Category Archives: Health

Kaida BioPharma Announces Executive Leadership Team to Advance KAD-101, Built for the Ovarian Cancer Gap

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Mar 20 – Kaida BioPharma, a biotechnology company developing targeted therapies for women with hard-to-treat gynecologic cancers, announced its executive leadership team and board. Each member brings decades of experience in biotechnology, clinical development, regulatory strategy, manufacturing, finance, and commercialization to help advance Kaida’s lead product candidate, KAD-101, toward first-in-human clinical evaluation. The company is developing KAD-101 for recurrent ovarian cancer, where treatment options narrow quickly and durable control remains limited.

Kaida BioPharma is building KAD-101, a next-generation prolactin receptor antagonist for the ovarian cancer gap, the space where patients are too often left cycling through treatment with too few durable options.

In addition to her role as Chairperson of the Board, Kaida founder Dr. Stella Vnook has been named Acting Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Vnook is an accomplished biotechnology founder, executive, and advisor with extensive experience guiding early-stage therapeutics from scientific foundation through capital formation. At Kaida, she leads corporate strategy, development planning, and investor engagement.

“The science brought me here, and the women out there still fighting are why I stay. At Kaida, we are building for the ovarian cancer gap, for patients whose options narrow too fast and whose disease still outpaces available therapies,” said Dr. Vnook. “By targeting the survival signals that keep these tumors alive, we believe KAD-101 has the potential to help overcome treatment resistance and create a new path toward more durable control. More options mean more time, and more time means everything.”

Craig Pierson, a founder alongside Dr. Vnook, has been appointed Director at Kaida BioPharma. Mr. Pierson is a life sciences investor and company builder with more than 25 years of experience in investment banking and private capital formation. He provides strategic oversight and financing expertise.

George E. Peoples, MD, FACS has been appointed fractional Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Peoples is a surgical oncologist with decades of experience in translational oncology and clinical development. He is also the founder of the Cancer Vaccine Development Program, Cancer Insight, and LumaBridge. At Kaida, he helps guide clinical strategy and IND planning.

John Langenheim, PhD has been appointed fractional Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Langenheim is a molecular biologist with more than 20 years of experience in therapeutic protein design and preclinical development. His scientific leadership has been instrumental in advancing KAD-101 toward clinical evaluation.

Pamela Swiggard has been appointed Head of Regulatory Affairs. She is a pharmaceutical executive with prior experience at companies including Pfizer and Endo Pharmaceuticals. She brings deep expertise across the product lifecycle, from development through regulatory approval and commercialization. At Kaida, she leads regulatory strategy and FDA engagement in support of IND readiness for KAD-101.

Eric Hacherl, PhD has been appointed Head of Manufacturing. Dr. Hacherl is a senior pharmaceutical operations leader with more than 25 years of experience in biologics manufacturing, cGMP compliance, and process development. At Kaida, he is responsible for helping ensure clinical supply readiness for KAD-101.

Mark Booth has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Booth is a seasoned pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive with more than 25 years of experience building commercial strategies for oncology and rare disease products. His background includes leadership across launch planning, brand strategy, access, and market development for important oncology products, including EMEND, EMEND IV, Zolinza, vintafolide, KEYTRUDA, and the avutometinib plus defactinib combination for low grade serous ovarian cancer. At Kaida, he is responsible for commercial strategy for KAD-101, including positioning, market development, and long-term access planning.

Government Launches ‘Yoga 365’ Campaign to Make Daily Yoga a National Habit

NEW DELHI, March 20: The Government has launched Yoga 365, a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming yoga from an annual observance into a daily practice, with a focus on integrating wellness into everyday life.

The campaign was unveiled during the launch of Yoga Mahotsav–2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, marking the 100-day countdown to the 2026 edition of the International Day of Yoga.

Prataprao Jadhav said the initiative seeks to extend the spirit of the annual yoga day into a sustained, year-round movement. “The aim is to make yoga an integral part of citizens’ daily lives,” he noted.

As part of the campaign, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga signed a memorandum of understanding with wellness platform Habuild to offer free daily online yoga sessions, enabling wider accessibility across regions and age groups.

Officials highlighted that while awareness of traditional wellness systems is high—over 95 percent in both rural and urban India, according to the National Sample Survey—regular practice remains significantly lower. The initiative aims to bridge this gap by encouraging behavioural change and routine adoption.

The programme will focus on community outreach, institutional partnerships, and digital engagement, promoting yoga across schools, workplaces, and neighbourhood groups.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said Yoga 365, along with new therapeutic yoga protocols, is designed to make yoga more practical and relevant for daily health needs.

Describing it as a step towards building a culture of preventive healthcare, Monalisa Dash said the campaign aims to ensure yoga becomes a sustainable lifestyle practice across households.

The initiative builds on the growing global reach of the International Day of Yoga, which has evolved into a major wellness movement since its inception in 2015. Officials said the next phase will focus on embedding yoga into everyday routines, beyond symbolic celebrations.

With the countdown to IDY 2026 underway, the government expressed confidence that Yoga 365 could help convert widespread awareness into consistent daily practice, strengthening both individual health and collective well-being.

Cathy Tie Launches Origin Genomics to Advance Responsible Germline Gene Correction in the United States

Gujarat Detects Over 3,000 Pre Cancer Oral Cancer Cases in 2025 Screening Drive

Gujarat has identified more than 3,000 pre-cancerous oral cancer cases in 2025 through an expanded statewide screening programme, according to health officials.

The initiative, carried out across government hospitals, health centres, and mobile camps, focuses on early detection among high-risk groups, particularly tobacco users. Most of the cases detected were in the early stages, allowing for timely treatment and counselling.

Health authorities said the drive highlights the importance of preventive healthcare and increased awareness of oral cancer symptoms such as persistent mouth sores, unusual patches, and difficulty in chewing.

Officials added that outreach efforts in rural and semi-urban areas have helped improve early diagnosis and reduce the risk of late-stage complications.

National Workshop on One Health in Nagpur Focuses on Pandemic Preparedness, Coordination

New Delhi/Nagpur, March 19: A two-day national workshop on “Operational Frameworks for One Health: National Vision and State Action” was held in Nagpur to strengthen coordination across sectors for improved disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness.

The workshop was organised by the National Institute of One Health (NIOH), Nagpur, under the Department of Health Research, in collaboration with the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar.

The event aimed to translate the National One Health Mission into actionable strategies at the state and local levels, with a focus on integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems.

Delivering the keynote address, Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood stressed the need for integrated and interoperable surveillance systems.

He said early warning mechanisms depend on seamless data sharing across human health, veterinary, wildlife, and environmental sectors, adding that states like Maharashtra could serve as models for structured implementation of the One Health approach.

Department of Health Research Secretary Rajiv Bahl highlighted the importance of inter-sectoral coordination in tackling zoonotic diseases and strengthening national health security.

He said the One Health Mission reflects a whole-of-government approach, given the complex interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems that can lead to emerging health threats. He also emphasised the need to strengthen outbreak response mechanisms at the state and district levels.

The workshop included technical sessions and panel discussions on operationalising the One Health framework, with a focus on zoonotic diseases and spillover risks.

Discussions on the second day centred on biothreat preparedness, development of medical countermeasures, and investigation of wildlife-related outbreaks.

The inaugural session was attended by senior officials and experts from health, veterinary, and research institutions, including representatives from AIIMS Nagpur, NCDC, and Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University.

The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s preparedness against emerging and re-emerging diseases through coordinated policy and scientific action.

Kerala Scales Up Ayush Network with Rs.285 Crore Funding and 700 Wellness Centres

Kerala is expanding its Ayush healthcare ecosystem with central assistance of over ₹285 crore in the last four years, alongside the operationalisation of 700 Ayush wellness centres, strengthening its position as a key hub for traditional medicine and wellness services.

Data presented in Parliament shows that funding under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) to Kerala has risen steadily, peaking at ₹110.37 crore in 2024–25, before moderating to ₹51.38 crore in 2025–26. The total allocation between 2022–23 and 2025–26 stands at ₹285.65 crore.

Expanding Wellness Infrastructure

A major component of the expansion is the upgrade of 700 dispensaries into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. All centres are now operational, delivering integrated healthcare services that include Ayurveda, Yoga, and other Ayush systems.

This large-scale rollout strengthens Kerala’s already established reputation in Ayurveda and wellness tourism, while also expanding access to preventive and primary healthcare at the community level.

Healthcare Meets Wellness Economy

Kerala’s push comes at a time when demand for alternative medicine and preventive healthcare is rising, both domestically and globally. The state is well-positioned to leverage this trend, given its strong base in Ayurveda, trained practitioners, and established wellness infrastructure.

The integration of Ayush services into public healthcare through these centres also signals a shift toward cost-effective, preventive care models, which can reduce long-term healthcare expenditure.

Boost to Medical Value Travel

The promotion of Medical Value Travel (MVT) is emerging as a key economic driver. The Ministry of Ayush recently held a South Zone MVT Summit in Chennai, with participation from Kerala and other southern states, aimed at positioning India as a global destination for traditional medicine and wellness therapies.

Kerala, in particular, stands to benefit due to its global brand recognition in Ayurveda-based treatments and wellness retreats.

Policy and Funding Trends

While public health remains a state subject, central funding through NAM continues to play a catalytic role in infrastructure development and capacity expansion. The funding pattern indicates both strong central support and the state’s active participation through State Annual Action Plans.

Opportunities and Challenges

The expansion opens up opportunities across multiple segments, including wellness tourism, herbal product markets, training institutions, and tele-health services.

However, scaling up services while maintaining quality, standardisation, and global credibility will be critical, especially as Kerala targets international patients under medical value travel initiatives.

Outlook

With a combination of public investment, infrastructure expansion, and global demand for wellness services, Kerala is positioning itself at the intersection of healthcare and tourism.

If supported by quality assurance and international outreach, the state’s Ayush ecosystem could evolve into a significant contributor to both public health outcomes and the regional economy.

Ayush Services Expand in Rural Odisha with Focus on Outreach, Training and Tele-Consultation

Ayush healthcare services are witnessing steady expansion in rural and tribal areas of Odisha, supported by increased deployment of doctors, outreach programmes, and digital health initiatives, according to official data presented in Parliament.

The state currently has 584 Ayurvedic Medical Officers, 525 Homoeopathic Medical Officers, and 2 Unani Medical Officers posted across government dispensaries, strengthening primary healthcare delivery in underserved regions.

Strengthening Rural Healthcare Delivery

The expansion reflects a broader push to integrate traditional systems of medicine into public healthcare, particularly in areas where access to conventional medical infrastructure remains limited.

Public health being a state subject, Odisha has taken the lead in scaling awareness, training, and service delivery. At the same time, central support under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) is enabling infrastructure development, capacity building, and outreach programmes.

Investment in Training and Capacity Building

The state has rolled out induction and refresher training programmes for Ayush practitioners, including those serving as Community Health Officers at 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres.

This focus on workforce development is critical for standardising care quality and expanding the role of Ayush practitioners in preventive and primary healthcare services.

Expanding Outreach and Preventive Care

Odisha has increased awareness through large-scale health campaigns and camps, including integrated Ayush camps, geriatric care initiatives, and screening programmes for musculoskeletal disorders.

These efforts are aligned with a preventive healthcare model, which is gaining policy traction as a cost-effective way to manage long-term health burdens, particularly in ageing populations.

Digital Push with Tele-AYUSH

A notable development is the rollout of tele-consultation services under the e-Sanjeevani platform. The model connects 50 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres as spokes with major institutions such as Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College in Bhubaneswar and Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya in Puri acting as hubs.

This hub-and-spoke approach is expected to improve access to specialist consultations in remote areas while reducing the need for physical travel.

Emerging Healthcare Ecosystem

The state’s network of 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is playing a central role in delivering holistic healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care. Activities such as yoga sessions, medicinal plant distribution, and health awareness campaigns are also being integrated into service delivery.

Policy and Market Implications

The expansion of Ayush services reflects growing institutional support for alternative medicine systems within India’s healthcare framework. For the broader healthcare ecosystem, this could open opportunities in areas such as herbal medicine, wellness services, tele-health platforms, and training infrastructure.

Outlook

As demand for affordable and preventive healthcare rises, Odisha’s model of integrating Ayush services with digital platforms and community outreach could serve as a template for other states.

The long-term impact will depend on service quality, patient trust, and the ability to scale infrastructure while maintaining standards.

Centre Launches Nationwide Free HPV Vaccination Campaign for 1.2 Crore Girls

New Delhi, March 18, 2026:
The Government of India has launched a nationwide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting around 1.2 crore girls aged 14 years across all 36 states and union territories, as part of its efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the country.

The campaign began on February 28, 2026, with the single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine being administered free of cost at government healthcare facilities across the country. These include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), District Hospitals (DHs), and Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), covering both urban and rural areas, including underserved regions.

The vaccination drive is scheduled to run for three months, after which the HPV vaccine will continue to be provided through routine immunisation sessions at government health facilities.

Health authorities have put in place safety measures to ensure smooth implementation of the campaign. Vaccination is being conducted in the presence of medical officers, and all vaccination sites are linked to 24×7 Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) management centres to provide immediate medical support in the event of any adverse reaction.

The government has clarified that HPV vaccination is voluntary, and parental consent is mandatory before the vaccine is administered to eligible beneficiaries. Operational guidelines for implementing the campaign have already been shared with all states and union territories.

The vaccination initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to combat Cervical Cancer, which includes screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment. Health experts have highlighted that HPV vaccination—supported by strong global evidence—can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer among women.

Details regarding the efficacy and safety profile of approved HPV vaccines are available in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) published on the website of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

This information was provided by Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on March 17.

Centre Approves 203 Integrated Ayush Hospitals and 383 Dispensaries Under National Ayush Mission

New Delhi, March 17: The Government of India has approved the establishment of 203 Integrated Ayush Hospitals (IAHs) and 383 new Ayush dispensaries across various states and Union Territories under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) to strengthen traditional healthcare infrastructure in the country.

Launched in 2014–15, the centrally sponsored scheme is being implemented through state and Union Territory governments with the aim of promoting and developing Ayush systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. The mission provides financial assistance for setting up 50-, 30-, and 10-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospitals, along with Ayush dispensaries based on proposals submitted by states through their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs).

According to the Ministry of Ayush, the approvals have been granted to expand access to traditional healthcare services in different parts of the country. The projects are part of the Centre’s broader efforts to integrate Ayush systems into the public health framework and improve healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved regions.

Among the states, Rajasthan has received the highest number of approvals for Integrated Ayush Hospitals with 33 units, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 25, Maharashtra with 14, and Madhya Pradesh with 13 hospitals. Other states such as Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Manipur have also been sanctioned multiple facilities to strengthen Ayush-based healthcare infrastructure.

Several northeastern states have also received approvals under the scheme, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, reflecting the government’s focus on expanding traditional medicine services in the region. Union Territories such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry have also been included in the plan.

In addition to hospitals, 383 new Ayush dispensaries have been approved nationwide. Uttar Pradesh accounts for the largest share with 250 dispensaries, followed by Assam with 100 units. Other states including Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra have also been allotted dispensaries under the programme.

To support the implementation of these initiatives, the Centre has released ₹424.24 crore as grant-in-aid to states and Union Territories during the current financial year as part of the central share under the mission. The funds are intended for carrying out approved activities under the respective State Annual Action Plans.

The information was shared by **Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on March 13, 2026.

The expansion of Ayush hospitals and dispensaries is expected to enhance access to traditional healthcare services and strengthen the integration of Ayush systems within India’s broader public health network.

Hungarian Study Offers New Insights into the Causes of Smartphone Addiction

According to research from Semmelweis University, problematic smartphone use is not caused by personality alone, but by weak self-control and a strong fear of missing out on social events (FoMO). The study published in Acta Psychologica also highlights that excessive phone use not only causes psychological difficulties, but can also lead to long-term physical consequences: Poor posture may impair balance, slow reaction time, and make it harder to concentrate.

Researchers at Semmelweis University investigated how smartphone use relates to mental and physical health, as well as cognitive functions, among students aged 18 to 35. In the online questionnaires, participants reported whether they had ever missed a planned task because of their phone use, and whether their phone was on their mind even when they weren’t using it. Participants were also asked about their daily active smartphone use and the types of activities they used their phones for.

The participants’ personality traits and mental state were also examined. One questionnaire measured neuroticism, meaning a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, low mood, fear, and anger. Another assessed self-control, and a third measured FoMO, the fear of missing out on events and peers’ activities.

Based on usage patterns, the researchers identified three groups. “Purely social” users relied on their phones mainly to communicate with friends and acquaintances, build social connections, and for social purposes. “Moderately process-oriented” users spent less than four to five hours a day on their phones for social purposes, news, entertainment, and passive scrolling, but spent less than four to five hours a day on their devices. About one third of participants were classified as “strong process-oriented” users, spending four to five hours or more per day on their phones, mainly for content consumption rather than social communication.

“Our main finding is that personality alone—such as a high level of neuroticism—does not make someone addicted to their phone. People who are more prone to negative emotions like anxiety, depression, or stress do not automatically become addicted. What really matters is how well they can control their behavior, emotions, and impulses, and how strongly they fear missing out,” said Dr. Johanna Takács, senior research fellow at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Semmelweis University and lead researcher of the study.

The study shows that the main problem is not the amount of time spent on phones, but how they are used. Passive scrolling on social media—such as watching short videos or browsing feeds—constantly exposes the brain to fast stimuli. This overloads attention, reduces concentration, and can cause mental fatigue over time.

Cognitive tests showed that “strong process-oriented” users performed worse on attention and memory tasks than expected for their age. They also slept worse, felt a stronger need for constant new stimulation and had more difficulty controlling their impulses when they wanted to check or do something immediately.

The study found that the duration of phone use was mainly associated with physical effects.

“When people hold their phones at waist or chest level and look down at them, the head moves forward, creating a forward head posture, also known as ‘text neck.’ This puts extra strain on the neck and can cause pain or early wear of the neck joints.

The neck contains sensors that tell the brain how the head is positioned. If a forward head posture is maintained for long periods, these signals can change and lead to balance problems. These effects are not limited to phone use but can also influence everyday movements,” said Beáta Seregély, assistant lecturer and expert responsible for the physical measurements in the study.

The researchers stress that the goal is not to ban phones or punish young people for using them. Instead, the focus should be on helping them use their phones more consciously. Simple steps can help, such as limiting notifications—especially from social media and messaging apps—setting time limits for social media, avoiding phone use before bedtime, and promoting more physical activity and maintaining good posture.

For mental prevention, it is especially important to help young people develop better self-control and feel less afraid of missing out on social events. This can be supported through behavioral training and psychological help. When self-control increases and fear of missing out decreases, personality-related vulnerability is no longer a major risk, and even more sensitive, anxious, or stress-prone individuals are much less likely to become addicted to their phones.