Generic versions of key diabetic drug in market double in a month
In less than two months after diabetes drug
Empagliflozin
went off patent, Indian branded generic players have crowded the market with their versions of the product leading to a month-on-month doubling in the number of players and brands flooding the market in April.
#Operation Sindoor
Live Updates| From Sindoor to showdown? Track Indo-Pak conflict as it unfolds
India hits Lahore's Air Defence Radars in proportionate response
Pakistan tried to hit military targets in these 15 Indian cities, New Delhi thwarts strikes
Nearly 147 brands of the drug and 37 companies are in the market now, up from 86 brands and 19 companies in March, according to data from industry tracker and market researcher PharmaTrac.
Doctors said that an increasing number of anti-diabetic drugs going off patent-with Empagliflozin being the latest-is good for patients and medical practitioners as it makes anti diabetes drugs more affordable in India where cases of diabetes are rising.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Don't Miss The Top Packaging Trends Of 2024, Enhnace Your Brand With The Latest Insights
Packaging Machines | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
Empagliflozin-which was Boehringer Ingelheim's innovator drug sold under the brand name Jardiance-went off patent mid-March. It is used to improve glucose control in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Live Events
"With almost 150 brands and 40 companies jumping in the Empagliflozin off patent opportunity and volume sales picking up steeply in the last two months, every player in the IPM (Indian pharmaceutical market) looks like geared up to make the most of this opportunity," said Sheetal Sapale, vice president, commercial, PharmaTrac.
"Most of the innovator molecules (used to treat Type 2 diabetes) in SGLT 2 (Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2) and DPP4 i (Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) have gone off patent... creating many affordable options available to eligible Indian masses through
branded generics
," she added.
Empagliflozin is an
SGLT-2 inhibitor
. Others in the same group include dapagliflozin-whose patent expired a couple years ago leading to nearly 200 generic brands coming into the market.
Companies such as
Alkem Laboratories
,
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
and
Mankind Pharma
launched their versions of Empagliflozin, and slashed prices to about ₹5 per unit, which is 80-90% lower than the innovator's prices.
"Ever since dapagliflozin has gone off patent, many more people have access to it has become cheaper. Empagliflozin is also similar to it...it's a good medicine for sugar, gives some protection to the heart and kidney too," said Dr David Chandy, director-endocrinology & diabetology at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre.
More such molecules going off patent increases the reach to larger populations. "Earlier when only the innovators had these molecules, maybe 2-5% of India's diabetic population could afford it, now the entire diabetic population can afford it," said Chandy.
Empagliflozin is a ₹745 crore market today with plains contributing to almost 45% in terms of value as well as quantity. Empagliflozin plain and Empagliflozin plus Linagliptin contribute nearly 80% of this.
"In the long-term, more and more affordable medication options are good for patients with the cases of diabetes spiralling in the country and doctors have more ammunition or options for treatment now compared to 5-10 years back," said Chandy. "What will be interesting in the diabetes scenario is that in the next six months, once semaglutide goes off patent, there will be a paradigm shift for diabetes treatment once it is available at a low price," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Stress and brain tumors: Separating fact from fiction
As we observe World Brain Tumor Day on June 8th, one of the most persistent misconceptions that needs addressing is the belief that stress directly causes brain tumors. While this myth continues to circulate, medical evidence tells a different story, one that's both more complex and more reassuring than many people realize. Myth Vs Reality: There is no established direct link between stress and the development of brain tumors. Brain tumors primarily develop due to genetic abnormalities—dormant irregularities in our cellular makeup that may remain inactive for years or even decades. These genetic factors, not our daily stressors, are the primary culprits behind tumor development. However, dismissing stress entirely would be an oversimplification. The relationship between stress and brain health operates on multiple levels, creating indirect pathways that can influence neurological outcomes. Understanding Oxidative Stress : The Cellular Connection While everyday stress doesn't create tumors, there exists a deeper, cellular-level phenomenon called oxidative stress that plays a more significant role. As our brain, the body's most energy-demanding organ, constantly metabolizes glucose and oxygen, it generates reactive molecules that can damage cellular structures including mitochondria and the cell nucleus. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This oxidative damage can potentially activate passive genetic abnormalities, transforming them from harmless variants into active tumor-causing genes. Here oxidative stress acts like a key that unlocks genetic predispositions that might otherwise remain dormant throughout a person's lifetime. Interestingly, there has been an increasing trend of brain tumors in younger populations, particularly among high-stress professionals in their 30s and 40s. It raises questions about whether intense mental activity and chronic stress might accelerate the oxidative processes that awaken dormant genetic abnormalities. How Stress Impacts Neurological Health Indirectly Chronic stress primarily affects vascular health, increasing blood pressure and creating turbulent blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. This can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and hypertension. Stress also triggers increased glucose production, potentially contributing to diabetes—all conditions that can complicate neurological health and treatment outcomes. More critically, stress can delay diagnosis and worsen treatment outcomes. When people are overwhelmed by daily stressors, they may dismiss early neurological symptoms as stress-related, postponing crucial medical evaluation. Additionally, chronic stress weakens the immune system and impairs the body's natural repair mechanisms, potentially affecting treatment response and recovery. Prevention: Building Resilience Against Cellular Damage While we cannot eliminate genetic predispositions, we can reduce oxidative stress and support overall brain health through lifestyle modifications: Mental Wellness: Incorporating daily meditation and stress-reduction techniques can significantly decrease oxidative stress in brain cells. Corporate environments should consider integrating mindfulness practices into daily routines. Quality Sleep: Seven to eight hours of restorative sleep allows the brain to repair cellular damage and clear metabolic waste products. Proper Hydration: Adequate water intake supports cellular function and helps flush toxins from the brain and body. Regular Exercise: Physical activity promotes toxin elimination and enhances overall cellular health throughout the body, including the brain. Purposeful Living: Having daily goals and long-term purpose—concepts explored in books like "Ikigai"—naturally promotes positive hormonal balance and mental focus, reducing chronic stress responses. Nutritional Support: A balanced diet rich in colorful vegetables and fruits provides antioxidants that combat oxidative damage at the cellular level. Understanding that stress doesn't directly cause brain tumors should provide reassurance to those worried about their daily pressures. However, this knowledge shouldn't diminish the importance of stress management for overall neurological health. The key lies not in eliminating stress but in managing it effectively while maintaining the healthy practices that support our neurological wellbeing for years to come. Authored by: Dr. Krishna Chaintanya, Consultant - Neurosurgery (Brain&Spine), Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Celebrity fitness trainer says mere workouts are not enough to lose weight. Check his pre- and post exercise meal plan
Losing weight is a process that requires consistency, discipline, and a well-structured approach. It involves more than just rigorous exercise—what one consumes before and after a workout plays a vital role in the outcome. Recognized fitness professional Vinod Channa , who has trained many celebrities, recently used his social media platform to educate his audience on how nutrition before and after workouts can significantly affect energy levels, muscle repair, and overall progress. He emphasized the importance of aligning meals with exercise routines to maximize results. Nutrition, according to him, should be strategically planned to enhance physical performance, promote efficient muscle development, and facilitate recovery. His video presentation on Instagram explored these concepts in depth, providing practical tips for those seeking sustainable fitness progress . Vinod explained that pre-workout meals should be selected based on how much time remains before one begins exercising. If there's only a short window—say, thirty minutes—easily digestible options are ideal. Fresh fruits, being rich in natural sugars and quick to break down in the system, are excellent sources of immediate energy. They don't burden digestion and provide the body with accessible fuel right before physical exertion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo However, if someone plans to eat earlier, say an hour or more before training, then a more balanced approach can be taken. A meal combining both proteins and complex carbohydrates becomes more suitable. This combination ensures that the body has a steady energy supply while also beginning the process of muscle support and endurance building. It helps maintain stamina throughout the workout and lays the groundwork for muscle growth. As for the post-exercise phase, Vinod advised focusing on a wholesome mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Each of these elements serves a different but essential purpose. Carbohydrates replenish the energy lost during training, while proteins contribute to the repair and rebuilding of muscle tissue. Fiber plays a role in digestion, ensuring that nutrients are absorbed effectively. If carbohydrates are neglected and only protein is consumed, the body might divert that protein to meet energy needs, leaving little for muscle restoration. The core message he conveyed was to approach fitness and nutrition with a scientifically informed mindset. Rather than following trends or guessing meal combinations, he stressed the importance of understanding how different nutrients support the body's needs at various stages of exertion. This thoughtful, science-backed method not only accelerates muscle development but also prevents fatigue and injury by allowing the body to recover more efficiently. Proper nutrition, paired with regular exercise, ultimately leads to tangible and lasting results. Channa is a celebrated fitness trainer based in Mumbai. His illustrious list of clients include John Abraham, Shilpa Shetty, etc.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Elon Musk's 'abnormal behavior' linked to hypomania, says Dr. Drew Pinsky; know what it is and why it matters
Elon Musk's 'abnormal behavior' linked to hypomania, says Dr. Drew Pinsky; know what it is and why it matters In the relentless race of modern tech entrepreneurship, few names shine as brightly—or stir more debate—than Elon Musk . From co-founding PayPal to helming Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, Musk's achievements seem almost superhuman. But psychologist and addiction medicine expert Dr. Drew Pinsky, known to many as "Dr. Drew," recently shared a compelling perspective: Musk's behavior may be consistent with hypomania, a clinical mood state that exists on the bipolar spectrum. Musk himself disclosed he has Asperger's syndrome, but Dr. Pinsky suggests his energetic and erratic public behavior may indicate something more. Here you can delve into what hypomania actually is, what causes it, how it's diagnosed and treated, and why it matters—whether or not a public figure like Elon Musk lives with it. Dr. Drew on Elon Musk: A brilliant mind, but possibly 'hypomanic' On a recent appearance on Newsmax, Dr. Drew Pinsky applauded Musk's accomplishments and intelligence, but cautioned: "There's a flip‑side of that success that Musk probably has hypomania" He noted Musk's exuberant energy, nonstop tweeting, unfiltered outbursts, and sudden policy clashes—like his highly publicized feud with President Trump—as examples of behavior 'beyond Asperger's.' This suggests a possible mood dysregulation consistent with hypomanic episodes. What is hypomania Hypomania is a mood disorder characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and hyperactivity lasting at least four days. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubre cómo Amazon CFD puede ayudarte a invertir como un pro Empezar ahora Subscríbete Undo It sits below full mania in severity—hypomania doesn't typically involve psychosis or hospitalization—but still represents a significant deviation from normal functioning. It is one phase in bipolar II disorder, according to the DSM‑5, and can reflect both impressive creativity or productivity—what some might call 'the genius zone'—as well as impulsive and risky behavior. Causes of hypomania 1. Genetics Family history of bipolar spectrum disorders significantly increases the risk of hypomania. 2. Neurochemical imbalance Fluctuations in dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels—critical in reward and arousal—may trigger hypomanic states. 3. Life stress or overwork High-pressure roles like Musk's, with irregular schedules and intense responsibility, frequently precipitate episodes. 4. Sleep deprivation Reduced need for sleep—Musk often says he sleeps just six hours a night—is a known trigger. 5. Medication or substance use Certain drugs, stimulants, and even prescription medications can induce hypomanic symptoms in susceptible individuals. Common symptoms of hypomania Hypomanic behavior manifests in several recognizable ways: Elevated or irritable mood Decreased need for sleep, without feeling tired Rapid or pressured speech Flight of ideas, jumping between topics Distractibility Increased goal-oriented activity Risk-taking, such as impulsive investments or unfiltered tweets These symptoms must persist for at least four consecutive days. In Musk's case, frequent behaviors—such as launching companies in rapid succession, launching rockets at breakneck timelines, and administering controversial Twitter/X changes—suggest recurring hypomanic patterns. The dark side of hypomania: Know its risks Though often glorified as 'super-focus' or a creative edge, hypomania carries significant risks: Burnout Strained relationships triggered by irritability Impulsive financial or strategic decisions Rapid cycling into depression Escalation into full-blown mania if untreated Although Musk has channeled his energy into extraordinary accomplishments, Dr. Pinsky warns that 'the flip‑side' of hypomania can lead to impulsiveness and unpredictability—factors that can impact both personal life and public perception. Hypomania diagnosis and assessment Hypomania is diagnosed via a careful psychiatric evaluation based on the DSM‑5 criteria. Mental health professionals assess: Duration and nature of symptoms Functional impact on daily life History of episodic mood changes Family mental health background Exclusion of substance- or medication-induced symptoms Hypomania treatment options 1. Medication Mood stabilizers: Lithium, lamotrigine, valproate Atypical antipsychotics: Quetiapine, aripiprazole Cautious use of Antidepressants, as they can sometimes trigger hypomania 2. Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for recognizing triggers Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to stabilize routines Psychoeducation for awareness and early detection 3. Lifestyle Adjustments Regular sleep schedules Stress reduction via mindfulness or exercise Avoid stimulant medications or substances Mood tracking through apps or journals Living with hypomania: Can it be an asset Some psychologists have argued that hypomania, when mild and well-managed, can be a 'productive' state, especially in high-achieving individuals like entrepreneurs or artists. People like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and other visionaries often display traits associated with hypomania: relentless drive, charisma, and unconventional thinking. However, romanticizing mental health conditions can be dangerous. Without proper boundaries and treatment, hypomania can quickly spiral out of control. Also read | Pandemic 2.0 alert: Wild animal markets could trigger the next global outbreak; experts warn of imminent risk One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
