Latest news with #ChronicLymphocyticLeukaemia
Business Upturn
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Zydus Lifesciences gets tentative approval from USFDA for Ibrutinib tablets
Zydus Lifesciences has received tentative approval from the USFDA to market Ibrutinib tablets in the 140 mg, 280 mg, and 420 mg strengths in the U.S. market. The drug is a generic version of Imbruvica® and is used in treating adult patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) with 17p deletion, as well as Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM). The tablets will be manufactured at Zydus' SEZ facility in Ahmedabad. According to IQVIA (MAT May 2025), Ibrutinib tablets clocked annual sales of USD 2.15 billion in the U.S. With this, Zydus now holds 420 approvals and has filed 484 ANDAs since it began filings in FY 2003-04. In the meantime, Zydus Lifesciences shares opened today at ₹962.95 and, at the time of writing, touched a high of ₹976.60 during the session. The stock also hit a low of ₹960.15 in intraday trade. Over the past year, Zydus shares have seen a 52-week high of ₹1,324.30 and a low of ₹795.00. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Exercise could ease symptoms for people with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, reveals new study
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is the most common adult blood cancer in the western world, and it predominantly affects older adults. Most people are diagnosed after the age of 70, but increasing numbers of younger people, some under 60, are also being affected. CLL starts when a type of immune cell called a B cell -- normally responsible for producing antibodies -- becomes cancerous. This not only stops it from working properly, but also weakens the rest of the immune system. For many people, CLL begins as a slow-moving, low-grade disease that doesn't need immediate treatment. These patients are placed on active monitoring, where they're regularly checked for signs of progression. Others, especially those with more aggressive forms of the disease, will need immediate and targeted treatment to destroy the cancer cells. But regardless of the stage, CLL involves a prolonged and often unpredictable course. It's associated with a higher risk of infections, secondary cancers and a heavy symptom burden that can affect quality of life for years. People on active monitoring often find themselves in a kind of medical limbo: well enough not to need treatment, but not well enough to feel secure. Fatigue, anxiety, social isolation and fear of infection are common. For those receiving treatment, side effects including nausea, bleeding, diarrhoea and extreme tiredness can make everyday life even more challenging. Because CLL weakens the body's ability to fight infection, many people begin avoiding places where germs might spread: busy shops, family gatherings, even the gym. But while this instinct is understandable, it can come at a cost. Over time, isolation and inactivity can chip away at physical fitness, reduce resilience and make it harder to recover from illness or cope with stress. The role of exercise: Exercise is good for everyone but for people living with CLL, it can be life-changing. Our research shows that physical activity is strongly linked to fewer symptoms and a better quality of life. Fatigue, the most common and often most debilitating symptom, was significantly lower in people who stayed active. Many also reported reduced pain and a greater sense of physical wellbeing. Cancer-related fatigue isn't just feeling a bit tired. It's a deep, persistent exhaustion that doesn't improve with sleep or rest. The exact biological reasons behind it aren't fully understood, but one thing is clear: regular movement helps. People who are more active tend to feel better and live better. The good news is that even gentle activity can make a difference. Low-intensity activities are safe for almost everyone and come with meaningful health benefits. Walking, yoga, swimming -- anything that gets you moving -- can help ease symptoms. In fact, research shows that just 12 weeks of regular exercise can reduce fatigue and improve day-to-day wellbeing. People with additional health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes or bone conditions, should take extra care. It's always a good idea to speak to a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new routine. The PAR-Q+ (physical activity readiness questionnaire) is a helpful tool to assess whether it's safe to begin exercising. Once cleared, the goal is to work up to the recommended activity levels: 150-300 minutes of moderate activity a week (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity (like jogging or swimming), along with two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week. Start slowly and build gradually. Because people with CLL are immunocompromised, it's important to reduce infection risks while staying active. That might mean exercising outdoors, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, or choosing quieter times at the gym. But, as long as precautions are taken, the benefits of movement far outweigh the risks. Benefits of keeping active In one of our pilot studies, people with CLL who had not yet started treatment showed smaller increases in tumour cell counts after 12 weeks of exercise. Their immune systems also appeared more robust, with stronger responses to abnormal cells. This research is still in its early stages, but it's encouraging to see that exercise doesn't appear to accelerate disease progression and might even help to slow it. The biggest improvements were seen in people who started off with the worst symptoms or poorest physical condition. In other words, those with the most to gain, gained the most. Older adults, in particular, seemed to benefit from even modest activity. People receiving treatment were generally less active and reported lower quality of life than those who weren't but their symptom levels were similar. That suggests physical activity might offer especially meaningful benefits for people going through treatment. Exercise is already a well-established part of care for people with solid tumours such as breast or bowel cancer. What's different about CLL is that many people don't receive treatment for years -- yet still experience symptoms and lower quality of life. Our study shows that physical activity matters just as much for this group. Whether someone is on active monitoring or undergoing treatment, staying active can help ease symptoms, boost energy and improve daily life. It's a powerful reminder that even small steps can make a big difference and that living well with CLL isn't just about waiting for treatment. It's about reclaiming strength, mobility and agency, one movement at a time.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
On humanitarian grounds, HC grants interim bail to woman with cancer
New Delhi: Taking a humanitarian view, Delhi High Court has granted interim bail to a woman suffering from cancer, noting the seriousness of her medical condition. The woman, identified as Jyoti, is an accused in a drug recovery case registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. She had approached the HC seeking interim relief on medical grounds. In its order dated June 4, the court noted that Jyoti is suffering from a terminal illness and requires urgent medical attention. "Keeping in view the extreme and terminal medical condition of the applicant and the humanitarian medical crisis which has arisen, the application seeking interim bail needs to be allowed," the court observed. The bench granted her interim bail until June 15, 2025, directing that she be released upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 1,00,000 with one surety of the same amount, to the satisfaction of the jail superintendent or the Trial Court. The court also issued notice to the state and asked the Investigating Officer to verify Jyoti's medical documents and submit a status report by June 13, the next date of hearing. Jyoti was earlier granted interim bail by the trial court from May 19 to June 5, 2025, citing her medical condition. However, when she applied for an extension, the trial court declined, noting that she had also filed a regular bail application which was still pending before the HC. In her fresh plea before the HC, Jyoti submitted medical documents confirming that she is suffering from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, a rare form of cancer that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment. Her counsel argued that denying her continued interim bail would severely compromise her right to health and access to essential medical care. The HC's intervention came after the trial court refused further extension, prompting Jyoti to seek urgent relief amid what her lawyers described as a medical emergency.
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Broken Promise
During the 2023 election campaign, National made a commitment to a significant increase in the funding of cancer drugs. This promise was completely forgotten in Nicola Willis' 2024 Budget but was partly rectified in November due to the ensuing public outcry. At that time Shane Reti, then Minister of Health, stated that 'blood cancers would not be forgotten.' $151million was allocated to Pharmac in 2024 over 4 years to purchase new cancer drugs. However, blood cancer patients have received hardly any of this. Pharmac predicts only about 180 people with blood cancers per annum will benefit from these changes. 'There are more than 2,000 people in NZ living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia and about half of whom require treatment at any one time. For most of them there is no treatment alternative to outdated medicines. Just 15 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia* patients per annum are expected to benefit from the funding largesse,' said Dr Ruth Spearing, 'and of these 15, 5 approvals are for Bendamustine — a derivative of nitrogen mustard, which was originally developed during WWII and is rarely used in other countries now.' Dr Spearing said 'This is another stark (and, for many, fatal) broken election promise'. *CLL Dr Ruth Spearing, Haematologist and Trustee of CLL Advocates NZ CNZM, FRACP, FRCPA Rob Crozier, Patient and Trustee of CLL Advocates NZ Background New Zealand funds the smallest number of new blood cancer drugs in the OECD and spends less per head of population on drugs when corrected for GDP than ANY other OECD country. This is well below the spending of countries with similar levels of wealth. Not many New Zealanders are aware of this. Pharmac's lack of funding impacts on the ability of Health NZ to treat patients as the less effective intravenous drugs are funded rather than oral alternatives, leading to lack of spaces to treat patients in infusion centres as well as much less effective outcomes.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New Zealand Budget 2025 deals a big blow to blood cancer patients
In New Zealand , approximately 2,800 people are diagnosed with blood cancer each year. Yet, the government's 2025 Budget has once again failed to allocate new funding for these critical drugs, leaving thousands of patients facing limited treatment options and uncertain futures. Unlike many other cancers, blood cancers such as leukaemia cannot be treated with surgery or radiation as they rely almost entirely on medicines. Blood cancer patients, advocates, and doctors have voiced deep frustration and alarm. In a joint statement, Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, the Blood Cancer Alliance, and the Cancer Society warned that the Budget "locks in four more years of denied access and patient harm." They emphasised that while the government is 're-celebrating' last year's funding boost, that money is already allocated, meaning no new treatments will be funded. Tim Edmonds, chief executive of Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, highlighted the gap between promises and reality. 'Only 180 blood cancer patients benefited from last year's funding boost, i.e less than 1 per cent of all New Zealanders living with a blood cancer,' Live Events Edmonds said. 'This Budget was a chance to deliver on promises to improve access to cancer medicines , but once again, blood cancer patients have been left behind. For many patients who had hoped for good news today, waiting another year may simply not be an option.' This concern echoes a stark warning sent to the government in March by more than 50 haematologists, describing the current funding approach as a 'fundamental health policy failure.' The letter highlighted a dangerous erosion of trust, low morale among clinicians, and avoidable deaths caused by delays in funding clinically proven medicines. Dr. Rodger Tiedemann, one of the letter's signatories and a consultant haematologist, expressed his disappointment bluntly: 'It's clear from Budget 2025 that we were ignored. When did it become okay for the New Zealand government to overlook the needs of New Zealanders with blood cancer?' New Zealand currently ranks near the bottom of the OECD in access to modern medicines for blood cancer. Nicola Coom, chief executive of the Cancer Society, emphasized that medicines are the primary treatment option for this group of patients. 'This growing group has been left behind again. Relying on private fundraising and GoFundMe campaigns is not a solution. New Zealand must do better and fund blood cancer medicines. This budget has let this group down.' The human toll is vividly illustrated by individuals like Rob Crozier, 77, from Ōtaki, diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) at age 54. Despite being on private health insurance that costs him $13,000 annually, which covers some unfunded drugs, Crozier worries about others who cannot afford such coverage. 'You can't treat leukaemia with surgery or radiation, which are options for other cancers; it can only be done with medicine,' he said. 'There are all these fantastic new medicines out there, but you can only access them if you're super rich. And I'm not super rich.' Crozier's decades-long advocacy for better funding brought him to Parliament on Budget Day, holding onto a hope that this year might bring change. 'We had hoped for even a modest increase in funding, but we've been disappointed again,' he said. This year's Budget once again missed the mark for blood cancer patients, reinforcing a painful reality: while promising new treatments exist, the barriers to access leave many New Zealanders suffering with blood cancer. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
