Tag: Mucormycosis

Business World

Redcliffe Lifetech introduces Mucormycosis Multiplex RT-PCR Test to diagnose rapidly spreading Black Fungus

Jun 3, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Black Fungus, #COVID-19, #Dheeraj Jain, #Managing Director, #Mucormycosis, #Redcliffe Lifetech

New Delhi: While India is still struggling with the second wave of Covid-19, a rare and invasive fungal infection with exceedingly high mortality Mucormycosis (commonly known as Black Fungus) has triggered an allnew health challenge in the country. More than 11,000 cases of black fungal infection have been reported from different parts, forcing state governments to declare it an epidemic. In order to help the Government in the diagnosis of Mucormycosis, Redcliffe Lifetech, a leading molecular diagnostics company has introduced a non-invasive (Serum/Fluid) RT-PCR Test to detect the DNA of Mucorales species. As a part of the diagnostic process, BAL samples will be used to directly detect the infection, with sample-to-result collection in less than 24 hours.

Redcliffe Lifetech through its innovative molecular diagnostic service will collect various samples for conducting RT-PCR Test such as Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples, Biopsy samples, paraffin embedded, Serum samples to detect the potential health disorder or diseases in people. The diagnosis of Mucormycosis will target Pan-Mucormycetes, Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Lichtheimis spp., Cunninghamella spp., Rhizomucor spp., Internal Control (IC).

Commenting on the announcement, Dheeraj Jain, Managing Director, Redcliffe Lifetech said, “We endeavor to assist the Government of India and the general public in combating this deadly infection with the most advanced approach. With the help of our technology, we can assist them in a timely diagnosis of Mucormycosis. This will undoubtedly aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.”

Mucormycosis is a rare invasive fungus that has a high mortality rate and few treatment options. The disease is caused by Mucorales, which is a large group of species within the order of zygomycetes.

Mucormycosis generally affects people with comorbid conditions taking immunosuppressant steroid medications to manage pre-existing illnesses as well as COVID-19, over an extended length of time or those with diabetes mellitus who are unable to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range. It also believed that being treated in the Intensive Care Unit i.e. ICU wing of hospitals for a prolonged interval of time. Having a vulnerable immune system that is weakened owing to comorbidities such as previous organ transplant surgeries or cancer therapy procedures or those already taking prescription antifungal drugs to combat infections are prone to get infected.

The company is pricing the test at Rs 7,000.

Health, News

Celon launches an emulsion-based drug to treat the deadly Black Fungus in COVID–19 patients

Jun 1, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Black Fungus, #Celon Labs’ Managing Director, #Mr. Hocine Sidi, #Mr. M. Nagesh Kumar, #Mucormycosis, #the Chairman of Celon

Hyderabad: Hyderabad based specialty biopharmaceutical manufacturer, Celon Laboratories, announced the launch of an alternative drug – Amphotericin B Emulsion, for the treatment of Mucormycosis, commonly known as Black Fungus. The drug is set to provide much needed respite to patients reeling under the severe impact of the second wave of COVID-19 and the resultant Black Fungus.

Amphotericin B, is crucial to the treatment of Mucormycosis, of which a sudden resurgence is being witnessed off late among COVID-19 patients, across India. Though Celon has been manufacturing Liposomal Amphotericin B since 2013, market demands were not met due to the unavailability of a critical ingredient sourced from Germany — lipoids. To bypass the bottleneck caused by this sourcing obstacle and increase production of this medication, Celon developed an alternative, an emulsion-based formulation.

Exhaustively developed by Celon’s in-house R&D team in a record three weeks, the emulsion-based formulation will provide leading hospitals and COVID-19 treatment centers with increased resources to treat the Black Fungus. Celon will manufacture 10,000 vials per day, which will ensure relief for approximately 6,000 patients monthly.

Celon Labs’ Managing Director, Mr. M. Nagesh Kumar, spoke of Celon’s role during India’s second wave of COVID-19: “Celon Labs is deeply committed to supporting the ongoing efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic during this deadly second wave and to save as many lives as possible. The emulsion-based formulation is an ideal alternative to Liposomal Amphotericin B to combat the Black Fungus. The company will start supplying the domestic market soon.”

Additionally, the Chairman of Celon, Mr. Hocine Sidi-Said, expressed his gratitude to employees for achieving this important milestone: “I am delighted to see that Celon Labs has mobilized its talents and expertise to swiftly respond to this pressing medical need. I am grateful to the team at Celon Labs who have made the launch of Amphotericin B Emulsion possible.”

Business World

L V Prasad Eye Institute Launches MUCORMYCOSIS HOTLINE – 18002002211 for Eye Related ‘Black Fungus’ Issues

May 24, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Black Fungus, #Mucormycosis

Hyderabad: “Mucormycosis has been declared as an epidemic now. After COVID, it is the next fast emerging threat, and the need of the hour is early diagnosis and timely treatment. To minimize the delay in accessing timely treatment for patients, L V Prasad Eye Institute has introduced a hotline number – 18002002211. People can call any time on this number between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from Monday to Saturday for any queries regarding Mucormycosis. In Telangana, LVPEI has a quaternary eye care centre and three city centres at Hyderabad. We also have secondary centres across Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Nagarkurnool, Nirmal, Rangareddy, Kothur and Siddipet. In cases where immediate care is needed, our counsellors will share with the caller the contact address of the nearest LVPEI Centre in their vicinity. For the benefit of patients who cannot travel, we are even offering teleconsultation services,” informs Dr Tarjani Vivek Dave, Oculoplasty Surgeon, L V Prasad Eye Institute.

What is Mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection of the sinuses, eye and brain. The term Black Fungus used for Mucormycosis is a misnomer.

Who is most likely to get Mucormycosis?

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or those that have been treated with steroids for COVID-19 infection are most likely to get Mucormycosis. Patients who had required admission and oxygen treatment for COVID-19 are also at a risk. Patients suffering with other immune deficiencies, post organ transplant and those who have suffered extensive burns are also at risk.

What are the common symptoms of Mucormycosis?

· Nasal stuffiness and sinusitis

· Pain over the sinuses

· Dental pain

· Sudden Decreased vision or loss of vision

· Drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis)

· Swelling over the eyelids

· A black lesion in the mouth or the nose

What should I do if I think I have Mucormycosis?

Please consult your ENT and Eye doctors at the earliest.

What is the treatment?

Mucormycosis is a very invasive infection with significant morbidity and mortality. An MRI scan is generally done to find out the extent of Mucormycosis.

Early and localized infections can be treated with sinus surgery, intravenous and local anti-fungal injections followed by a long course of oral anti-fungal medications. Extensively spread of infections require aggressive sinus surgery to clear the internal contents of the cheekbones and injections behind the eye. In a lot of these cases unfortunately, the entire eyeball may need to be removed in order to contain the infection and avoid fatality.

Your Eye and ENT doctors will examine you and ask for MRI scans. Based on the scans, they will guide you on the required treatment.

Will my eye be removed?

This is a decision that your doctor will take once an entire eye and sinus examination, and an MRI scan have been done.