The government is planning to ban the anti-obesity drug ‘Rimonabant’ in India as the studies show that it has serious psychiatric side effects, including the suicidal tendencies. The patented drug from global pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Aventis, was launched in Europe in 2006, and is considered a potential blockbuster by many.

To make the HIV/AIDS tests compulsory for a couple before marriage, the Himachal Pradesh government is considering a proposal. It would help to build a foundation for a healthy society, said the State Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. He has made the announcement without giving any further details of the time frame for the implementation of the proposal.

Biotechnology Company Amgen filed for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of experimental drug denosumab as a treatment for osteoporosis in post- menopausal women.

A National Research Council panel said that the Environmental Protection Agency should study the combined effect of phthalates rather than studying them individually. NRC panel said that the agency must adopt a “paradigm shift” in the way it assesses the chemicals’ toxicity to humans.

Previous studies have shown the presence of phthalates in everyone, including pregnant women and babies. A report released from the National Research Council said that phthalates and other hormone-disrupting chemicals pollute the air, water and dust and are found in hundreds of consumer products — including bug spray, perfume, pesticides, shower curtains, food containers, and plastic toys.

Madras Medical Mission (MMM) of Chennai is renowned in the field of cardiology. Recently it saved life of a 60-year-old chartered accountant of the same city. He was admitted to the hospital by his colleagues when he fell in a faint one day.  Senior consultant cardiologist Dr. Ulhas M Pandurangi concluded that the old person was suffering from arrhythmia. He was than operated and the AICD was implanted in his heart.