http://www.biospectrumindia.com | July 2017 | BioSpectrum l COMPANY NEWS^13
The swiss drugmaker Novartis has
agreed to work with IBM Watson
Health to explore ways to use patient
data and advanced analysis to glean
insights on the likely outcomes of
breast cancer treatments,
Through this collaboration with
IBM Watson Health, Novartis will
use real-world breast cancer data
and cognitive computing to identify
solutions that may help physicians
better understand which therapy
may be best for which patients or
advise clinical practice guidelines.
Watson is the first commercially
available cognitive computing
capability representing a new era in
computing. The system, delivered
through the cloud, analyzes high
volumes of data, understands
complex questions posed in
natural language and proposes
evidence-based answers. Watson
continuously learns, gaining in
value and knowledge over time,
from previous interactions.
Novartis is hopeful that thiscollaboration also uncovers care
efficiencies that can be applied
beyond breast cancer. With one
of the broadest portfolios and
largest number of advanced breast
cancer compounds in development,
breast cancer is a priority oncology
focus area for Novartis. Scientific
understanding of advanced breast
cancer is improving and the
treatment landscape is expanding,
but new therapies and real-world
evidence can raise more questions
around the optimal treatment plan
for individual patients.
Novartis has four marketed
products in breast cancer: Kisqali,
Afinitor, Tykerb and Femara.Suven Life Sciences begins phase 1 clinical trial of MDD drug
Suven Life Sciences has initiated phase
1 development and first dosing of their
NCESUVN-911, a potent, selective, brain
penetrant and orally active, novel
chemical entity intended for the
treatment of major depressive
disorder (MDD).
Mental illness is a leading
cause of disability globally.
Depression alone affects almost 121 million
people worldwide. Nearly 5-10 per cent people
in a community at any given time are in need
of intervention and about 8-20 per cent people
carry the risk of depression during their lifetime. Current treatments are marred by poor
efficacy and side effects (sleep disturbances,
cognitive dulling and sexual dysfunction).
SUVN-911 a neuronal nicotinic
alpha-4-beta-2 receptor, a unique
class of protein is expressed at
high level in brain. It regulates
vital biological functions that are
impaired in Major Depressive
Disorders. Preclinical studies in animal
models suggest that SUVN-911 has a faster
onset of action, unlike the conventional
antidepressants. Global antidepressant
market is valued over $20 billion.BPL MedTech launches new mobile app
Promising its customers a neat user
experience and ease of access to product
information and videos, BPL MedTech
recently launched a mobile application for
both Android and iOS users.
The mobile app launched by BPL
MedTech has bundled all products,
specialities and services under one
umbrella to help improve customer
experience and convenience.
For starters, the product menu makes
it easy for the users to find the product
that best suits their needs. There are
links to product videos on usage and
there is a link to download the brochure
for future reference. The app also has
inbuilt capability to suggest products
across specialties. For users who would
like to browse and check products under
one speciality, this tab comes in handy.
Medical technology being an industry
where consumables and accessories
play a huge role, BPL’s service tab helps
users understand all the accessories and
consumables the company provides such
as paper rolls, gels, electrodes etc.Novartis teams up with IBM Watson Health