Medical issues and perspectives

Metropolis Healthcare Limited recently announced a partnership with Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets to introduce a self-sampling human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test for cervical cancer screening. The test aims to improve access to early cervical cancer detection across India, particularly in Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 towns, addressing both social and economic barriers to screening.

Cervical cancer is preventable, yet India accounts for 21% of the world’s cervical cancer cases, with nearly 79,000 deaths annually. The high mortality rate is often due to late-stage diagnosis, which could be avoided through early screening. The introduction of the HPV DNA test, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first-choice screening method, provides a clinically validated, FDA-approved, and WHO-prequalified solution. This test detects 14 high-risk HPV types in a single sample, ensuring accurate and reliable results for better early intervention.

Surendran Chemmenkotil, CEO of Metropolis Healthcare, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding access to early cervical cancer detection through their extensive laboratory network and partnerships with hospitals. The collaboration with Roche aims to create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a major health threat.

The self-sampling HPV DNA test enables women to collect their own samples comfortably, addressing barriers such as stigma and limited access to healthcare facilities. Currently, only about 1.9% of Indian women undergo screening, as per a 2020 NHFS survey. Rishubh Gupta, Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics India, expressed confidence that the test’s introduction, along with Metropolis’s established laboratory presence, would significantly increase screening rates, particularly in underserved areas.

 

The Indian government has announced a complete exemption from Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on 36 essential lifesaving drugs in the Union Budget 2025. These drugs are critical for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, rare genetic disorders, and other severe conditions. Below is the full list categorized by their therapeutic use:

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1. Cancer Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapies

These drugs help treat various cancers by enhancing the immune system or targeting specific cancer pathways.

• Checkpoint Inhibitors (Boost the Immune System to Fight Cancer)

  1. Pembrolizumab – PD-1 inhibitor for multiple cancers
  2. Nivolumab – PD-1 inhibitor for various cancers
  3. Atezolizumab – PD-L1 inhibitor for cancer
  4. Durvalumab – PD-L1 inhibitor for cancer
  5. Avelumab – PD-L1 inhibitor for cancer

• Monoclonal Antibodies & Other Targeted Therapies
  6. Trastuzumab – HER2-targeted therapy for breast cancer
  7. Rituximab – Anti-CD20 therapy for blood cancers & autoimmune diseases
  8. Bevacizumab – VEGF inhibitor for various cancers
  9. Daratumumab – Anti-CD38 therapy for multiple myeloma
  10. Blinatumomab – BiTE therapy for leukemia
  11. Ibrutinib – BTK inhibitor for leukemia/lymphoma
  12. Venetoclax – BCL-2 inhibitor for leukemia

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2. Autoimmune & Inflammatory Disease Treatments

These drugs target inflammatory pathways to treat autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.

• For Multiple Sclerosis & Blood Disorders
  13. Ocrelizumab – Anti-CD20 for multiple sclerosis
  14. Eculizumab – C5 complement inhibitor for blood disorders

• For Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Crohn’s Disease
  15. Secukinumab – IL-17 inhibitor for psoriasis & ankylosing spondylitis
  16. Ixekizumab – IL-17 inhibitor for psoriasis
  17. Ustekinumab – IL-12/IL-23 inhibitor for psoriasis & Crohn’s disease
  18. Guselkumab – IL-23 inhibitor for psoriasis
  19. Brodalumab – IL-17 receptor antagonist for psoriasis

• For Severe Eczema & Asthma
  20. Dupilumab – IL-4/IL-13 inhibitor for eczema
  21. Reslizumab – IL-5 inhibitor for severe asthma
  22. Mepolizumab – IL-5 inhibitor for severe asthma
  23. Benralizumab – IL-5 inhibitor for severe asthma
  24. Omalizumab – IgE inhibitor for asthma
  25. Tezepelumab – TSLP inhibitor for asthma

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3. Osteoporosis Treatments

These drugs help prevent bone loss and fractures in osteoporosis patients.
26. Romosozumab – Sclerostin inhibitor for osteoporosis
27. Abaloparatide – PTHrP analog for osteoporosis
28. Teriparatide – PTH analog for osteoporosis
29. Denosumab – RANKL inhibitor for osteoporosis

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4. Enzyme Replacement Therapies for Rare Genetic Disorders

These drugs replace deficient enzymes in patients with rare metabolic disorders.
30. Burosumab – For X-linked hypophosphatemia
31. Elosulfase alfa – For Morquio A syndrome
32. Idursulfase – For Hunter syndrome
33. Laronidase – For Hurler syndrome
34. Galsulfase – For Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome

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5. Neurological Disorder Treatment

This drug is used for a rare neurodegenerative disease.
35. Cerliponase alfa – For Batten disease

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This exemption aims to make critical treatments more affordable, benefiting thousands of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases.