Latest news with #GlobalBurdenofDiseaseStudy
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Stem Cell Therapy Helps Osteoarthritis Patient Regain Mobility
A knee injury that ended his amateur football career in 2003 is believed to have triggered the early onset of secondary osteoarthritis (OA) for Khairul Ikram Kamarul Bahrin, who began experiencing debilitating symptoms at a very early age of just 35 years old. Although he was still able to walk and perform his daily routines, he had to stop participating in sports to avoid worsening his knee condition. 'I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) while playing football. I underwent surgery, but not long after, it tore again — and this time, the damage was worse, involving the cartilage and bone as well. Since then, my knee has never fully recovered,' said the oil and gas engineer when interviewed by Bernama recently. Khairul Ikram Kamarul Bahrin's knee condition, which was often swollen and painful, became more serious, and finally in 2020 an MRI showed that his knee cartilage was severely worn, which is a symptom of early stage OA. His knee condition, often swollen and painful, worsened over time, and in 2020 an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan revealed severe cartilage wear — an early symptom of OA. 'I was only 35 then, but the doctor said my knees were like those of a 50-year-old. I was really down. Sometimes I had to pray while sitting on a chair. The sports I loved had turned into a nightmare,' he shared. After nearly two decades of suffering, a consultation with orthopaedic consultant Prof Datuk Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham Md Yusoff from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in early 2022, changed Khairul Ikram's life. He is now 40 years old. A COMMON PROBLEM, LIMITED TREATMENT Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease commonly seen in the elderly and better known as primary osteoarthritis, but if it is caused by some intrinsic knee injury such as cartilage damage or meniscal tear or even as a result of an unstable knee, it is referred as secondary osteoarthritis, where it is commonly and increasingly affecting physically active younger individuals aged 35 and above. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 250 million people worldwide have OA, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints. In Malaysia, local studies show that up to nearly 20 per cent or 1 in 5 individuals aged 50 and above suffer from knee OA. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, it is estimated that 33 million individuals aged 30–44 years experience knee osteoarthritis problems. Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that often occurs in the elderly, but is now becoming increasingly prevalent among younger people. Photo credit Contributing factors include obesity, sports injuries, genetic history, and overuse of joints. Common treatments include painkillers, physiotherapy, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, and in chronic cases, joint replacement surgery. However, for younger patients who are still active and not ready for knee replacement surgery, effective treatment options are limited. This is because there are many factors that may hinder individuals under the age of 50 if they undergo knee replacement surgery—among them, the inability to sit cross-legged, sit on the floor, and for Muslims, the need to perform prayers while seated on a chair. Most concerning is the likelihood of requiring a second surgery after 15 years to replace the artificial joint due to wear and tear from intensive use. All of this makes knee replacement surgery a less attractive option for most knee OA sufferers. This has led to the emergence of regenerative treatments such as stem cell therapy, pioneered by Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. In 2016, the UKM medical faculty researcher and professor began exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cords for orthopaedic conditions, particularly knee OA. 'Stem cells have great potential to stimulate the regeneration of damaged cartilage, thereby helping to restore joint function without the need for invasive joint replacement surgery,' he said in an interview with Bernama. A PROUD ACHIEVEMENT His research positioned UKM as the first institution in Malaysia to successfully conduct a clinical trial of regenerative treatment using mesenchymal stem cells on six patients, starting from 2016 to 2018, with very promising results. 'All patients involved in the clinical trial showed significant improvement, allowing them to return to normal lives. They no longer needed to rely on painkillers and were able to avoid joint replacement surgery,' said Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. He explained that the procedure involved surgery on the affected knee followed by a stem cell injection in the same area two weeks later. 'The recovery time usually depends on the severity of the injury. If it's very serious, then more time is needed to heal,' he said. This achievement marks a major milestone in regenerative medicine in Malaysia. The use of umbilical cord-derived stem cells offers a potential alternative to joint replacement for knee OA patients. This clinical trial was presented in the International Cartilage Repair Society Focus Meeting in Milan in 2018 and also published in Cytotherapy Journal by Elsevier, in May 2019. EARLY SUCCESS AND FUTURE POTENTIAL HCTM, as an academic hospital under UKM, plays a vital role in advancing stem cell treatment innovations to support the potential of health tourism, said Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. He added that this aligns with HCTM's mission to provide safe, evidence-based, and innovative treatments that meet international standards, while also aiming to establish a regional reference centre for regenerative medicine. Chief Executive Officer of KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd (KL Orthosports), Associate Professor Datuk Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham (fourth, left) and Director of Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd, Sasha Nordin (third, left)) pictured during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoA) Exchange Ceremony between KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd and Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd as well as the launch of the Malaysian Stem Cell Awareness Network at the HCTM Complex. 'Through strategic collaborations with research institutions and the private sector, HCTM is committed to strengthening R&D capacity. Our vision is to be a leader in innovation-based healthcare services, especially in stem cell treatment, and to become a key destination for health tourism at both regional and global levels,' he explained. According to him, UKM's commitment is further reinforced through partnerships with KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd and Celler Therapeutics SdnBhd, particularly in regenerative medicine. In addition, the launch of the Malaysian Stem Cell Awareness Network reflects efforts to raise public awareness and knowledge of stem cell therapy. The success of this clinical trial paved the way for broader access to stem cell treatment in Malaysia. However, to ensure its effectiveness and safety on a wider scale, factors such as treatment cost, regulatory approvals, and medical infrastructure must be addressed. 'With this success, we hope to provide access to more patients in need while continuing to monitor the research to ensure long-term outcomes,' he said. He also shared his vision to collaborate with eight public universities, including medical universities and Konsortium Hospital Universiti Awam Malaysia (KHUAM) to conduct multi-centre trials focusing on approximately 500 patients. 'Based on this collaboration, we believe that within less than five years, Malaysians — especially — will benefit from this stem cell treatment through this consortium of university hospitals or KHUAM,' he said. At the same time, he emphasised that while the treatment shows encouraging results for patients with mild to moderate OA, it is not a cure-all solution. 'While the treatment offers positive outcomes for many young patients, as in Khairul Ikram's case, we need to be careful in selecting suitable cases. Treatment success depends on the level of joint damage and the patient's commitment to physiotherapy and a healthy lifestyle post-treatment,' he explained. INNOVATION MUST CONTINUE According to Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham, HCTM is currently conducting more clinical studies to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the treatment across different levels of joint damage. 'This treatment has great potential, and we hope it can help more patients in the future to avoid more extensive and riskier surgeries,' he added. To him, stem cell therapy is one of the innovative branches of regenerative medicine that shows tremendous promise — not only in treating various chronic and degenerative diseases, but also as a catalyst for the growth of Malaysia's health tourism sector. 'Therefore, our main hope is that this treatment can establish Malaysia as a leading hub for stem cell therapy in Southeast Asia, attracting medical tourists from neighbouring and international countries seeking proven and evidence-based treatment at a very competitive costs,' he added. Advancements in stem cell technology are expected to further enhance Malaysia's reputation as a world-class healthcare provider, boosting investor and tourist confidence. Additionally, growth in this sector will directly contribute to the economy through increased medical tourism and indirectly via job creation and the strengthening of local research capacity. NEVER GIVE UP For Khairul Ikram, the treatment's success not only allowed him to return to sports, but also restored his long-lost spirit and self-confidence. 'Football is not just a hobby, it's part of my life. When I couldn't play, I was devastated. But after this treatment, I feel like I've been given a second chance, and I've never stopped being grateful,' he said. To those still suffering or yet to seek treatment, he offered this advice: 'Many people think knee pain is normal as you age. But if you're still young and active, and your knee starts hurting, know that it's an early warning sign. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of full recovery.'
Fashion Value Chain
23-05-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
Medkart Introduces India's First Room-Temperature Stable Nicorandil Tablets, Enhancing Accessibility to Cardiac Care
In a country where cardiac care costs continue to burden millions, Medkart introduces a game-changing innovation: India's first room-temperature stable generic Nicorandil tablets-making heart medication more accessible, affordable, and logistically convenient. Medkart, a leading generic medicine platform in India, proudly announces the launch of the nations most in-demand Nicorandil tablets which remain stable at room temperature. This innovation eliminates the need for cold-chain storage, reducing logistical challenges and making the medication more accessible and affordable for patients across diverse regions. The product is now available at all Medkart outlets. Refrigeration Not Required-India's First Room-Temperature Nicorandil is here Addressing Storage Challenges in Cardiac Medications Nicorandil is widely prescribed for the treatment of chronic stable angina. Due to its sensitivity to temperature and humidity, its storage has traditionally required stringent cold-chain logistics. This requirement often poses significant challenges, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where maintaining cold-chain infrastructure is difficult. Enhancing Affordability and Accessibility Medkarts room-temperature stable Nicorandil tablets are manufactured under WHO-GMP-certified facilities, ensuring high-quality standards. By eliminating the need for refrigeration, the company significantly reduces distribution costs, allowing the medication to be priced up to 80% lower than its branded counterparts. 'Our room-stable Nicorandil is more than a product-it's an answer to India's cold chain problem in heart care,' said Ankur Agarwal, Co-founder of Medkart. 'Were proving that innovation doesnt have to be expensive-it has to be relevant.' Dr Ramesh Mehta, a senior cardiologist based in Ahmedabad, added, 'Ensuring that a cardiac drug like Nicorandil remains effective without refrigeration is a major step forward, particularly for patients in remote regions. We've long seen efficacy compromised due to storage issues. This advancement will save lives and improve treatment consistency.' Tackling the Cardiovascular Disease Burden Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality in India. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in India, accounting for almost 18% of all female deaths. Medkart's launch addresses both cost and accessibility in one formulation. Product Availability Medkart's room-stable Nicorandil tablets are now available at over 35000+ pincodes and online at To illustrate the cost difference between branded and Medkarts generic versions of Nicorandil tablets, here's a comparative snapshot based on real-time Medkart data: Product Type Strength Branded Price Per Tab (Rs.) Medkart Price Per Tab (Rs.) Savings (Rs.) Savings (%) Nicorandil 10 MG Tablet 10 mg Rs. 26.95 Rs. 5.2 Rs. 21.75 80.72% Nicorandil 5 MG Tablet 5 mg Rs. 16.5 Rs. 3.1 Rs. 13.4 81.21% *Prices are based on current Medkart data. Actual savings may vary. About Medkart Founded in 2014, Medkart is committed to making affordable healthcare accessible to all-especially for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension where long-term medication is critical. With a growing network of over 100+ retail outlets across India and a seamless online platform, Medkart empowers people to compare medicine prices, access WHO-GMP-certified generics, and receive reliable guidance from trained pharmacists. Having served over 11 lakh families and facilitated savings of more than Rs. 600 crore to date, Medkart leverages a tech-first approach through tools like dosage comparison, molecule-based search, store locator, and in-app ordering. Grounded in transparency and trust, Medkart continues to redefine India's pharmaceutical ecosystem by making quality treatment affordable for all.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Brain Disease Is Set To Double Worldwide By 2050. Are We Prepared? What Scientists Say.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." While a lot of new scientific studies are focused on better understanding and treating the most common neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease, diagnoses in the second-most common one, Parkinson's disease, are steadily increasing. In fact, new research suggests that Parkinson's cases may actually double by 2050, which raises a lot of questions about why this might be happening and how you can lower your risk. It's important to be aware that there are still a lot of mysteries surrounding Parkinson's, a progressive nervous system disorder that makes it difficult to control movement in your body, including what causes the disease in the first place. But the latest scientific findings suggest that it's really important we pay close attention to Parkinson's and focus on developing better diagnostics and therapeutics. Here's what the study found, plus what neurologists want you to know about lowering your risk profile. Meet the experts: Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University; Daniel Truong, MD, neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA and editor in chief of the Journal of Clinical Parkinsonism and Related Disorders In the study, which was published in The BMJ, researchers analyzed data from 195 countries and territories using the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study. From there, they estimated how common Parkinson's disease is based on a slew of factors, including a person's age and sex, from 2022 to 2050. The researchers estimated that the number of people living with Parkinson's disease around the world would hit 25.2 million by 2050, which is a whopping 112 percent jump from 2021. 'By 2050, Parkinson's disease will have become a greater public health challenge for patients, their families, caregivers, communities, and society,' the researchers wrote in their conclusion. First, it's important to emphasize that these datapoints are just estimates—it's not an absolute guarantee that Parkinson's rates will double over time. However, the data currently suggests that it will. The researchers had a few theories about what could be behind this growth in cases, including the fact that the overall population will be aging, while also still growing. The condition is 'primarily a disease of late life," says Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. And, as people get older, the risk of developing Parkinson's disease goes up. So, it goes to reason that if there are more older people on the earth, the likelihood of increased Parkinson's cases also increases. Something else to consider, per Dr. Sachdev: Doctors are getting better at properly detecting and diagnosing the condition, which can also causes rates to increase. Still, that doesn't completely explain the big jump. 'We know how Parkinson's disease happens, but we don't know what triggers the process,' says Dr. Sachdev. With higher rates of Parkinson's disease comes an even greater need for caregivers. People with Parkinson's require daily living assistance, mobility support, medication management, and emotional care, according to Daniel Truong, MD, neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA and editor in chief of the Journal of Clinical Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. 'The progressive nature of Parkinson's disease means that caregiving demands will intensify over time, contributing to longer hours and increased physical and emotional strain,' he says. Caregivers may also need specialized training to help loved ones manage Parkinson's disease symptoms, per Dr. Truong, who adds that there will likely be a higher-than-ever increased risk of caregiver burnout. Caregivers may end up bogged down with other responsibilities while trying to support parents or loved ones in their Parkinson's journey, too. 'Folks are waiting longer to have their own children. Their parents are living longer and diseases of slow progressive loss like Parkinson's disease are being managed but not cured,' Dr. Sachdev says. 'This means people are living longer with these diseases and caretakers are finding themselves supporting their older relatives and their younger children at the same time.' Remember, doctors don't really know what causes Parkinson's, but according to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for Parkinson's disease can include: Being older (symptoms usually start around age 50) Having one or more first-degree relatives with the condition Being male Being repeatedly exposed to toxins like herbicides and pesticides This is a little tricky, given that the exact cause of Parkinson's isn't known. 'There is no [known] way to avoid Parkinson's disease,' Dr. Sachdev says. 'However, there are ways to support healthier brains [which] are more resilient and can support function longer.' Dr. Truong recommends taking these steps to support your brain health: Get regular physical activity Follow a Mediterranean or DASH diet Try to avoid toxins and environmental exposures Avoid head trauma Keep your gut healthy by eating plenty of foods rich in probiotics and fiber Try to manage stress Get quality sleep Stay mentally and socially active Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension Basically, taking care of your overall health can also protect your brain. 'While Parkinson's disease cannot be entirely prevented, a healthy lifestyle, avoiding toxins, regular exercise, and good sleep may significantly lower the risk,' Dr. Truong says. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Globe and Mail
10-03-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Facial Lines Market Poised for Transformative Growth by 2032, Predicts DelveInsight
The Facial Lines market is experiencing steady advancements, driven by evolving treatment approaches and research innovations. DelveInsight's latest 7MM report provides comprehensive insights into key epidemiology trends and market dynamics. DelveInsight's ' Facial Lines - Market Insight, Epidemiology, And Market Forecast - 2032 ″ report offers an in-depth understanding of the Facial Lines, historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the Facial Lines market trends in the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom) and Japan. Some of the key facts of the Facial Lines Market Report: • According to DelveInsight, the market for Facial Lines in the 7MM is expected to grow steadily from 2019 to 2032. • According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, the global incidence of orofacial clefts decreased from 237,258 cases in 1990 to 192,708 cases in 2019, with an age-standardized rate (ASR) reduction from 3.61 per 100,000 in 1990 to 2.98 per 100,000 in 2019. • Ultraviolet (UV) light and sunlight exposure significantly accelerate skin aging, resulting in photoaging, which is responsible for 90% of visible skin changes. • The wrinkle scale, rated on a 0-9 scale, is a valuable tool in research for evaluating different types of aesthetic procedures. • Emerging drugs for aesthetic treatments include IPN10200, PrabotulinumtoxinA-Xvfs, IncobotulinumtoxinA, and others. • Leading companies in the aesthetic and dermatology market include Ipsen, Evolus, Inc., and others. • Photoaging continues to be a significant factor in skin damage, driving the development of new treatments in the aesthetics industry. To Know in detail about the Facial Lines market outlook, drug uptake, treatment scenario, and epidemiology trends, Click here: Facial Lines Market Forecast Facial Lines Overview Facial lines, commonly known as wrinkles, are visible creases or folds in the skin that develop due to aging, repetitive facial expressions, sun exposure, and other environmental and genetic factors. These lines can appear on different areas of the face, including the forehead, around the eyes (crow's feet), between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and around the mouth (nasolabial folds and marionette lines). The primary cause of facial lines is the gradual decline in collagen and elastin production, which leads to reduced skin elasticity and firmness. Additionally, repeated muscle movements, such as frowning, smiling, or squinting, contribute to the formation of dynamic wrinkles, which may become static over time as the skin loses its ability to bounce back. External factors such as prolonged sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and poor skincare habits can accelerate the development of facial lines. While facial lines are a natural part of aging, various treatment options are available to minimize their appearance. These include topical treatments (retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid-based creams), minimally invasive procedures (botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, and laser therapy), and more advanced interventions like chemical peels, microneedling, and facelift surgery. With increasing consumer demand for aesthetic procedures and advancements in dermatological treatments, the market for facial line reduction continues to grow, offering both preventive and corrective solutions to individuals seeking youthful, smoother skin. Facial Lines Epidemiology The epidemiology section provides insights into the historical, current, and forecasted epidemiology trends in the seven major countries (7MM) from 2019 to 2032. It helps to recognize the causes of current and forecasted trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. The epidemiology section also provides a detailed analysis of the diagnosed patient pool and future trends. Download the report to understand which factors are driving Facial Lines epidemiology trends @ Facial Lines Epidemiology Forecast Facial Lines Drugs Uptake and Pipeline Development Activities The drugs uptake section focuses on the rate of uptake of the potential drugs recently launched in the Facial Lines market or expected to be launched during the study period. The analysis covers the Facial Lines market uptake by drugs, patient uptake by therapies, and sales of each drug. Moreover, the therapeutics assessment section helps understand the drugs with the most rapid uptake and the reasons behind the maximal use of the drugs. Additionally, it compares the drugs based on market share. The report also covers the activities of the facial lines pipeline development. It provides valuable insights about different therapeutic candidates in various stages and the key companies involved in developing targeted therapeutics. It also analyzes recent collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, licensing patent details, and other information for emerging therapies. Facial Lines Market Strengths • Growing consumer interest in non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers, is driving market expansion. Increasing social media influence and a focus on youthful appearances further fuel demand. • Continuous improvements in anti-aging treatments, including next-generation fillers, laser therapies, and skincare formulations with peptides and hyaluronic acid, enhance treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction. Facial Lines Market Weaknesses • Premium aesthetic procedures, such as laser resurfacing and high-end dermal fillers, can be expensive, limiting accessibility for a broader population, particularly in developing regions. • Strict regulations on cosmetic injectables and emerging anti-aging treatments, along with concerns about side effects or complications, may hinder market growth and delay product approvals. Scope of the Facial Lines Market Report • Study Period: 2019–2032 • Coverage: 7MM [The United States, EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), and Japan] • Key Facial Lines Therapies: IPN10200, PrabotulinumtoxinA-Xvfs, IncobotulinumtoxinA, and others.• Key Facial Lines Companies: Ipsen, Evolus, Inc., and others. • Facial Lines Therapeutic Assessment: Facial Lines currently marketed and Facial Lines emerging therapies • Facial Lines Market Dynamics: Facial Lines market drivers and Facial Lines market barriers • Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, Porter's five forces, BCG Matrix, Market entry strategies • Facial Lines Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Facial Lines Market Access and Reimbursement To learn more about the key players and advancements in the Facial Lines Treatment Landscape, visit the Facial Lines Market Analysis Report Table of Contents 1. Facial Lines Market Report Introduction 2. Executive Summary for Facial Lines 3. SWOT analysis of Facial Lines 4. Facial Lines Patient Share (%) Overview at a Glance 5. Facial Lines Market Overview at a Glance 6. Facial Lines Disease Background and Overview 7. Facial Lines Epidemiology and Patient Population 8. Country-Specific Patient Population of Facial Lines 9. Facial Lines Current Treatment and Medical Practices 10. Facial Lines Unmet Needs 11. Facial Lines Emerging Therapies 12. Facial Lines Market Outlook 13. Country-Wise Facial Lines Market Analysis (2019–2032) 14. Facial Lines Market Access and Reimbursement of Therapies 15. Facial Lines Market Drivers 16. Facial Lines Market Barriers 17. Facial Lines Appendix 18. Facial Lines Report Methodology 19. DelveInsight Capabilities 20. Disclaimer 21. About DelveInsight About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Healthcare Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports Pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. It also offers Healthcare Consulting Services, which benefits in market analysis to accelerate business growth and overcome challenges with a practical approach. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Contact Person: Jatin Vimal Email: Send Email Phone: +14699457679 Address: 304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: Nevada Country: United States Website:
Bloomberg
19-12-2024
- Health
- Bloomberg
One in 127 People Have Autism, Global Prevalence Study Finds
An estimated 61.8 million people worldwide were on the autism spectrum in 2021, according to a study that highlighted the need for early detection and support of the developmental condition. Autism affects about 1 in 127 people, researchers from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study found. That's a jump from the 1-in-271 reported in 2019, which may have underestimated the condition — characterized by ongoing challenges in social communication, interaction, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors or interests, and, in some cases, intellectual disability, with varying levels of severity.
