Minister Ponguleti Inaugurates Derma 360's World-Class Aesthetic Clinic in Hyderabad
Backed by a global team led by Dr. Bala K. Ravi, the clinic offers advanced surgical and non-surgical solutions, including cosmetic surgery, laser therapies, and holistic wellness programs.
With over 75 years of combined expertise, Derma 360 promises top-tier, FDA-approved treatments in a patient-centric environment. The minister expressed hopes for it to rank among Hyderabad's top 5 clinics. This launch marks a new benchmark in aesthetic excellence for the city.
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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business Standard
WHO approves injectable HIV drug lenacapavir for high-risk communities
Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis, has been recommended by the WHO to help protect high-risk groups, as global HIV prevention efforts face funding setbacks Apexa Rai New Delhi The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated guidelines to strengthen global HIV prevention efforts, recommending the use of lenacapavir — a newly approved, long-acting antiretroviral — for high-risk groups and in regions with high infection rates. The recommendation was announced on 14 July at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) held in Kigali, Rwanda. It marks a milestone in HIV prevention, following the recent approval of lenacapavir by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment. Initially approved in 2022 for treating HIV, lenacapavir demonstrated strong efficacy in prevention trials, offering near-complete protection against infection. The drug has now become a central pillar of WHO's revised prevention strategy. What is Lenacapavir? Lenacapavir (LEN) is a long-acting HIV medicine developed by New Delhi-based Gilead Sciences. It belongs to a new class of drugs known as capsid inhibitors, which work by disrupting multiple stages in the HIV replication cycle. Approved for treatment in 2022 and prevention in 2024, LEN is the first PrEP injection that can be administered just twice a year. This long-acting injectable offers a powerful alternative to daily oral pills and other shorter-acting methods. With only two doses annually, LEN could be transformative, particularly for individuals facing challenges related to daily adherence, healthcare access, or stigma. WHO supports LEN usage against AIDS 'While an HIV vaccine is still elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk,' said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. 'The launch of WHO's new guidelines, alongside the FDA's recent approval, marks a critical step forward in expanding access to this powerful tool,' he said. He further reiterated WHO's commitment to working with countries and partners to ensure this innovation reaches communities as quickly and safely as possible WHO's endorsement of LEN reflects a shift towards expanding and diversifying prevention tools in order to give individuals better choices. Challenges ahead in HIV prevention Seeking simplified access through rapid testing As part of the updated approach, WHO has also recommended a public health model that incorporates simplified HIV testing using rapid diagnostic kits. This will support broader access to long-acting injectable PrEP options such as lenacapavir and cabotegravir (CAB-LA). It will also facilitate community-based delivery via pharmacies, clinics and telehealth platforms. Funding concerns as Trump cuts aid The release of these guidelines coincides with growing concern over declining international aid for HIV programmes. According to the United Nations, around 80 per cent of prevention funding in low- and middle-income countries comes from foreign assistance. In recent months, the United States has sharply reduced its support, including funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) — the largest commitment ever made by any nation towards tackling a single disease. The impact of these cuts is already evident. In Nigeria, for instance, the number of people receiving PrEP dropped from roughly 40,000 late last year to fewer than 7,000 in April 2025, according to UNAIDS data. A recent United Nations report warned that millions more could die of HIV-related causes by 2029 if current funding levels are not restored. Although 25 of 60 low- and middle-income countries surveyed intend to raise their domestic HIV budgets in the coming year, the report cautioned that these increases are unlikely to fully compensate for lost international support. Gilead Science shows hope amid setbacks In a promising development, Gilead Sciences announced an agreement with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to supply lenacapavir at cost, with no profit margin. This pricing model reflects only the cost of production and delivery, CNN reported. In the United States — currently the only country where lenacapavir is approved for prevention — the drug carries an annual list price of $28,218, a figure comparable to existing PrEP treatments, according to the company.
Mint
21 hours ago
- Mint
US ice cream makers vow to remove artificial dyes from products by 2028 amid health concerns
Around 90% of U.S. ice cream producers have pledged to remove artificial dyes from their products within the next three years, according to U.S. health officials. The move is part of a broader voluntary effort encouraged by the Trump administration to eliminate synthetic colours from the American food supply due to potential health concerns. Announced on Monday, July 15, the commitment involves approximately 40 companies in the ice cream and frozen dessert industry, although specific brands were not disclosed. Seven petroleum-based dyes — Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 — will be phased out by 2028, said Michael Dykes, president of the International Dairy Foods Association. Turkey Hill Dairy CEO Andy Jacobs was among those publicly supporting the initiative. US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary called the shift 'a Renaissance moment for health in America,' and said new natural alternatives, such as Gardenia (genipin) blue, have already received FDA approval. This plant-based dye can now be used in sports drinks, confectionery, and other products. The FDA previously banned Red 3 earlier this year due to cancer risks observed in animal studies. While companies have until 2027 to stop using the dye, Makary issued a letter on Monday encouraging faster action. Despite widespread praise, some health experts caution that removing dyes alone will not make ice cream a healthy food. 'It still is a food that should be consumed in moderation,' said Deanna Hoelscher, a nutrition expert at the University of Texas, noting that added sugars and saturated fats remain key contributors to chronic disease. Makary also hinted that forthcoming federal dietary guidelines may reevaluate long-held views on saturated fat and heart disease, calling the current position 'a 70-year demonisation of natural saturated fat.' Consumer advocates, while supportive of the direction, questioned whether voluntary compliance would be enough. 'Talk is cheap,' said Thomas Galligan of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. 'It remains to be seen if they will actually follow through.' The average American consumes approximately four gallons of ice cream annually, according to industry data. Federal officials have encouraged manufacturers to adopt natural colouring agents derived from fruit juices, plant extracts, and similar sources.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
FDA suspends Cafe Goodluck's licence over lack of hygiene
Pune: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a notice of licence suspension to Cafe Goodluck on FC Road, ordering it to remain shut until it complies with key hygiene and safety regulations. The action follows a surprise inspection conducted by FDA officials on Friday, triggered after a video trending on social media of a customer showing a glass shard found in the bun maska served at the cafe. According to FDA officials, the inspection revealed multiple violations. "The cafe's licence is suspended till compliance with violations found in the inspection," confirmed Suresh Annapure, joint commissioner, state FDA. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Food safety officer Santosh Sawant, who led the inspection, said, "We found hygiene lapses, lack of proper pest control and questionable water safety practices. The establishment must be shut till its compliance is up to code." The incident took place on July 10 when Akash Jalagi, a resident of Sinhagad Road, visited the cafe with his wife. However, when his wife picked up a piece of the bun, a shard of glass fell onto the plate. "If I had bitten into a piece of my bun maska with the piece of glass, it would've surely cut my tongue or the inside of my mouth. It could have been fatal if I had swallowed it," Jalagi said. FDA officials collected samples of butter and bread and sent them to a lab for testing. TOI reached out to the cafe's owners for a comment several times but did not receive any response. Cafe Goodluck is one of the oldest Irani cafes in the city. Over the decades, it evolved from a shanty serving chai and bun maska to a beloved cultural icon, known for its irresistibly soft buns, omelettes and Irani chai. Baramati MP Supriya Sule, commenting on the incident, said all food joints, whether well-known or not, must follow hygiene norms.
