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Noida factory with 600+ Staff Installs Unique Virus Attenuation Devices to Curb Coronavirus

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Shows innovative tech-based solution for protecting the manufacturing sector from the pandemic

  • Advance Valves, one of the Top 3 Indian-owned valve manufacturers has invested in a unique technology-based solution invented entirely in India, the Shycocan, to protect its factories, offices and teams from the deadly Coronavirus and been able to bring productivity back to normal
  • Bengaluru-based Shycocan Corporation has installed 150+ virus attenuation devices across 4 units covering manufacturing plants and offices of Advance Valves located at Noida, Greater Noida and Himachal Pradesh
  • The Shycocan device has been proven to disable the Coronavirus and Influenza virus families in enclosed spaces with 99.9% efficacy

NOIDA / April 23, 2021: Indian companies, several based out of Noida have been at the forefront of taking measures to protect their workforce from the Coronavirus infection, and many of them are now turning to state-of-the-art technology solutions to keep the pandemic at bay.Bengaluru-based Shycocan Corporation has installed 85 virus attenuation devices at three large-scale facilities of Advance Valves Ltd located at Noida and Greater Noida. Advance Valves is among the top three Indian manufacturers of industrial valves in the country. It has always been at the forefront of innovation and holds multiple International and Indian patents, exporting to practically every continent in the world barring Antarctica. Given that the manufacturing sector was among the worst hit during the lockdown as there is no option of ‘work from home’, there was a lot of disruption in their work.

That’s when, Advance Valves, decided to invest in installing the Shycocan across all its facilities. The wall-mounted, cylindrical devices, called Shycocan, will help protect more than 600 technical staff and office employees of the company from the highly infectious Coronavirus and Influenza family of viruses, significantly reducing the risk of the pandemic and allowing the workforce to operate without fear of getting infected at the factory premises. An additional 65 Shycocan devices have been installed at the company’s plant in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district. Shycocan has been proven to disable the Coronavirus and Influenza virus families in indoor spaces with 99.9% efficacy, as per various virology reports from accredited laboratories worldwide. Moreover, the device has no chemicals, UV rays, radiation or side-effects and is completely safe for humans, animals and the environment.

Said Priyank Garg, Joint MD, Advance Valves, Noida, “The pandemic has led to huge work disruptions. Our factories were shut since March last year and started operating partially from the first week of May, before regaining full operations as per government guidelines. The safety and wellbeing of all our employees is our foremost priority and concern. We decided to go for Shycocan as it is a state-of-the-art technology that is user-friendly, low on running costs and extremely effective indoors.”

He added, “All 4 of our manufacturing plants, in Noida and Distt Una in HP – from 40,000 to 72,000 sq. ft. each – are now fully covered by Shycocan devices, including office blocks, reception area, basement blocks, shop floors, testing areas, etc. Multiple devices have been used for larger areas. We and all our employees are now feeling much more confident and safer while working with co-workers. I would consider this as a much-needed investment into the wellbeing of our employees rather than an expense.”

Said Mr. Alok Sharma, CEO, Shycocan Corporation, “We are delighted to contribute to a safer work environment for Advance Valves. The devices would ensure the safety of people present within the premises. They work on all current and future variants and mutants of the Coronavirus and Influenza family of viruses, protecting people’s health and saving millions of hours of lost productivity. The manufacturing sector is a critical piece in India’s economy and protecting it is paramount to bringing life back to normal and normal back to business. Advance Valves has really set the tone for others to follow in protecting their teams, businesses and future-proofing them from such pandemics.”

Dr. Rajah Vijay Kumar, Inventor of Shycocan, developed a specialized device made of a super-alloy which produces Photons of high intensity when excited. Upon striking solid surfaces in any space such as walls, furniture, dust particles in the air; these photons emanate electrons. The electrons get attached to the positive protein on the shell of the Coronavirus and Influenza family of viruses, neutralizing its positive charge and preventing it from infecting other people. In the presence of Shycocan, anyone touching a previously infected surface will not contract the virus as it would have been attenuated. The Shycocan device provides far greater protection. The super-alloy that generates photons does not deteriorate, due to which Shycocan has a long lifespan and requires minimal servicing and no consumables.

Dr. Rajah Vijay Kumar, who holds over 30+ inventions globally, said, “Coronavirus-type outbreaks are occurring with faster intermittent frequencies. The Coronavirus family has got more infectious and deadly with successive mutations in the last 17 years, underscoring the importance of a device like Shycocan. The biggest challenge of this virus is its infectivity or virulence. Breaking the chain of infectivity requires focused work on indoor environments because they carry the highest risk of transmission.”

He added, “In 2017, our campus in Bengaluru experienced many incidents of seasonal flu, compelling me to design, build and install the device which was later christened Shycocan. A year later, the incidence of seasonal flu was almost totally absent from the campus. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the device was sent for testing and regulatory compliances to global laboratories and found to be equally effective against Coronaviruses. It was overwhelming to realize that we had already created the world’s first technology to fight the Coronavirus pandemic long before imagining the possibility of such a crisis taking the entire world in its grip.”

A single device when mounted has an effective coverage area of 1,000 Sq. Ft (or 10,000 cubic feet). Multiple devices can be installed to cover a larger indoor space. The device is already in use in India, US and many countries in Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, and South Africa. It is seeing a robust demand from institutional buyers. We have shipped more than 25,000 already. Shycocan is enabling schools, colleges, homes and businesses like hospitals, hotels, offices, restaurants, auditoriums, transportation, retail, and airports get back on track and serve their internal and external customers in a safe environment.

Attached is a short video about the installation from the Advance Valves factory:

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvvNlkKcG2c

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Bharat Biotech Announces COVAXIN® Capacity Expansion to Support vaccination campaigns in India and Worldwide

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  • Capacity expansion has been implemented across multiple facilities in Hyderabad and Bangalore, to reach ~ 700 million doses / year, one of the largest production capacities for Inactivated viral vaccines worldwide,
  • IMDG agonist molecule synthesis and manufacturing has been successfully implemented in India eliminating dependency on imports,
  • Raw materials, packing materials and single use consumables for manufacturing have been secured to meet our capacity requirements,

Hyderabad, India, April 20th, 2021: Bharat Biotech announces scale up of manufacturing capacity to produce ~ 700 million doses of COVAXIN® annually. 

Manufacturing scale up has been carried out in a stepwise manner across multiple facilities at Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Inactivated vaccines, while highly safe, are extremely complex and expensive to manufacture, resulting in lower yields when compared to live virus vaccines.

Capacity expansion in vaccines manufacturing is a long and tedious process, requiring investments of several millions of rupees and several years. Bharat Biotech is able to expand COVAXIN® manufacturing capacity in a short timeline, mainly due to the availability of new specially designed BSL- 3 facilities, first of its kind for manufacturing in India that have been repurposed and preexisting expertise and know how to manufacture, test and release highly purified inactivated viral vaccines.   

Manufacturing partnerships are being explored with our partners in other countries, who have prior expertise with commercial scale manufacture of inactivated viral vaccines under biosafety containment.    

To further increase capacities, Bharat Biotech has partnered with Indian Immunologicals (IIL) to manufacture the drug substance for COVAXIN®. The technology transfer process is well underway and IIL has the capabilities and expertise to manufacture inactivated viral vaccines at commercial scale and under biosafety containment.

Bharat Biotech uses a proprietary adjuvant Algel-IMDG, that has now proven to be a safe and effective adjuvant, especially to stimulate memory T cell responses. The synthesis and manufacture of the IMDG component has been successfully indigenized and will be manufactured at commercial scale within the country. This is the first instance where a novel adjuvant has been commercialized in India.  

The protocols for manufacturing, testing and release of inactivated vaccines have been tried, tested and validated across several of our vaccines, these also meet the requirements of WHO, Indian and other regulatory authorities. These protocols have delivered consistent results over a 15-year period with more than 300 million doses supplied globally, with excellent safety and performance record.

COVAXIN® has received Emergency Use Authorizations in several countries across the globe with another 60 in process. EUA’s have now been obtained from Mexico, Philippines, Iran, Paraguay, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Guyana, Venezuela, Botswana, Zimbabwe, among several other countries. EUA’s are in process in the USA and several European countries. Pricing for international markets and supplies to govt’s under EUA’s have been established between $15 – 20 / dose.     

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Remedies for ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’ during Summer

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Summer is here and most of us would try to beat the heat by using air conditioners and coolers. On an average, we spend around 14-16 hours per day in an air-conditioned (AC) room to safe guard ourselves from the heat. Less known fact is that the artificial air and temperature changes caused by the AC’s do harm our health. “The most delicate organ being the eyes could be affected by long term use of air conditioners. Common complaints of people working in AC are dryness, irritation, grittiness, itching, burning sensation and watering from the eyes. These symptoms are collectively termed as the ‘Dry eye syndrome’,” says Dr. Sanjana Vatsa, Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital, Bangalore.

WHAT CAUSES DRY EYES WHEN EXPOSED TO AC

Adequate quantity and good quality of tears is essential for smooth functioning of the eyes.

The Dry eye syndrome is characterised by change in quality or quantity of the three layers of the tear film namely – The external oily layer, middle water/aqueous layer and inner protein layer.

“In an air-conditioned room especially in very low temperatures, there is loss of humidity, the air becomes extremely dry and causes evaporation of tears, thus causing evaporative dry eyes. Also long term exposure to AC can alter the lipid production from glands in the eyelids causing changes in both quality and quantity of tear film and hence dry eyes. Without adequate lubrication, the eyes are more vulnerable to inflammation and infection, thus worsening the condition,” adds Dr. Vatsa. 

MAJOR SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include burning sensation, foreign body sensation, grittiness, itching, redness, heaviness, watering of eyes and blurring of vision. Also the reading speed can slow down for dry eye suffers and the rate decreases as the severity increases.

THE OTHER IMPORTANT CAUSES OF DRY EYE

▪                     Usage of computers/ mobile phones for long duration – This reduces the blink rate and increases evaporation of tears, thus causing dry eye syndrome

▪                     The natural aging process, hormonal variations during menopause can cause dry eyes in elderly women

▪                     Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders and Vitamin A deficiency

▪                     Side effects of certain drugs like antihistamines, Isotretinoin etc.

▪                     Laser eye surgery, although symptoms of dry eyes related to this procedure are usually temporary

▪                     Tear gland damage from inflammation or irradiation

▪                     Diseases that affect the ability to secrete tears such as Sjogren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis and Collagen vascular diseases

▪                     Nerve palsy that don’t allow the eyelids to close completely

▪                     Air pollution – people in metros are more likely to be diagnosed with dry eye syndrome than the other towns with relatively lesser air pollution.

TIPS TO PREVENT DRY EYES

▪                     Minimise and decrease the number of hours of exposure to AC. Setting of AC temperature around 23 degree C and above is recommended.

▪                     Avoid sitting with your face facing air conditioners, thereby preventing the evaporation of tears from the eyes.

▪                     Place a small open bowl of fresh water in the corner of your air conditioned room to maintain humidity of air, thereby preventing dry skin and dry eyes.

▪                     Drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself well hydrated

▪                     Conscious frequent blinking when using computer or mobile phones will help in reducing the evaporation of tears from the eyes

▪                     Have a traditional 7 – 8 hours of sleep which will give adequate rest to the eyes.

▪                     Consider wearing UV protective sun glasses in the outdoors

▪                     Use lubricating eye drops as prescribed by Ophthalmologists with regular follow ups as suggested

“Prevention is always better than cure. Thus follow recommendations and prescriptions from an eye doctor on eye medications and in-office procedures to help your eyes secrete adequate amount of good quality tears, thereby reducing the chances of dry eye syndrome,” sums up Dr Vatsa.

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APACMed welcomes its new Executive Committee in India

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New Delhi, April 2021: The Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed) welcomes its new Executive Committee (ExCo) in India, in a timely move amid the pandemic when players in the medical technology (MedTech) industry need to work even closer together to grow a more robust, resilient and adaptive healthcare ecosystem. The ExCo is committed to continuously engage with regulatory bodies, policy makers, healthcare professionals, industry members and other stakeholders to facilitate patient access to innovative and life-saving medical technologies; thereby improving patient care outcomes.
The India ExCo appointments are:
Mr. Pavan Mocherla, MD, Becton Dickinson India, South Asia, as the Chairperson
Ms. Meenakshi Nevatia, MD, Stryker India as Vice-Chairperson
Mr. Narendra Varde, MD, Roche India & Neighbouring Markets as Vice-Chairperson
Founded in 2014, APACMed is the only regional association to provide a unified voice for the MedTech industry in Asia Pacific, representing both multinational corporations as well as small and medium enterprises, together with several local industry associations across the region. The ExCo will build on the association’s mission to promote innovation and impact policy that advances healthcare access for patients in India.

Commenting on the new appointments of the India ExCo, Ms Harjit Gill, CEO, APACMed said, “We are in a period of transformational change within the healthcare ecosystem, and are delighted to have MedTech industry leaders step forward to contribute and steer India’s healthcare infrastructure and delivery of care through innovative collaborations and engagements with key stakeholders in the system.”

Brief Profiles of the Leadership Team of India ExCo:

Mr. Pavan Mocherla:- Pavan is the Managing Director of BD where he is closely involved in giving a strategic direction to the organisation’s South Asia operations. With more than 25 years of experience across various industries, he has led several successful assignments in both emerging and developed markets. Prior to BD, he was associated with eminent organisations like Whirlpool, Onida and NIIT Ltd. Pavan also serves as the Chairman for Advanced Medical Technology Association (Advamed) in India.

Ms. Meenakshi Nevatia :- Meenakshi brings over 20 years of healthcare experience. In her current role as the Managing Director of Stryker, India, Meenakshi is responsible for building Stryker’s business strategy and setting up the organization for long-term, sustainable growth in the Indian market. Meenakshi is on the Board of the Medical Technology Association of India (MTAI) and is the Chair of the Med Tech Committee at AMCHAM (American Chamber of Commerce).

Mr. Narendra Varde:- Narendra is the Managing Director for Roche Diagnostics India and Neighboring Markets.
With a total of 15 years of experience in the IVD, Medical Devices & Pharmaceutical industries, most recently as General Manager and Country Head at Abbott Diagnostics India. Narendra brings global acumen, high degree of professionalism, adaptability and a collaborative style. He is an active spokesperson for a number of industry associations and professional organizations such as FICCI and others. He is also on the governing council of NATHEALTH.

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Dr Soosan Jacob of Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital Among Top 100 Women Ophthalmologists in the World

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14 April 2021: City Ophthalmologist, Dr Soosan Jacob, Director and Chief, Refractive and Cornea Foundation, and Senior Consultant, Cataract and Glaucoma Services at Dr. Agarwal’s Group of Eye Hospitals,  India, enters the international Power List – 2021, a list of Top 100 most influential women ophthalmologists in the world.

The prestigious Power List is compiled every year by ‘The Ophthalmologist’, a premier international publication dedicated to the field of Ophthalmology and selection is on the basis of national and international recognition among peer Ophthalmologists.

Dr Soosan Jacob has over 21 years of experience, specializing in Cornea, Refractive surgery and Cataract surgery. Her other fields of interest in ophthalmology include cutting edge cataract, complex and complicated cases, anterior segment reconstruction procedures, glaucoma and orbit and oculoplasty. 

Commenting about the entry of his colleague in the Power List 2021, Prof. Amar Agarwal, Chairman, Dr Agarwal’s Group of Eye Hospital, said, “My heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Soosan, who fully deserves this honor. It is a proud moment for everyone at Dr Agarwal’s Group. Dr. Jacob has been making exemplary contributions, especially to the cornea and refractive surgical field with many of her innovative surgical techniques – notable and recent among them being a novel technique called Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segment (CAIRS) to treat keratoconus, a more and more commonly seen condition in which the clear tissue on the front of the eye bulges outward. Her innovations have been life-changing for patients. My best wishes for many more laurels to come her way.”

In her comments, Dr Soosan Jacob, Director and Chief, Refractive and Cornea Foundation, and Senior Consultant, Cataract and Glaucoma Services said, “I am honored to be on this prestigious Power List of the Top 100 most influential women ophthalmologists in the world, a list that’s awaited eagerly every year. Initiatives like The Power List are important as they celebrate all the awesome, wonderful women ophthalmologists who show the way forward and inspire other brilliant women. For women, it is important to break glass ceilings to achieve their full potential. I must say that I have been fortunate both at home and at work to be in environments where it is considered crucial to empower women,” she said.

Dr Soosan Jacob has been the recipient of several prestigious international awards including International Society of Refractive Surgery’s Kritzinger Memorial Award; Connecticut Society of

Eye Physicians’ Innovator’s Award, The Waring Medal, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery’s John Henahan Award for Young Ophthalmologist, American Academy of Ophthalmology’s International Ophthalmologist Education Award and many international Oration awards.

She is a noted speaker and author – she has authored more than 100 peer reviewed publications, is the editor for 17 ophthalmology textbooks, is on the editorial board of prestigious international journals and on the executive committee of many international ophthalmological organizations. She conducts courses and delivers lectures in numerous national and international conferences and has been invited to teach her techniques at many international institutes such as Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, USA, Jules Gonin Eye Institute, Switzerland etc. Her surgical teaching YouTube channel has more than 10,000 subscribers.

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