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JB Pharma acquires 4 paediatric brands from Dr Reddy’s Laboratories

KKR-controlled JB Pharma (previously JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd) has acquired four paediatric brands—Z&D, Pedicloryl, Pecef, and Ezinapi—from Dr Reddy’s Laboratories for about Rs 98 crore.

The company’s board, at its meeting held on June 29, had considered and approved the acquisition of a portfolio of brands, for use sales within India from Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, the drug maker had said in a regulatory filing.

The combined sales of the four brands, as per internal estimates , were Rs 33 crore for FY 2021-22. As per the terms of the definitive agreement, JB will take over the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of these brands in India. The complete integration and transition of the brands are expected to be completed in the next two weeks.

“This is the time to capitalise on the opportunity to expand our wings in the paediatric segment across the country because all the four brands we have acquired have lion’s share in their respective spaces,” said Nikhil Chopra, CEO and Wholetime Director, JB Pharma. 

“Overall, the brands acquired have significant growth potential to strengthen our already established presence in the pediatric category, which is synergistic to our current portfolio, speciality depth and geographical presence. It will also help us significantly leverage our on-the-ground field force strength and widen our offerings in the paediatric basket (comprising gut health and respiratory infection products) for HCPs across the country,” he added. 

Spacetech startup Digantara launches world’s smallest digital space weather instrument

Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Digantara said “world’s first commercial space-based space weather system” ROBI (ROBust Integrating proton fluence meter), designed by it, was launched onboard ISRO’s PSLV-C53 Mission on Thursday.

With the launch of the world’s smallest digital space weather sensor for monitoring space weather, it has taken a giant leap towards building their space infrastructure for providing a one-stop comprehensive space situational awareness solution, the company said. 

Started by Lovely Professional University’s alumni Anirudh Sharma and Rahul Rawat, under the incubation of IISc Bangalore, this is one of India’s first commercial payloads that will utilise PSLV’s PS-4 orbital platform.

Earlier this month, the founders also interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they spoke about their vision. Post the interaction, Digantara also made it to the Mann ki baat speech, wherein the PM mentioned about the spacetech startup.

According to the startup, the patented-digital space weather instrument has an extremely small footprint with power consumption of <20mW. “The simplicity of integration makes it ideal to place any satellite that goes to space, irrespective of size, shape, or application. This will enable Digantara to increase the amount of empirical space weather data that will be available in quasi-real time,” it said in a statement. 

Battlegrounds Mobile India crosses 100 million registered users in 12 months

Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), launched by the creator of the banned PUBG, on Friday said it has surpassed 100 million registered users, since its launch in July 2021. 

While it is very similar to polar game PUBG, the recently launched BGMI comes with some changes—like doing away with the colour red to make it seem less violent. Players will also get reminders to check their posture and how long they’ve been playing, as well as being reminded that this is a virtual environment. Gamers over 18 can turn these off. 

Created and published by South Korean-game development studios, Krafton, the team had also launched a ‘Game Responsibly’ campaign in November 2021 to promote safer and responsible gaming habits and build awareness amongst players to cultivate safer and healthy gaming habits.

Changhan Kim, CEO, Krafton, Inc. said, “India is an important market for Krafton. We are positive about the opportunities in the country and are committed to create a robust gaming ecosystem. Our focus is pivoted towards constantly elevating the mobile gaming experience for our growing community and invest in the flourishing start-up landscape here.”

(This is an ongoing story and will be updated with the latest news throughout the day)