India launches first guided-missile cancer therapy
Novartis has introduced India’s first radioligand therapy for advanced prostate cancer, marking a significant step in precision oncology. The therapy, Pluvicto (lutetium/Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan), is approved by the regulatory authority and is aimed at patients with PSMA-positive metastatic prostate cancer. It represents a new treatment approach for cases diagnosed at advanced stages, where traditional interventions may be limited.
The launch underscores India’s growing role in Novartis’ next-generation therapies strategy, even after the company exited its listed Indian subsidiary. Multinational pharmaceutical firms are increasingly focusing on patented medicines, specialty therapies, and precision oncology in India, while domestic firms expand in generics, biosimilars, and complex formulations.
Pluvicto works by targeting cancer cells with a guided radio ligand, offering precision treatment that minimizes impact on healthy tissue. Healthcare experts note that access to such therapies in India could significantly improve survival and quality of life for patients with advanced prostate cancer, bridging a gap in treatment options for complex oncology cases.
Long-term health insurance gains traction amid rising costs
Rising medical expenses have led consumers to opt for long-term health insurance policies that span three to five years, according to the Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI). Policyholders are seeking greater protection against frequent premium revisions and uninterrupted coverage without renewal gaps.
IRDAI now permits insurers to offer long-term health insurance products under existing regulations, provided product approvals and underwriting norms are followed. Long-term policies allow for continuity benefits, including the carry-forward of waiting periods, reduced administrative burden, and stability in premium payments, improving overall consumer confidence.
Insurers are promoting such policies to address growing healthcare inflation, technological advancements, and preventive care awareness. Customers increasingly prefer multi-year plans as they ensure uninterrupted coverage and safeguard against unexpected premium hikes, while insurers benefit from enhanced risk management and lower lapses in policy renewals.
ICICI Lombard urges higher health coverage amid rising medical costs
ICICI Lombard General Insurance has encouraged policyholders and agents to opt for higher sum insured levels to counter rising healthcare costs. The insurer highlighted that inflationary trends in medical treatment necessitate adequate coverage for comprehensive protection.
While the insurer advises customers on higher coverage, final decisions remain with policyholders. Internal communications indicated that renewal commissions would not apply for policies with sums insured below Rs. 10 lakh, though ICICI Lombard clarified that its commission structures are fully compliant with regulatory guidelines.
The company emphasised that all payouts and commission frameworks ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in policy distribution. This guidance aligns with IRDAI norms while promoting responsible insurance coverage that adequately shields policyholders against escalating medical expenses and ensures robust financial protection.
