Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Scientists Find Over 20 New Bat Viruses In China, Warn Of “Critical Implications”

The most deadly viruses in the world may be quietly fermenting in fruit orchards—literally over your head? You got it. In a finding that is generating high-profile buzz throughout the international scientific community, scientists in China have discovered over 20 novel bat viruses, some of which have close relatives to Hendra and Nipah—diseases with skull-chilling mortality rates and a track record of crossing over from animals to humans.

So what does this all mean to you, me, and the rest of the world? A new science study issued a warning to the global health community: scientists have found over 20 previously unknown viruses in Chinese Yunnan province bats. Two newly discovered henipaviruses closely related to the lethal Hendra and Nipah viruses are causing special concern because of their likely ability to cause human and animal disease. Health professionals caution that these discoveries have "critical implications" for global public health, highlighting an urgent need for increased surveillance and biosecurity protocols.

The discovery, reported in the journal PLOS Pathogens, has been sending shockwaves across the world's scientific and medical circles, with scientists alerting that the newly discovered viruses may have "critical implications" for global public health.

<h2>The Two Viruses That Have Experts Particularly on Edge</h2>

Two of the 22 viruses identified were particularly concerning: henipaviruses—a class of viruses with a reputation for being lethal. These were discovered in fruit bats that inhabit the vicinity of orchards and human habitations, a configuration that duplicates earlier outbreaks of Hendra virus in Australia. Among the viruses discovered in the study is the closest-known relative of the Hendra and Nipah viruses, which carry mortality rates of 40% to 80% in humans and are responsible for causing severe respiratory disease and brain inflammation.

What is more alarming is the transmission mode: both Hendra and Nipah viruses can also be transmitted via bat urine. In farming areas where bats scavenge in fruit farms, infected fruit can be used as a bridge for spillover into livestock—or humans.

"Academically, this is not a concern," replied Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam, a virologist at Monash University's Malaysian campus. "This has practical implications, particularly for nations such as Australia where the ecology is shockingly similar."

<h2>Why Bats Are A Matter of Concern?</h2>

Bats have long been known to be the main hosts of viruses that are able to leap onto humans and animals, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. From Ebola to SARS, MERS, and most recently, the coronavirus causing COVID-19, bats are often suspected to be responsible for the appearance of new infectious diseases. Their own biology—long lifespan, social roosting habits, and strong immune systems—tends to make them perfect reservoirs for a vast range of viruses.

The emphasis of the new study on the kidneys is important. While most research to date has focused on bat saliva, feces, or blood, the kidneys might be important in viral shedding, especially by way of urine. This is particularly important for henipaviruses, which have been found to be excreted in bat urine and can infect fruit or surfaces and cause spillover to humans and animals.

Of all the viruses that have been found, the two new henipaviruses in fruit bats are of most concern to researchers. One of them is now known to be the closest-known relative of the Hendra and Nipah viruses—both of which have caused fatal outbreaks among humans and animals.

Hendra and Nipah viruses have the notorious reputation for high mortality rates, ranging from 40% to 80%. They induce severe brain inflammation (encephalitis) and respiratory illness, and can spread efficiently within populations of both humans and animals. In Australia alone, Hendra virus has caused 66 recorded outbreaks since 1994, killing four individuals and scores of horses. Nipah virus, on the other hand, has produced recurrent outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, frequently associated with the consumption of fruit or fruit products contaminated by urine from bats.

The detection of henipaviruses closely related to each other in Yunnan's fruit bats—particularly those that inhabit orchards and villages—heightens the possibility of future spillover incidents. As Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam of the Malaysian campus of Monash University points out, "The proximity between the Australian rural setting and Yunnan's orchards close to human dwellings emphasizes the need for heightened surveillance and biosecurity efforts."

Bats have come under closer scientific examination as natural reservoirs for most lethal viruses, including SARS, MERS, Ebola, and even SARS-CoV-2. This research is special because it targets the kidneys—a less often examined organ in virology studies.

Both Hendra and Nipah viruses can be spread by contact with bat urine. Fruit bats in agricultural environments tend to roost and feed in orchards near human habitation. When their urine gets onto fruit, the virus is consumed by livestock or human beings, paving the way for possible outbreaks.

This method of transmission is especially cause for alarm in areas where humans and animals are in close contact to bat habitats. As Dr. Alison Peel, a disease ecologist of wildlife at the University of Sydney, describes, these results indicate "potential opportunities for contact" with humans—particularly those in rural and peri-urban settings.

This research broadens our knowledge of the bat kidney infectome," scientists said. "It identifies the imperative zoonotic dangers lurking in plain sight and emphasizes the importance of complete-spectrum viral monitoring in understudied organs.

As per Dr. Yong Gao Peng, a virologist who participated in the research, "This finding does not mean an outbreak will be imminent. But it does show just how much we still don't know about the viral world within bats, and how important it is to chart it out comprehensively."

<h2>Why the World Should Pay Attention?</h2>

The detection of so many new bat viruses in a fairly small sample puts into perspective how much scientists actually still have yet to learn about the microbial universe borne by bats. As Dr. Yong Gao Peng, a virologist at Nias, cautions, "While the results are based on bat kidney samples and do not suggest impending outbreaks, they show how much we still don't know about the microbes bats carry."

In light of the past history of lethal outbreaks with bat-borne viruses, the stakes are obvious. Increased monitoring, particularly where bats and humans coexist in close proximity, is called for. The research also underscores the necessity of thorough investigations of hitherto less-studied organs—such as the kidneys—to fully evaluate the entire range of spillover threats.

"These viruses don't have to be pathogenic today," added Dr. Peel, "because viruses change. The take-home message here is the need for urgency in surveillance, especially in ecotones where humans, animals, and wildlife overlap."

Dr. Peng further contributes that the existence of such viruses, while localized to kidneys in this instance, is a sign from nature. "Most outbreaks are initiated by asymptomatic spillovers," he states. "Without timely detection and proper containment measures, they could quietly ferment into international crises."

This finding arrives as the globe is still fighting COVID-19 and wrestling with the advent of new infectious variants. Only 6% of Australian adults have been vaccinated with the new COVID-19 booster, as reported in national health figures. With the northern hemisphere preparing to face another winter surge, public health officials say complacency is not a choice.

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virus in china

bat viruses china

new henipavirus discovery

zoonotic virus risk

hendra nipah relatives

plos bat virus study

bat kidney viruses

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The most deadly viruses in the world may be quietly fermenting in fruit orchards—literally over your head? You got it. In a finding that is generating high-profile buzz throughout the international scientific community, scientists in China have discovered over 20 novel bat viruses, some of which have close relatives to Hendra and Nipah—diseases with skull-chilling mortality rates and a track record of crossing over from animals to humans.So what does this all mean to you, me, and the rest of the world? A new science study issued a warning to the global health community: scientists have found over 20 previously unknown viruses in Chinese Yunnan province bats. Two newly discovered henipaviruses closely related to the lethal Hendra and Nipah viruses are causing special concern because of their likely ability to cause human and animal disease. Health professionals caution that these discoveries have "critical implications" for global public health, highlighting an urgent need for increased surveillance and biosecurity protocols.The discovery, reported in the journal PLOS Pathogens, has been sending shockwaves across the world's scientific and medical circles, with scientists alerting that the newly discovered viruses may have "critical implications" for global public health.The Two Viruses That Have Experts Particularly on EdgeTwo of the 22 viruses identified were particularly concerning: henipaviruses—a class of viruses with a reputation for being lethal. These were discovered in fruit bats that inhabit the vicinity of orchards and human habitations, a configuration that duplicates earlier outbreaks of Hendra virus in Australia. Among the viruses discovered in the study is the closest-known relative of the Hendra and Nipah viruses, which carry mortality rates of 40% to 80% in humans and are responsible for causing severe respiratory disease and brain inflammation.What is more alarming is the transmission mode: both Hendra and Nipah viruses can also be transmitted via bat urine. In farming areas where bats scavenge in fruit farms, infected fruit can be used as a bridge for spillover into livestock—or humans."Academically, this is not a concern," replied Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam, a virologist at Monash University's Malaysian campus. "This has practical implications, particularly for nations such as Australia where the ecology is shockingly similar."Why Bats Are A Matter of Concern?Bats have long been known to be the main hosts of viruses that are able to leap onto humans and animals, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. From Ebola to SARS, MERS, and most recently, the coronavirus causing COVID-19, bats are often suspected to be responsible for the appearance of new infectious diseases. Their own biology—long lifespan, social roosting habits, and strong immune systems—tends to make them perfect reservoirs for a vast range of viruses.The emphasis of the new study on the kidneys is important. While most research to date has focused on bat saliva, feces, or blood, the kidneys might be important in viral shedding, especially by way of urine. This is particularly important for henipaviruses, which have been found to be excreted in bat urine and can infect fruit or surfaces and cause spillover to humans and animals.The Henipavirus ThreatOf all the viruses that have been found, the two new henipaviruses in fruit bats are of most concern to researchers. One of them is now known to be the closest-known relative of the Hendra and Nipah viruses—both of which have caused fatal outbreaks among humans and animals.Hendra and Nipah viruses have the notorious reputation for high mortality rates, ranging from 40% to 80%. They induce severe brain inflammation (encephalitis) and respiratory illness, and can spread efficiently within populations of both humans and animals. In Australia alone, Hendra virus has caused 66 recorded outbreaks since 1994, killing four individuals and scores of horses. Nipah virus, on the other hand, has produced recurrent outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, frequently associated with the consumption of fruit or fruit products contaminated by urine from bats.The detection of henipaviruses closely related to each other in Yunnan's fruit bats—particularly those that inhabit orchards and villages—heightens the possibility of future spillover incidents. As Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam of the Malaysian campus of Monash University points out, "The proximity between the Australian rural setting and Yunnan's orchards close to human dwellings emphasizes the need for heightened surveillance and biosecurity efforts."How Do These Viruses Spread?Bats have come under closer scientific examination as natural reservoirs for most lethal viruses, including SARS, MERS, Ebola, and even SARS-CoV-2. This research is special because it targets the kidneys—a less often examined organ in virology studies.Both Hendra and Nipah viruses can be spread by contact with bat urine. Fruit bats in agricultural environments tend to roost and feed in orchards near human habitation. When their urine gets onto fruit, the virus is consumed by livestock or human beings, paving the way for possible outbreaks.This method of transmission is especially cause for alarm in areas where humans and animals are in close contact to bat habitats. As Dr. Alison Peel, a disease ecologist of wildlife at the University of Sydney, describes, these results indicate "potential opportunities for contact" with humans—particularly those in rural and peri-urban settings.This research broadens our knowledge of the bat kidney infectome," scientists said. "It identifies the imperative zoonotic dangers lurking in plain sight and emphasizes the importance of complete-spectrum viral monitoring in understudied organs.As per Dr. Yong Gao Peng, a virologist who participated in the research, "This finding does not mean an outbreak will be imminent. But it does show just how much we still don't know about the viral world within bats, and how important it is to chart it out comprehensively."Why the World Should Pay Attention?The detection of so many new bat viruses in a fairly small sample puts into perspective how much scientists actually still have yet to learn about the microbial universe borne by bats. As Dr. Yong Gao Peng, a virologist at Nias, cautions, "While the results are based on bat kidney samples and do not suggest impending outbreaks, they show how much we still don't know about the microbes bats carry."In light of the past history of lethal outbreaks with bat-borne viruses, the stakes are obvious. Increased monitoring, particularly where bats and humans coexist in close proximity, is called for. The research also underscores the necessity of thorough investigations of hitherto less-studied organs—such as the kidneys—to fully evaluate the entire range of spillover threats."These viruses don't have to be pathogenic today," added Dr. Peel, "because viruses change. The take-home message here is the need for urgency in surveillance, especially in ecotones where humans, animals, and wildlife overlap."Dr. Peng further contributes that the existence of such viruses, while localized to kidneys in this instance, is a sign from nature. "Most outbreaks are initiated by asymptomatic spillovers," he states. "Without timely detection and proper containment measures, they could quietly ferment into international crises."This finding arrives as the globe is still fighting COVID-19 and wrestling with the advent of new infectious variants. Only 6% of Australian adults have been vaccinated with the new COVID-19 booster, as reported in national health figures. With the northern hemisphere preparing to face another winter surge, public health officials say complacency is not a choice.

scientists find over 20 new bat viruses in china, warn of “critical implications”

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US TV Star, the 46-year-old <span>Jenny Mollen</span> was rushed to the Emergency Room due to a reaction that happened after she consumed the weight-loss drug, <span>GLP1</span> or the glucagon-like peptide-1 medication. 

In an Instagram story on June 26, she wrote, “I just posted a follow-up to my piece about <span>Tirzepatide</span> and microdosing. I had a lot of unanswered questions about it [that] just ironically got answered for me in the form of a trip to the ER two nights ago … I’m in such a f***ing haze. It’s been a crazy 48 hours.”

She also revealed that she lost one-fourth of her blood as she ended up in the hospital. 

Before we understand what is tirzepatide, it is important to understand how GLP1 medications work. It is a hormone naturally produced in the body that plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the effects of this hormone, used to treat type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for weight management. 

Tirzepatide, on the other hand is a GLP1, like Ozempic or Wegovy. It regulates a person's blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. These medications are usually used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Mollen, who is the wife of Jason Biggs, also wrote an essay, published on Substack, where she expressed her "growing concerns" about how the medication was affecting her “mentally.”

In her essay, she wrote: “I do think that in the coming years, we will hear more about how GLP1s cause depression, ruin marriages and rob us of our capacity for feeling joy. These drugs bind to our neurotransmitters, affecting levels of dopamine and serotonin. They change our relationship with food. And I believe they also change our relationship with people and ourselves.”

She also noted that why others may have a desire to use it, however, she expressed her concerns over how it could have a negative impact on individual’s mental health, as she also has her own first-hand experience. 

She further noted: “When I started Tirzepatide, the first thing I noticed was that I was crying more frequently. I couldn’t control the tears that would pour out of me when talking about subjects ranging from kids to open-faced tuna melts. I also noticed this underlying anxiety that would, without warning, after no more than one cup of espresso, take over my body and have me pacing in the kitchen like I’d just snorted an eightball of cocaine.”

She also noted that she would get irritated much quickly and she was “more easily offended and quicker to react” while she was on GLP1. 

She wrote: “I also began to sense that the joy and gratitude I once experienced, those moments of peak happiness, weren’t quite as intense as they used to be. I could feel the joy simmering beneath the surface, but it never reached the pinnacle it once had internally. Even on a rollercoaster, my sense of euphoria was dampened. I couldn’t feel the highs and lows. Satisfaction, personally and professionally, was just out of reach.”

jenny mollen

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GLP1

Jenny Mollen in ER

Jenny Mollen fat loss jab

Tirzepatide

US TV Star, the 46-year-old Jenny Mollen was rushed to the Emergency Room due to a reaction that happened after she consumed the weight-loss drug, GLP1 or the glucagon-like peptide-1 medication. In an Instagram story on June 26, she wrote, “I just posted a follow-up to my piece about Tirzepatide and microdosing. I had a lot of unanswered questions about it [that] just ironically got answered for me in the form of a trip to the ER two nights ago … I’m in such a f***ing haze. It’s been a crazy 48 hours.”She also revealed that she lost one-fourth of her blood as she ended up in the hospital. What Is Tirzepatide?Before we understand what is tirzepatide, it is important to understand how GLP1 medications work. It is a hormone naturally produced in the body that plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the effects of this hormone, used to treat type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for weight management. Tirzepatide, on the other hand is a GLP1, like Ozempic or Wegovy. It regulates a person's blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. These medications are usually used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. What Happened To Mollen?Mollen, who is the wife of Jason Biggs, also wrote an essay, published on Substack, where she expressed her "growing concerns" about how the medication was affecting her “mentally.”In her essay, she wrote: “I do think that in the coming years, we will hear more about how GLP1s cause depression, ruin marriages and rob us of our capacity for feeling joy. These drugs bind to our neurotransmitters, affecting levels of dopamine and serotonin. They change our relationship with food. And I believe they also change our relationship with people and ourselves.”She also noted that why others may have a desire to use it, however, she expressed her concerns over how it could have a negative impact on individual’s mental health, as she also has her own first-hand experience. She further noted: “When I started Tirzepatide, the first thing I noticed was that I was crying more frequently. I couldn’t control the tears that would pour out of me when talking about subjects ranging from kids to open-faced tuna melts. I also noticed this underlying anxiety that would, without warning, after no more than one cup of espresso, take over my body and have me pacing in the kitchen like I’d just snorted an eightball of cocaine.”She also noted that she would get irritated much quickly and she was “more easily offended and quicker to react” while she was on GLP1. She wrote: “I also began to sense that the joy and gratitude I once experienced, those moments of peak happiness, weren’t quite as intense as they used to be. I could feel the joy simmering beneath the surface, but it never reached the pinnacle it once had internally. Even on a rollercoaster, my sense of euphoria was dampened. I couldn’t feel the highs and lows. Satisfaction, personally and professionally, was just out of reach.”

jenny mollen ends up in er after microdosing glp1 medication

India’s Drug Regulator Flags 186 Medicines For Failing Quality Test, Paracetamol And Diabetes Meds Included

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In a significant development that highlights the increasing scrutiny over the safety of pharma products, India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has identified 186 drugs and formulations as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) in its surveillance report for May 2025. These identified drugs encompass widely prescribed drugs like paracetamol as well as diabetes drugs, triggering grave concerns over the safety of drugs in one of the world's largest pharmaceutical markets.

The action, the CDSCO says, is its part of regular regulatory vigilance aimed at detecting and eliminating unsafe drugs in the market so that patients are not inadvertently left consuming substandard or spurious medicines.

The list, published by the country's national drug regulator on 27 June, 2025, contains common drugs like paracetamol and insulin used to treat diabetes, prompting critical questions on drug safety, regulatory scrutiny, and public health in one of the biggest pharma markets in the world.

The CDSCO's recent warning follows central and state drug testing laboratories in India reporting scores of samples from pharmacies and distribution centers across the country. Of the total 186 failed quality test samples, 128 were detected by state drug testing laboratories, and 58 by central labs. All this aggressive monitoring forms part of CDSCO's constant vigilance to ensure the quality of drugs being sold to Indian consumers.

Of the 186 substandard drug samples, 128 were identified by state drug testing labs and 58 by central labs, as per the official notification. All these drugs failed one or more of the quality parameters such as potency, dissolution rate, microbial load, or content uniformity, and hence were not fit for use by patients.

In a statement that released with the move, CDSCO sought to point out that one failed batch of drug is unique to that batch and does not always mean all batches of the same brand or product are unsafe. Still, the detection of even a single poor batch can have implications for public health, particularly in the case of life-saving and chronic disease drugs.

The CDSCO also established that two of the Bihar drug samples were spurious, i.e., produced by unauthorized parties with the brand name of a different licensed company. These results suggest counterfeit operations in India's huge and intricate drug distribution system.

The regulator has assured that the incidents are being investigated and action would be taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the accompanying rules.

This is not a one-off case. CDSCO reported 900 samples as substandard and 20 as spurious in the year 2024 alone, all of them selected from pharmacies, hospitals, and distribution outlets throughout the nation.

<h2>What Are "Not of Standard Quality" (NSQ) and Spurious Drugs?</h2>

CDSCO defines NSQ as an occurrence of failure to satisfy one or more of the stipulated quality parameters during laboratory testing. The parameters would involve potency, purity, dissolution, and contaminants or impurities. Significantly, the regulator points out that a failed batch does not necessarily incriminate all the products of the same brand or company.

Aside from NSQ medicines, the CDSCO also marked two samples from the state of Bihar as "spurious." These were discovered to have been produced by illegal manufacturers with the use of the brand name of another firm—a grave offense which is being investigated. Adulterated and spurious medicines are especially threatening since they can have the wrong or harmful ingredients and therefore directly threaten patient safety. 

<h2>How India Monitors Drug Quality?</h2>

India's pharma industry is one of the biggest in the world, serving not just the domestic market but also exports to more than 200 nations. With such a huge market, maintaining drug safety is no small effort. The CDSCO, along with state regulators, regularly takes drug samples from sales and distribution points. The samples are tested thoroughly in the laboratory, and the findings are made available on the CDSCO portal on a monthly basis.

This openness achieves several functions: it warns medical professionals and the general public to possible danger, raises responsibility on manufacturers, and preserves the level of trust for the healthcare system. In the words of Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, India's Drugs Controller General, only roughly 1.5% of drugs tested in recent surveys turned out to be less effective, indicating that the overwhelming majority of medicines available are safe. Still, a small proportion can add up to potentially great public health threats in view of India's population and the magnitude of drug use.

<h2>Threats to Public Health and World Drug Supply</h2>

India has been commonly referred to as the "pharmacy of the world," exporting generic drugs to more than 200 nations. Any quality lapse not only impacts Indian consumers but also tarnishes world confidence in Indian pharmaceuticals. Paracetamol and anti-diabetics are consumed by millions — any compromise on their effectiveness or safety can be devastating health-wise.

Substandard or counterfeit drugs are one of the greatest dangers to contemporary medicine," an independent pharmacovigilance expert in New Delhi said. "They may not treat the disease, may worsen patient outcomes, or lead to antimicrobial resistance."

The public, clinicians, and policymakers need to address CDSCO notifications not as run-of-the-mill bureaucracy but as canary-in-the-coal-mines warnings of broader systemic problems in manufacturing regulation, supply chain integrity, and quality control procedures.

<h2>What Can Healthcare Providers and Patients Do?</h2>

Awareness is the best defense for patients. The CDSCO's medicine alert system seeks to inform consumers and healthcare providers about possible dangers of certain drugs. Patients must go see their doctors or pharmacists if they have issues with their medication and avoid buying drugs from unofficial sources.

Healthcare professionals, on their part, must remain up to date on the current CDSCO reports and advisories, particularly when dispensing or prescribing high-risk drugs. Keeping an eye on the CDSCO portal regularly and being subscribed to alerts can help ensure that patients receive only safe and effective medicines. Patients must:

<ul><li>Inquire about the batch number and manufacturer prior to taking prescribed drugs.</li><li>Immediately report any side effects.</li><li>Do not buy drugs from illegal online pharmacies.</li></ul>

In addition, hospitals and states should institutionalize pharmacovigilance programs in order to identify adverse trends early.

The CDSCO's forward-looking attitude—constant vigilance, open reporting, and rapid enforcement against violators—is reflective of India's seriousness in protecting public health. Nevertheless, the challenge persists. As the pharmaceutical sector continues its expansion, so must regulatory capability, laboratory facilities, and public awareness.

banned medicines in india

cdsco drug alert 2025

substandard medicines india

paracetamol quality issue

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nsq drug list cdsco

india drug safety news

In a significant development that highlights the increasing scrutiny over the safety of pharma products, India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has identified 186 drugs and formulations as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) in its surveillance report for May 2025. These identified drugs encompass widely prescribed drugs like paracetamol as well as diabetes drugs, triggering grave concerns over the safety of drugs in one of the world's largest pharmaceutical markets.The action, the CDSCO says, is its part of regular regulatory vigilance aimed at detecting and eliminating unsafe drugs in the market so that patients are not inadvertently left consuming substandard or spurious medicines.The list, published by the country's national drug regulator on 27 June, 2025, contains common drugs like paracetamol and insulin used to treat diabetes, prompting critical questions on drug safety, regulatory scrutiny, and public health in one of the biggest pharma markets in the world.The CDSCO's recent warning follows central and state drug testing laboratories in India reporting scores of samples from pharmacies and distribution centers across the country. Of the total 186 failed quality test samples, 128 were detected by state drug testing laboratories, and 58 by central labs. All this aggressive monitoring forms part of CDSCO's constant vigilance to ensure the quality of drugs being sold to Indian consumers.Of the 186 substandard drug samples, 128 were identified by state drug testing labs and 58 by central labs, as per the official notification. All these drugs failed one or more of the quality parameters such as potency, dissolution rate, microbial load, or content uniformity, and hence were not fit for use by patients.In a statement that released with the move, CDSCO sought to point out that one failed batch of drug is unique to that batch and does not always mean all batches of the same brand or product are unsafe. Still, the detection of even a single poor batch can have implications for public health, particularly in the case of life-saving and chronic disease drugs.The CDSCO also established that two of the Bihar drug samples were spurious, i.e., produced by unauthorized parties with the brand name of a different licensed company. These results suggest counterfeit operations in India's huge and intricate drug distribution system.The regulator has assured that the incidents are being investigated and action would be taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the accompanying rules.This is not a one-off case. CDSCO reported 900 samples as substandard and 20 as spurious in the year 2024 alone, all of them selected from pharmacies, hospitals, and distribution outlets throughout the nation.What Are "Not of Standard Quality" (NSQ) and Spurious Drugs?CDSCO defines NSQ as an occurrence of failure to satisfy one or more of the stipulated quality parameters during laboratory testing. The parameters would involve potency, purity, dissolution, and contaminants or impurities. Significantly, the regulator points out that a failed batch does not necessarily incriminate all the products of the same brand or company.Aside from NSQ medicines, the CDSCO also marked two samples from the state of Bihar as "spurious." These were discovered to have been produced by illegal manufacturers with the use of the brand name of another firm—a grave offense which is being investigated. Adulterated and spurious medicines are especially threatening since they can have the wrong or harmful ingredients and therefore directly threaten patient safety. How India Monitors Drug Quality?India's pharma industry is one of the biggest in the world, serving not just the domestic market but also exports to more than 200 nations. With such a huge market, maintaining drug safety is no small effort. The CDSCO, along with state regulators, regularly takes drug samples from sales and distribution points. The samples are tested thoroughly in the laboratory, and the findings are made available on the CDSCO portal on a monthly basis.This openness achieves several functions: it warns medical professionals and the general public to possible danger, raises responsibility on manufacturers, and preserves the level of trust for the healthcare system. In the words of Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, India's Drugs Controller General, only roughly 1.5% of drugs tested in recent surveys turned out to be less effective, indicating that the overwhelming majority of medicines available are safe. Still, a small proportion can add up to potentially great public health threats in view of India's population and the magnitude of drug use.Threats to Public Health and World Drug SupplyIndia has been commonly referred to as the "pharmacy of the world," exporting generic drugs to more than 200 nations. Any quality lapse not only impacts Indian consumers but also tarnishes world confidence in Indian pharmaceuticals. Paracetamol and anti-diabetics are consumed by millions — any compromise on their effectiveness or safety can be devastating health-wise.Substandard or counterfeit drugs are one of the greatest dangers to contemporary medicine," an independent pharmacovigilance expert in New Delhi said. "They may not treat the disease, may worsen patient outcomes, or lead to antimicrobial resistance."The public, clinicians, and policymakers need to address CDSCO notifications not as run-of-the-mill bureaucracy but as canary-in-the-coal-mines warnings of broader systemic problems in manufacturing regulation, supply chain integrity, and quality control procedures.What Can Healthcare Providers and Patients Do?Awareness is the best defense for patients. The CDSCO's medicine alert system seeks to inform consumers and healthcare providers about possible dangers of certain drugs. Patients must go see their doctors or pharmacists if they have issues with their medication and avoid buying drugs from unofficial sources.Healthcare professionals, on their part, must remain up to date on the current CDSCO reports and advisories, particularly when dispensing or prescribing high-risk drugs. Keeping an eye on the CDSCO portal regularly and being subscribed to alerts can help ensure that patients receive only safe and effective medicines. Patients must:Inquire about the batch number and manufacturer prior to taking prescribed drugs.Immediately report any side effects.Do not buy drugs from illegal online pharmacies.In addition, hospitals and states should institutionalize pharmacovigilance programs in order to identify adverse trends early.The CDSCO's forward-looking attitude—constant vigilance, open reporting, and rapid enforcement against violators—is reflective of India's seriousness in protecting public health. Nevertheless, the challenge persists. As the pharmaceutical sector continues its expansion, so must regulatory capability, laboratory facilities, and public awareness.

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Just days after their laboratories were devastated by an Iranian missile attack, Profs. Liran Shlush and Amos Tanay of the Weizmann Institute of Science have published a landmark study that could transform how we detect and predict leukemia and other blood disorders. Their research, released in Nature Medicine, introduces a revolutionary blood test that may one day replace the painful, invasive bone marrow biopsy—a procedure dreaded by patients and clinicians alike.

Developed by Professors Liran Shlush and Amos Tanay, this innovation replaces the traditionally painful and invasive bone marrow biopsy with a cutting-edge, non-invasive blood test.

This development is poised to revolutionize diagnostics in hematology and could dramatically reduce global dependence on bone marrow sampling — a procedure that over a million people endure each year globally.

<h2>Why Bone Marrow Biopsies Have Been the Gold Standard?</h2>

For decades, diagnosing blood cancers such as leukemia has relied on extracting bone marrow—a process that involves drilling into the bone, typically under local anesthesia or sedation. The procedure is not only uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing but also costly, technically demanding, and sometimes inconclusive. Even when a sample is obtained, pathologists may disagree on whether the cells are healthy or diseased, leaving patients and their families in limbo.

The study found a way to detect and analyze rare blood-forming stem cells that occasionally escape the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream. These elusive cells, though few — often just one in a million — carry a wealth of diagnostic information.

“As we age, our blood stem cells accumulate mutations,” explains Prof. Shlush. “These mutated cells eventually dominate the blood system, failing to produce healthy blood cells and laying the groundwork for conditions like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukemia.”

Traditionally, these defective cells are hidden within the bone marrow, undetectable by standard blood tests. Bone marrow biopsies, while effective, are painful, costly, and often inconclusive. But this new method captures and analyzes the rare migratory stem cells through a simple blood draw, combined with advanced single-cell genetic sequencing.

<h2>How a Simple Blood Test Changes <span rel="noindex">Cancer</span> Diagnosis?</h2>

The breakthrough came when Dr. Nili Furer, Nimrod Rappoport, and Oren Milman, collaborating with researchers in Israel and the U.S., discovered that rare blood stem cells occasionally escape the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream. These migrating cells, though extremely scarce—sometimes just a handful in a milliliter of blood—carry crucial diagnostic information.

By applying advanced single-cell genetic sequencing, the researchers were able to isolate and analyze these rare cells, identifying early signs of MDS and assessing an individual’s risk of developing blood cancer. This approach allows for the detection of disease processes long before symptoms arise, offering a window of opportunity for early intervention.

<h2>Focus on Myelodysplastic Syndrome</h2>

The study centers on myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) — an age-related condition where stem cells fail to mature properly, leading to ineffective blood production and a heightened risk of progressing to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a particularly aggressive form of cancer.

Previously, diagnosing MDS required extracting marrow with a needle — an uncomfortable procedure that many patients dreaded. Now, thanks to this innovation, the same diagnosis can be made using peripheral blood samples. Dr. Nili Furer, along with collaborators Nimrod Rappoport and Oren Milman, played a critical role in demonstrating that these rare stem cells in blood are sufficient for detecting MDS and its progression risk.

<h2>Why Men Age Faster — At Least in Their Blood?</h2>

One of the study’s more striking revelations involves gender differences in blood aging. The researchers observed that stem cell aging occurs faster in men than in women, which may explain why blood cancers are more prevalent in males.

“Men’s stem cells begin to exhibit cancer-prone mutations earlier than women’s,” notes Prof. Shlush. “This gender-based variance in blood aging is an eye-opener and may inform future prevention strategies.”

The test not only identifies disease but also acts as a biological clock, providing new insights into how blood ages — revealing patterns that even bone marrow biopsies have failed to detect.

Capturing and characterizing these rare cells required a blend of cutting-edge laboratory techniques and sophisticated data analysis. Each cell yielded tens of thousands of data points, and the team analyzed millions of cells from participants ranging in age from young adults to 95-year-olds. Prof. Tanay’s expertise in computational biology was instrumental in making sense of this vast dataset, enabling the team to distinguish healthy cells from those showing early signs of disease.

<h2>Implications of The New Blood Test On Treatment</h2>

The implications of this discovery are profound. Clinical trials based on the new blood test are already underway at multiple medical centers worldwide. The researchers believe that, in time, this test could be used not only for MDS and leukemia but also for a broad spectrum of blood-related disorders. By providing a non-invasive, highly sensitive diagnostic tool, the test has the potential to spare millions of patients from the ordeal of bone marrow biopsies each year.

“As part of the aging process, stem cells—the ones capable of generating all blood cells—undergo genetic changes and mutations,” explains Prof. Shlush. “With time, these cells accumulate mutations and begin to dominate the blood system. They stop differentiating properly, produce only themselves, and suppress the production of healthy cells. Eventually, this can lead to deadly diseases like blood cancers.”

The research itself is as resilient as its scientists. Just days before the study’s release, the labs of Profs. Shlush and Tanay at the Weizmann Institute were severely damaged in an Iranian missile attack. Despite the destruction, the team pushed forward, ensuring the findings reached the scientific community on time.

The study reflects the combined efforts of a global team of physicians, biologists, and data scientists across Israel and the United States, proving that science endures even in the face of adversity.

The prospect of replacing an invasive, expensive, and often ambiguous diagnostic procedure with a quick, precise, and painless blood test is a major leap forward. For millions worldwide, this means earlier detection, better prognosis, and more effective treatment strategies — all from a single vial of blood.

cancer

leukemia blood test

non invasive cancer detection

bone marrow biopsy alternative

blood stem cell aging

myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis

early cancer screening

weizmann institute research

Just days after their laboratories were devastated by an Iranian missile attack, Profs. Liran Shlush and Amos Tanay of the Weizmann Institute of Science have published a landmark study that could transform how we detect and predict leukemia and other blood disorders. Their research, released in Nature Medicine, introduces a revolutionary blood test that may one day replace the painful, invasive bone marrow biopsy—a procedure dreaded by patients and clinicians alike.Developed by Professors Liran Shlush and Amos Tanay, this innovation replaces the traditionally painful and invasive bone marrow biopsy with a cutting-edge, non-invasive blood test.This development is poised to revolutionize diagnostics in hematology and could dramatically reduce global dependence on bone marrow sampling — a procedure that over a million people endure each year globally.Why Bone Marrow Biopsies Have Been the Gold Standard?For decades, diagnosing blood cancers such as leukemia has relied on extracting bone marrow—a process that involves drilling into the bone, typically under local anesthesia or sedation. The procedure is not only uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing but also costly, technically demanding, and sometimes inconclusive. Even when a sample is obtained, pathologists may disagree on whether the cells are healthy or diseased, leaving patients and their families in limbo.The study found a way to detect and analyze rare blood-forming stem cells that occasionally escape the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream. These elusive cells, though few — often just one in a million — carry a wealth of diagnostic information.“As we age, our blood stem cells accumulate mutations,” explains Prof. Shlush. “These mutated cells eventually dominate the blood system, failing to produce healthy blood cells and laying the groundwork for conditions like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukemia.”Traditionally, these defective cells are hidden within the bone marrow, undetectable by standard blood tests. Bone marrow biopsies, while effective, are painful, costly, and often inconclusive. But this new method captures and analyzes the rare migratory stem cells through a simple blood draw, combined with advanced single-cell genetic sequencing.How a Simple Blood Test Changes Cancer Diagnosis?The breakthrough came when Dr. Nili Furer, Nimrod Rappoport, and Oren Milman, collaborating with researchers in Israel and the U.S., discovered that rare blood stem cells occasionally escape the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream. These migrating cells, though extremely scarce—sometimes just a handful in a milliliter of blood—carry crucial diagnostic information.By applying advanced single-cell genetic sequencing, the researchers were able to isolate and analyze these rare cells, identifying early signs of MDS and assessing an individual’s risk of developing blood cancer. This approach allows for the detection of disease processes long before symptoms arise, offering a window of opportunity for early intervention.Focus on Myelodysplastic SyndromeThe study centers on myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) — an age-related condition where stem cells fail to mature properly, leading to ineffective blood production and a heightened risk of progressing to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a particularly aggressive form of cancer.Previously, diagnosing MDS required extracting marrow with a needle — an uncomfortable procedure that many patients dreaded. Now, thanks to this innovation, the same diagnosis can be made using peripheral blood samples. Dr. Nili Furer, along with collaborators Nimrod Rappoport and Oren Milman, played a critical role in demonstrating that these rare stem cells in blood are sufficient for detecting MDS and its progression risk.Why Men Age Faster — At Least in Their Blood?One of the study’s more striking revelations involves gender differences in blood aging. The researchers observed that stem cell aging occurs faster in men than in women, which may explain why blood cancers are more prevalent in males.“Men’s stem cells begin to exhibit cancer-prone mutations earlier than women’s,” notes Prof. Shlush. “This gender-based variance in blood aging is an eye-opener and may inform future prevention strategies.”The test not only identifies disease but also acts as a biological clock, providing new insights into how blood ages — revealing patterns that even bone marrow biopsies have failed to detect.Capturing and characterizing these rare cells required a blend of cutting-edge laboratory techniques and sophisticated data analysis. Each cell yielded tens of thousands of data points, and the team analyzed millions of cells from participants ranging in age from young adults to 95-year-olds. Prof. Tanay’s expertise in computational biology was instrumental in making sense of this vast dataset, enabling the team to distinguish healthy cells from those showing early signs of disease.Implications of The New Blood Test On TreatmentThe implications of this discovery are profound. Clinical trials based on the new blood test are already underway at multiple medical centers worldwide. The researchers believe that, in time, this test could be used not only for MDS and leukemia but also for a broad spectrum of blood-related disorders. By providing a non-invasive, highly sensitive diagnostic tool, the test has the potential to spare millions of patients from the ordeal of bone marrow biopsies each year.“As part of the aging process, stem cells—the ones capable of generating all blood cells—undergo genetic changes and mutations,” explains Prof. Shlush. “With time, these cells accumulate mutations and begin to dominate the blood system. They stop differentiating properly, produce only themselves, and suppress the production of healthy cells. Eventually, this can lead to deadly diseases like blood cancers.”The research itself is as resilient as its scientists. Just days before the study’s release, the labs of Profs. Shlush and Tanay at the Weizmann Institute were severely damaged in an Iranian missile attack. Despite the destruction, the team pushed forward, ensuring the findings reached the scientific community on time.The study reflects the combined efforts of a global team of physicians, biologists, and data scientists across Israel and the United States, proving that science endures even in the face of adversity.The prospect of replacing an invasive, expensive, and often ambiguous diagnostic procedure with a quick, precise, and painless blood test is a major leap forward. For millions worldwide, this means earlier detection, better prognosis, and more effective treatment strategies — all from a single vial of blood.

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