April 02, 2025

Eli Lilly’s experimental drug cuts heart attack risk factor by 94 per cent: What does it mean for Indians?

Even statins don’t work on risk factor called lipoprotein (a) that quickly clings to arteries and narrows them

The Lilly research was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

An experimental drug may be able to tame the sticky and dense cholesterol, called lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a), that quickly clings to arteries and triggers a heart attack. A trial showed that US drug manufacturer Eli Lilly’s lepodisiran could lower levels of Lp(a) by 94 per cent with a single injection. The effects lasted for six months without significant side effects.

 

There were 141 patients in the combined 400 mg phase of the study while 69 received a placebo. Although the pilot trial doesn’t confirm whether the reduction in Lp(a) levels can also reduce the risk of heart attacks, larger clinical trials are now looking into the link to assess the drug’s preventive efficacy. The Lilly research was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“This finding offers hope because currently no drug, not even statins, can target Lp(a), which is mostly genetically inherited. But for more convincing results, we have to wait for Eli Lilly’s larger clinical trial results, expected in 2029. Larger trials of other drugs targeting Lp(a) will conclude sooner. We are expecting the results of Novartis’ monthly injectable drug by 2026. Lilly itself is testing an oral drug for LP(a) in advanced clinical trials,” says Dr Nishith Chandra, Principal Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi.

 

What is Lp (a)?

It is a stubborn sub-variety of cholesterol, made of fat and protein, that sits on heart vessels, leading to an aggressive build-up of plaque. It is also the reason for recurrent heart attacks. “It works through low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or the bad cholesterol. It causes inflammation, which increases the likelihood of plaques rupturing and can narrow the aortic valve,” says Dr Balbir Singh, Chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Max Healthcare. “This is concerning for most Indians as those suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes have genes linked to Lp(a),” he adds. He has seen high levels of Lp(a) in younger patients who underwent procedures and still developed blockages again.

 

How does one test for Lp(a)? What’s its upper limit?

An extended lipid profile test is needed. “It shouldn’t be higher than 25mg/dL,” says Dr Singh. If your markers include diabetes, HDL (high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol) below 35, and triglycerides above 250, then chances are you have small dense LDL. “Since this risk marker is genetically linked, we ask patients with a family history of heart disease to take this test,” says Dr Chandra.

 

Can no drugs help?

“Injectable cholesterol-lowering drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors may lower their levels but aren’t enough to prevent heart attacks,” says Dr Chandra.

“Since Lp(a) is a marker, the only way to lower it is to lower the way it functions, through LDLs, particularly the small density LDLs. While the total LDL counts of Indians are lower than Caucasians, the proportion of small density LDLs is higher. These are more toxic for the walls of blood vessels. So, we need to get our LDL levels down aggressively, to less than 50 mg/dL,” says Dr Singh.


https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/eli-lilly-experimental-drug-heart-attack-risk-factor-indians-9920002/

Managing chronic inflammation with psoriasis

Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, doctors consider it an immune-mediated inflammatory disease. This means that inflammation is at the root of this condition.

Up to 3%Trusted Source of adults in the United States have psoriasis. It causes skin symptoms, such as raised plaques and discoloration, and can also affect other parts of the body, such as the joints and eyes.

Experts believe inflammation is the common factor that can affect these different areas.

In people with psoriasis, immune system dysfunction causes inflammatory cells to build up in the middle layer of the skin, known as the dermis. The condition also speeds the growth of skin cells in the epidermis, the outer skin layer.

Typically, skin cells grow and flake off in the span of a month. This process speeds up to just a few days in people with psoriasis. Instead of shedding, skin cells pile up on the skin’s surface, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as raised plaques, scales, swelling, and redness or discoloration.

Even though psoriasis is a skin condition, the inflammation associated with psoriasis affectsTrusted Source the entire body. It can increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriatic arthritis.

Although inflammation in psoriasis is due to immune system dysregulation, studiesTrusted Source suggest that people can reduce this inflammation through lifestyle and dietary changes. This can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Using these methods, many people who have psoriasis can maintain remission, which is a long period without experiencing psoriasis symptoms.

Additionally, certain medications to treat psoriasis work by reducing inflammation. These include topical corticosteroids, injectable biologics, and oral medications.

Everyone with psoriasis is different. Some people will require more extensive treatment than others.

While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, the following habits may help reduce psoriasis-related inflammation and increase a person’s chances of experiencing remission.

Eating a nutritious diet

Diet is strongly linked to systemic inflammation. Studies suggest that certain inflammatory dietary patterns can increase the risk of psoriasis and worsen symptoms.

A nutritious diet looks different for everyone. However, the following steps may help a person establish one:

  • Avoiding inflammatory foods: Certain foods and beverages contain pro-inflammatory substances that increase inflammation and trigger psoriasis symptoms. Examples include soda and ultra-processed foods such as salty snacks, sweets, and processed meat products.
  • Considering an anti-inflammatory diet: Diets that are rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods consistently reduce psoriasis symptoms. For example, a 2018 study of 35,735 people, including 3,557 with psoriasis, suggested that those who followed a Mediterranean-style diet had less severe psoriasis compared with people who did not.

Maintaining a moderate weight

Obesity is a risk factor for psoriasis development. People with psoriasis who have overweight or obesity may also experience more severe symptoms than people with a moderate weight.

Weight loss may reduce inflammatory markers and help reduce psoriasis symptoms in people with excess body weight.

2020 study found that people with psoriasis and overweight or obesity who reduced their body weight by 12% through a 10-week program experienced a 50–75% reduction in psoriasis severity. Participants experienced an average weight loss of 23 pounds.

Implementing other healthy habits

Several habits can help reduce inflammation and improve psoriasis symptoms, such as:

  • Avoiding or quitting smoking: Smoking significantly harms a person’s health and worsens inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis.
  • Reducing alcohol intake: Excessive drinking can contribute to inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms.
  • Staying active: Avoiding long periods of sitting may help with reducing psoriasis symptoms. One research review suggested that people with psoriasis who live sedentary lives have more severe symptoms compared with people who exercise regularly.
  • Getting enough sleep: Not getting enough sleep can lead to a pro-inflammatory state in the body. Studies suggest that poor and inconsistent sleep can increase inflammation markers in the blood. Experts recommend adults get 7–9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health.
  • Managing stress levels: Prolonged stress makes the immune system overactive and contributes to a pro-inflammatory state. Up to 88%Trusted Source of people with psoriasis report stress as a trigger for their symptoms. Using stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and yoga may help.

When to seek medical help

Anyone experiencing a psoriasis flare who is interested in learning ways to reduce psoriasis symptoms and inflammation may wish to consider speaking with their healthcare team, including their dermatologist.

They can recommend treatment methods based on symptom severity and provide recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes that may help lower inflammation and reduce psoriasis symptoms. They may also suggest taking vitamins or supplements.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psoriasis-and-chronic-inflammation#when-to-contact-a-doctor

Vitamin A can't prevent measles. What this supplement actually does

Can vitamin A prevent measles? Experts debunk myths and answer common questions. 

  • Measles cases have recently risen in the United States, with over 200 cases reported across at least a dozen states.
  • In light of recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, more people have been looking into vitamin A supplements in hopes of treating or preventing measles.
  • Medical News Today spoke to two medical and public health experts to answer common questions about vitamin A supplements for measles and measures people can take to prevent the disease’s spread.

The United States has recently been experiencing a significant measles outbreak, which has expanded to 12 states and affected over 220 peopleTrusted Source as of March 7. Currently, there is one confirmed death and one under investigation.

Recent statistics show that the latest rise in cases has been concentrated around western Texas and New Mexico. Beyond the outbreaks in those two states, measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, and Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned travelers to be vigilant as spring break begins.

Measles has traditionally been a well-controlled infectious disease, bar a few surges. The U.S. experienced two major measles outbreaks in the last few decades, namely the Minnesota outbreak of 2017Trusted Source and the Indiana outbreak of 2005. Both events were fuelled by undervaccination.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has said vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin have shown “good results” in helping treat measles.

Although the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, the agency still recommends vaccination as “the best defense Trusted SourceagainstTrusted Source measlesTrusted Source infection.”

To learn more about measles, whether vitamin A supplements help, and what people can do to protect themselves and their community, Medical News Today spoke to two experts: an infectious disease specialist and a pediatrician — Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.

Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?

“Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with vision as well as the functioning of the immune system. It is found in many common foods, including eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables,” Fisher explained.

Both experts said vitamin A provided no such benefit as a preventive measure but that the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency and make symptoms more severe.

“While it does help the immune system, Vitamin A does not help protect against infectious diseases like measles. When someone has measles virus, their body can have Vitamin A deficiency. In that condition, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful,” Fisher said.

“It is true that severe Vitamin A deficiency did lead to more severe outcomes with measles in the past. A Cochrane review showed that two doses of Vitamin A should be given to children (especially those under the age of 2 years old) with severe measles, and the World Health Organization recommends two doses of Vitamin ATrusted Source in adults and children with measles,” Gandhi explained.

How to protect yourself against measles

Fisher underscored that the only effective prevention against measles is vaccination.

“[V]itamin A is used when a patient already has measles and is not a [preventive] measure. Therefore, there is no indication in this era (where we get plenty of Vitamin A in the diet) to take Vitamin A to prevent measles,” Gandhi said.

“The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated for measles, especially if you are in an area where the outbreak is occurring (West Texas, New Mexico). [If] you haven’t been vaccinated before, get your children vaccinated too, as children can experience very severe cases of measles,” she added.

Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know

Gandhi said that cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement.

“Cod liver oil contains high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. These are fat-soluble vitamins that can accumulate in the body if too much is ingested and cause Vitamin A toxicity,” said Fisher.

Although experts believe most people will meet their daily requirements via diet, some people may need supplements to ensure they get their daily dose.

“The recommended daily vitamin A intake depends on age. Babies and children need less (approximately 300 mcg) versus adults, where women should take 700 mcg daily, and men should take 900 mcg dailyTrusted Source,” said Fisher.

“In resource-rich countries like the United States, most people can consume the recommended daily allowance from their diets. Only certain populations, including premature infants or people with diseases that could interfere with dietary absorption, including those with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, to name a few,” she added.

How much vitamin A is too much?

Gandhi warned that consuming vitamin A in high amounts can cause damage to the body.

“Moreover, Vitamin A is a ‘fat soluble’ vitamin, which means it stays around in the body and can cause toxicity (e.g. skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, etc.) if consumed in too high [a]mounts,” she said.

“If people are taking Vitamin A supplements, they need to make sure not to exceed certain daily levels, again depending on age (not more than 3,000 mcg for adults, less for children),” Fisher also warned.

“Vitamin A by itself can also be harmful if too large of a dose is ingested. Toxicity can cause symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, rash, blurred vision, drowsiness, muscle weakness and other symptoms. People who eat diets with Vitamin A in them do not need regular Vitamin A supplementation.”
— Danelle Fisher, MD

Current measles vaccine recommendations

The current vaccination guidelinesTrusted Source, in response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., are as follows:

U.S. health authorities recommend that young children receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6.

Meanwhile, older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.

If you have not had the MMR vaccine as a child, only had one dose, or are unsure if you’ve been fully vaccinated, experts recommend speaking with your doctor.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-a-measles-prevention-health-experts-answer-questions#Current-measles-vaccine-recommendations

8-kg cyst removed from 15-year-old girl's ovary after complex surgery

The cyst has been sent for a histopathology test to find out whether it was cancerous

A cyst is a closed, sac-like structure that can form anywhere in the body.

Doctors at a government hospital here have given a new lease of life to a 15-year-old girl by removing a `cyst' weighing about eight kg from her ovary after a complex surgery.

Gynecologist Dr Sumitra Yadav of the Government Maharaja Tukojirao Hospital told PTI that the girl was complaining of difficulty in breathing, stomach-ache and other problems.

During an examination, a cyst was found in her ovary.

A cyst is a closed, sac-like structure that can form anywhere in the body. It is filled with fluid, semi-solid material, or even air.

"We were shocked to see the size of the cyst during the surgery. When it was taken out, it weighed about eight kg," Dr Yadav said.

Before the surgery that lasted three hours, the girl's weight was 39 kg including the weight of the cyst, she said.

"The girl's condition is absolutely fine now. If the cyst had not been removed, her life could have been in danger," Dr Yadav said, adding that a sample of the cyst has been sent for a histopathology test to find out whether it was cancerous.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/8-kg-cyst-removed-from-15-year-old-girls-ovary-after-complex-surgery/

World Autism Awareness Day: Challenges in quality care forced sister to start 'home' for differently abled children

Bobby Ramani's personal journey with her brother's autism led her to establish the I Support Foundation in Lucknow. Her foundation provides specialized education and therapy for children with developmental disabilities, addressing critical gaps in autism care. By creating a nurturing environment and comprehensive support system, Ramani is transforming how special needs children are supported. Her vision extends beyond her current center, with plans to expand across India and develop digital platforms for autism care resources.

"Autism is not a limitation--it's a different way of experiencing the world" - Bobby Ramani, ISF Founder

By Swati Saxena, Lucknow, April 2: When Bobby Ramani's brother was diagnosed with autism, she had realised he would have special needs and would need teachers who could help him.

Key Points

1 Personal struggle inspired creation of specialized autism support center

2 ISF provides comprehensive therapies for children with developmental disabilities

3 Pioneering digital platform to expand autism care resources

4 Early intervention crucial for developmental support

 

Her search for good schools in Lucknow that could support the growth and education of her brother led to the idea of establishing 'I Support Foundation (ISF)' in 2014.

"My journey into this field was deeply personal--growing up with a differently-abled brother made me realize the challenges faced by children with special needs and their families. The idea of 'I Support Foundation' (ISF) was born from my personal journey and the challenges I faced while seeking quality care for my brother. Nine years ago, while working in the corporate sector, I wanted to enroll him in a specialized school that could provide the right support and intervention. However, I quickly realized that Lucknow lacked the kind of facilities I had seen in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore," Bobby Ramani, a social entrepreneur and the founder-director of ISF told ANI.

Today, the 'I Support Foundation' stands as a recognized special school under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, dedicated to educating and empowering children with autism and intellectual disabilities.

The ISF provides specialized education and therapy for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. It is a day care unit in Lucknow, designed to be a second home for these children, offering them a safe and nurturing environment while giving parents the flexibility to manage their personal or professional responsibilities during school hours. It provides services like ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral modification programs, vocational training programs and play and culinary therapy.

A sister and a fighter, Bobby Raman has had to face many challenges in her life but every time she took it as an opportunity to pick up the pieces and build something substantial.

"Like many families, we faced a lack of awareness and proper resources when my brother was diagnosed. The initial challenge was understanding his needs and finding the right therapies. There were limited centers for autism care, and navigating the medical and social aspects was overwhelming. Additionally, societal stigma and misconceptions about autism made it even harder. These struggles inspired me to create a structured support system for families dealing with similar challenges," she further said.

Ramani shared her plans about expanding ISF across India, ensuring that quality autism care is accessible to all, especially in underserved regions.

"I envision expanding the ISF by establishing more centers across India with a key focus of introducing more vocational training programs for young adults with autism," she said.

"Additionally, we are leveraging technology to bridge gaps in autism care. Our digital platform, which is currently in development and set to launch within the next 1-2 months, will provide resources, online therapy sessions, and support for parents and caregivers," Ramani added.

On World Autism Awareness Day, Ramani also shed light on early intervention for detecting the disorder and advised parents to educate themselves about autism and create a positive environment for their child to grow.

"I would tell them that early intervention is key. The sooner a child receives the right support, the better their development. Autism is not a limitation--it's a different way of experiencing the world. Parents should seek therapies that suit their child's unique needs, connect with support groups, and educate themselves about autism. Patience, love, and acceptance can create a positive environment for their child to grow," the founder-director of ISF said.

The United Nations General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007. According to the United Nations, the purpose of observance is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication, as per World Health organization (WHO).

13.86 lakh registered allopathic doctors, 7.51 lakh practitioners in AYUSH system: Centre

India is making significant strides in expanding its healthcare workforce with over 13.86 lakh registered allopathic doctors and 7.51 lakh AYUSH practitioners. The government has launched multiple initiatives to increase medical education, including establishing 131 new medical colleges and 22 AIIMS institutions. Strategic programs like the family adoption programme and district residency initiatives aim to improve rural healthcare access. These efforts are crucial in addressing the country's healthcare professional shortages and enhancing medical services nationwide.

"Assuming 80% of registered practitioners are available, the doctor-population ratio is 1:811" - Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of Health

13.86 lakh registered allopathic doctors, 7.51 lakh practitioners in AYUSH system: Centre

The government on Tuesday said that there are 13,86,150 registered allopathic doctors and 7,51,768 registered practitioners in the AYUSH system of medicine, contributing to an estimated doctor-population ratio of 1:811.

Key Points

1 13.86 lakh allopathic doctors registered nationwide

2 131 new medical colleges already functional

3 22 new AIIMS approved for expanding medical education

 

To date, there are a total of 74,306 Postgraduate seats and 1,18,190 MBBS seats in the country, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

"Assuming that 80 per cent of registered practitioners in both the allopathic and AYUSH systems are available, the doctor-population ratio in the country is estimated to be 1:811," the minister said.

Among the measures taken by the government to increase the doctor/medical professional in the country include the centrally sponsored scheme for establishment of new medical college by upgrading district/referral hospital, under which 131 new medical colleges are already functional out of 157 approved medical colleges.

“Under the 'Upgradation of Government Medical Colleges by construction of Super Specialty Blocks' of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) scheme, a total of 75 projects have been approved, of which 71 projects are complete, according to the minister.

Under the Central Sector Scheme for setting up of new AIIMS, 22 AIIMS have been approved, and undergraduate courses have been started in 19 of these.

“Family adoption programme has been incorporated into the MBBS curriculum to provide equitable healthcare access to the rural population and under the District Residency Programme of the National Medical Commission (NMC), second/third year PG students of medical colleges are posted in district hospitals," said the minister.

Non-Monetary incentives such as preferential admission in postgraduate courses for staff serving in difficult areas and improving accommodation arrangement in rural areas have also been introduced under the NHM, while multi-skilling of doctors is supported under the NHM to overcome the shortage of specialists, she mentioned.

Skill upgradation of existing HR is another major strategy under NRHM for achieving improvement in health outcomes, she added.

Reel mania puts Indian kids' eye health in danger, warn leading ophthalmologists

Indian ophthalmologists are raising alarms over rising eye disorders in children hooked on social media reels. Prolonged screen exposure is causing dry eyes, myopia, and even squinting at an unprecedented rate. Doctors advise following the 20-20-20 rule and digital detox to prevent long-term damage. The issue also ties into broader concerns about mental fatigue and social isolation from excessive reel consumption.

"Children glued to reels daily risk early myopia progressing faster than ever before." — Dr. Harbansh Lal

Reel mania puts Indian kids' eye health in danger, warn leading ophthalmologists

Leading ophthalmologists on Tuesday warned that they are witnessing a sharp increase in cases of dry eye syndrome, myopia progression, eye strain and even early-onset squinting in children who spend hours watching reels on various social media platforms.

Key Points

1 Doctors report surge in dry eye syndrome and myopia in kids

2 Reel addiction reduces blink rates by 50%

3 Experts recommend 20-20-20 rule for screen breaks

4 Social isolation and cognitive fatigue linked to binge-watching

After raising the alarm bell about the impact of short-form videos on mental health, doctors are now concerned about a new, growing crisis — ‘Reel-Induced Eye Damage.’

Excessive screen time, particularly binge-watching reels on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, is leading to a spike in eye disorders across all age groups, especially among children and young adults, said healthcare experts during the joint meeting of Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society in the national capital.

“A student recently visited us complaining of persistent eye irritation and blurry vision. After examination, we found his eyes were not producing enough tears due to prolonged screen time at home watching reels,” said Dr Lalit Verma, President, Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.

“He was immediately put on eye drops and advised to follow the 20-20-20 rule — taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away,” said Verma.

Studies show that an increasing number of people, especially students and working professionals, are struggling with digital eye strain, squinting, and worsening eyesight due to prolonged exposure to high-speed, visually stimulating content.

Doctors also note a troubling trend of social isolation, mental fatigue and cognitive overload associated with constant reel consumption.

Dr Harbansh Lal, Chairman of Organising committee and Past President of All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), explained the severity of the issue at the event.

“Short, engaging reels are designed to capture and hold attention for long periods. However, this constant screen fixation reduces blink rates by 50 per cent, leading to dry-eye syndrome and accommodation spasms (difficulty in shifting focus between near and distant objects),” he noted.

Experts warn that if this habit continues unchecked, it could result in long-term vision problems and even permanent eye strain”.

“Children who are glued to reels for hours daily are at risk of developing early myopia, which is progressing faster than ever before. Adults, too, are experiencing frequent headaches, migraines, and sleep disorders caused by blue light exposure,” Dr Lal emphasised.

Studies show that an increasing number of people, especially students and working professionals, are struggling with digital eye strain, squinting, and worsening eyesight due to prolonged exposure to high-speed, visually stimulating content. Doctors also note a troubling trend of social isolation, mental fatigue, and cognitive overload associated with constant reel consumption.

Dr Samar Basak, President of AIOS and a senior ophthalmologist, highlighted the social and psychological toll of excessive screen time.

“We are seeing a concerning pattern where people are so absorbed in reels that they neglect real-world interactions, leading to strained family relationships and reduced focus on education and work,” he noted.

Increasing blink rate and taking digital detoxes can help reduce dependency and prevent long-term eye damage, experts suggested.