USAID Contributes $1.1M for Blood Lead Survey

Renata PLC, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in Bangladesh, has launched a generic version of Cabergoline 0.5 mg, used to treat hyperprolactinemia and Parkinson's disease, in Australia under the brand name Dostamine. The first shipment has arrived, and the product will be distributed through Nova Pharmaceuticals Australasia Pty Ltd.

Three local drug makers—ACME Laboratories, Ibn Sina Pharmaceutical, and Healthcare Pharmaceuticals—are set to commence full-scale production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at BSCIC API Industrial Park in Munshiganj, pending final regulatory approvals.

Ibn Sina Pharmaceutical Industry announced a 63 percent cash dividend for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, its highest in seven years, as net profit rose by 10 percent to Tk 67.04 crore from Tk 60.55 crore the previous year. The company's earnings per share (EPS) increased to Tk 21.46 from Tk 19.38, with a net asset value per share of Tk 111.94 and net operating cash flow per share of Tk 12.48. Founded in 1983, Ibn Sina is a key player in Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector, producing a variety of pharmaceutical and herbal medicines.

Sweden is supporting the 5.8 million flood-affected individuals in eastern Bangladesh with $1.85 million (Tk 22.2 crore) in humanitarian assistance, channeled through organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Islamic Relief, Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and Action Against Hunger (AAH).

Renata PLC reported significant growth in fiscal year 2023-24, with revenue increasing 14% year-on-year to Tk 3,771 crore and profit surging 55% to Tk 362 crore. This growth was driven by higher exports, which rose by 4% and expanded to 50 destinations, including the US and Australia.

The World Bank will provide Tk 250 million to the health ministry to support the medical needs of critically injured individuals from the July-August student protests. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is working with hospitals to identify necessary medical equipment and treatment facilities, using the funds to purchase supplies instead of direct cash assistance.