Over 600 Mumbaites ‘Walk for Life’ against breast cancer

Over 600 Mumbaites ‘Walk for Life’ against breast cancer

Organized by Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital and International Oncology Services Pvt Ltd ‘Walk for Life 2014’ witnessed massive participation from over 600 Mumbaites, including breast cancer survivors, who gathered to support the cause of breast cancer awareness. In its 4th consecutive year, the event was organized to spread the word on early detection of breast cancer to prevent further complications. 

Flagged off by Niranjan Hiranandani, managing director, Hiranandani Group, the event‘Walk for Life’ was supported by Rotary Club of Mumbai, LAKERS and covered a distance of 2.2 kms around the scenic Powai Lake.

Spearheading the initiative, Dr Sujit Chatterjee, CEO, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital said, “The women of our country are a national treasure. It’s time we all wake up to create awareness for the love of women in our life because they are irreplaceable. For a grave disease that it is, the only key to higher long-term survival rates is early detection. Our aim is to reach out to the masses and encourage all women to seek facts and not delay any symptoms the decisions related to it.”

The idea behind the walk is to create and spread awareness on the serious concerns about breast cancer. Today, it is one of the most common cancers in women accounting to 25-27% of all cancer cases. The average age of the high risk group in 43-46 years in India unlike in the West where women aged 53-57 years are more prone to breast cancer.

Talking about the initiative, Dr Neeraj Mehta, Regional Head, International Oncology Services Pvt. Ltd. said, “Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. While the awareness has increased in the past few years, women fail to take timely action. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in 22 in urban India and one in 60 in rural India over the lifetime of a woman. It is also important for people to know about the common myths and taboos related to the disease and the only way is to create societal awareness through initiatives such as these. Avoiding risk factors and early detection will go a long way in reducing incidence and achieving higher cure rates”.

As a forerunner to the event, Dr L H Hiranandani Rangshila Hospital and International Oncology Services Pvt. Ltd along with Rangshila theatre group performed street plays in various locations in Mumbai to spread awareness on breast cancer and the importance of self detection and early diagnosis.

Among the various survivors supporting the walk, was Dhansukhlal Shah, a 69 years old man from Ghatkopar and a breast cancer survivor. Shah was lucky to have diagnosed and operated this grave disease at a very initial stage, which made it possible to be cured. Talking about his victory over breast cancer, Shah said, “In my case, there were two things that helped me get cured, one was an early detection of the tumour and second is my willpower. An early detection of the disease is extremely important and that will happen only when more and more people are aware about the disease.

"Today, very few people are aware of the fact that breast cancer occurs in men too, even though the occurrence is low as compared to women. I would therefore urge people to become aware and know more about the disease. I am here to support this social cause and contribute to the efforts of Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital,” Shah added.

Source:http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=84705&sid=2

Tofflon bullish on India as its biopharma industry look for advances in lyophilization

China-based Tofflon is bullish on India and views it as an important and the fastest market for growth for lyophilization technology. The company has been catering to leading pharma and biopharma sector majors including Sun, DRL, Aurobindo, Cipla, Biocon, Mylan’s Agila among others.

Tefflon holds leadership position in lyophilization or the method of freeze-drying injectable drugs for the bio pharmaceutical companies engaged in the production of vaccine, blood plasma, herbs, antibiotics, healthcare foods and animal drugs. Globally, Tofflon has over 3,000 installations of freeze dryers in the markets of Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Russia and Asian countries.

“We are committed to serve the Indian pharma and biotech industry with greater localisation and service-driven approach. The company has grown from an equipment supplier to solution provider, said Robin Zuo, executive director, Tofflon India at a seminar and workshop on ‘Lyophilized maintenance and latest trends in lyophilization' held in Bengaluru on October 18, 2014.

The Indian biopharma industry’s strong presence in the oncology injectable and biological drug space is driving much of the increased investments for lyophilization, Steven Zhou business development director, International Business Division Tofflon told Pharmabiz.

Biologicals are difficult to manufacture primarily because these are extremely sensitive to oxygen, light and heat which could be detrimental to the stability of these drugs. Pharma companies opt for innovative ways to safeguard these important drugs compounds till these can be administered to patients. The drug majors look to save the biological activity, extend shelf life, and even increase dosing precision. “We offer innovative ways to help stabilise compounds so they can be reconstituted just prior to administration,” he added.

Lyophilized injectables as vials or in powder form require stringent standards of control because it is for human use to treat critical illness of patients with cancer or in intensive care unit for other conditions. India has been engaged in the production of high value biological and anti cancer drugs, requiring freeze drying technologies. The production of lyophilized drugs demand specific expertise and , Indian companies are showing a positive response as they are continuously investing in Tofflon’s lyophilized technology covering freeze dryer, auto loading systems, barrier systems, vial filling line, ampoule filling line and other pharmaceutical equipments, he said.

“Currently, India is indicating high growth over other countries and for the present we have set our focus set on this country to maximise our growth prospects”, stated Zhou.

Indian bio pharma has realized the risk, economics of cost and time when they are engaged in the production of lyophilized drugs, The trend is the demand for increased drug safety and a need for safe, long-term storage. The emergence of vaccine and blood plasma products further enhance the indispensability of freeze drying, primarily to sustain the efficacy of the formulation. Companies look for return on investment and therefore opt for the most advanced lyophilized technology, said Zhou.