wearable technology, connectivity, and personalized healthcare data in mind in order to provide essential information along the healthcare continuum.

Meanwhile, factors such as aging populations and the increase in chronic diseases are also driving the growth of the global medical diagnostic industry.

The medical diagnostic industry is expected to play an increasingly important role in the next several years, as the global healthcare industry agenda is likely to shift from treatment to prediction, prevention and diagnosis. The focus on early detection and prevention of medical conditions will increase globally, while scientific innovations such as molecular and genetic testing will further boost the evolution of medical diagnostics towards more personalized treatment.

Apprehending this, Accurex Biomedical was founded in India with an aim to provide indigenous manufacturing of diagnostic reagents. Accurex is the first company to manufacture enzymatic clinical chemistry reagents in India.

20 / Mar-Apr 2018

Established in 1984, Accurex provides medical diagnostic solutions to pathology labs.

They manufacture diagnostic reagents and trade in diagnostic instruments thus providing a complete solution to pathology labs.

Today, Acuurex is one of the top three manufacturers of quality clinical chemistry reagents and urine analysis test strips with over 30 years of expertise in this area. Accurex is composed of two words, ACCU and REX. “ACCU” refers to the word accurate and its definition by the Oxford dictionary portrays the essence of their existence. “REX”, a Latin word for ‘king’, speaks of their authoritative influence in the diagnostic industry.

Guided by clear vision and driven by innovation, Accurex has gained considerable expertise in manufacturing and marketing of In-vitro Diagnostic reagents. It has built a reputation of quality products, a strong financial base and dynamic marketing. Headquartered in Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, Accurex has branch offices in metros like New Delhi & Kolkata ensures a rapid customer response time and optimal market reach.

‘‘Customer

delight is at the forefront in all our business An Erudite Leader Abhinav Thakur, strategies Managing Director,

‘‘

Accurex Biomedical, is a graduate of world renowned University Of California-Davis. He has completed his PGDM from NMIMS University, Mumbai. He has been Managing Director at ACCUREX for more than 12 years. He is responsible for establishing goals and developing strategies, raising funds, investing in resources and conducting operations at ACCUREX. Previously he has worked with SODHEXO, University Police and California Diabetes Prevention Program in California, U.S.A. He is also the Jt. Coordinator- Mumbai of Association of India Medical Devices Industry (AIMED) and treasurer for the Association for Diagnostic Manufacturers of India (ADMI).

“At Accurex, we have committed ourselves to a shared set of values that are binding on all employees,” says Abhinav.

Everything they do is based on their corporate values: Honesty, Perseverance, Helpfulness, Creativity, Advancement and Prosperity. “These values give us orientation, and they determine our business relationships and of course how we cooperate within the company,” added Abhinav.

Exceptional Services and Solutions Accurex Biomedical Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian manufacturer and marketer which provide accurate and quality solutions in the diagnostic industry. They have been in this business for over 30 years and are currently one of the top 3 Indian companies in the field of Clinical chemistry, and are known for their high quality products.

Accurex is an ISO certified company with state-of- the-art, FDA approved Manufacturing, Quality Assurance and R&D facilities meeting the stringent requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices assuring superior quality.

Independent Quality Assurance department establishes policies and procedures designed to monitor all aspects of the manufacturing process like inspection of raw materials and packaging materials, on-line production checks and finally, finished product release testing.

Accurex is now the only company that provides a Performance Data Sheet along with every product pack with the evaluation data of each of their products with six Internationally Recognized control sera.

Moreover, the company has a wide array of products ranging from Clinical Chemistry reagents, Serology test kits, Urinalysis analyzer and strips, blood glucometer, Semi & Fully Automated Clinical Chemistry Analyzers, Electrolyte Analyzers and Hematology analyzer.

Accurex has dedicated personnel committed to prompt product delivery and complete customer satisfaction along with a team of well-trained engineers for after sales services that add up to an excellent sales and service network.

“Customer delight is at the forefront in all our business strategies,” asserts Abhinav.

Upcoming Endeavors “The brand equity built over the past three decades is the best part of Accurex. We are going to leverage it by launching new products,” says Abhinav. With quality as their minimum requirement, Accurex aims to provide the healthcare industry with the best diagnostic tests and biomarkers to provide accurate, rapid and efficient treatment. The aim of Accurex is to research, develop, manufacture and market ‘value-added’ diagnostic products.

Mar-Apr 2018 / 21

C

urrently, the healthcare industry is adopting new technologies rapidly. Predominantly, the Information Technology, which is used to assist both doctors and patients alike, and to improve the delivery of healthcare services. The most important section of a hospital information system today is the Electronic Health Record (EHR), where patient information is stored.

Furthermore, a countless number of applications are used by the hospital staff to monitor the medical facility’s performance in terms of financial efficiency and treatment success rates. In addition to this, Government and federal organizations also use IT solutions to check the quality and safety of healthcare organization. Moreover, patients use various health monitoring apps and devices to monitor their vitals and to communicate with doctors through mobile and wireless technologies.

Now-a-days as computers have become an essential part of our daily lives, it is increasingly important that data security is also placed front and center on our list of priorities.

Mainly in the healthcare industry, where thoughts are often focused on saving someone’s life and rightly so, but securing access to interfaces and computer systems that store private data like medical records is also an essential factor to consider. Data security is a corresponding action between controlling access to information while allowing free and easy access to those who need that information.

Although extensive digitization of information in the healthcare sector has improved the healthcare services making them fast and efficient, the information security risk is also very real. In 2016, information security breaches in the healthcare industry affected more than 27 million patients.

22 / Mar-Apr 2018

Given the sensitive nature of healthcare data it is vital for healthcare providers to have a robust and reliable information security service in place. The strategies should not only react and protect the healthcare data, but also predict and prevent any assaults launched by cyber criminals. In the recent years, cyber criminals are interested in the electronic medical records as the black market rate for this kind of information is much higher than the credit card numbers or bank account passwords.

This trend might be surprising, but the reasons are quite obvious. Altogether, the data in the electronic medical records contains: patients’ names, their dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, places of work and positions, IDs, card numbers, medical and social insurance. Stealing of such information can lead to a complete identity theft, rather than just a one-time bank hack.

Another important reason is weak protection of patients' data in medical institutions. Financial institutions like banks have already created a strong system of data protection. The two-factor authentication has become a universal standard for banks. The bank allows its client access to the information only after entering the One-Time Password.

But on the contrary, in public health associations such systems have not being implemented in a long time and

Editor’s Pick

thus they become an easy victim for the cyber criminals.

Below are some of Healthcare data security tips that can be implemented to maintain a secure data environment: Despite all the vulnerabilities healthcare data security encounters in the age of technology, there are enough ways to reduce these risks. Similar to any other type of organization, medical facilities needs data protection from dangers like; targeted attacks and hacking, virus infiltration, employee actions committed due to illiteracy or with a purpose to steal medical records.

The first two are generally eliminated by cyber security experts. To prevent the human factor, in addition to the administrative work with the staff, the medical institutions need to adopt a reliable means of strong user authentication when gaining access to the electronic medical records and patients’ data.

Since the owners of the insurances don’t get the billing information immediately, it is difficult to spot that the medical records storage has been hacked. The banks usually immediately inform their customers about any actions on their accounts via text messages. Thus, the person, if necessary, may report on a particular suspicious transaction.

Moreover, often the bank clients need to confirm their identity to make a transaction. If such means of user authentication were used in medical facilities, many healthcare data frauds could have been avoided.

The two-factor authentication with one-time passwords has become the standard for a great number of different digital companies. Hardware and software OTP tokens, which generate the one-time passwords, are often used to increase the data protection level. These tokens do not need Internet connection, and thus help to avoid OTP passwords interception. Two-factor authentication has proven its reliability a long ago and thus, it may be useful for the healthcare data security as well.

Conclusively the IT solutions in healthcare industry must be developed and used in agreement to all the standards to avoid risks and provide maximum data security.

Implementing proper data protection strategies and solutions will enable medical facilities to fulfill the monitoring and reporting regulations and share data securely.

Mar-Apr 2018 / 23

Adani Pharmachem: Formulating & Enhancing Future through Innovative & Quality APIs Mr. Rushabh Adani Managing Director

E

stablished in the year 1981, Adani Pharmachem, is engaged in manufacturing, exporting, wholesaling & supplying an array of APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) & Fine Chemicals. This range of products is formulated using factory-tested chemicals, which are obtained from a trustworthy vendor base of the industry. The company has invested resources to find this vendor base. Apart from this, Adani Pharmachem uses latest technology to formulate the chemicals, with strict adherence to set norms and standard of the industry.

Therefore, the chemicals of Adani Pharmachem are widely appreciated for accurate composition, longer shelf life, high effectiveness and best purity.

The Dynamic Young Leader Mr. Rushabh Adani, Managing Director of Adani Pharmachem is a B.B.A. graduated from Christ College, Rajkot (Sau. University). He has over 16 years of experience in Manufacturing & Exporting of APIs and Fine Chemicals Mr. Rushabh joined Adani Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd. in Year 2000 with vision to start export of their products within span of 2 years of his joining; Company started exporting their products in 10 countries with almost 55% jump in sales from preceding years. From there onwards there was no looking back and year on year company sales was increasing and company gain rapid name and growth in

24 / Mar-Apr 2018

International Market. In spite of not having technical degree, he was very much successful in marketing pharmaceutical products having gained knowledge from technical staff and industry personnel.

Today, the company manufactures more than 30 odd products in various categories and Exports their products in more than 35 countries with 75% of sales in International Market. He has gained experience and technical knowledge under the guidance of his father, Late Shri Haresh Adani, Founder of the company.

The Pillar of Adani Pharmachem Adani Pharmachem is supported by an expert team of professionals and it works hard to deliver the best quality products to the customers. Their team members comprises Q.C. Chemists, Q.A. Executives, Plant supervisors, Manufacturing Chemists, Marketing & sales executives, Export officers, administrative professionals and warehousing & packing professionals. All the members of Adani Pharmachem’s team works in unity to achieve the goals of the organization.

“Apart from our team, we are supported by a state-of-theart infrastructure which is spread over a large area of

‘‘

Enhancing Lives since 1981

‘‘

operation . We have installed all the requisite machinery in our formulation unit to fulfill bulk of orders within committed period of time. Our research & development unit tries to innovate cost-effective and new manufacturing processes without hampering the quality of the chemicals. This unit also tries to develop the new products.

We export in Africa, Asia & American Countries & Indian Sub-continent,” asserts Rushabh.

Adani Pharmachem’s Say on the Current Industry Scenario Adani Pharma believes that the pharma market is becoming highly competitive and also dominated by low price means competitive pricing. Now a day’s lots of new drugs are being introduced and in this world so existing old drugs are facing problem of lower demand and product life cycle is decreasing. Also stringent rules and regulation in industry is reason for slow growth rate. In this era one has to provide best quality of product at highly competitive price Industry is facing lot of competition from China. Due to drug price control on many finished formulation market for Bulk drugs is very competitive these days.

The Company’s Success Adani Pharmachem attributes its success to the longer visionary promoter of the company late Shree Haresh Adani. They say that it is his training that have made them capable and attain this position. It’s his expertise, which has helped the company to reach at this level. Moreover, efforts of their employee and workers also played vital role in company’s success.

Overcoming Challenges Challenges are the part of life ups and downs may come but what counts is how we face them and overcome them. At Adani Pharmachem also faced many challenges in the period of 34 years.

Sometime, challenges might be quality, price finance customer specific need, but the company strives to overcome all because of dedication of their dedicated team and top management efforts.

Also customer audits and certification processes are challenging and Adani Pharmachem tries to resolve it with expertise help. Also, these day environmental issues are the bigger challenges, but company has overcome them with professional help and latest environmental protection equipment.

Maintaining Long Term Relationship with Clients Customers are king and key point of success is having strong customer base.

In order to build a strong customer base providing quality product on the regular basis is key point. Secondly, along with quality, timely delivery of the goods with competitive prices too are vital in developing some personal relationship with friendly behavior and having their odds they trying to solve their problems prompt action on any issue contributes to successful customer base.

Future Perspective of Adani Pharmachem Hard work and Innovation should be the DNA of any industry.

As many new drugs are introduced APIs industry is growing too, so market and demand will increase. Customer will get innovative new product at competitive rate, best quality, services and availability on timely basis. Adani Pharmachem’s teamwork, dedication of each and every member of the unit and punctuality is the best part and with the help of the company’s R&D team their knowledge Adani Pharmachem is soon going to introduce new product with the company growing at pace of 20 %. The company is also striving to increase manufacturing capacity to meet increasing demand.

Mar-Apr 2018 / 25

r a l u c Mole c i t e n e G : s c i t s o n g a i D w e i V e y E s ’ d r i AB

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enetic testing, especially molecular genetic diagnostics, has evolved rapidly since the advent of the twenty-first century, thereby prompting a corresponding evolution in patient management and the healthcare industry. Recent advances in molecular biology research have opened a portal to plenty of phenomenon that were previously heard of only in science fiction, such as gene editing, personalized medicine, and even designer babies. A literal interpretation of the term ‘genetic testing’ would refer to the analysis of changes (known as mutations) in the hereditary material or DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of an individual or group of individuals to confirm or predict health-related outcomes. A genome refers to the complete set of genes that an individual possesses and the study of this is referred to as genomics. The concepts of genetic and genomic testing are relatively novel for the larger population and present multiple challenges for everyone involved, including the clinician, patient, and even the scientists developing the tests.

Genetic testing is available in a plethora of flavors, so to speak, ranging from the genuine, actionable and relevant to poorly regulated, ambiguous fluff. Accurate molecular diagnosis can impact patient treatment by comprehensively identifying the disease condition and providing the clinician with treatment modalities. In addition, one can also ascertain if a family member carries a risk of developing the

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same condition. Therefore, it is of primary importance to uphold impeccable laboratory quality standards to minimize the scope of error.

In an effort to remedy this, a comprehensive team that includes diverse specialists such as molecular biologists, medical geneticists, clinicians, bioinformaticians, histopathologists, and genetic and psychological counsellors is required to overcome the scientific, technical, social, and psychological implications of a molecular genetic test. Their expertise extends to choosing the right technique and avoiding unnecessary testing with the aim of minimizing the financial and psychological burden on the patients.

Countless applications of molecular and cellular biology have permeated across various fields ranging from agriculture to healthcare. For example, modern oncology relies heavily on molecular testing for disease management decisions. Successive testing for mutations in family members of the patient has proven to be cost-effective with long-term benefits. Disease predisposition and prophylactic measures are based on such genetic evaluations.

The prevalence of conditions such as muscular dystrophy, dysmorphism, intellectual disability, and disorders of sexual differentiation are commonly observed in young children.

Expert’s Foresight

Ms. Kavita Khatod

MBBS, MS (Molecular and Cell Biology), Certified Medical Geneticist Head, Technical Marketing & Genetic Counselor GenePath Dx

This has prompted pediatricians to use molecular tests to augment their clinical acumen. Reproductive and maternal health too has been revolutionized owing to developments in molecular biology. This is critical for family planning and its possible implications in cases of hereditary disease and consanguineous marriage as most reproductive decisions are seriously impacted with this knowledge.

Genetic testing is proving to be invaluable in the diagnosis of critical infections such as sepsis and transplantassociated infections as timely intervention is of paramount importance in such cases and genetic tests have a very short turnaround time compared to classical microbiological tests such as urine or blood cultures.

Pharmacogenomics, better known as personalized medicine, enables doctors to utilize the genetic profile of an individual to tailor a therapy, and its dosage, that would elicit the maximum response with minimal adverse effects.

This helps improve the prognosis in cases of cancers, single gene disorders, neurometabolic disorders, and hematological disorders. To maximize on this wealth of information, it is essential to establish certain parameters that include correct interpretation and communication, right bioinformatic support, non-directive genetic counseling and open access to population databases for comparison.

population databases. In addition, the ethical complexities of access to such information need to be reviewed as lifealtering decisions may be based on the findings of the test.

It is imperative to maintain patient confidentiality and results must always be conveyed by authorized and trained personnel owing to the social stigma attached to such tests as discrimination by employers, family members and societal pressure lead to disfavoring outcomes. Establishing and following guidelines to avoid unnecessary screening and testing should be mandatory.

The impact of genomics is far-reaching and tapping into new horizons. Data for the first human genome was assimilated over a span of thirteen years through cumbersome research. Since then, however, exponential leaps in technology have shortened the time and monetary investment required for whole genome sequencing (WGS), thereby making personalized medicine a reality. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will bridge the gap in accessing global databases for data analysis and reduce human dependency to a large extent. Awareness and education, however, are required for the population and the clinicians to benefit from the recent breakthroughs of modern molecular science. Genomics is at a nascent stage and caution through good governance is required to ensure that it evolves rapidly to make concepts like gene editing a reality in our lifetime.

Every developing technology, however, has its own caveats and pitfalls, some of which are unnecessary testing, improper validation of tests and limited access to

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At Horizon, we’re driven by a clear purpose; to improve

Patients’ Lives.

www.horizonpharma.com

Helping all people live healthy lives

www.bd.com

Remote Healthcare ‘

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emote Healthcare’ - one of the most finesse concepts that have evolved in the medical sector. In today’s modern society, everything is getting more modern including medicine and healthcare industry and that’s mainly because of the evolving technologies. The way Remote Healthcare is taking care by gathering and transferring the healthrelated data, it is gaining popularity.

Nowadays, due to advancement in the mobility and sensor technology, remote healthcare has become a highly attractive concept for everyone.

Technology is becoming more pervasive. It is observed during a survey, that top pharma companies are having 63% more unique apps and the number of healthcare app has more than doubled in two and a half years.

The fact that nearly about 75% people go online for health information, it becomes quite clear that Remote Healthcare has been proved to be extremely beneficial for patients.

Patient’s expectation is to get better treatment with satisfaction and Remote Healthcare technology providing both high satisfaction and better treatment for patients.

The important key factors which are responsible for increasing the use of healthcare apps are trustworthy, accuracy of data, ease of use, simplicity, and design, and a guarantee of data security.

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The benefits of remote healthcare for providers i.e., for doctors and for medical cares are that- they believe the technology can improve outcomes of health, minimizes avoidable service use, focuses on prevention, and promote patient independence. Realtime facts like paperwork time have lowered nearly about 60% because the hospital admissions itself has decreased by 35%, the patient’s face time i.e. the time taken by the doctors and patients to interact with each other, has increased by 29% this means they can probably spend more time with the patients, these are the evidence of remote healthcare technology are benefits for providers too.

ability to remotely monitor patients is helping doctors to achieve great coordinated care. It is also called Homecare Telehealth, a type of ambulatory healthcare service that allows a patient to use a mobile medical device to perform a routine test and send the test data to a healthcare professional in real-time.

Today we have a large number of availability of remote healthcare services using video-conferencing equipment, mobile services, internet access, remote monitoring devices and other tools. We can exchange real-time updates with doctors via smartphone, which is recorded for the further analysis.

Technology has power to improve access to healthcare services, especially for people with mobility problems, whereas opportunities in using mobile technology have also improved in this endeavor. The population of smartphones and tablets users is growing fast irrespective of any age group. Even the older generation is finding it fruitful due to the presence of heath support apps.

People are getting attracted towards healthcare apps because of the notable development in the field. Additionally, smartphones are incorporating a growing range of sensors which monitors changes in physiology.

Another one of the technologies called Microelectronic Technology (MEMS), which is basically focused on the ways to implant those microscopic devices on the body. With the help of this technology, one can have access and connection to smartphones, through which exchange of data can take place anywhere in the world.

Remote healthcare includes one of the technologies called Remote patient monitoring (RPM). This RPM has an

The real excitement for doctors is – ‘To be in two places at the same time’.

And, that’s why doctors are able to keep track of more than one patient at a time and treat them in parallel.

Basically, the devices which are given to patients will instantly measure vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and sugar level etc.

Future Bots

Reasons Worth Investing in Remote Healthcare Medical cares are increasingly implementing Remote Healthcare. Following are some reasons for the increasing interest in the Remote Healthcare.

Time-saving Remote Healthcare technology minimizes the hospitalization time in order to support the patients in a given time period. So, patients do not need to wait for admission, and instead of joining waiting list or bed, they can receive treatment in their own home; and this can also help in reducing stress.

Relief for Staff Medical center staff can now catch a breath through remote healthcare technology. All the monitored patients don’t lose the sense of safety because they can quickly contact a specialist whenever needed.

Control over treatment The advanced solutions allow remote monitoring, observation of trends, and change dynamics in patient’s vital parameters. This advanced treatment increases the percentage of patients due to the improved treatment efficiency.

response time is very short in the remote healthcare technology, so the risk is lowered by using these services.

Greater prestige for the Center Launching of innovative services based on new technologies is positively affecting the medical centers’ image. These incredible solutions assure flexibility and thereby improve quality of a patient’s life.

Cost Optimization Applications of remote healthcare are optimal solutions for the cost. It owes services with telemedical functions and advanced online communication which is neither bound to a single location. Such technology includes online medical conferences that allow residents small of towns where direct access to doctors is often limited, they can get benefits from specialist anywhere in the world.

Ultimately, Remote Healthcare provides a safety buffer around the patient. Patients are supported remotely by the healthcare professionals, who can access their well-being at the tap of their fingertips. As Remote Healthcare plays an important role in improving the lives of patients, it is a proper application of wireless technology, which has a potential to increase effectiveness, decrease costs and generally improve the quality of healthcare.

Improved Treatment Efficiency One of the reasons is long-term patients monitoring with improved treatment. This results in a continuous measurement of selected parameters of the patient. The

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Arlak Biotech: Delivering Affordable and Best Quality Pharma Products Umesh Kalra Founder & CEO

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ndia is the 2nd most populated country in the world and one of the fastest growing economies on Earth. In coming years with the continued growth, there will be the population explosion in India. These people will need good facilities, which include the healthcare sector and medicines. Thus, the demand for quality and effective pharma products will be high.

patients. They follow stringent quality control measures which affirm to the standards of pharmaceutical and guarantee full therapeutic values. Arlak Biotech is a WHOGMP Certified Pharma Marketing Company and has a vast distribution network which guarantees convenient access of their pharmaceutical formulations throughout the country.

The Leading Light

A Pharma business is one of the best ways by which a company provides its products to several regions of the country. Pharma is considered as the backbone of the pharma companies. It works as a bridge between the pharma company and the customers.

Arlak Biotech is one such leading Pharma Company in Punjab, India. They offer an extensive variety of Pharmaceutical products to healthcare industry at the most affordable cost. Arlak biotech is marketing more than 1000+ brands for different human medical requirements.

Their portfolio incorporate Tablets, Softgel Cap, Capsules, Injectables, Syrups, Topical gels, Creams, Oils, Lotions, Drops, Sachet and many more others as per medical requirements.

To make their products within the scope of all patient population, Arlak Biotech keeps their value structure to a moderate level to suits the short and long terms needs of

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Umesh Kalra, Founder and CEO of Arlak Biotech has a vision of becoming one of the top international companies in the healthcare sector. Umesh is a proud pharmacy graduate who started his career as a medical representative.

With an incredible passion to provide healthcare to the masses at a reasonable price, Umesh initiated Arlak Biotech.

Gaining motivational support from friends and family,

‘‘

Arlak Biotech not only makes products that their customers want now, but also develop new and innovative products for their customer's future needs

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Arlak Biotech’s journey started with 3 products. Due to the lack of funds, Umesh contributed for every job possible and worked in various sectors such as designing, field work, and even distribution.

Under the expert guidance of Umesh, in 2015, Arlak Biotech received Businessmen excellence award “Best Quality Company in Pharma” from Dr. Harsh Vardhan (Union Cabinet Minister). And in 2016, the company added one more feather in its cap when Arlak Biotech received another award “Pharma Company with Ethical Marketing Practice” from Sh. Mansukh L Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Chemical Fertilizer & Pharmaceutical.

Innovative Approaches At Arlak Biotech, they have a complete and efficient distribution network throughout the country to guarantee accessibility of the products at all the locations in India constantly. They have a strong customer data base and they do their best to keep them fully satisfied. This has resulted in and astonishing increasing month after month in the customer data base.

The company believes in fulfilling the social responsibilities beyond the business. They are providing the best quality Pharmaceutical Products to the healthcare industry with a proficient distribution network which guarantees accessibility of their entire pharma products range to reach the valuable customers within 2-4 days. They have exceptionally imaginative and straightforward promotional inputs through brilliant showcasing and easily

understandable marketing information.

Distinctive Products and Services Taking a broader look at the requirements of boundless patient population, Arlak Biotech’s value structure of whole products range fits to the clinical requirement of the vast patient population. Their product portfolio meets effectively to healthcare management for joint pain, swelling, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes management, Gastroenterology, Respiratory Disorders, Nutrition, Diet Supplements and Skin care and others.

Moreover, the company also has a complete Ayurvedic product range along with a nutraceuticals and cosmetic range. Arlak is planning to enter the critical care segment and have recently launched Men’s grooming range.

Upcoming Endeavors Arlak biotech aims to become a top leading name in the healthcare industry while adding more segments where humanity is facing health related troubles. Arlak biotech is planning to educate patients about upcoming threats such as cancer and other deadly disease. In India, the average lifespan is less compared to other developed countries, and a lot of work has to be done to provide an effective and economical healthcare solution to the citizens and Arlak Biotech aims to do just that.

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Ambati Venu Managing Director Abbott India Limited

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rtificial A Intelligence

Entrepreneur’s Outlook

Marketing in Healthcare

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omorrow’s world of patient care will be different and much more efficient than today. It is no surprise that Artificial Intelligence marketing strategies will impact, and to a large extent are already impacting, the way we in the healthcare industry, do business. The use of artificial intelligence in marketing will benefit the researchers, doctors as well patients – from faster discoveries, faster clinical results, quicker and accurate diagnosis, to a personalized consumer experience. Artificial intelligence has unimaginable possibilities. How do we tap it?

A recent Capgemini study highlighted the vast implementation of AI solutions by companies from various sectors, and emphasized that AI has already transformed their traditional way of business, managing customer relationships, and has helped inspire ideas that fuel innovation. For healthcare, this would mean a revolutionary change in patient care.

We all have used the Google’s AI-powered predictions for location mapping; tapped on Siri/Cortana to ask the latest movie timings – the world is witnessing rapid change through AI. For healthcare - solutions that can help stakeholders across the value chain will benefit, and technologies such as AI will help reduce adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, the time-to-market, improve diagnosis and patient experiences. Amid shrinking pipelines, and the ever-elusive need to reduce the time to market products, we in the pharma industry are running a race with time. In such a scenario, technologies are a crucial fulcrum that will propel a quicker, efficient growth.

Near-future AI marketing interventions With a patient-centric approach, marketers in the healthcare industry are on the lookout to maintain genuine patient relationships that drive long-term reputation and trustworthiness. Considering this, AI solutions that better treatment approaches, provide and securely manage copious patient data, backed by affordable and accessible analytics, will open up possibilities of personalizing consumer experience.

In the near future, AI would bring in changes at several levels, noticeably: - Personalized healthcare solutions: AI is gradually changing the problem-solving approach for healthcare – be it at the patient or the caregivers end. With AI-led solutions, it is now possible to identify the crucial interventions in the clinical journey basis cohort-studies. Medical data is currently being tested to reflect the clinical performances of systems. AI

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algorithms are already being tested that optimizes dosage forms in real time according to patient’s lifestyle. Along with accurate and quicker clinical outcomes, analytics from cohort studies will help to design the elusive “individualized” healthcare solutions for patients. IBM Watson has been providing support across the continuum of care and will change the paradigm of clinical decision making with individualized solutions.

- Improving health outcomes: AI and such cognitive technologies will continue to expand in the augmentation of clinical decision making from reading scans to improving outcomes through better treatment decisions. We have also seen its application in predicting risk factors, ensuring better compliance, and avoiding adverse reactions. Through a dedicated Service + Pill ecosystem, we would be able to improve patients’ adherence to treatment and also provide realtime treatment options for better health outcomes.

Innovations galore…

As a patient-centric pharma company our mission is to help people lead a healthier and fuller life. Innovation is at the center of most things that we do at Abbott and AI marketing will definitely help us in this journey. Imagine using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for ordering medicine without human intervention? Or having an AI-powered bedside virtual assistant for patients that can answer their queries?

The future of having customer bots for filtering medical data or renewing prescriptions are not far away. Along with a smooth customer experience, such solutions will ensure timely refilling of Rx and improve adherence rates in patients.

In areas with a poor access and lacking healthcare systems, AI virtual bots will be able to provide basic healthcare information and guidance. In a country like India, this will help solve the major issues of timely accessibility and monitoring of patients in the long run.

While there have been some concerns over how AI may affect human workforce and the security of patient data, we need to understand that AI augments human interventions. Let’s use it not only to take over complex, time-consuming tasks, but also to ensure efficiency and for shortening the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment and compliance. AI solutions must be able to ensure patient data security, only then we will be able to use it to the fullest.

We have some AI-led times ahead!

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Engineered Babies: Would you Prefer Genetic Perfection?

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nvision yourself sitting comfortably in a fertility clinic, sipping coffee, you pick up the menu and start choosing. Will you go for tall or short? Would you prefer blue eyes or brown? Would you fancy clever or funny? When you are done selecting, head down to the counter and order yourself a new baby!

With rapid improvements in scientific knowledge of human genome and our increasing ability to change and modify genes, this scenario of ‘designing’ your own baby could very well be possible in the near future. Although the concept of genetic engineering has always been on the mind of science fiction writers and biochemists for almost a decade, only recently has it been in the spotlight. This is due to the current successful events of gene editing.

Genome editing is biological editing in which DNA is

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inserted, deleted or replaced in a living organism using nucleases or molecular scissors. In the human genome, genetic information is stored in 23 pairs of chromosomes, and written only in four alphabets viz., A, T, G, and C. It carries coded information for all the processes one would require throughout life. This data is subjected to numerous factors which can alter the genetic make-up and lead to disorders. Thus this altered information if carried by either parent and passed on to the offspring can cause a genetic disorder. Even if the faulty gene is not expressed in the offspring, it nevertheless can act as the carrier of that disease. The only preventive measure for informed parents with a family history of genetic disorders is to screen the amniotic fluid for defective genes.

In the last decade, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been the primary tool for those seeking to modify genes. It uses

Inside Scoop

natural enzymes to target and slice genes with pinpoint accuracy. It has already been used to genetically modify nonviable embryos in China.

Recently, a team of scientists in Oregon successfully modified the DNA of a human embryo by repairing a single gene mutation using CRISPR to cure a fatal heart condition caused by a genetic mutation.

This could, in theory, mean that CRISPR would be able to prevent the same mutation from affecting any embryo.

Although, the process remains arduous and challenging as there are numerous genes responsible for one single trait. For example, something like height is approximately coded by 93,000 genetic variations. And considering current capabilities, it is next to impossible to test each of those genes to make any significant difference. Although it can take very little time to alter a single gene, altering thousands, and figuring out which ones to alter, is very timeconsuming. The more complicated concept is the use of genetic editing for repairing genetic disorders like Alzheimer’s, Blindness and even Cystic Fibrosis. But access to such tools is limited and thus expensive, resulting in an increase in the economic divide.

The concept of using CRISPR for human reproduction is rejected at large by the medical research community. Besides, there seems to be little need for gene editing in human reproduction. It would be difficult, uncertain and expensive to achieve what can most likely be gained by other ways, particularly by selecting an embryo that has or lacks the gene. “Almost everything you can accomplish by gene editing, you can accomplish by embryo selection,” says bioethicist Henry Greely of Stanford University.

Moreover, recently when the researchers sliced out the faulty portion of the gene and tried to replace it with the correct version, the embryonic cells disregarded it and copied the healthy version from the other set of chromosome. Essentially, the cells ignored the DNA that was externally added and favored the DNA that was already present.

This increases the possibility that instilling major changes in the human genome won’t work because the embryos will reject the editing. Nonetheless, with the technology coming into existence, many are worried that “designer babies” will be unavoidable. That, however, is far from the obvious.

The opinion that genetics, evolution and natural selection should be left to nature, rather than human intervention, is not a new one.

Meddling in the evolution of human beings can have austere consequences.

Essential genetic realism and bioethical considerations will prevent “designer babies” from being prevalent. Nonetheless, we can expect that improved genetically modified crops and other organisms can be fashioned using CRISPR. In the near future, that is the most likely use for genome editing. For now, though, if there is going to be anything even vaguely similar to the widespread designer-baby fantasy, it will come from embryo selection, and not from genetic manipulation.

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Vovantis Laboratories: Leading the Pharmaceutical Market while using Effervescent Technology Mohal Sarabhai Founder & CEO

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he uses of effervescent technology have gained popularity in the market. These tablets or medicines are designed in such a way that it gets dissolved in water easily, while regular medicine lacks this quality. This quality of effervescent medicines has been proved beneficial for those people who are taking medicinally and as a diet supplement. Pleasant taste, evenly distribution of elements, increased liquid intake is few reasons why ‘Effervescent Medicines’ are popular among people. Using this as an advantage, Vovantis Laboratories has evolved as one of the best companies which use the effervescent technologies to produce effervescent medicines.

product that uses curcumin in effervescent form. This product is currently being tested for its efficiency in cancer treatment as the essence of curcumin helps in cancer care.

The unique formula used by Vovantis which combines curcumin with piperazine extract, gives an effervescent effect which helps it to be absorbed easily by the human body. Vovantis offers a complete range of service to its private lable customers that include product development, analysis in pilot batches, commercial batches and customized labeling and packaging for strip foils and cartons, tubes and sachets. The products manufactured by Vovantis have a global market including in countries like USA and Canada while the products are being manufactured in India.

Name Synonymous with Effervescent Products The Man Who Aids From the Front Envisioned with an objective of becoming a global supplier of Effervescent range of products, Vovantis Laboratories had onset in the year 2008. Vovantis started delivering service with offering basic products like tablets and sachets of Vitamin C, Aspirin, multi vitamins and acetaminophen, etc. These effervescent products had gained wide acceptance and success among common people due to its better taste compared to the regular products. Their efficiency in masking taste is one of the reasons why, Vovantis topped the list midst its competitors. The recent expansion of Vovantis includes the development of a novel

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Mohal Sarabhai, the Founder and the CEO of Vovantis Laboratories began his entrepreneur career with the formation of Asence Inc; a company based out in USA with a business of supplying key pharmaceutical products sourced from Asia for North American markets. During this period he noticed a huge gap in the availability and quality of effervescent products and the available products did not taste good. Mohal adds saying, “I decided to change that and with the help of a European investor incorporated Vovantis in India as a global prescription of Effervescent

‘‘Vovantis

LaboratoriesGlobal prescription for effervescent technology

‘‘

products”. Vovantis manufacturing facility was started in India as India offers unique advantages in both talent and labor. India also has the most approved USFDA manufacturing locations outside of the USA and the company was started in the State of Gujarat which alone is a hub for many leading pharmaceutical companies.

the ladder of success. Mohal states, “When we incorporated this company with a focus on effervescent products, initially nobody knew us and so getting any meeting (let alone sales) was extremely difficult. I started carrying samples of our products with me and before a meeting would start would drop a multivitamin or Vitamin C into a glass of water and request my potential customers to just take a sip.”Most who took this sip ended up buying from us.

Reforming the Market In store for Future Mohal agrees to the fact that Effervescent technology offers faster absorption by the human body due to which it has a faster onset of action that is critical in treating acute symptoms such as pain. Also as the effervescent medicines can be swallowed easily and are gentle on the digestive tract, the demands of effervescent medicines are increasing.

Mohal asserts, “I believe that more and more products would become available and patients would prefer the effervescent route of medicine, if available.” Vovantis are developing several prescription products while also working with clients to convince and educate them to brand extend their existing molecules by offering effervescent products too. This market strategy has helped Vovantis Laboratories to expand its business and reach the common masses. Even though Vovantis Laboratories is now considered as the leader in the field of effervescent technology, the initial journey was filled with hardships.

Gaining trust among the common people who have been relying on regular medicines since generations was one of the biggest challenges faced by Vovantis. However, Vovantis was able to overcome this challenge by supplying good quality products that too timely. The first break which they received was from US where, Vovantis was asked to deliver five of their products instantly, and by this climbing

Vovantis Laboratories have planned to double its enhanced capacity and produce more products by the year 2020.

Being a global supplier of effervescent pharmaceutical products comes with responsibilities. Different customers have different needs and hence; Vovantis is always available for any of the queries regarding the effervescent products.

Mohal had envisioned the success path of the company since its uprising. He adds saying, “I have great people who work with me as friends in achieving that direction with frankness and enthusiasm. I only work with positive people and value positive energy immensely.” The near future would see Vovantis’s involvement in areas such as veterinary, tank and pool cleaning products as well as bath and shower medicated products. www.vovantis.com

www.vovantis.com

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H

igh Quality accurate test report by a pathology Laboratory is extremely crucial for a clinician to decide the correct line of treatment for the patient and ultimately the fate of the patient.

Furthermore its patient’s right to obtain accurate report for his hard earned hefty sum paid towards testing.

The most crucial factor which actually ensures HIGH QUALITY TEST REPORTS is patient’s specimen or SAMPLE which is being tested and unfortunately this factor is MOST NEGLECTED in most of the pathology lab set ups in India. Though the path labs invest heavily on medical equipments for biological measurements, they hardly care for pre Analytical area which is sample collection area in laymen’s words.

What is Pre-analytical Process? Ÿ Patient Identification Ÿ Phlebotomy

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CXO Insights

Pankaj Dhole

Director Bioteknika Technologies Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad

Ÿ Blood Collection Ÿ Specimen Transport Ÿ Specimen Processing Why to focus on pre-analytical? Ÿ The pre-analytical stage is the most important and can be critical to patient wellbeing Ÿ The analytical stage and post analytical stages depend primarily on the Quality and Integrity of the specimen submitted to the laboratory (Pre-Analytical) Ÿ Laboratory staff involved in specimen collection has a direct impact on the outcome of patient’s lab results Ÿ Errors made in the period prior to sample analysis may influence the final test result. Ÿ Approximately 32 - 75% of all test errors occur in the pre-analytical phase Possible errors in Pre-analytical Process Ÿ Wrong patient ID on the sample Ÿ Missing patient ID on the sample Ÿ Wrong collection time Ÿ Inadequate/ inappropriate container Ÿ Inadequate volume, inappropriate volume to anticoagulant ratio Ÿ Contaminated from IV line

Phlebotomy Ÿ Phlebotomy is a highly complex skill requiring expert knowledge and critical judgment Ÿ Phlebotomy errors may cause harm to patients or result in needle stick injury to the phlebotomist Ÿ Pediatric and Adult Collections should be carefully done considering Size differentiation, Angle of penetration, Rigidity of vein, Reliable vein development versus development of muscle, tendon and subcutaneous tissue and Psychology of patient Suggested solutions to avoid Preanalytical Errors Ÿ Every lab should have Standard operating procedures for specimen acceptance /rejection to be followed by all staff Ÿ There has to be a manual for Identification and monitoring of reasons for specimen rejection Ÿ Effect of improvement initiative in

decreasing the rate of specimen rejection should be monitored Ÿ Path labs should be very careful in selecting blood collections tubes and quality should be the foremost criteria instead of price. The Blood collection tubes should be thoroughly checked for quality standards before putting them for collection use.

Most importantly, Path labs need to accept the effects of Pre-analytical Variables and believe that there is indeed room for Improvement.

Also, path labs need to accept the fact that most errors affecting laboratory test results occur in the pre-analytical phase primarily because of the difficulty in achieving standardized procedures for sample collection and selection of high quality blood collection tube is vital for high quality test results.

Remember… Concern for the change is the most important step towards change.

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QUALITY HEALTHCARE AFFORDABLE PLANS