Latest news with #RespiratorySyncytialVirus
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Dr Reddy's Labs Q1 Results: Net profit rises just 1.4% YoY to ₹1,409 crore; revenue surges 11%
Dr Reddy's Labs Q1 Results: Leading pharmaceutical company Dr Reddy's Laboratories announced earnings for the April to June quarter of the financial year 2025-26 on Wednesday, July 23. The company reported a consolidated net profit growth of 1.4 per cent to ₹ 1,409 crore in Q1FY26 compared to ₹ 1,392 crore posted in the year-ago period. The pharma major's revenue from operations in the June-ended quarter stood at ₹ 8,572 crore, up 11.3 per cent from ₹ 7,696 crore in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year. In terms of segment-wise performance, revenue from Global Generics, which constitutes nearly 90 per cent of the total revenue, stood at ₹ 7,562 crore compared to ₹ 6,885crore. The company posted ₹ 970 crore revenue from Pharmaceutical Services and Active Ingredients in Q1FY26, compared to ₹ 1,030 crore. The total expenses rose 15.8 per cent at ₹ 6,957 crore in the April to June quarter for the fiscal year 2025-26 from ₹ 6,006 crore in the same quarter previous year. The pharma company's EBITDA was ₹ 2,278 crore, accounting for approximately 26.7% of total revenues. Partnership with Alvotech to co-develop, manufacture and co-commercialise pembrolizumab, a biosimilar candidate to Keytruda. Collaboration with Sanofi to launch Beyfortus (Nirsevimab), a drug for preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in India. • Launched Sensimune in India, an immunotherapy product for house dust mite-induced allergies in partnership with ALK-Abell6. Speaking on the results and the upcoming course of action, Co-Chairman & MD, G V Prasad said, 'the pricing pressure on Lenalidomide is expected to intensify in the U.S. generics market. We remain focused on strengthening our base business by delivery of our pipeline assets, improving overall productivity and business development.'
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Wheezing, coughing, and pneumonia in infants: Could it be RSV?
Every monsoon and winter, hospitals see a rise in babies struggling with severe cough, breathing trouble, or symptoms that seem like an upper respiratory tract infection or pneumonia. Many parents assume it's just a common cold, but often, it turns out to be something more serious like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This highly contagious virus is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory infections in children under five, and in some cases it may become dangerous, especially for infants in their first year. RSV: More than just a cold RSV usually starts with signs that look like a regular cold—runny nose, mild cough, and slight fever. But in some infants, especially those within one year of age, RSV can worsen rapidly. Within a short span, symptoms can worsen, leading to difficulty in breathing and a need for hospital care. Why babies under one are more vulnerable In the first year, a baby's immune system and lungs are still in the development stage. Their airways are narrower, and any swelling or mucus caused by an infection can block airflow more easily than in older children or adults. This puts them at higher risk of complications like wheezing and pneumonia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo It's not just preterm or high-risk babies, in fact, most RSV-related hospital admissions involve full-term, previously healthy infants. Even after recovery, severe RSV infections can lead to long-term issues like recurrent wheezing, increased chances of asthma, and frequent ear infections that can affect hearing and speech development later in life. How a single shot can help protect In India, RSV infections tend to peak during monsoon and early winter seasons. However, RSV may circulate year-round. This makes it important for parents and healthcare providers to stay alert beyond just the traditional 'season'. Thanks to advances in healthcare, we now have options to protect babies from RSV. While the RSVpreF vaccine (maternal vaccine) is currently unavailable in India, monoclonal antibodies Palivizumab and Nirsevimab offer effective options for RSV prevention. While Palivizumab is limited to use in high-risk infants, Nirsevimab, a single-shot immunization that will soon be available, is suitable for administration to all infants shortly after birth or before they leave the hospital. If they miss it, it can still be given later during a regular check-up. RSV spreads quickly and hits hard before you even realize it. That's why protecting your baby early, before symptoms appear, is the best way to avoid serious illness. Parents should talk to their doctors about RSV prevention soon after their child is born. The first year is a time to grow, play, and explore, not to spend in hospital beds fighting preventable infections. With the right awareness and timely protection, we can ensure infants get the healthy start they deserve. As we say prevention is better than cure, especially with viral illnesses such as RSV as there is no definite treatment once you get affected. Author: Dr. Raghuram Mallaiah, Senior Director Neonatology, Fortis La Femme GK-II, New Delhi
Hans India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Need for awareness and immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in India
Medical experts in India are calling for urgent attention to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a highly contagious but under-discussed cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under five. RSV, often mistaken for a mild seasonal cold, accounts for ~ 3.6 million hospitalizations and ~ 100,000 deaths in children under five each year globally. India, with the largest birth cohort of ~ 25 million newborns annually, contributes significantly to this burden. The impact is particularly severe during the country's monsoon and early winter months, when neonatal ICUs experience a surge in admissions. Alarmingly, even healthy, full-term infants across all socio-economic backgrounds often require oxygen or ventilator support due to RSV-related complications. Therefore, raising awareness among parents and healthcare professionals about available preventive measures is critical to reducing the disease's toll on young lives. Dr. Vasant M. Khalatkar, Current National President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), said 'RSV remains a significant threat to infant health, and while hygiene measures like handwashing are essential, they're often not enough—especially for babies under one year. With the recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for long-acting monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and India enabling access to these solutions, we now have vital tools to protect our youngest. Palivizumab has been available for high-risk infants, offering protection through monthly dosing during the RSV season. Now, with the arrival of Nirsevimab—a single-dose, long-acting antibody that provides season-long protection—we're seeing a major advancement. Administered shortly after birth or during routine follow-ups, these preventive options can greatly reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and shield infants from serious complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Prevention, timely awareness, and parental engagement are critical to reducing RSV's impact across India.' Dr. Cesar Mascarenas, Head of Medical International Region, Sanofi, commented 'We have long been working to close critical gaps in prevention by advancing science-driven solutions that align with evolving global recommendations, including those from the WHO. Addressing RSV burden in India with advanced preventive care is the need of the hour. Strengthening awareness, improving access to protective interventions, and enabling timely immunization are essential steps in reducing the impact of RSV and safeguarding the health of future generations.' Dr. Bhavesh Kotak, Head, Medical Affairs, Dr. Reddy's, added 'India bears a significant share of the global RSV burden. Unlike high-income countries with advanced prevention care and early access to preventive solution, India still faces challenges in timely diagnosis and protection. Increased awareness around the severity of RSV and enabled access to ground-breaking immunization solutions will be critical in building a more equitable and effective national response to RSV.' In April 2025, Sanofi and Dr. Reddy's announced the expansion of their partnership to bring to India a novel, single-dose preventive immunization developed to protect infants from RSV-related complications. Caregivers or parents are advised to speak with their pediatricians / neonatologist for more details.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Viruses are in the air with flu and RSV on the rise
Tracy-Lynn Ruiters | Published 6 hours ago As South Africans continue to experience the winter chill, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases ( NICD is urging citizens to stay informed, take precautions, and seek medical attention when necessary — especially as seasonal viruses remain active across the country. This comes as the 2025 influenza season in South Africa began four weeks earlier than in 2024, marking the earliest onset since 2010, according to pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals. Though transmission remains relatively low, the virus continues to circulate well into the winter months. NICD has confirmed that flu cases remain active across the country. During the week of 16–22 June, lab testing showed a positivity rate of 15.8% for influenza and 16.7% for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — two of the most common respiratory viruses tracked during this time of year. RSV, which typically peaks in autumn, has shown a later-than-usual surge in 2025, with ongoing detection reported in national respiratory surveillance. It remains a particular concern for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Other viruses like SARS-CoV-2 — the virus responsible for Covid-19 — continue to be monitored, but are circulating at low levels. The NICD is also keeping a watchful eye on diseases like measles and rubella, though these are currently less widespread. The NICD reminds the public to stay alert for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and muscle aches — all common to flu and RSV. Covid-19 shares many of these symptoms but may also include the loss of smell or taste. Flu vaccines remain the best protection, particularly for high-risk individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, people living with HIV, and those with chronic heart or lung disease. Although vaccines are typically administered before the start of winter, experts said it's not too late to get vaccinated and benefit from added protection during the colder months. The NICD also encourages simple but effective preventive habits: staying home when feeling sick, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and maintaining good hand hygiene. These non-pharmaceutical interventions continue to play a critical role in reducing transmission, especially in vulnerable environments like schools, care homes, and hospitals. Professor Burtram Fielding, Dean of Science at Stellenbosch University and a molecular biologist specialising in human pathogens, says the typical respiratory viruses — influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 — remain the main concerns this winter. 'Typically respiratory viruses are the main cause of concern in winter since we are in close contact indoors and these viruses spread via respiratory droplets,' he explained. He emphasised the ongoing danger posed by seasonal influenza, noting, 'Seasonal influenza has always had a high mortality rate globally, so will always remain a concern.' Addressing the frequent emergence of new Covid-19 variants, Fielding said, 'It appears as though the public panics with the emergence and reporting of each new strain or variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, we need to keep in mind that variants or strains will appear frequently; when the virus infects a person and replicates in their body, the virus mutates.' 'Based on coronavirus history, I am still of the opinion that the new strains will result in easier spread between humans, but not necessarily into a deadlier virus.' He also warned of the risks posed by avian influenza. 'Once again this year, researchers are concerned about the possible jump of flu from birds to humans. Avian influenza H5N1 has a high mortality rate and could be a real problem if it successfully jumps to humans.' RSV and hMPV remain ongoing concerns, particularly for children, though Fielding added, 'Fortunately these viruses are not normally highly pathogenic.' Discussing zoonotic threats such as Mpox, he explained, 'Unfortunately with increased global travel, the continued sale of bush meat, and the expanding human population resulting in encroachment on wildlife habitats, there will always be a risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans.' Fielding also explained how the new phase of the Genomic Surveillance Project contribute towards research of viruses and the prevention. The project, a collaboration between the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aims to upscale the monitoring and analysis of genetic information from pathogens that pose a threat to public health. "Early identification of viruses is extremely important. It should allow us to better prepare for potential pandemics... and develop medical and pharmaceutical interventions much earlier, minimising the impact of an outbreak,' Fielding said. [email protected] Weekend Argus
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Viruses are in the air with flu and RSV on the rise
Influenza is on the NICD's watchlist Image: File As South Africans continue to experience the winter chill, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases ( NICD is urging citizens to stay informed, take precautions, and seek medical attention when necessary — especially as seasonal viruses remain active across the country. This comes as the 2025 influenza season in South Africa began four weeks earlier than in 2024, marking the earliest onset since 2010, according to pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals. Though transmission remains relatively low, the virus continues to circulate well into the winter months. NICD has confirmed that flu cases remain active across the country. During the week of 16–22 June, lab testing showed a positivity rate of 15.8% for influenza and 16.7% for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — two of the most common respiratory viruses tracked during this time of year. RSV, which typically peaks in autumn, has shown a later-than-usual surge in 2025, with ongoing detection reported in national respiratory surveillance. It remains a particular concern for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Other viruses like SARS-CoV-2 — the virus responsible for Covid-19 — continue to be monitored, but are circulating at low levels. The NICD is also keeping a watchful eye on diseases like measles and rubella, though these are currently less widespread. The NICD reminds the public to stay alert for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and muscle aches — all common to flu and RSV. Covid-19 shares many of these symptoms but may also include the loss of smell or taste. Flu vaccines remain the best protection, particularly for high-risk individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, people living with HIV, and those with chronic heart or lung disease. Although vaccines are typically administered before the start of winter, experts said it's not too late to get vaccinated and benefit from added protection during the colder months. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The NICD also encourages simple but effective preventive habits: staying home when feeling sick, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and maintaining good hand hygiene. These non-pharmaceutical interventions continue to play a critical role in reducing transmission, especially in vulnerable environments like schools, care homes, and hospitals. Professor Burtram Fielding, Dean of Science at Stellenbosch University and a molecular biologist specialising in human pathogens, says the typical respiratory viruses — influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 — remain the main concerns this winter. 'Typically respiratory viruses are the main cause of concern in winter since we are in close contact indoors and these viruses spread via respiratory droplets,' he explained. He emphasised the ongoing danger posed by seasonal influenza, noting, 'Seasonal influenza has always had a high mortality rate globally, so will always remain a concern.' Addressing the frequent emergence of new Covid-19 variants, Fielding said, 'It appears as though the public panics with the emergence and reporting of each new strain or variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, we need to keep in mind that variants or strains will appear frequently; when the virus infects a person and replicates in their body, the virus mutates.' 'Based on coronavirus history, I am still of the opinion that the new strains will result in easier spread between humans, but not necessarily into a deadlier virus.' He also warned of the risks posed by avian influenza. 'Once again this year, researchers are concerned about the possible jump of flu from birds to humans. Avian influenza H5N1 has a high mortality rate and could be a real problem if it successfully jumps to humans.' RSV and hMPV remain ongoing concerns, particularly for children, though Fielding added, 'Fortunately these viruses are not normally highly pathogenic.' Discussing zoonotic threats such as Mpox, he explained, 'Unfortunately with increased global travel, the continued sale of bush meat, and the expanding human population resulting in encroachment on wildlife habitats, there will always be a risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans.' Fielding also explained how the new phase of the Genomic Surveillance Project contribute towards research of viruses and the prevention. The project, a collaboration between the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aims to upscale the monitoring and analysis of genetic information from pathogens that pose a threat to public health. "Early identification of viruses is extremely important. It should allow us to better prepare for potential pandemics... and develop medical and pharmaceutical interventions much earlier, minimising the impact of an outbreak,' Fielding said. Weekend Argus
