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Antimicrobial Resistance / Antimicrobial resistance

« on: June 02, 2025, 01:53:20 PM »

Overview

Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability and death.

AMR is a natural process that happens over time through genetic changes in pathogens. Its emergence and spread is accelerated by human activity, mainly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials to treat, prevent or control infections in humans, animals and plants.

A global concern

Antimicrobial medicines are the cornerstone of modern medicine. The emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens threatens our ability to treat common infections and to perform life-saving procedures including cancer chemotherapy and caesarean section, hip replacements, organ transplantation and other surgeries.

In addition, drug-resistant infections impact the health of animals and plants, reduce productivity in farms, and threaten food security.

AMR has significant costs for both health systems and national economies overall. For example, it creates need for more expensive and intensive care, affects productivity of patients or their caregivers through prolonged hospital stays, and harms agricultural productivity. 

AMR is a problem for all countries at all income levels. Its spread does not recognize country borders. Contributing factors include lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals; poor infection and disease prevention and control in homes, healthcare facilities and farms; poor access to quality and affordable vaccines, diagnostics and medicines; lack of awareness and knowledge; and lack of enforcement of relevant legislation. People living in low-resource settings and vulnerable populations are especially impacted by both the drivers and consequences of AMR.

What is the present situation?

Drug-resistance in bacteria

he global rise in antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat, diminishing the efficacy of common antibiotics against widespread bacterial infections. The 2022 Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) report highlights alarming resistance rates among prevalent bacterial pathogens.  Median reported rates in 76 countries of 42% for third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli and 35% for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are a major concern. For urinary tract infections caused by E. coli, 1 in 5 cases exhibited reduced susceptibility to standard antibiotics like ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, and fluoroquinolones in 2020. This is making it harder to effectively treat common infections.

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common intestinal bacterium, also showed elevated resistance levels against critical antibiotics. Increased levels of resistance potentially lead to heightened utilization of last-resort drugs like carbapenems, for which resistance is in turn being observed across multiple regions. As the effectiveness of these last-resort drugs is compromised, the risks increase of infections that cannot be treated. Projections by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) indicate an anticipated twofold surge in resistance to last-resort antibiotics by 2035, compared to 2005 levels, underscoring the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship practices and enhanced surveillance coverage worldwide.

Drug resistance in fungi

As drug-resistant fungal infections increase, WHO is monitoring their magnitude and public health impact. Fungal infections can be difficult to treat, including due to drug-drug interactions for patients with other infections (e.g. HIV). The emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant Candida auris, an invasive fungal infection, is of particular concern. Development of WHO’s Fungal Priority Pathogens List (see below) included a comprehensive review of fungal infections and drug-resistant fungi globally.

Drug resistance in HIV, tuberculosis and malaria

HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is caused by changes in the HIV genome that affect the ability of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to block the replication of the virus. HIVDR can either be transmitted at the time of infection or acquired because of inadequate adherence to treatment or drug-drug interactions. HIVDR can lead to increased HIV infections and HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. WHO recommends that countries routinely implement HIVDR surveys to inform the selection of optimal ARV drug regimens for HIV prevention and treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most effective first-line TB drugs. MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs, but these medicines are expensive and toxic, and in some cases more extensive drug resistance can develop. TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line TB drugs can leave patients with very limited treatment options. MDR-TB is therefore a public health crisis and threat to health security. Only about 2 in 5 people with drug resistant TB accessed treatment in 2022.

The emergence of drug-resistant parasites is a major threat to malaria control. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria and are used by most malaria endemic countries. Emergence of partial resistance to artemisinin and/or partner drugs in ACTs makes selecting the right treatment more challenging and requires close monitoring. In the Greater Mekong Subregion, partial resistance to artemisinin or a partner drug has been confirmed in several countries since 2001. In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, resistance to a partner drug, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, led in some countries to treatment failure requiring a change to another ACT. In Africa, mutations linked to artemisinin partial resistance have been observed in several countries. ACTs that have been tested remain efficacious, but further spread of resistance could be a major public health challenge and improved surveillance is vital.

Drug resistance in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)

The emergence of drug resistance against medicines for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is a significant threat to programmes to control, eliminate and eradicate NTDs, which especially affect vulnerable and marginalized populations. Resistance has been reported in leprosy medicines (dapsone, rifampicine and clofazimine) in several countries, in several anti-helminthics (while resistance has so far only been observed in use in animals, which is a serious concern for the veterinary sector, some of these medicines are also used in humans), in medicines used to treat human African trypanosomiasis (melarsoprol) and leishmaniasis (pentavalent antimonials, miltefosine), and others.  It is important to monitor resistance and drug efficacy, put in place strategies to delay or curb resistance, and strengthen the pipeline of second-line medicines for NTDs. For example, WHO provides guidance for surveillance of resistance for the global leprosy elimination programme, and support to control distribution and monitor the standardized use, safety and efficacy of medicines, including donated medicines, in NTD programmes.

Coordinated global action to address AMR

One Health approach

AMR is a complex problem that requires both sector-specific actions in the human health, food production, animal and environmental sectors, and a coordinated approach across these sectors. One Health refers to an integrated, unifying approach that aims to achieve optimal and sustainable health outcomes for people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants and the wider environment are closely linked and inter-dependent. The One Health approach to preventing and controlling AMR brings together stakeholders from relevant sectors to communicate and work together in the design, implementation and monitoring of programmes, policies, legislation and research to mitigate AMR and attain better health and economic outcomes.

Global Action Plan (GAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance

To address AMR globally, countries adopted the Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR during the 2015 World Health Assembly and committed to the development and implementation of multisectoral national action plans with a One Health approach to tackle AMR. The GAP was subsequently endorsed by the Governing Bodies of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly known as OIE) and the United Nations Environment Program.

Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on Antimicrobial Resistance

To coordinate the One Health global response to AMR, WHO works closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The 4 organizations (FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH) are known as the Quadripartite. A quadripartite joint secretariat is hosted by WHO to drive multi-stakeholder engagement in AMR. This has supported establishment of the Global Leaders Group on AMR, which began its work in November 2020, and the Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform, which was launched in November 2022, and several technical working groups.

High-level meetings on AMR

In March 2022, United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/76/257 established a second High-level Meeting on AMR to be held in 2024, in collaboration with the Quadripartite Organizations and with the support of the Global Leaders Group. In October 2023, The President of the General Assembly appointed the Permanent Representatives of Barbados and Malta to co-facilitate the high-level meeting. The high-level meeting is an important opportunity for countries to make ambitious commitments and agree targets, and the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat is working closely with the co-facilitators and Global Leaders Group to ensure optimal participation and inputs from the human, animal, agri-food and the environment sectors.

In addition, three Global High-level Ministerial Conferences on AMR, in the Netherlands in 2014 and 2019, and in Oman in 2022, led to the Global Action Plan, the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund, and groundbreaking multisectoral AMR targets. A fourth high-level ministerial conference will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2024.

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW)

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness, understanding and best practices with the public, One Health stakeholders, and other policymakers. One of WHO’s official health campaigns since 2015, WAAW is celebrated from 18 to 24 November every year.

A programmatic response to AMR in countries
AMR national action plans

As of November 2023, 178 countries had developed AMR national action plans aligned with the GAP. To ensure sustained progress, countries need to establish a functioning multisectoral AMR governance mechanism, prioritize activities, develop a costed operational plan, mobilize resources (both domestic and external), and effectively implement their plan. Monitoring mechanisms are needed to track progress, identify challenges and report periodically. To globally track the progress in AMR national action plan implementation, countries have committed to completing the multisectoral annual Tracking AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS) that was launched in 2016 with results published at https://www.amrcountryprogress.org/.

The people-centred approach and WHO core package of interventions

To address AMR in a programmatic manner that puts people, their needs and equitable access to health services at the centre of the AMR response in the community, in primary care, secondary and tertiary care, and at national and/or subnational level, WHO has developed the People-centred approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance in human health and WHO core package of interventions to support national action plans. This focuses on preventing infections and ensuring universal access to health services for quality diagnosis and appropriate treatment. As a crucial part of their AMR response, countries can integrate the core package of AMR interventions in national plans and strategies for universal health coverage and health emergency preparedness and response.

Antimicrobial stewardship and AWaRe

Antimicrobial stewardship is a systematic approach to educate and support health care professionals to follow evidence-based guidelines for prescribing and administering antimicrobials. The education of the health workforce is of crucial importance, as they form the front line in safeguarding the effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines. WHO guides countries to develop and implement Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes as one of the most cost-effective interventions to optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines, improve patient outcomes and reduce AMR and health care-associated infections.

To improve access to appropriate treatment and reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics, WHO developed the AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification of antibiotics. The WHO AWaRe antibiotic book provides concise, evidence-based guidance on the choice of antibiotic, dose, route of administration, and duration of treatment for more than 30 of the most common clinical infections in children and adults in both primary health care and hospital settings.

Strategic information to inform the AMR response

WHO launched the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) in 2015 to fill knowledge gaps and inform strategies at all levels. GLASS progressively incorporates data from surveillance of AMR in humans, surveillance of the use and consumption of antimicrobials, and integrated AMR data in the One Health sectors including the food chain and in the environment.

GLASS provides a standardized approach to the collection, analysis, interpretation and sharing of data by countries, territories and areas. It also monitors the status of existing and new national surveillance systems, with emphasis on representativeness and quality of data collection. Some WHO regions have established surveillance networks that provide technical support to countries and facilitate enrollment into GLASS. 

WHO is committed especially to supporting low- and middle-income countries to improve data collection and usage for policymaking, both through GLASS and by supporting nationally representative AMR prevalence surveys.

Priority-setting for AMR research and product development

The clinical pipeline of new antimicrobials is almost dry and there is a pipeline and access crisis for antibiotics. WHO’s latest annual review of the pre-clinical and clinical antibacterial pipelines identified 27 antibiotics in clinical development that address WHO bacterial priority pathogens, of which only 6 were classified as innovative. In addition, a lack of access to quality antimicrobials and shortages of generic off-patent antibiotics affect countries across all levels of income and development.

To guide research and development into new antimicrobials, diagnostics and vaccines, and inform public health action, WHO developed the first WHO bacterial priority pathogens list in 2017 and updated this in 2023 (publication forthcoming), and published the WHO fungal priority pathogen list in 2022.

To help fill the major gaps in R&D for antimicrobials, vaccines and diagnostic tools, WHO works closely with organizations such as the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), the AMR Action Fund, and the Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X). Various governments are also piloting different models to incentivize research and development of newer antimicrobials to ultimately ensure access to treatment.

Greater innovation and investment are also required in epidemiological and operational research. WHO has outlined 40 priority research topics for AMR in human health and, with the Quadripartite organizations, a One Health priority research agenda for AMR.

References

1. Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators. (2022). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet; 399(10325): P629-655. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02724-0

2. Drug-Resistant Infections: A Threat to Our Economic future (March 2017) https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/publication/drug-resistant-infections-a-threat-to-our-economic-future

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General Discussion / Science

« on: May 08, 2025, 12:05:13 PM »

1. How many elements are in the periodic table? 118
2. Which planet in the Milky Way is the hottest? Venus
3. Who discovered that the Earth revolves around the sun? Nicolaus Copernicus
4. Which planet has the most moons? Saturn
5. Which planet is closest to the sun? Mercury
6. Where is the strongest human muscle located? Jaw
7. Which is the only body part that is fully grown from birth? Eyes
8. How many bones do we have in an ear? 3
9. What scientific theory proposed that Earth revolves around the sun? Heliocentrism
10. What is the process by which plants convert sunlight to energy? Photosynthesis
11. What is the scientific theory that explains the origin of the universe? The Big Bang Theory
12. What is the name of the world's first artificial satellite? Sputnik 1
13. What is the chemical element with the symbol Fe? Iron
14. What is the smallest unit of matter? Atom
15. What is the outermost layer of the Earth’s atmosphere called? Exosphere
16. What is the process by which a liquid changes into a gas? Evaporation

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General Discussion / Geography

« on: May 05, 2025, 01:27:10 PM »

1. Where would you be if you were standing on the Spanish Steps? Rome
2. What city is known as "The Eternal City"? Rome
3. In which country would you find Mount Kilimanjaro? Tanzania
4. True or false: Halloween originated as an ancient Irish festival. True
5. What is the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world? Mexico City
6. Which country has the most islands? Sweden (270,000)
7. In Australia, what is commonly known as a bottle-o? An off-license/liquor store
8. In which U.S. state is the country's busiest airport located? Georgia (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
9. Which is the only continent with land in all four hemispheres? Africa
10. Which river flows through the Grand Canyon? Colorado River
11. Where is Angel Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, located? Venezuela
12. What is the state capital of New York? Albany
13. On which continent would you find the world’s largest desert? Antarctica
14. What is the capital of Ireland? Dublin
15. What is the smallest U.S. state by area? Rhode Island
16. What is the tallest type of tree? Redwood
17. True or false: Holland is a region in The Netherlands? True
18. What are the five Great Lakes? Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario
   

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General Discussion / General knowledge quiz questions

« on: May 03, 2025, 01:40:30 PM »

Time to put your collection of random fun facts to the test! Check out these quiz questions no one could see coming:

    1. Which country has the highest life expectancy? Hong Kong
    2. What is the most common surname in the United States? Smith
    3. Who was the Ancient Greek God of the Sun? Apollo
    4. How many minutes are in a full week? 10,080
    5. Aureolin is a shade of what color? Yellow
    6. How many faces does a Dodecahedron have? 12
    7. What is the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet? Delta
    8. What company was initially known as "Blue Ribbon Sports"? Nike
    9. What art form is described as "decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering"? Calligraphy
   10.What software company is headquartered in Redmond, Washington? Microsoft
   11. How many dots appear on a pair of dice? 42
   12.What is acrophobia a fear of? Heights
   13. December 26 is known by what names in Ireland? Saint Stephen's Day
   14. What phone company produced the 3310? Nokia
   15. What is the world’s largest retailer? Walmart
   16. Which day of the week does the Jewish Sabbath begin? Friday
   17. What is a word, phrase, number, or other sequence of characters that reads the same backward as forward? Palindrome
   18. What is the name of the Chinese philosophical system that emphasizes harmony with nature? Taoism


M. R. Rafi Tonmoy

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Corporate Social Responsibilities / What Is Corporate Social Responsibility? 4 Types

« on: May 03, 2025, 01:24:51 PM »

What Is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the idea that a business has a responsibility to the society that exists around it, according to the online course Sustainable Business Strategy.

Firms that embrace CSR are typically organized in a manner that empowers them to act in a socially responsible way to positively impact the world. It’s a form of self-regulation that can be expressed in initiatives or strategies, depending on an organization’s goals. Many organizations communicate these efforts to external and internal stakeholders through corporate social responsibility reports.

There are various examples of what “socially responsible” means from organization to organization. Firms are often guided by a concept known as the triple bottom line, which dictates that a business should be committed to measuring its social and environmental impact, sustainability efforts, and profits. The adage “profit, people, planet,” known as the “three P’s,” is often used to summarize the driving force behind this concept.

Types of Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR is traditionally broken into four categories: environmental, philanthropic, ethical, and economic responsibility.

1. Environmental Responsibility

Environmental responsibility is the belief that organizations should behave in as environmentally friendly a way as possible. It’s one of the most common forms of CSR. Some companies use the term “environmental stewardship” to refer to such initiatives.

Companies that seek to embrace environmental responsibility can do so in several ways:

    Reducing harmful practices: Decreasing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, the use of single-use plastics, water consumption, and general waste
    Regulating energy consumption: Increasing reliance on renewables, sustainable resources, and recycled or partially recycled materials
    Offsetting negative environmental impact: Planting trees, funding research, and donating to related causes



2. Ethical Responsibility

Ethical responsibility is concerned with ensuring an organization is operating in a fair and ethical manner. Organizations that embrace ethical responsibility aim to practice ethical behavior through fair treatment of all stakeholders, including leadership, investors, employees, suppliers, and customers.

Firms can embrace ethical responsibility in different ways. For example, a business might set its own, higher minimum wage if the one mandated by the state or federal government doesn’t constitute a “livable wage.” Likewise, a business might require that products, ingredients, materials, or components be sourced according to free trade standards.

In this regard, many firms have processes to ensure they’re not purchasing products resulting from slavery or child labor.

3. Philanthropic Responsibility

Philanthropic responsibility refers to a business’s aim to actively make the world and society a better place.

In addition to acting ethically and environmentally friendly, organizations driven by philanthropic responsibility often dedicate a portion of their earnings. While many firms donate to charities and nonprofits that align with their missions, others donate to worthy causes that don’t directly relate to their business. Others go so far as to create their own charitable trust or organization to give back and have a positive impact on society.

4. Economic Responsibility

Economic responsibility is the practice of a firm backing all of its financial decisions in its commitment to do good. The end goal isn’t just to maximize profits, but also to make sure the business operations positively impact the environment, people, and society.

What Are the Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility?

Most firms embrace CSR due to moral convictions, which can result in several benefits and important social change.

CSR initiatives can, for example, be a powerful marketing tool, helping a company position itself favorably in the eyes of consumers, investors, and regulators. These initiatives can also improve employee engagement and satisfaction—key measures that drive retention. They can even attract potential employees who carry strong personal convictions that match those of the organization.

Finally, CSR initiatives inherently force business leaders to examine hiring and management practices, where and how they source products or components, and the steps they take to deliver value to customers.

This reflection can often lead to innovative and groundbreaking solutions that help a company act in a more socially responsible way and increase profits. For example, reconceptualizing the manufacturing process so that a company consumes less energy and produces less waste allows it to become more environmentally friendly while reducing its energy and materials costs—value that can be reclaimed and shared with both suppliers and customers.



Credit: Tim Stobierski
Source:online.hbs.edu

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Warehouse / Optimizing Your Pharmaceutical Warehouse: Best Practices and Standards

« on: April 30, 2025, 03:41:54 PM »

Pharmaceutical Warehousing: Definition, Handling Standards, and Supply Chain Rules

Pharmaceutical warehouses are specialized storage facilities that safely store pharmaceutical products, including medications, vaccines, and other health-related items.

For the pharmaceutical industry, warehouses play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity and quality of medicines that impact billions globally. They are not just a storage facility but a critical component in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

With the pharmaceutical market set to expand by nearly 7.8% until 2030, reaching an estimated $863.6 billion by 2030, the importance of pharmaceutical warehousing for safety and compliance cannot be overstated.

This blog will discuss the key elements and standards that ensure pharmaceutical products are stored, handled, and distributed with utmost care, highlighting the critical role of warehousing in maintaining product quality.

Pharmaceutical Industry Overview

The pharmaceutical industry is a highly regulated and complex sector that plays a critical role in the development, production, and distribution of life-saving medications. This industry is driven by the need to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the quality of life for individuals around the world. Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in research and development, manufacturing, and distribution to ensure that their products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

Pharmaceutical warehousing is a critical component of the pharmaceutical supply chain, responsible for storing and distributing pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients. These specialized facilities must adhere to strict regulatory requirements, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP), to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. By maintaining controlled environments and employing advanced inventory management systems, pharmaceutical warehouses play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of medications and ensuring they reach their destinations in optimal condition.

What Are Pharmaceutical Warehouses?

Pharmaceutical warehouses are specialized storage facilities that safely store pharmaceutical products, including medications, vaccines, and other health-related items. These warehouses are not just a storage facility but a critical component in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

These facilities adhere to strict regulatory requirements, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Distribution Practice (GDP), and Good Warehousing Practice (GWP), to maintain the quality control of pharmaceutical products.

With a focus on controlled temperature, air control systems, and security measures, pharmaceutical warehousing plays a pivotal role in the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution.

These warehouses are equipped to handle sensitive products, employing automated systems and efficient inventory management to ensure timely and accurate deliveries of medicines.

Elements That Impact Pharmaceutical Warehousing Solutions

Regulatory compliance, temperature control, and SOPs greatly influence pharmaceutical warehouses. Ensuring pharmaceutical products are stored in controlled environments is vital for their efficacy, requiring precise temperature and humidity management. A pharmaceutical warehouse is not just a storage facility but a critical component in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Let’s discuss the top two warehousing practices in detail:

GWP

GWP (Good Warehousing Practice) ensures the safe and effective storage of pharmaceutical products. It encompasses standards and procedures that manage how products are received, stored, and handled within the warehouse, emphasizing temperature control, security measures, and pest control programs to protect the integrity of medicinal products.

GDP

GDP (Good Distribution Practice) helps maintain the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products from the warehouse to the point of use. It focuses on the proper shipping conditions, documentation, and handling procedures to prevent contamination and external contamination and ensure product safety and timely delivery.

Handling Controlled Storage Environments

Due to the sensitive nature of products, handling controlled pharmaceutical storage environments is crucial for the pharmaceutical warehousing industry. Here are the key aspects that underline their importance:

These environments are not just a storage facility but are essential for maintaining product integrity.

1. Warehouse Layouts

A warehouse layout design is pivotal in pharma warehouse operations because it directly impacts storage efficiency, inventory management, and minimizing contamination risks.

A well-thought-out layout supports temperature-controlled areas, safe storage of dangerous goods, and efficient material handling, which is crucial for maintaining product quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

2. Preparing Pharmaceuticals for Shipping

Preparing pharmaceuticals for shipping is significant due to maintaining product integrity during transit. This involves secure packaging and temperature control measures to protect products from temperature variations and external contamination, ensuring timely delivery and patient safety.

3. Shipping Errors

Shipping errors in pharma warehousing can have serious consequences, including compromised product quality, patient safety risks, and regulatory non-compliance. Minimizing these errors is essential for ensuring accurate deliveries, maintaining customer trust, and upholding strict regulations.

4. Qualified Staff

Highly qualified staff is crucial in pharmaceutical warehousing for managing complex operations, adhering to GMP standards, and handling sensitive products. Trained personnel ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, efficient inventory management, and safe handling of pharmaceuticals.

5. Software and Pharmaceutical Shipping and Receiving

Software solutions are crucial in pharmaceutical shipping and receiving by providing real-time visibility, inventory control, and traceability. They help minimize errors, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate efficient logistics solutions.

6. Product Segregation: Physical and Electronic

Product segregation, both physical and electronic, is significant for preventing cross-contamination and mix-ups and ensuring compliance with good distribution practices. It supports safe storage and accurate inventory management, crucial for patient safety and product integrity.

7. Housekeeping Rules

Similarly, housekeeping rules are essential in pharmaceutical warehouses to maintain a clean and orderly environment, which prevents contamination and ensures compliance with GMP. Regular cleaning and maintenance support product quality and worker safety.

Inventory Management in Pharmaceutical Warehouses

Inventory management is a critical function in pharmaceutical warehouses, ensuring that pharmaceutical products are stored, handled, and distributed efficiently and effectively. These warehouses utilize sophisticated inventory management systems to track and manage inventory levels, monitor product expiration dates, and prevent stockouts and overstocking.

Key activities involved in inventory management include:

    Receiving and inspecting incoming shipments: Ensuring that all received products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
    Storing and labeling products in designated areas: Organizing products systematically to facilitate easy retrieval and minimize the risk of errors.
    Monitoring inventory levels and product expiration dates: Keeping track of stock levels and ensuring that products are used before their expiration dates to maintain efficacy.
    Picking and packing orders for shipment: Accurately selecting and packaging products for delivery to healthcare providers and pharmacies.
    Shipping and distributing products: Ensuring timely and secure transportation of products to their final destinations.

Pharmaceutical warehouses employ various inventory management techniques, such as first-in-first-out (FIFO), just-in-time (JIT), and just-in-case (JIC) inventory management, to optimize storage and distribution processes. These techniques help maintain the balance between supply and demand, ensuring that pharmaceutical products are available when needed while minimizing waste and inefficiencies.

Pharmaceutical Warehouses and the Supply Chain Rules

Storing and shipping pharmaceuticals within the supply chain present unique challenges compared to other goods. Pharmaceutical products require stringent regulatory compliance, temperature-controlled environments, and specialized handling.

This complexity ensures that medicinal products reach consumers without compromising quality, making pharmaceutical warehousing a critical component of the healthcare system. It is not just a storage facility but an integral part of the pharmaceutical distribution process, ensuring the quality and safety of products.

Let’s discuss the specifics that underscore its significance:

1. Material Identification Information vs. Material Item Code

In pharmaceutical warehousing, distinguishing between material identification information and material item code is crucial. This distinction ensures accurate tracking and management of inventory, facilitating regulatory compliance and efficient recall processes. It’s essential for maintaining product safety and efficacy throughout the supply chain.

2. Batch Numbers

Batch numbers are vital in pharmaceutical warehousing for traceability and quality control. They enable the tracking of pharmaceutical products from production to distribution, which is crucial for recalls and monitoring expiration dates. This system safeguards patient safety by ensuring only quality products are available.

3. Standard Names

Standard names in pharmaceutical warehousing ensure consistency and reduce medical product handling errors. They facilitate clear communication across the supply chain, from warehouse management to pharmacy shelves, ensuring the right pharmaceuticals are easily identified and correctly distributed.

4. Unique Identifying Number UIN

The Unique Identifying Number (UIN) is significant for tracking and tracing pharmaceutical products. It enhances inventory management, regulatory compliance, and patient safety by correctly identifying medicinal products, reducing the risk of mix-ups or contamination.

5. Expiry Dates

Similarly, expiry dates are critical for managing product safety and efficacy in pharmaceutical warehousing. They ensure pharmaceuticals are used within their effective lifespan, protecting patients from ineffective or harmful medications and supporting compliance with regulatory standards.

6. Bar Coding

Barcoding in pharmaceutical warehousing streamlines inventory management and traceability. It enables efficient tracking of pharmaceutical products throughout the supply chain, enhancing patient safety and regulatory compliance by ensuring accurate distribution and recall capabilities.

7. Status Labels and Their Effectiveness

Lastly, status labels such as hold, release, approve, and reject are essential for quality control in pharmaceutical warehousing. They provide immediate visibility into the status of products, facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements and ensuring only safe and effective pharmaceuticals reach the market.

Third-Party Pharmaceutical Warehousing

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are transforming the pharmaceutical warehousing landscape by offering specialized logistics and supply chain management services tailored to the industry’s unique needs.

These providers leverage advanced technology, industry expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements to optimize the movement of pharmaceutical products from manufacturers to end-users.

By ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and managing the complexities of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), 3PLs are crucial in maintaining pharmaceuticals’ integrity, safety, and timely delivery.

Third-party logistics services enhance supply chain efficiency and enable pharmaceutical companies to focus on their core activities, knowing that their products are handled with the utmost care and professionalism. A pharma warehouse is not just a storage facility but a critical component in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Best Pharmaceutical Warehousing Companies

In the pharmaceutical logistics industry, warehousing is crucial in ensuring medicines are safely stored and distributed.

Here are the top five companies excelling in this field worldwide:

  1.  Alloga, based in the UK, stands out in the pharmaceutical warehousing sector, offering specialized storage, fulfillment, and distribution services nationwide. As part of Alliance Healthcare, it caters to a broad spectrum of healthcare needs, from pharmaceuticals to medical devices, providing essential logistics solutions.
  2.  Bio Pharma Logistics, located in Belgium, excels in handling (bio)pharmaceutical shipments and clinical studies, providing warehousing and value-added services. Their expertise makes them a preferred partner for many leading pharma firms, ensuring efficient inventory management and timely delivery.
  3.  Rhenus SE and Co. KG, headquartered in Germany, delivers comprehensive logistics solutions, including multimodal transport, warehousing, and customs clearance. Their global presence and supply chain expertise make them a key player in the pharmaceutical industry.
  4.  ADAllen Pharma, operating out of the UK, specializes in sourcing comparator medicines for global clinical trials, offering pharmaceutical warehousing solutions that ensure product safety and regulatory compliance. Their deep industry knowledge and global supplier network are invaluable.
 5.   CEVA Logistics, with its headquarters in Switzerland, provides a wide range of contract logistics and freight management services to the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on end-to-end solutions that meet the complex needs of pharmaceutical logistics. Their commitment to quality control and regulatory standards ensures the safe handling of sensitive products.

Managing Unique Storage and Handling Requirements

Managing the storage and handling of pharmaceutical warehouse operations involves a multifaceted approach. Effective strategies include the use of temperature-controlled environments to maintain the efficacy of temperature-sensitive products, rigorous quality management systems to uphold cGMP standards, and cold chain logistics for secure transportation.

Additionally, real-time monitoring and data analytics play a crucial role in tracking the conditions of pharmaceuticals throughout the supply chain. Implementing robust processes for laboratory safety, risk assessment, and employee training ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and minimizes the risk of contamination or damage. A pharmaceutical warehouse is not just a storage facility but a critical component in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Warehouse Standards: Cleanliness, Air Quality Control, Temperature

Maintaining warehouse standards for cleanliness, air quality control, and temperature is pivotal in pharma warehousing. Temperature maps and recording instrumentation are utilized to monitor and maintain optimal conditions, which is crucial for temperature-sensitive products.

Additionally, pest control programs are implemented to prevent infestations that could lead to product contamination. Adhering to these standards is not just about compliance with regulatory requirements; it’s about ensuring the integrity of medicines. A pharma warehouse is not just a storage facility but a critical component in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Tech Tools to Maintain Pharmaceutical Warehousing and Software

Innovative tech and software are revolutionizing pharmaceutical warehousing, providing vital solutions for managing complex logistics and ensuring product integrity. These advancements enable precise control over storage conditions.

A pharma warehouse is not just a storage facility but a critical component in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Alarms

Alarms in pharmaceutical warehousing are crucial for maintaining product safety and compliance. They alert staff to deviations in critical parameters like temperature, humidity, or security breaches, ensuring immediate action can be taken to prevent product degradation or loss.

Sensitive Goods and Materials

Sensitive goods and materials require meticulous handling and storage conditions. Advanced warehousing technologies enable the precise monitoring and control of environmental factors, ensuring these products remain within their required specifications to maintain efficacy and safety.

Subzero and Auto-Defrost

Subzero and auto-defrost systems are essential for storing pharmaceuticals that require specific low temperatures. These technologies prevent the formation of ice crystals that could damage sensitive products, ensuring their integrity until they reach patients.

Climate Control: Moisture and Heat

Climate control for moisture and heat management is vital in pharmaceutical warehousing to prevent product degradation. Advanced HVAC systems and dehumidifiers maintain optimal conditions, protecting products from adverse effects of moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Lighting

Lighting in pharmaceutical warehouses goes beyond illumination. It includes UV protection for light-sensitive materials and energy-efficient systems to maintain environmental conditions. Proper lighting ensures safe handling and preserves the quality of pharmaceutical products.

Blockchain Technology in Pharmaceutical Warehousing

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing pharmaceutical warehousing by enhancing inventory management, supply chain visibility, and product safety. This technology creates a secure and transparent record of all transactions, including the receipt, storage, and distribution of pharmaceutical products.

The benefits of blockchain technology in pharmaceutical warehousing include:


    1. Enhanced inventory management and tracking: Providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and movements, reducing the risk of errors and discrepancies.
    2. Improved supply chain visibility and transparency: Allowing all stakeholders to access a single, immutable record of transactions, fostering trust and collaboration.
    3. Increased product safety and security: Ensuring that products are authentic and have not been tampered with, reducing the risk of counterfeiting and diversion.
    4. Reduced risk of counterfeiting and diversion: Providing a verifiable chain of custody for each product, making it easier to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.
    5. Improved regulatory compliance: Facilitating adherence to regulatory requirements by providing a clear and auditable trail of all transactions.

By leveraging blockchain technology, pharmaceutical warehouses can enhance their operational efficiency, ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical products, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

Challenges and Solutions in Pharmaceutical Warehousing

Pharmaceutical warehousing faces several challenges, including regulatory compliance, inventory management, supply chain complexity, and product safety. To address these challenges, pharmaceutical warehouses must implement robust security measures, including access control systems, inventory management systems, and temperature control systems.

Common challenges faced by pharmaceutical warehouses include:

Regulatory compliance: Adhering to strict regulatory requirements, such as GMP and GDP, to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.
   
Inventory management: Managing inventory levels, monitoring product expiration dates, and preventing stockouts and overstocking.

Supply chain complexity: Navigating complex supply chains, including logistics and transportation management, to ensure timely and efficient delivery of products.
   
Product safety: Prioritizing product safety and patient safety through the implementation of quality control measures and regulatory compliance programs.

To address these challenges, pharmaceutical warehouses can implement several solutions, including:

Robust security measures: Utilizing access control systems and inventory management systems to protect products from theft, tampering, and unauthorized access.
   
Supply chain expertise: Investing in logistics and transportation management to optimize the movement of products and ensure timely delivery.
   
Quality control measures: Implementing temperature control systems and product testing to maintain the integrity and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.
   
Regulatory compliance programs: Providing GMP and GDP training and conducting regular audits to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
   
Inventory management systems: Employing techniques such as FIFO, JIT, and JIC to optimize inventory levels and reduce waste.

By addressing these challenges with effective solutions, pharmaceutical warehouses can ensure the safe and efficient storage and distribution of pharmaceutical products, ultimately contributing to patient safety and the overall success of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

FAQs

1. What do you do in a pharmaceutical warehouse?

In a pharmaceutical warehouse, we store, manage, and distribute pharmaceutical products safely and efficiently, adhering to strict regulatory requirements.

2. Why are good warehousing practices essential in the pharmaceutical industry?

Such practices are vital in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure product integrity, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

3. What is a GMP warehouse?

A GMP warehouse follows Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure pharmaceutical products are stored and handled in conditions that meet quality control and safety standards.

Pharma Warehouses at the Heart of Healthcare

In conclusion, pharmaceutical warehouses play a crucial role in the distribution center network, ensuring valuable and sensitive products are stored and managed according to the highest standards set by the Food and Drug Administration.

With advancements in warehouse automation and support from logistics providers, these facilities efficiently handle raw materials and finished goods, safeguarding the supply chain’s integrity and reliability.

Source: www.inboundlogistics.com

7

General Discussion / যখন কাক অসুস্থ বোধ করে... তখন পিঁপড়ার সন্ধান করে কেন?

« on: April 30, 2025, 02:14:13 PM »

যখন কাক অসুস্থ বোধ করে... তখন পিঁপড়ার সন্ধান করে।
কাক অসুস্থ বোধ করলে পিঁপড়ার বাসার কাছে গিয়ে বসে, ডানা মেলে দেয়, নিশ্চল হয়ে থাকে এবং পিঁপড়াদেরকে তার উপর আক্রমণ করতে দেয়। 
কাক এটা করে কারণ পিঁপড়ারা কাকের শরীরে ফর্মিক অ্যাসিড ছড়িয়ে দেয়, যা একটি প্রাকৃতিক পরজীবী-নাশক হিসেবে কাজ করে। এই অ্যাসিড কাককে ছত্রাক, ব্যাকটেরিয়া এবং পরজীবী থেকে মুক্তি পেতে সাহায্য করে, যাতে ওষুধ ছাড়াই এটি সুস্থ হয়ে উঠতে পারে। এই আচরণকে "অ্যান্টিং" (Anting) বলা হয় এবং বিভিন্ন প্রজাতির পাখির মধ্যে এটি দেখা গেছে। এটি প্রাণীদের স্ব-চিকিৎসার একটি অবিশ্বাস্য উদাহরণ। প্রকৃতি তার নীরব জ্ঞানের মাধ্যমে আমাদেরকে অবাক করে দেওয়া কখনই বন্ধ করে না!

8

Business Development / B2B Business Development in Pharma

« on: April 30, 2025, 01:29:12 PM »

The challenges for B2B business development in pharma, where the misalignment is, and the key factors for alignment.

The pharmaceutical industry is a complex and highly regulated space, with a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, payers, patients, and regulators. Sales strategies in the pharmaceutical sector are crucial to the success of any company. They involve developing and executing a plan to sell pharmaceutical products to potential customers and many of the aforementioned. B2B business development in pharma involves developing partnerships with other companies in the industry to drive growth, improve efficiency, and bring new products to market.

In this blog post, we will explore the key strategies for successful B2B business development in pharma. But first, some of the key challenges…

Challenges for business development professionals in pharma

B2B business development in pharma involves developing partnerships with other companies in the industry to drive growth, improve efficiency and bring new products to market. However, there are several challenges that companies face when it comes to B2B business development in pharma.

Regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection

The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, and companies must comply with a range of regulations and guidelines. This can make it challenging to develop partnerships with other companies, affecting business development professionals at the beginning of any relationship, as there are strict requirements around data sharing, intellectual property and clinical trial coordination. Failure to comply with regulations can result in significant fines and penalties, as well as damage to the organisation's reputation.

Intellectual property protection is critical in the pharmaceutical industry, as companies invest significant resources in developing new drugs and therapies. This can also make it challenging, there is a risk that intellectual property could be stolen or misused. Pharma organisations must be diligent in protecting their intellectual property, while also finding ways to collaborate and share knowledge with partners.

Complex supply chains

Pharmaceutical products often have complex supply chains, involving multiple partners and suppliers. This can make it challenging to develop partnerships that are efficient and cost-effective, as each partner may have their own processes and systems in place. Collaboration and communication can also be challenging, as partners may be in different regions or time zones.

Pricing and reimbursement are complex issues in the pharmaceutical industry and can vary significantly between different markets and regions than add complexity within the supply chain. Companies must find ways to navigate these differences and develop partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

Data privacy and security

Data privacy and security are critical issues in the pharmaceutical industry, as companies collect and store sensitive patient data. This can make it challenging to develop partnerships, as partners must be able to demonstrate that they have strong data privacy and security measures in place. Companies must also be diligent in protecting their own data and ensuring that partners are not misusing or mishandling it.

Misalignment with marketing departments

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is critical for business development/sales teams and marketing departments to work together effectively to drive revenue and growth. When these two teams do not work well together, it can lead to a range of issues, including misaligned objectives, a lack of communication, ineffective messaging, and missed opportunities. By fostering collaboration and communication between these two teams, companies can ensure that they are maximising their revenue potential and delivering effective messaging to their target audience.

At the same time, marketing teams are responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies that raise awareness of the company's products and services, and ultimately drive sales. When these two teams do not work well together, it can lead to a range of issues that can negatively impact the company's bottom line.

Some of the issues that arise between the two departments are as follows.

Misaligned objectives

One of the main issues that can arise when business development/sales teams do not work well with marketing departments is misaligned objectives. When these two teams do not have a clear understanding of each other's goals and priorities, it can lead to conflicting strategies and messaging. For example, the sales team may be focused on short-term revenue targets, while the marketing team may be more focused on building long-term brand awareness. This can lead to messaging that is inconsistent or confusing for customers, ultimately leading to reduced sales.

Lack of communication

Another issue that can arise when business development/sales teams do not work well with marketing departments is a lack of communication. When these two teams operate in silos, it can lead to a lack of coordination and collaboration, resulting in missed opportunities and lost revenue. For example, the marketing team may develop a campaign to promote a new product, but the sales team may not be aware of the campaign, leading to missed sales opportunities.

Ineffective messaging

When business development/sales teams do not work well with marketing departments, it can lead to ineffective messaging. For example, the sales team may have a deep understanding of the customer's needs and pain points, but if the marketing team is not aware of this, they may develop messaging that is not effective in reaching the target audience. Similarly, if the marketing team develops messaging that is not aligned with the sales team's approach, it can lead to confusion and lost sales.

All of which means missed opportunities…

When business development/sales teams do not work well with marketing departments, it leads to missed opportunities. For example, in simple terms, the marketing team may identify a new market opportunity or customer need, but if the sales team is not aware of this, they may not be able to capitalise on it. Similarly, if the sales team identifies a new customer need or opportunity, but the marketing team is not aware of it, they may not be able to develop effective messaging or campaigns to capitalise on it. So if the sales and marketing teams are not aligned, you rarely have a commercial operation that operates above 50% of its potential within the market.

An aligned business development and marketing approach

Pharmaceutical sales techniques are generally designed to promote and sell prescription drugs to healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurses, and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Sales techniques may include the use of marketing materials, such as brochures and pamphlets, as well as sales representatives who visit healthcare providers in person to promote their products. In this next section, we list some possible approaches for success.

Develop a customer-centric approach and tailor it to different audiences

Developing a customer-centric approach is a key sales strategy in the pharmaceutical sector. This involves understanding the needs and preferences of your target customers, including healthcare providers and patients, and tailoring your sales pitch and messaging to meet those needs. By focusing on the customer via buyer personas and demonstrating how your product can help them, you can build trust and increase the likelihood of making a sale.

The pharmaceutical industry has a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, insurers, and government agencies. To be successful, it's important to tailor your sales approach to different audiences. For example, healthcare providers may be more interested in clinical data, while patients may be more interested in the benefits of your products.

Leverage digital marketing and digital technologies

In today's digital age, leveraging digital marketing channels is essential for any sales strategy. This includes developing a strong online presence through social media, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and other digital marketing tactics. By leveraging digital marketing, you can reach a wider audience, build brand awareness, and generate leads that can convert into sales

it's important to leverage technology to drive B2B business development in pharma. This includes using social media and digital marketing to reach potential partners, as well as leveraging data analytics to gain insights into market trends and customer needs. Digital technologies can also be used to streamline business processes, such as supply chain management and clinical trial coordination.

Offer value-added services

Offering value-added services is another effective sales strategy in the pharmaceutical sector. This involves providing additional services or resources that can help healthcare providers and patients better understand your product and its benefits. Value-added services can include educational resources, patient support programs, and training for healthcare providers.

Focus on key opinion leaders

Key opinion leaders (KOLs) are influential healthcare providers who can help promote your product and drive sales. Focusing on KOLs and building relationships with them is a key sales strategy in the pharmaceutical sector. This involves identifying the key opinion leaders in your target market, engaging with them, and providing them with the resources they need to promote your product effectively.

Partner with distributors and build relationships

Partnering with distributors is another effective sales strategy in the pharmaceutical sector. Distributors can help you reach a wider audience, particularly in international markets, and can provide valuable insights into local regulations and market trends. By partnering with distributors, you can expand your sales reach and drive business growth.

Building strong relationships is key to successful B2B business development in pharma. This involves identifying potential partners, reaching out to them, and nurturing those relationships over time. It's important to focus on building trust and rapport, as well as demonstrating your expertise and value as a partner.

Understand the market and focus on education and awareness

The first step in successful B2B business development in pharma is to understand the market. This involves identifying key players in the industry, including potential partners, competitors, and customers. It also involves understanding market trends, including changes in regulations, emerging technologies, and evolving patient needs. In the pharmaceutical industry, education and awareness are critical for driving sales. This involves providing educational materials and training to healthcare providers and patients, as well as raising awareness about the benefits of your products through targeted marketing campaigns.

Develop a strong value proposition and use data effectively

Once you understand the market, it's time to develop a strong value proposition. This involves identifying your unique strengths as a company, including your expertise in drug development, manufacturing capabilities, or marketing expertise. You should also be able to clearly articulate the benefits of partnering with your company, such as improved patient outcomes, increased revenue, or reduced costs.

Data and analytics are increasingly important in the pharmaceutical industry, and companies that can effectively leverage data have a competitive advantage. By using data and analytics to track customer behaviour, identify trends, and optimize sales strategies, you can improve your sales performance and drive revenue growth.

Collaborate on research and development

One of the most effective ways to drive growth in the pharmaceutical industry is through collaboration on research and development. This involves partnering with other companies to share expertise, resources, and risk in developing new drugs and therapies. Collaboration can also lead to faster development times, lower costs, and improved outcomes for patients.

Business development and sales techniques in pharma across the ages

The use of sales techniques in the pharmaceutical industry dates back to the 19th century when companies began promoting their products to physicians and pharmacists. In the early 1900s, pharmaceutical companies began to hire sales representatives to promote their products directly to physicians and pharmacists.

In the mid-1900s, pharmaceutical sales techniques evolved to include more aggressive marketing tactics, such as the use of gifts and incentives to promote drugs. This led to increased scrutiny and regulation of the industry, including the passage of the Kefauver-Harris Amendment in 1962, which required drugs to be proven effective and safe before they could be marketed to the public.

In the 1980s and 1990s, business development became more sophisticated, with the use of computer-based programs to track physician prescribing habits and identify potential targets for marketing. This led to concerns about the influence of pharmaceutical companies on physician prescribing practices and the need for increased transparency and regulation.

Today, pharmaceutical sales techniques continue to evolve, with companies focusing on developing more targeted and personalised approaches to marketing their products. This includes the use of digital marketing and social media, as well as more targeted approaches to engaging with key opinion leaders and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry.

B2B business development in pharma

Wrapping up… sales techniques have been an integral part of the pharmaceutical industry for over a century. From the early days of promoting products to physicians and pharmacists, to the more sophisticated approaches used today, the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory requirements.

B2B business development in pharma is a complex and challenging space, but with the right strategies in place, including an alignment of sales and marketing departments, it can lead to significant growth and success. By understanding the market, developing a strong value proposition, building relationships, collaborating on research and development, and leveraging digital technologies, companies can drive growth, improve efficiency, and bring new products to market.

For more on strategic marketing approaches in the pharmaceutical sectors, visit our section on strategy.


Source: www.orientation.agency

9

Factory / Newtec Pharmaceuticals Ltd

« on: April 29, 2025, 09:07:32 PM »

History & Growth



Overview

Nutec Agro Bd. Ltd is a veterinary company in Bangladesh which was established in 2000.

Nutec Agro Bd. Ltd began its operation with a handful of highly skilled and dedicated professionals guided by an able leadership.

It starts its journey with 14 product and 9 marketing officer. Established in the year 2000, the company has come a long way and with a proper strategic planning, technical excellence this company created a new image in 6th January of 2015 that was recognized as a Newtec Pharmaceutical Ltd which was located at Comilla Shodor (South) initially with 2 acre land. In 2016 we increase our number of marketing team into 84 with 130 number of employees.

History

We would like to introduce ourselves “Nutec Agro (BD) Limited” We have incorporated of registered join stock company on 13th August 2003.  We are sold distributor in Bangladesh of SCANutec-England a concern of Provimi Limited-Cargill Group a multinational company. We are also sole agent of Samyang AniPharm-Korea,Stallen FATRO Italy, Provimi CPN-India,Aorta Health Care-India,SunHY Biology co.,Ltd-China.We have been doing a good business with these companies since 2003 to till date

We have a significant marketing network in Bangladesh consisted of 100 field forces including 5 DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). We have running business with small and big institution i.e. various hatcheries and feed mills level and also market the products in our domestic territories.  We have a very good reputation and acceptance due to our quality product since 2003.And now we have already covered 80% potential territories of this sector in the country.

In the last 12 years “Nutec Agro (BD) Ltd” diversified its products based on the market demands and initially the growth of the company was even more than 400%. In the meantime we have established a veterinary pharmaceuticals “Newtec Pharmaceuticals Ltd” which incorporated of registered join stock company in 26th July 2010. We have got the pharmaceutical manufacturing license in 6th January 2015 which has biological and non biological manufacturing license respectively 301 & 503. At present, we are manufacturing biological and non biological quality products.

We have already launched our own products in the market and getting very good response from our end user. We are committed to supply quality products. Now it is our duty to maintain quality in animal health & nutrition.

Mission and Vision



Our Mission
To offer unique veterinary pharmaceuticals and nutritional products developed in a creative and innovative way, under high quality standards that allows us international projection and local consolidation through formal establishment of strategic alliances.

Our Vision
Our vision is to become a no. one veterinary company in BD where we can establish a highly efficient poultry side. In 2025, we will be the leading veterinary pharmaceuticals company in Bangladesh, not only in sales but also in innovation, value creation and process excellence with registrable products in any country and with a high sense of social responsibility.

Our Quality Policy



Newtec Pharmaceuticals Ltd. will also meet all national and regulatory requirements relating to its current businesses and ensure that current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) as recommended by World Health Organization is followed for its pharmaceutical operations and conform to all other guidelines and best practices relating to its other businesses.

Aim to achieve business excellence by understanding, accepting, meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Follow https://www.cialissansordonnancefr24.com/ International Standards on Quality Management System to ensure consistent quality of products and services to achieve customer satisfaction.

Commit itself to quality as the prime consideration in all its business decisions. All employees of “Newtec” follow documented procedures to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Environmental Policy

Committed to support precautionary approach to environmental challenges & to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Conserve natural resources like water and energy for sustainable development and adopt environmentally safe processes.
Ensure appropriate treatment of all effluents prior to discharge.

Research and Development

The research paves the way for the development phase. This is the time when the new product is actually developed based on the requirements cialis generique and ideas created during the research phase. The developed product must meet the product guidelines and any regulatory specifications.

Awards and Accreditation

1. DGDA License (Directorate General of Drug Administration)
2. Biological License: 301
3. Non biological License: 503
4. DLS License (Department of Livestock Services)
License No: 113 Category 1
License No: 150 Category 2
5. AHCAB Membership (Animal Health Companies Association Of Bangladesh)
Registration No: 088
. Cumilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry
License No: 14/1973

Newtec Management seen at "Stallen" stall at 10th International Poultry Show & Seminar 2017


Agreement signed between “Newtec Pharmaceuticals Ltd” and “Provimi Animal Nutrition India Private Ltd” – a company of Cargill Group of France

A delegation of world famous specialized in Enzymes production of “SunHY Biology Ltd” Company of China which is collaborated with “Lomann Animal Health” Germany visited our head office and had a meeting with us    

CSR (Corp. Social Responsibility)

As a part of CSR activities Newtec Pharmaceuticals Limited provides all its employees with free monthly medical support. The factory labors are also given monthly medicine supply. They are also given free medical checkups on monthly basis.

In addition Newtec provides funds for Doctor and Chemist Reunions and their annual picnics all over the country. We Newtec Pharmaceuticals Limited provide doctors and chemists with free samples and medicines to distribute amongst the poor and needy.

On occasions of natural calamities we provide free medicine supply as a part of our CSR activity. On accidental situations we provide monetary assistances on demand to chemists, PC doctors or RMP doctors.

We provide doctors and chemists with any support on their demand. For instance we contribute in setting up their chambers, we help them renovate their offices, we also print pads and prescriptions to help them establish in the society. In addition we contribute in social occasions as weddings, birthdays, funerals and Sunnat E Khatna related to our customers.

Contact Us
Corporate Address:

Newtec Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
DF Tower, House #11, Road #14, (7th Floor) Flat # 7B, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka-1209, Bangladesh
Email: [email protected]
Contact no.: +880 1762-625602

Factory Address:
Boro Dhormopur, Cumilla, Bangladesh

Source: newtecpharma.com

10

Antibiotics / Understanding Animal Antibiotics Why & When Veterinarians Use Animal Antibiotics

« on: April 29, 2025, 08:44:32 PM »

Understanding Animal Antibiotics


Why & When Veterinarians Use Animal Antibiotics

Just like in people, antibiotics are used in animals to treat, control, and prevent diseases. Animals are vulnerable to some of the same bacterial infections as people, such as pneumonia and skin infections, and these diseases can be treated with antibiotics. Additionally, antibiotics are often given to animals to treat diseases spread by ticks. Some of these diseases can be chronic and cause severe illness, and they can also be passed from animals to humans, so administering appropriate medicine in animals can stop the spread of disease across species.

Young animals have immature immune systems, which makes them more likely to succumb to illness. And even mature animals are at increased risk infection during times of stress, such as transportation, change in location, rapid change or extreme weather, and following surgery. Hence, farm animals may require antibiotics to treat existing infections or to control the spread of a bacterial disease within a group of animals.

Farmers and veterinarians work together to prevent these occurrences and create and maintain healthy conditions for their flocks and herds. They work constantly to improve biosecurity, vaccinate, and adopt other management techniques to maintain a healthy herd. Despite these efforts, disease threats still occur, and veterinarians need access to antibiotics to address illnesses and protect the welfare of the individual and the herd.

Animal Antibiotics Administration

Antibiotics for animals can be administered in the same way as for people: orally or via an injection. Though unlike humans, there are practical considerations when administering antibiotics to large groups of farm animals.

When disease affects a large group of animals, group treatment calls for administering antibiotics through either feed or water to ensure the animals are receiving the medicine. The veterinarian uses information about the farm, size and weight of the animals, and feeding regime to determine the amount of medicated feed or water needed for proper dosage. They then ensure animals get the right dose at the right time and frequency without causing the animal unnecessary stress.

Types of Antibiotics

There are several ‘classes’ of antibiotics, with penicillins, tetracyclines, and macrolides being the most common in animal use. Some are effective against a wide range of bacteria (broad spectrum), while others may target only a small set of bacteria (narrow spectrum). Some types can be used in both people and animals, while others are only useful and approved in either animals or people.

As defined by the FDA, the term ‘medically important’ can refer to antibiotic classes important to human medicine.  Importantly, many antibiotics important to human medicine are not used in animals. Additionally, there are other antibiotic classes defined by OIE that are used in animal medicine (e.g., ionophores) that are neither used for nor important to human medicine.

Veterinarians & Animal Antibiotics

All medically important antibiotics used in animal feed and water are under the control of licensed veterinarians, who play a critical role in antibiotic management. Medically important antibiotics used in feed and water for food animals all have two significant restrictions:

1. They can only be used under the direction of a licensed veterinarian using a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), which is a form filled out by a veterinarian that provides directions about mixing antibiotics into feed at the proper dose.

2. Antibiotics used in this manner may only be used according to the FDA-approved directions on the label.

Source: ahi.org[/list][/list]

11

Packaging Unit / How Automated Packaging Helps the Pharmaceutical Industry?

« on: April 26, 2025, 02:35:35 PM »

The pharmaceutical industry is a highly competitive field, and in order to stay ahead of the competition, pharmaceutical companies must find new and innovative ways to pack their products.

Automated packaging systems are one way that pharmaceutical companies can improve their production efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.

Automated packaging systems can provide pharmaceutical companies with a number of benefits, including:

    Increased production speed and efficiency
    Reduced packaging costs
    Improved product quality
    Enhanced safety and security

By investing in automated packaging, pharmaceutical companies can improve their bottom line while also providing their customers with better-quality products.

We will elaborate on these points as we go through the blog.

Role Packaging to the Medical Industry

Packaging is not only a way to preserve and protect pharmaceutical products, but it also plays an important role in the marketing and promotion of these products.

The US government strictly requires FDA approval. As for the other countries, there are other regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of the product.

In addition, pharmaceutical packaging must be designed in a way that is tamper-evident and child-resistant.

Packaging must also be able to withstand the rigors of shipping and storage, as pharmaceutical products are often transported long distances before they reach the consumer.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging systems are designed to meet all of these requirements and more.

What are the risks of not automating the packaging system for the Chemical and Medical Industries?



1) Overdosing

Medical and pharmaceutical companies must be very careful when it comes to the packaging of their products.

If a pharmaceutical product is not properly packaged, it could lead to serious health consequences, such as overdose.

Incorrect dosages are one of the most common mistakes made in pharmaceutical packaging.

By investing in an automated pharmaceutical packaging system, companies can reduce the risk of human error and ensure that their products are properly packaged.

2) Underdosing

In addition to the risk of overdose, pharmaceutical companies also face the risk of underdosing.

Underdosing occurs when a pharmaceutical product does not contain enough of the active ingredient to be effective.

This can often happen when pharmaceutical products are not properly packaged.

By investing in an automated pharmaceutical packaging system, medical companies can reduce the risk of underdosing and ensure that their products are properly packaged.

3) Contamination

Another risk associated with pharmaceutical packaging is contamination.

Contamination can happen when pharmaceutical products are not properly sealed or when they come into contact with other products during shipping and storage.

Contamination can also occur when pharmaceutical products are not properly sterilized.

4) Poor Shelf Life

Shelf life is the amount of time a pharmaceutical product can be stored before it expires. Poor shelf life is often the result of poor packaging.

If pharmaceutical products are not properly packaged, they will degrade more quickly and will have a shorter shelf life.

What are the Advantages of Automated Packaging to the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry?



There are many advantages of automated pharmaceutical packaging, but we will focus on the most important ones:

Helps speed up the packaging process

Automated pharmaceutical packaging systems can greatly increase the speed and efficiency of your production line.

These systems can handle multiple products at once and can quickly and easily change between different packaging configurations.

This flexibility allows pharmaceutical companies to keep up with changing consumer demands and respond quickly to new market opportunities.

Reduces packaging costs

One of the biggest advantages of automated pharmaceutical packaging is that it can help reduce your packaging costs.

Automated packaging systems are very efficient and can reduce the amount of material needed to package your products.

In addition, these systems can help eliminate waste and improve your overall production yield.

Improves product quality



Another advantage of automated pharmaceutical packaging is that it can improve the quality of your products.

These systems can provide pharmaceutical companies with a number of quality control advantages, including:

    The ability to track and trace every product
    Better batch control
    Reduced packaging defects

All of these factors can lead to improved product quality and customer satisfaction.

Ensures safety and contamination-free products

When it comes to pharmaceuticals, ensuring safety and contamination-free products is of utmost importance.

Automated packaging machines help to eliminate the chances of human error, thus ensuring that products are packed correctly and safely.

Packaging machines also have integrated quality control features that can detect any errors in the packaging process, thereby ensuring that only perfect products are shipped out.

Let’s take this video about packaging masks for example: How to pack masks in the pouch | Disposable medical N95 KN95 mask packaging machine manufacturer

Video Link: https://youtu.be/65b5vyPcME8

Automated packaging machines can be used for a variety of medicinal products pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other health products

These machines are designed to work with a wide range of product sizes and shapes and can be quickly and easily reconfigured to accommodate different product types.

This flexibility allows pharmaceutical companies to pack a variety of products on the same packaging line, which can further improve production efficiency and reduce costs.

Automated packaging is often custom-made to meet specific needs and requirements

Different pharmaceutical products have different packaging requirements.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines are often custom-made to meet the specific needs of each pharmaceutical company. There are different packaging  machines for different products such as:

    Capsules
    Tablets
    Powders
    Injections
    Ointments

Each type of pharmaceutical product requires a different type of packaging machine.

Custom-made automated pharmaceutical packaging machines are designed to meet the specific needs of each pharmaceutical company, ensuring that their products are packed correctly and safely.

Moreover, at the height of the pandemic, there is also an increase in the demand for sanitation products. Many medical and pharmaceutical companies are considered pocket-size sanitizers to make it easier for customers to carry them anywhere.

Here’s how the Spack machine produces sachet-packed sanitizers: How to pack hand sanitizer in a sachet? | Hand wash alcohol gel sachet packaging machine manufacturer

Video Link: https://youtu.be/SBNC8rWxiQo

Strengthened Standardization and Efficiency



In the pharmaceutical industry, it is crucial to have a standardized process in order to maintain efficiency and product quality.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines help to ensure that products are packed according to strict standards and procedures.

This standardized process not only improves product quality but also helps to ensure a quick and efficient production process.

Enhances product serialization and traceability

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on product serialization and traceability in the pharmaceutical industry.

This is in response to the growing problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are dangerous and can cause serious health problems.

In order to combat this problem, pharmaceutical companies are now required to serialize their products.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines help to ensure that products are properly serialized and can be traced back to their source.

This traceability is important in ensuring that only safe and genuine pharmaceuticals are available to consumers.

Concluding Thoughts

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines offer a number of advantages to pharmaceutical companies, including increased production efficiency, improved product quality, and enhanced product serialization and traceability.

These machines help to ensure that pharmaceutical products are packed correctly and safely, according to strict standards and procedures.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines are an essential part of the pharmaceutical industry and play a vital role in ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products.

How can Spack Machine Help?



The pharmaceutical industry is a highly competitive field, and in order to stay ahead of the competition, pharmaceutical companies must find new and innovative ways to pack their products.

Automated packaging systems are one way that pharmaceutical companies can improve their production efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.

Automated packaging systems can provide pharmaceutical companies with a number of benefits, including:

    Increased production speed and efficiency
    Reduced packaging costs
    Improved product quality
    Enhanced safety and security

By investing in automated packaging, pharmaceutical companies can improve their bottom line while also providing their customers with better-quality products.

We will elaborate on these points as we go through the blog.
Contents hide
1 Role Packaging to the Medical Industry
2 What are the risks of not automating the packaging system for the Chemical and Medical Industries?
3 What are the Advantages of Automated Packaging to the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry?
4 Concluding Thoughts
5 How can Spack Machine Help?
Role Packaging to the Medical Industry

Packaging is not only a way to preserve and protect pharmaceutical products, but it also plays an important role in the marketing and promotion of these products.

The US government strictly requires FDA approval. As for the other countries, there are other regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of the product.

In addition, pharmaceutical packaging must be designed in a way that is tamper-evident and child-resistant.

Packaging must also be able to withstand the rigors of shipping and storage, as pharmaceutical products are often transported long distances before they reach the consumer.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging systems are designed to meet all of these requirements and more.
What are the risks of not automating the packaging system for the Chemical and Medical Industries?

Pharmaceutical Industry
1) Overdosing

Medical and pharmaceutical companies must be very careful when it comes to the packaging of their products.

If a pharmaceutical product is not properly packaged, it could lead to serious health consequences, such as overdose.

Incorrect dosages are one of the most common mistakes made in pharmaceutical packaging.

By investing in an automated pharmaceutical packaging system, companies can reduce the risk of human error and ensure that their products are properly packaged.
2) Underdosing

In addition to the risk of overdose, pharmaceutical companies also face the risk of underdosing.

Underdosing occurs when a pharmaceutical product does not contain enough of the active ingredient to be effective.

This can often happen when pharmaceutical products are not properly packaged.

By investing in an automated pharmaceutical packaging system, medical companies can reduce the risk of underdosing and ensure that their products are properly packaged.
3) Contamination

Another risk associated with pharmaceutical packaging is contamination.

Contamination can happen when pharmaceutical products are not properly sealed or when they come into contact with other products during shipping and storage.

Contamination can also occur when pharmaceutical products are not properly sterilized.
4) Poor Shelf Life

Shelf life is the amount of time a pharmaceutical product can be stored before it expires. Poor shelf life is often the result of poor packaging.

If pharmaceutical products are not properly packaged, they will degrade more quickly and will have a shorter shelf life.
What are the Advantages of Automated Packaging to the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry?

Pharmaceutical Industry

There are many advantages of automated pharmaceutical packaging, but we will focus on the most important ones:
Helps speed up the packaging process

Automated pharmaceutical packaging systems can greatly increase the speed and efficiency of your production line.

These systems can handle multiple products at once and can quickly and easily change between different packaging configurations.

This flexibility allows pharmaceutical companies to keep up with changing consumer demands and respond quickly to new market opportunities.
Reduces packaging costs

One of the biggest advantages of automated pharmaceutical packaging is that it can help reduce your packaging costs.

Automated packaging systems are very efficient and can reduce the amount of material needed to package your products.

In addition, these systems can help eliminate waste and improve your overall production yield.
Improves product quality

Pharmaceutical Industry

Another advantage of automated pharmaceutical packaging is that it can improve the quality of your products.

These systems can provide pharmaceutical companies with a number of quality control advantages, including:

    The ability to track and trace every product
    Better batch control
    Reduced packaging defects

All of these factors can lead to improved product quality and customer satisfaction.
Ensures safety and contamination-free products

When it comes to pharmaceuticals, ensuring safety and contamination-free products is of utmost importance.

Automated packaging machines help to eliminate the chances of human error, thus ensuring that products are packed correctly and safely.

Packaging machines also have integrated quality control features that can detect any errors in the packaging process, thereby ensuring that only perfect products are shipped out.

Let’s take this video about packaging masks for example: How to pack masks in the pouch | Disposable medical N95 KN95 mask packaging machine manufacturer

Automated packaging machines can be used for a variety of medicinal products pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other health products

These machines are designed to work with a wide range of product sizes and shapes and can be quickly and easily reconfigured to accommodate different product types.

This flexibility allows pharmaceutical companies to pack a variety of products on the same packaging line, which can further improve production efficiency and reduce costs.
Automated packaging is often custom-made to meet specific needs and requirements

Different pharmaceutical products have different packaging requirements.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines are often custom-made to meet the specific needs of each pharmaceutical company. There are different packaging  machines for different products such as:

    Capsules
    Tablets
    Powders
    Injections
    Ointments

Each type of pharmaceutical product requires a different type of packaging machine.

Custom-made automated pharmaceutical packaging machines are designed to meet the specific needs of each pharmaceutical company, ensuring that their products are packed correctly and safely.

Moreover, at the height of the pandemic, there is also an increase in the demand for sanitation products. Many medical and pharmaceutical companies are considered pocket-size sanitizers to make it easier for customers to carry them anywhere.

Here’s how the Spack machine produces sachet-packed sanitizers: How to pack hand sanitizer in a sachet? | Hand wash alcohol gel sachet packaging machine manufacturer

Strengthened Standardization and Efficiency

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is crucial to have a standardized process in order to maintain efficiency and product quality.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines help to ensure that products are packed according to strict standards and procedures.

This standardized process not only improves product quality but also helps to ensure a quick and efficient production process.
Enhances product serialization and traceability

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on product serialization and traceability in the pharmaceutical industry.

This is in response to the growing problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are dangerous and can cause serious health problems.

In order to combat this problem, pharmaceutical companies are now required to serialize their products.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines help to ensure that products are properly serialized and can be traced back to their source.

This traceability is important in ensuring that only safe and genuine pharmaceuticals are available to consumers.
Concluding Thoughts

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines offer a number of advantages to pharmaceutical companies, including increased production efficiency, improved product quality, and enhanced product serialization and traceability.

These machines help to ensure that pharmaceutical products are packed correctly and safely, according to strict standards and procedures.

Automated pharmaceutical packaging machines are an essential part of the pharmaceutical industry and play a vital role in ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products.
How can Spack Machine Help?

Spack Machine is a packaging machine manufacturer.

We offer a wide range of pharmaceutical packaging machines, including capsule filling machines, powder packing machines, Horizontal Premade Bag Packing machines, Collar Type Packing machines, Flow Wrapping machines, Rotary Pouch Packing machines, and Vertical Packing machines.

When it comes to chemical and medical pouch packaging, Spack has options that are both hygienic and CE-certified, meaning they adhere to international norms.

Whether your pharmaceutical or nutraceutical product is granular, liquid, or solid, our pouch form fills seal machines can efficiently and precisely package it for you.

Source: www.spackmachine.com

12

Corona Virus Signs and Symptoms / COVID-19 in 2025: ‘A Constant Threat, but a Manageable One

« on: April 23, 2025, 10:54:40 AM »

As we enter the sixth year of life with COVID-19, SPH faculty members Davidson Hamer, Laura White, Jonathan Levy, Patricia Fabian, Brooke Nichols, Matt Motta, Timothy Callaghan, and Jennifer Weuve discuss how they expect the virus to evolve, and how we can apply lessons learned to mitigate future suffering from COVID-19 and other infectious disease threats.



This interactive US map shows the percentage of COVID-19 nucleic antigen amplification tests that were positive during the week ending on 3/1/25. In Region 1, which includes Massachusetts, the percentage of positive tests was 3.2%, a 0.1% decline from the previous week. Click here to view the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in each region during this time period. Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Five years after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, the virus has largely receded from public conversation and daily routines—and when it does arise, it’s often referenced in the past tense.

By certain metrics, the darkest days of the pandemic are indeed behind us. Daily reported deaths in the United States have plummeted from staggering highs of 5,000+ reported deaths per day in 2021 to around 280 reported deaths per day at the end of February of this year. Multiple vaccines are widely available, as are antiviral treatments. Social distancing is now a distant memory.

But the pandemic continues to profoundly reshape society. Millions of lives have been forever altered by the loss of loved ones, multiple illnesses, economic strain, and poor mental health. Furthermore, excess death estimates suggest that many COVID-19-attributed deaths are being overlooked. While most epidemiologists and other public health experts generally agree that COVID-19 is now endemic—meaning that the virus is continuing to circulate, but at more predictable levels that are consistent with other common viral diseases—they also emphasize that it remains a serious public health concern.

The challenge ahead

“The virus is still capable of evolving and it’s going to remain a constant threat. But because so many people have had at least one infection and or multiple doses of vaccines, I think the severity of infection will generally remain relatively low,” says Davidson Hamer, professor of global health and medicine at SPH and the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and a core director at BU’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases (CEID). “That said, the challenge is that people with advanced age, underlying medical comorbidities, and who are immunocompromised, are still at risk of becoming quite ill from this virus and potentially dying.”

Beyond individual risk, the pandemic exposed and exacerbated deep-rooted structural inequities within this nation, along the lines of race, employment, income, gender, age, and region. Since 2020, the school community has studied and highlighted the broader lessons this global crisis has taught us—including the need for greater investment in public health infrastructure; clear, consistent, and tailored health communication and messaging; and a rebuilding of trust in science, largely fractured by an ever-increasing partisan divide. As we continue to navigate COVID-19 in the United States—along with the growing threats of avian flu, influenza, the once-eradicated measles, and a number of other global infectious diseases—the question today is, how do we use this data to inform actionable change in the future?

Unraveling DEI work

One priority should be to address the underlying disparities that lead to worse health outcomes among lower-income populations and communities of color, says Jonathan Levy, chair and professor of environmental health.

“The same populations had higher exposure risks in the workplace, higher transmission risks at home, worse access to healthcare, and lower vaccination rates during key points in the pandemic,” he says. “Unfortunately, I don’t think we took the steps necessary to address these disparities, and I am very worried that any attempt to describe patterns of exposure and health risk across the population—let alone to address disparities—will be cast as ‘DEI [diversity, equity & inclusion]’ work.”

This work is already unraveling under the second Trump administration. On his first day back in office, President Trump signed an executive order to terminate all federally funded programs related to DEI. And on Friday, March 7, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) complied with these efforts and rescinded millions of dollars in research grants to scientists studying issues related to DEI and transgender health. These most recent actions directly defy court orders—including one from the day prior—that blocked the administration from restricting such funding.

“It is the job of public health to explain who is at highest risk and to propose strategies to reduce that risk, and when the empirical evidence shows that exposures and risks are patterned by race, ethnicity, gender, or other markers of identity, we need to be able to present that evidence clearly,” Levy says. In 2022, for example, he and a team of SPH faculty, staff, and students in the departments of Environmental Health and Biostatistics developed an analysis for the Boston Globe that examined disproportionate COVID mortality rates in Massachusetts.

“Our analysis showed much higher COVID death rates among Black and Latino individuals in the first two years of the pandemic, but a different pattern after the Omicron wave where White individuals had higher COVID death rates,” Levy says. “We need to be able to tell those stories and use them to inform smart interventions.”

Modeling for COVID-19, flu, measles

Federal funding has fueled many critical COVID-related research projects that launched during the height of the pandemic. Laura White, professor of biostatistics, and Kayoko Shioda, assistant professor of global health, who also co-lead the Data Science & Surveillance research core at CEID, are the lead BU collaborators of a Northeastern University-led innovation center that launched in 2022 to help detect and prepare the public for future outbreaks. The center is part of a $17.5-million, multi-institution initiative funded by the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics, which is housed within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“This center has invested in funding 13 centers around the country that bring together public health officials, researchers and industry partners to build our national infrastructure to be better poised to respond to emerging disease threats,” she says. “This includes building data systems and analytic tools to allow us to detect, monitor, predict and communicate with the public about outbreaks.”

The team has had no shortage of projects since the initiative launched, providing modeling efforts and informing the response to a measles outbreak at a migrant shelter in Chicago last summer, as well as ongoing monitoring and modeling of the H5N1 avian flu, and now developing tools to predict and respond to the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas.

“Infectious diseases continue to emerge and there is no reason to think that will change or slow down,” White says. “We learn a lot from each of these outbreaks, and with appropriate investment, have opportunities to do research and build infrastructure that will better prepare us for future and ongoing threats.”

Rapid antigen testing

It’s also important to utilize the tools we already have at our disposal to help prevent outbreaks, and rapid antigen tests proved to be one of these essential tools throughout the pandemic, as the tests enabled people to quickly and easily identify positive COVID cases at home. The tests were especially valuable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where vaccines and the gold-standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were limited. In 2022, Brooke Nichols, associate professor of global health, co-led a WHO report and modeling consortium that examined the role of rapid diagnostic testing in LMICs. She continues to study emerging diseases, and says the progression of H5N1 remains a top concern.

“A robust surveillance system is required to make sure we can respond in time before an outbreak occurs—and also ensures that we have the diagnostics required to be able to rapidly characterize what is circulating,” Nichols says. “There is a huge diagnostic gap globally, particularly for high-priority pathogens. Investing in the appropriate diagnostics now is critical so we are prepared for any future outbreaks.”

School transmission

Understanding and monitoring COVID transmission in schools remains critical for preventing outbreaks. Schools are naturally common settings for disease transmission due to close contact, shared space, and poor ventilation, and research shows that in-person schooling contributed substantially to household COVID transmission after states began lifting stay-at-home measures in the fall of 2020. As part of its COVID Preparedness Plan, the Biden administration launched a national campaign in 2022 to improve air quality in buildings, but much more needs to be done today to educate the public about clean air, says Patricia Fabian, associate professor of environmental health.

“While the pandemic elevated the importance of clean indoor air with the public, over time that interest and investment in solutions has waned,” Fabian says. “Half of schools do not have an indoor air quality management plan and even fewer monitor indoor air quality.” Yet, 41 percent of schools lack adequate HVAC systems.

Emerging concerns about gas stoves, mold in building materials, and wildfire smoke indoors present scientists with new opportunities to push for sustainable ventilation and other solutions to make residential and commercial buildings resilient to new indoor air challenges, Fabian says.

“Like this StoryMap shows, the linkages between indoor environmental quality on learning and health in schools are clear, but there is still a disconnect in people’s minds between the impact the building and its heating, air conditioning, ventilation and filtration systems can have on indoor air and thermal comfort,” says Fabian.

Mitigating vaccine hesitancy

In the Texas measles outbreak, many community members are concerned that the state is not doing enough to prevent in-school transmission. And as cases continue to increase, medical and public health experts are worried that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s response to the deadly outbreak—the largest measles outbreak in the US in decades—has been inadequate and confusing. Rather than explicitly recommend the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, a proven way to protect against measles, Kennedy, Jr. suggested parents consider vaccination, called the decision to vaccinate a “personal choice,” and touted the benefits of treatment methods such as vitamin A and cod liver oil.

“The MMR vaccine remains the most effective way to protect the public against the measles,” says Timothy Callaghan, associate professor of health law, policy & management (HLPM). Data does suggest that Vitamin A can protect against complications from measles—but only among people who are deficient in Vitamin A, he says. “Highlighting Vitamin A as a treatment could lead to it being seen as a viable alternative to vaccination among the vaccine hesitant, even as it is not a viable path to stop the measles outbreak.”

Callaghan and Matt Motta, assistant professor of HLPM, recently launched the Politics and Health Lab, an SPH initiative that aims to monitor and depolarize the growing politicization of public health, including partisan attitudes and beliefs towards vaccination. Through the lab’s State Vaccine Policy Project, Callaghan and Motta are currently tracking all of the anti-vaccine bills being introduced by state legislatures; in 2023, states introduced more anti-vaccine bills than pro-vaccine bills, and the legislation was largely divided by party lines, with Republican lawmakers introducing the majority of anti-vaccine bills. Kennedy, who has a long history of embracing anti-vaccine positions, recently pledged to investigate the childhood vaccine schedule after promising not to change it.

“Unfortunately, there’s no single blueprint for rebutting Kennedy’s misleading Vitamin A claims,” says Motta. What public health experts can do, he says, is “meet people where they are.

“Health communicators should highlight the very real dangers of measles infection, and then draw a distinction between pre-infection prevention through vaccination, and post-infection treatment,” Motta says. “I think the most effective approach here is to try to appeal to parents’ concerns about their children’s safety and well-being by portraying measles as a serious public health risk that can be mitigated through vaccination.” 

This approach is one that Jennifer Weuve embraces, as well, to impart the safety and efficacy of vaccines. A professor of epidemiology, Weuve co-led SPH’s Epidemiology COVID Response Corps at the height of the pandemic, and has studied COVID’s effect on aging and dementia risk.

“Epidemiologists—including me—strive to advance human health with strategic use of statistics and logic,” Weuve says. “But the reality is that statistics and logic are not the first things most people’s brains use in responding to a health claim. We are wired for stories and knowing how some health claim affects us and affects our loved ones.”

To anyone who is concerned about vaccines, she says, “I would say this: think about your family and friends—all the people you love, including those who are no longer here. How many had the measles? How many had smallpox? How many had cervical cancer in the past 10 years? How many died from influenza or COVID-19? If none of your loved ones experienced these conditions or deaths, you can thank vaccines, all of the folks in your community who were vaccinated, and even all of the vaccination campaigns throughout history that brought some diseases near to extinction.”

Weuve also notes that the level of protection that a vaccine provides depends on the vaccine itself and the disease it’s intended to prevent—and that safety measures such as face masks can provide an additional layer of protection against airborne diseases, including COVID-19, for those who wish to use them.

“You can think of vaccines as powerful tools that can help you and your loved ones—no matter what your age—live a life that is freer from the awfulness of the diseases vaccines prevent. COVID-19 affects lung health, heart health, blood coagulation, fertility, and other functions of our bodies. The vaccines do not have these effects.”

Source: www.bu.edu

13

Corona Virus Signs and Symptoms / COVID-19 epidemiological update – 12 March 2025

« on: April 23, 2025, 10:47:27 AM »

Overview

During the four-week reporting period from 6 January to 2 February 2025, weekly SARS-CoV-2 PCR percent test positivity changed from 7.3% in the beginning week of the reporting period to 5.0% in the last week, as detected in integrated sentinel and systematic virological surveillance within the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). During this period, an average of 69 900 specimens across 103 countries were tested for SARS-CoV-2 each week.

The World Health Organization is monitoring several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including one variant of interest (VOI) JN.1, and seven variants under monitoring (VUMs). JN.1, the VOI, accounted for 16.3% of sequences in week 5 of 2025. The most prevalent VUM XEC showed a decrease in prevalence, accounting for 42.7% of sequences. LP.8.1 and LB.1 are the only tracked variants currently growing in prevalence, accounting for 13.9% and 1.2%, respectively, of sequences in week 5 of 2025. All the remaining VUMs are declining in prevalence.

Twenty-three (10%) countries reported COVID-19 deaths, and 83 (35%) countries reported COVID-19 cases globally during the 28-day period from 6 January to 2 February 2025. According to the data provided, over 147 000 new cases were reported during the 28-day period, representing a 16% decrease in the number of reported cases. At the same time, around 4500 new deaths were reported, representing a 28% increase in new deaths compared to the previous 28-day period (9 December 2024 to 5 January 2025).

During the same period, hospitalizations and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were reported at least once in 43 (18%) and 33 (14%) countries, respectively. Over 16 700 new hospitalizations and 700 new intensive care unit admissions were recorded based on the data that was available. New hospitalizations and ICU admissions decreased by 40% and 31% respectively among the countries that consistently reported these data over the past and previous reporting periods.

In this edition, we include:

   

• SARS-CoV-2 test positivity trends at the global and regional levels

   

• The COVID-19 morbidity and mortality update at the global and regional levels.

   

• An update on hospitalizations and ICU admissions.

   

• An update on the SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest (VOI) and variants under monitoring
  

Source: www.who.int

14

Pet Care Education / Easy Pet Care Tips for First-Time Pet Paren

« on: April 22, 2025, 10:11:17 PM »

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility—but it can be a little easier if you know exactly what you’re signing up for. With the help of several dog and cat professionals, we’ll go over the most essential aspects of caring for a new pet, so you and your furry, scaly, or feathery friend can get off to the best possible start. Not sure which pet is best for you? We’ve got you covered there, too. Read on for plenty of advice on how to choose the best pet for you and your household, along with tips on how to keep your pet thriving in the months and years to come.

How do you take care of a pet?

Taking care of a pet involves giving them plenty of nutritious food each day and access to clean water at all times. It’s also important to offer safe housing, and to give them plenty of exercise and stimulation. To keep your pet healthy, bring them to the vet regularly for check-ups and preventative medication.



1
Financial support

There’s no doubt that pets offer countless blessings and benefits to our lives (like boosting our physical health and assisting with mental health concerns like depression, to name a few).[1] However, pets do require some degree of financial investment, big or small—you are paying for their food, toys, and medical care, after all![2]

• For instance, a big dog can easily cost over $1,000 to care for throughout the year.

2
Food and water

Pets need to be fed very frequently, and require nutritious food to help them grow healthy and strong. They also need plenty of clean, fresh water to help them stay hydrated. Confer with your vet to get a better idea of what food is best for your pet, and how much you should be feeding them.

• A pet’s feeding routine can depend on multiple factors, so it’s important to get a vet’s opinion on the best possible diet.

3
Clean shelter

All pets need a safe and secure place that they can call home, whether that’s a house with a fenced-in backyard or a roomy cage with plenty of space to play and roam around.

• For dogs, veterinary experts recommend measuring the entire length of the dog and adding 6 in (15 cm) to that total. Then, multiply this number by itself to get the minimum amount of square footage your pup needs to roam.[3]

• Cats ideally need a decent-sized indoor space with multiple rooms to explore.[4]

• Some veterinary experts advise hamster owners having a cage that’s at least 39 in by 20 in (100 by 50 cm).[5]

• Rabbits need lots of open space in a home so they can really explore the world around them. At minimum, a rabbit should have at least 10 by 6 by 3 ft (3 by 2 by 1 m) of room to move around, but more is even better.[6]

• The size of a fish aquarium ultimately depends on the type and number of fish you plan on caring for.
  

4
Bathroom access

Pets need the freedom and access to relieve themselves whenever they want. For a dog, this likely means house training your pet so it can let you know when they need to go out.[7] For cats, this means providing at least 2 litter boxes (plus an extra 1 for each cat) and cleaning them frequently. For small animals like hamsters, this means changing their bedding frequently so they always have a clean place to relieve themselves.[8]



5
Exercise & stimulation

Pets like dogs need plenty of exercise and stimulation each day, though the exact amount depends on your pet’s breed requirements—in many cases, walking 1 mi (1.6 km) daily with your dog can help them get the exercise they need.[9] Cats also need plenty of playtime and exercise—aiming for two daily play sessions that are around 15-20 minutes long is a good starting point.[10] Small animals like guinea pigs also need plenty of mental stimulation, as well as playtime outside their cage.[11]



6
Training

Dogs in particular require a certain amount of training to help them behave properly and safely interact with the world around them. Starting with basic commands, like sit, come, and stay, can make it easier to handle your dog in general.[12] Cats can also be trained at home.[13]

• For dog training, canine behavioral consultant Colleen Deming-Riley urges dog owners not to yell, as “dogs don’t understand anger. Don’t hit, kick, or be physically rough. Dogs make mistakes, just like us—they aren’t acting out to make you mad or because they’re trying to be dominant. They are misbehaving because they don’t know what you want. Focus on teaching instead of disciplining.”[14]

• When it comes to cat training, cat behaviorist Molly DeVoss suggests “rewarding the behavior you want to see more of. This is called positive reinforcement in operant conditioning training. For punishment, simply ignore the unwanted behavior until it becomes extinct.”[15]

7
Veterinary care

Just like humans, pets need regular visits to the vet to make sure that they’re in great health. Scheduling regular appointments ensures that your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations, as well.[16] Some vets specialize in vet care for exotic animals, like birds and reptiles.

• Dogs, for example, need regular vet care. Yearly visits are a good option for adult dogs, while puppies require several vet visits to get their necessary vaccines. Older dogs may also require more frequent vet visits.[17]

• It’s also important to stay on top of your pet’s dental care, especially if you have a dog or cat. Your vet can help you with this.[18]

• Getting pet insurance can offer you some peace of mind in case any unexpected costs come up (like an emergency trip to the vet hospital). Typically, you’ll have to pay these costs ahead of time, and the insurance company pays you back later on.[19]

8
Grooming

Dogs in particular can benefit from visiting a groomer, who helps bathe them, trim their fur, trim their nails, and the like. While not every pet owner may need to visit a groomer, the service can definitely help if your pet has a high-maintenance coat and/or doesn’t like at-home grooming.[20]

• Groomers can also handle the more icky aspects of owning a dog, like expressing your pup’s anal glands.

Best Pet Care Practices



Practice hygienic habits around your home as you care for your pet.
While pets are important members of your household, that doesn’t mean you want their germs all over the place. Put your (and any member of your household’s) hygiene first by washing your hands frequently, especially after you interact with your pet and washing your pet’s items (e.g., food bowls, water bowls, etc.) in a different spot than where you wash your dishes.[21]



Pick up after your pet if they defecate outside.
Keep an eye on your dog when you take them for a walk, and pick up any waste with a disposable plastic bag as soon as your pet relieves themselves. Then, toss the bag into a trash can where it has no chance of falling out.[22]

• If you don’t have a waste bin nearby, consider bringing the waste bag back home and flushing it, or carefully burying the poop in your yard (so it’s at least 1 ft (0.30 m) beneath the soil).

• Pet waste can also pollute the environment if left unattended, which you definitely don’t want.

Review local legislation related to leashing.
Different states and municipalities have different requirements when it comes to leashing your pets and keeping them outside. Click or tap here to get a brief run-down of leash laws in your state, so you can be in-the-know (and on the right side of the law).[23]



Microchip your pet if it’s possible for you to do so.
Thinking about your pet running away or otherwise getting lost is heartbreaking—but having your cat or dog microchipped can offer some valuable peace of mind in that worst case scenario. Visit your vet to get this done if you haven’t already. The process involves your pet being injected with a tiny microchip that spits out an ID number when properly scanned, which allows your pet to be identified accurately.[24]

• Pro tip: Make sure that your cat or dog is always wearing a collar with the proper ID tags, so they can be easily identified and returned to you in the event that they get lost.

Keep an eye on any young children when they interact with pets.
Young kids may love animals, but they aren’t always great at reading an animal’s cues and knowing when it’s time to take a step back. If you have young kids at home, be sure to supervise them whenever they spend time around a pet, and give them helpful guidance on what to do and what not to do.[25]

• While you keep a close eye on the child, make sure that they’re being sanitary during and after they play with the pet (e.g., washing their hands, keeping pet supplies/toys out of their mouth, etc.).

• When it comes to a pet dog, dog trainer Nicole Shit notes how “kids love to bond with the family dog. You can cultivate the bond by having them feed, walk, and train the dog with you. Teaching tricks like paw, roll over, and play dead are fun and simple commands that may offer your child a little instant gratification when the pup gets it.”[26]

Keep your pet safe and secure during stressful situations, like fireworks.
Certain celebrations (like July 4th in the USA) can get really loud and scary for pets, especially when fireworks start going off. During these events, make sure that your pet feels safe and secure by:[27]

• Keeping your pet as far from the event as possible

• Checking that your pet has their collar and ID tags on in case they run off

• Talking to your vet about other solutions if your pet has a serious fear
  

Make a plan for your pet’s care when you travel out of town.
Can you ask a friend or loved one to stop in and care for your pets, or do you need to board them at a kennel for the time being? If you opt for the kennel route, make sure that the facility is well-renowned in your community, and that your pet is up-to-date on any necessary vaccines.[28]



Plan for future disasters and how you’ll keep your pets safe.
If you live in a disaster-prone area (like a place that can be affected be wildfires), plan ahead long before disaster hits. Make sure that:[29]

• Your pets have a safe place to go if you need to head out quickly

• You have a go-bag with your pet’s necessary supplies (e.g., food, water, medication, etc.)

• Your pet has a microchip in the event that you get separated

• A friend, loved one, or neighbor is able to look after your pet if you can’t right away

Call a professional to help deal with abandoned wildlife.
It can be heart-wrenching to see a wild animal in a tough situation (like a baby animal separated from its mother). However, it’s not a good idea for civilians to care for wildlife in any way—a wild animal can lash out or be carrying certain diseases. Instead, dial up the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center and see if they can help.[30]

• Click or tap here to find a wildlife rehabilitation facility in your area.

What pet should I get?



How much space do you have at home to keep a pet?
Do you have a house with a fenced-in backyard, or an apartment? Is your home filled with open space, or is on the cramped side? Knowing these factors can help you better understand which pet is best for you.[31]

• If you have plenty of space for a pet to roam, a medium or large dog might be the best fit for you.

• If you have a roomy apartment, a cat or rabbit could be a good match for your lifestyle.

• If you don’t have a ton of space, a fish could be a good option.

Do you live a fairly active lifestyle?
Some pets, like dogs, need frequent exercise and someone who’s able to take them out for walks regularly. If you have a lot of time to spare in your daily schedule, a dog might be a great fit. If you don’t have as much free time, a lower-maintenance pet (like a cat or small animal) might be a better choice.[32]



How long are you prepared to care for your pet?
Smaller animals, like hamsters, live for up to 2 years, and don’t require a long-term commitment.[33] Many other animals, however, can live a lot longer—cats, for instance, can live up to 20 years, while parrots can live well into their 60s. These are important factors to consider as you look toward your own future.[34]

• Lifespans can vary among certain pets, like dogs. For instance, really big dogs (like Mastiffs) have a lifespan of 8-10 years, while really small dogs (like Chihuahuas) have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Smaller dogs typically live longer than bigger dogs, on average.[35]

What does your family or household size look like?
Some pets are naturally better with young children; for instance, dog breeds like Alaskan Malamutes, American Staffordshire Terriers, Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Pugs are all considered to be great family dog breeds.[36] Regardless of the pet you choose, it’s important to keep a close eye on your kids whenever they spend time around the pet in question.

• Avoid keeping especially germ-ridden pets (e.g., frogs, lizards, snakes, chickens, etc.) if you have young children at home.[37]

How much hands-on time do you want to spend with your pet?
Are you aiming to have lots of cuddle time with your pet, or are you content having a more hands-off relationship with them? Some dog breeds—like the French Bulldog, for instance—are incredibly affectionate.[38] Meanwhile, you might find that a house cat isn’t as naturally cuddly. This is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing a long-time pet.

• Some pets might need a little extra training than others, too. A puppy or kitten, for instance, will likely require a bit more hands-on training time.

What type of budget do you have for a new pet?
Knowing your annual budget can help you to narrow down the best pet for you and your household. Here’s a quick breakdown of the average annual cost for popular pets:[39]

Annual Pet Costs
Pet   1st Year Cost   Annual Cost
Small dog   $1,471   $737
Medium dog   $1,779   $894
Large dog   $2,008   $1,040
Cat   $1,174   $809
Rabbit   $803   $478
Guinea pig   $374   $304
Ferret   $614   $574
Small bird   $387   $317
Fish   $227   $27

Collected from: www.wikihow.com

15

Pet Care Education / Sphynx Cat Breed Care

« on: April 22, 2025, 09:32:16 PM »

Though there are currently many different breeds of hairless cats, the Sphynx was the first breed of hairless cat to be successfully developed. The first Sphynx cat was born in 1966, and was named Prune. However, this line of Sphynx cats died out soon after they were developed. In 1967, hairless kittens were found and rescued from Brunei and this was the official start of the Sphynx breed of cat.
Though many people classify the Sphynx as a hairless breed of cat, it is not truly without fur. The skin is covered with fine, soft fur, often likened to peach fuzz. Since the Sphynx cat doesn’t have a coat of fur to keep itself warm, it tends to seek out the warmth of its owners. Because of this, they’re often considered a very affectionate breed. In appearance, a Sphynx cat typically has a narrow, wedge-shaped head, with oversized ears. This breed of cat is prone to becoming overweight, primarily around their stomach region. If you are thinking about adopting a Sphynx cat into your home, here are a few tips.

Sphynx Cat Bath and Hygiene
Because they are a hairless breed, Sphynx cats do not require the regular brushing usually associated with cat ownership. However, it is still very important to keep their coat clean and free from excess oils. Since excess skin oils can accumulate on a Sphynx cat’s skin, it is highly recommended that Sphynx cats be bathed at least once per week. In addition to this, it is also very important to take good care of your Sphynx cat’s eyes and ears. Because of this breed’s lack of eyelashes, they may develop accumulated dust in their eye region, resulting in excessive discharge. If you use a damp cloth, you can usually keep your Sphynx cat’s eyes free of impurities. In regards to ear cleaning, you can purchase an ear cleaning product specifically designed for cats at most pet supply stores. A cat’s ears should be cleaned once per week, in order to avoid excessive earwax buildup.

Sphynx Cat Feeding
A Sphynx cat may require a slightly higher caloric intake than other breeds, since their bodies are constantly working hard to keep their body warm. The dietary needs of a Sphynx cat are slightly different; however, they will always thrive on a balanced high-protein diet. A Sphynx cat has a higher metabolism than most cats, and may require an increased volume of food at mealtimes. In addition to this, you should always provide your Sphynx cat with an ample supply of fresh water.

Sphynx Cat Littering
Sphynx cats are very conscious of their appearance, and have a natural love for personal hygiene. As such, it is very important that you keep your Sphynx cat’s litter box as clean as possible. Try to scoop up any excess waste on a daily basis, and be sure to completely replace your cat’s litter at least once per week.

Collected from: petcareeducation.com