Vikas Dandekar is the Editor - Pharma & Healthcare at ET Prime. With over two decades of experience tracking the Indian pharmaceutical industry, he covers a wide range of topics including gene therapy, oncology, immunotherapy, and the intricacies of pharmaceutical regulation and healthcare administration. Vikas has been featured in The Economic Times, highlighting his expertise in the evolving landscape of medicine and healthcare.
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India (National)
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Vikas Dandekar's coverage is heavily focused on healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and health-related topics in India with a specific emphasis on Mumbai. It seems he would be most interested in expert commentary from professionals within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries regarding prevailing issues such as diabetes management, heart ailments, medical research breakthroughs, and regulatory changes.
If you have expertise or insights related to these areas or can provide analysis of government announcements impacting the healthcare sector in India (especially Mumbai), your pitch may resonate well with Vikas. Additionally, if you represent an organization making significant contributions to this industry locally or nationally, it could also capture his interest.
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By: Rica Bhattacharyya, Vikas Dandekar
Takeda Pharmaceutical's new dengue vaccine Qdenga received approval in India. The vaccine is expected to launch commercially in early 2027. It will initially be available through the private market for individuals. Takeda plans to pursue government procurement and National Immunisation Programme inclusion. This move significantly broadens Takeda's public health focus in India.
Among the products listed by Sun in the "not affected list" are Cequa, Careprost LS, Gatilox DM, Timolet OD, Eyemist Gel, OCeva injection, Synca and Cafta.
Sun Pharma recalled eleven eyecare products after an eye specialists' body issued a safety alert. This alert warned about bacterial contamination found in certain batches of their Predmet eyedrop medicine. The All India Ophthalmological Society stressed patient safety due to potential serious ocular infection risks. Sun Pharma stated the recall was a precautionary measure while investigations continued. The company assured that other products were manufactured at different qualified sites.
The All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), a body of nearly 27,000 eye specialists, on June 19 informed its members that multiple ophthalmic institutions found contaminations consistent with pseudomonas species in some batches of the prescription medicine.
By: Vikas Dandekar
Thermo Fisher Scientific is amplifying its investment footprint in India, driven by the strong anticipated growth in the biosimilars and innovative medicines sectors. With projections indicating a substantial rise in India's biosimilars exports by 2030, local pharmaceutical companies are pivoting towards advanced biologics and research initiatives. To foster scientific talent, Thermo Fisher has also established a bioprocess center in Hyderabad for comprehensive training.
By: Alenjith K Johny, Vikas Dandekar
In a recent proposal, a parliamentary committee has recommended that hospital room charges not exceed the rates of three-star hotels. The substantial growth of private healthcare as an industry has attracted considerable private equity investment, resulting in valuation spikes and shifts in ownership among hospital chains. However, this raises important questions about the accessibility of healthcare for the average person.
By: Vikas Dandekar, Alenjith K Johny
In just about three years, nearly 60 hospital-linked PE deals have been signed for eye-popping values of INR49,000 crore.
By: Vikas Dandekar
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority aims to hold drug manufacturers solely accountable for the excessive pricing of essential medications. This initiative could shield retail chemists and hospitals from legal repercussions concerning pricing infractions. Manufacturers are likely to challenge the proposal, alleging it is uncompromising and unjust. Previously, substantial penalties have been levied against drugmakers for such transgressions.
By: Vikas Dandekar, Teena Thacker
Indian drugmakers oppose a proposal making them solely liable for medicine overpricing. This regulatory move exempts retail chemists, hospitals, and nursing homes from penalties. Pharmaceutical groups argue this unfairly burdens manufacturers already following pricing rules. Retail chemists, however, welcome the safeguards for their members. Manufacturers believe accountability should extend to those setting the final patient price.
The Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs (FOPE) raised concerns that exempting downstream sellers entirely could open the door to disputes and pressure tactics against manufacturers.
