Hyderabad startup reverses chronic liver failure in animal trials
Conducted on rats, the preclinical study showed 100% liver fibrosis reversal and zero mortality among treated subjects, in stark contrast to the untreated group that saw only 14% reversal and 43% deaths.
Tulsi-28X is a first-in-class regenerative biologic derived from Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells and their native exosomes, a combination never before tested in any animal model globally. Tulsi Therapeutics, incubated at ASPIRE-BioNEST, University of Hyderabad, developed the platform entirely in India over three years.
Chronic liver failure accounts for nearly 20% of all liver-related deaths globally, with liver transplantation being the only treatment. Founder and CEO of Tulsi Therapeutics Dr Sairam Atluri said, 'There have been individual successes with stem cells and exosomes, but we combined them because they operate through different mechanisms. This combination maximised the biological outcome and marks a major milestone for India's biotech sector.'
Looking ahead, the chief scientific officer said the next goal is to initiate human clinical trials in partnership with Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), with groundwork expected to take up to two years.
The results were presented at the AASLD 2024 Liver Conference in San Diego and have also been accepted for publication in the Journal of Regenerative Medicine.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Indian contract drug makers timed their IPOs right. But is the business worth the premium?
An anticipated shift in the global pharmaceutical supply chain away from China has investors excited about Indian contract research, development and manufacturing organisations (CRDMOs), companies that offer services from early-stage drug discovery to late-stage drug development. Export-focused CRDMOs including Anthem Biosciences, Sai Life Sciences and Divi's Laboratories are trading at expensive valuations, reflecting investor enthusiasm as innovator drug companies look at diversifying and derisking their operations. However, experts cautioned that while CRDMOs are expected to post high growth, their financial performances have yet to reflect it. Bengaluru-based Anthem Biosciences made a stellar debut on the stock exchanges on 21 July, listing on the National Stock Exchange at a premium of 27 percent over its initial public offering price of ₹ 570. The IPO, with an issue size of ₹ 3,395.79 crore, was subscribed 67.42 times. Anthem's stock traded at a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 93.24 on 25 July. 'The good news is that… China is a behemoth. So, we have that much headroom to grow,' Ajay Bhardwaj, managing director and chief executive officer, told Mint earlier. About 65% of India's imported bulk drugs and advanced drug intermediates worth $3.5 billion in FY25 came from China, according to the commerce ministry. The government wants to strengthen local manufacturing through an upgraded drugs production-linked incentive scheme as it pushes for self-sufficiency in bulk drugs that go into manufacturing medicines. The Indian CRDMO industry today is worth $3-3.5 billion, making up only 2-3% of the global CRDMO market, which is worth $145 billion. It grew at a compound annual growth rate of 15% from 2019-2024, according to a recent report by BCG and IPSO. The industry is at a tipping point, with strong fundamentals and massive headroom to grow, fueled by competitive advantage in small molecule capabilities, faster startup time, focus on quality and cost advantages, the report noted. Unlike CRDMOs, CDMOs (contract development and manufacturing organisations) are typically involved in manufacturing already commercialised drugs. Sai Life Sciences, which made its market debut in December 2024, traded at ₹ 837 on 25 July, close to its high of about ₹ 851, valuing the company at roughly 102 times trailing earnings and about 8.2 times book value. Divi's Laboratories and Syngene International also traded at premiums, at a PE ratio of 80.31 and 55.09, respectively. In comparison, generic pharmaceutical giants are valued relatively modestly: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries trades at a PE ratio of 37.37, Dr Reddy's Laboratories at 18.84, and Cipla at 23.53. Sai Life Sciences shares are up over 18% since listing on the NSE. Divi's Laboratories gained 35.56% from 30 July 2024 to 28 July 2025, Piramal Pharma rose 20.36%, while Syngene International's shares were down 12.72%. Syngene International, a unit of biopharmaceutical company Biocon, kicked off this fiscal's earnings season last week. It posted an 11% year-on-year rise in revenue from operations to ₹ 875 crore for Q1, a robust start compared to its FY25 performance (4% revenue growth YoY). The management maintained its expectation of revenue growth in the mid‑teens for FY26. Sai Life Sciences delivered 16% revenue growth to ₹ 1,695 crore in FY25. Divi's reported a 19% year-on-year rise in full-year revenue to ₹ 9,360 crore in FY25, while net profit surged 37% to ₹ 2,191 crore. Divi's is expected to post revenue growth of 18% year-on-year in Q1FY26, according to brokerage BNP Paribas. 'The Indian CDMO sub-sector presents a highly promising opportunity as investors view it as a direct beneficiary of the China+1 thematic,' Sunil Khaitan, managing director leading financing in India at Goldman Sachs, told Mint. 'We expect the capital markets activity in this space to further accelerate over the next 6-12 months.' The China-plus one theme – to diversify supply chains and reduce overdependence on China – is a key driver, but it's not just that. CRDMOs are on an aggressive capacity expansion track as they anticipate winning over more clients in the future and bank on technological niches to cater to biotech companies as demand for new technologies and drugs grows. Anthem has expertise in new chemical entities as well as biologics (drugs made from living organisms or their components) and capabilities to work on RNAi (a gene regulatory mechanism), antibody drug conjugates that target and kill cancer cells, peptides (short chains of amino acids), lipids, and oligonucleotides (synthesised nucleic acids). OneSource Specialty Pharma, a subsidiary of Strides Pharma, which listed in January, expects its focus on niche areas such as biologics, drug substances, injectables, and drug-device combinations to drive growth. Its offerings in drug-device combinations, particularly for GLP-1s (hormones that regulate blood sugar levels), which are often sold in pen-filled devices, is expected to be a major growth opportunity. 'We are currently executing a 5x expansion of our cartridge-filling capabilities to meet our customer demand and which will significantly boost future revenue,' CEO Neeraj Sharma told Mint in an emailed response. Anthem Biosciences and Sai Life Sciences did not respond to Mint's queries. Investors are looking at CRDMOs not just for potential growth driven by these tailwinds but also as diversification of their portfolios, experts said. Opportunities in traditional pharma companies with a focus on domestic formulations and US generics are drying up because of a slowdown in new approvals and regulatory issues. 'The investor would like to have exposure to companies and segments which have the potential for high growth and themes of shifting manufacturing from China to India,' Tausif Shaikh, healthcare and pharma analyst at BNP Paribas, told Mint. While CRDMOs have reported steady, mid-teen revenue growth, their performance has not been encouraging enough even as valuations remain expensive, Shaikh pointed out. Unlike sectors such as healthcare services, where one can gauge a company's performance based on metrics like hospital bed occupancy and average revenue per bed, for contract drug manufacturers, management commentary is the main indicator of the company's expected growth and performance, said Shaikh. Most companies report an uptick in interest from innovators to hire their services and have embarked on aggressive capacity expansion. Syngene plans to boost its biologics manufacturing footprint in FY26 through its newly acquired US facility for $36.5 million. Divi's Laboratories is undertaking a ₹ 650-700 crore capacity expansion at its existing facilities, while Sai Life Sciences has completed the second phase of its Bidar Unit IV capacity expansion for small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates. On the back of this, the growth outlook remains strong. "Earnings are expected to be strong for export-oriented CDMOs for the next 2-3 years considering the capex projects and potential addition of new molecules,' Shrikant Akolkar, pharma equity research analyst at brokerage Nuvama, told Mint. However, the CDMO business is non-linear, Akolkar said, adding that one must pay attention to the annual performance and not a couple of quarters of number misses.
Mint
3 hours ago
- Mint
New IPO: NephroPlus files papers with Sebi for ₹353.4 crore IPO to expand Dialysis clinics
Nephrocare Health Services Limited, widely recognized under the brand name NephroPlus, has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise ₹353.4 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The Hyderabad-based company plans to use the proceeds to expand its network of dialysis clinics across India and repay outstanding debt, with the balance allocated to general corporate purposes. Advertisement The IPO will include a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹353.4 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of up to 1.27 crore equity shares by promoter and non-promoter shareholders. Among the OFS participants are Investcorp Private Equity Fund II, Healthcare Parent Limited, Edoras Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd., and 360 One Special Opportunities Fund. The company may also consider a pre-IPO placement of up to ₹70.6 crore, which would reduce the size of the fresh issue accordingly. Asia's Largest Dialysis Service Provider Established in 2009, NephroPlus has emerged as Asia's largest dialysis services provider and the fifth-largest globally in terms of the number of treatments performed in FY25, according to a Frost & Sullivan report. As of now, the company operates 447 clinics across 269 cities in 21 Indian states and 4 Union Territories, serving over 33,000 patients annually. NephroPlus commands more than 50 percent revenue market share in India's organised dialysis services market. Advertisement NephroPlus has also made a significant push into international markets. It currently operates 34 clinics in the Philippines, 5 in Nepal, 4 in Uzbekistan, and recently entered Saudi Arabia in a bid to tap the Middle East healthcare market. The company's promoters include Vikram Vuppala, BVP Trust (Bessemer Venture Partners), and Investcorp-affiliated entities. Proceeds to Fuel Domestic Expansion As per the DRHP, NephroPlus will allocate ₹129.1 crore from the fresh issue proceeds towards setting up new dialysis clinics in India, which aligns with its strategy to grow its domestic footprint. An additional ₹136 crore will be used to pre-pay or repay certain existing borrowings, enhancing the company's financial flexibility and improving its balance sheet. Advertisement In FY25, the company reported ₹755.8 crore in revenue from operations and a profit after tax of ₹67 crore, reflecting robust growth amid increasing demand for kidney care services. With chronic kidney disease (CKD) rising as the third fastest-growing cause of death globally, and diabetes and hypertension being its primary drivers, NephroPlus is well-positioned to benefit from secular health trends. ICICI Securities, Ambit Private Limited, IIFL Capital Services, and Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) are acting as Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) for the IPO. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Advertisement
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
'World-class care, at home': Kuwait seals landmark collaboration with five elite French hospitals in Paris
TL;DR: Kuwait 's Minister of Health, Dr Ahmad Al‑Awadhi, signed memoranda of understanding on July 18, 2025 with five elite French medical institutions. Participating organizations: Almaviva Santé, Institut Curie , Hôpital Foch, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris , and Rothschild Foundation Hospital. The MoUs enable specialist consultations, telemedicine, international fellowships, on-shore training, and joint clinical research in key areas: oncology, cardiology, organ transplantation, and diagnostics. Patient benefits include access to world-class expertise without overseas travel; health professionals gain advanced training through international exchange programs. On July 18, 2025, Kuwait's Minister of Health, Dr Ahmad Al‑Awadhi, formalized a series of strategic memoranda of understanding with five premier French medical institutions during a ceremony in Paris as reported by KUNA. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The move marks a new chapter in Kuwait's healthcare collaboration with France, aimed at advancing medical expertise, expanding training opportunities for Kuwaiti professionals, and enhancing patient access to world‑class care through remote and local channels. The agreements were executed in alignment with Kuwait's leadership vision, as expressed by Amir Sheikh Meshal Al‑Ahmad Al‑Jaber Al‑Sabah. A Strategic Vision Rooted in National Development The MoUs reflect a broader vision championed byAmir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, emphasizing international partnerships to uplift Kuwait's healthcare quality and self-reliance. According to Dr Al-Awadhi, this move represents a 'new beginning' in bilateral cooperation that will not only strengthen patient care infrastructure but also position Kuwait as a regional hub for specialized medical services. By aligning Kuwait's healthcare goals with the expertise of global leaders in medicine, the Ministry aims to expand local treatment capabilities, particularly in oncology, cardiology, organ transplantation, and complex diagnostics—while also improving knowledge exchange mechanisms through fellowships and dual training programs. Top-Tier French Institutions on Board The five French entities involved include: Almaviva Santé: a leading private hospital group across France, known for surgical excellence. Institut Curie: globally recognized for cutting-edge oncological research and treatment. Hôpital Foch: a pioneer in organ transplantation and thoracic surgery. Institut Mutualiste Montsouris: acclaimed for high-precision cardiology and urology services. Rothschild Foundation Hospital: a Paris-based reference center in neurology and ophthalmology. Each institution brings decades of proven expertise and world-class infrastructure to the collaboration. These partnerships aim to offer Kuwaiti patients specialist tele-consultations, expert second opinions, and remote care options, all within Kuwait's borders, reducing travel costs and patient fatigue. What the Agreements Cover: From Training to Telemedicine The MoUs are multifaceted in scope and tailored to address both clinical and capacity-building needs in Kuwait's healthcare ecosystem. Among the key pillars: Specialist Telemedicine Services French physicians will provide virtual consultations for complex cases, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and offering patients access to second opinions from leading European experts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This reduces Kuwait's reliance on outbound medical travel while maintaining high standards of care. Physician Training & Clinical Fellowships Healthcare professionals from Kuwait will benefit from structured training programs, including short-term fellowships, clinical observerships, on-site placements in France, and joint workshops in Kuwait. This hands-on learning model is expected to upskill frontline medical staff, particularly in areas where Kuwait lacks in-house specialization. On-Site Diagnostics Support The French institutions will send diagnostic experts to Kuwait on rotational visits to conduct complex medical tests, improve lab capabilities, and support local clinicians with advanced case management. Focus areas include oncopathology, cardiac imaging, and genetic testing. Joint Research & Innovation Both sides have committed to launching clinical trials and collaborative research projects, particularly targeting diseases prevalent in the Gulf region such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The aim is to co-develop innovative treatment protocols that could later be scaled for regional application. Why This Matters to Kuwait's Healthcare Future These MoUs go beyond symbolic cooperation, they signify a functional model for technology-driven, collaborative healthcare that integrates global expertise with local needs. By leveraging France's longstanding medical legacy, Kuwait hopes to: Reduce medical travel costs and improve in-country care Develop specialist medical talent through international mentorship Advance diagnostic infrastructure and patient outcomes Promote research culture and knowledge production within national institutions The Ministry of Health views these collaborations as a strategic investment in both human capital and system resilience. Kuwait's new healthcare agreements with elite French hospitals are a calculated step toward building a globally competitive medical ecosystem. As implementation begins, the MoUs are expected to deliver both immediate benefits to patients and long-term advantages for professional development. With stronger institutional ties and shared scientific goals, Kuwait is not only addressing present-day healthcare gaps but also future-proofing its medical services for generations to come. FAQ 1. What are the new healthcare MoUs Kuwait signed with France? Kuwait signed memoranda of understanding with five top French medical institutions to enhance diagnostics, treatment, training, and research. 2. Which French hospitals are involved in the agreements? The MoUs involve Almaviva Santé, Institut Curie, Hôpital Foch, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, and Rothschild Foundation Hospital. 3. Will Kuwaiti patients be sent to France for treatment? While some critical cases may still go abroad, the focus is on bringing French expertise to Kuwait and expanding local services. 4. How will Kuwaiti doctors benefit from this deal? Doctors will receive training, attend fellowships in France, and collaborate on research and clinical programs with French specialists. 5. When will these agreements take effect? The agreements were signed in July 2025 and are expected to be rolled out in phases starting later this year.
