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New Delhi: India has introduced its first eye drop designed to potentially replace reading glasses for middle-aged individuals, offering a non-invasive solution to presbyopia—a common vision problem that affects nearly half of Indians over the age of 40. The eye drop, named PresVu, was launched by Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals following approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in August.

PresVu contains 1.25% pilocarpine hydrochloride, a plant-derived compound long used in various eye treatments. The eye drop specifically targets presbyopia, a condition where the eyes gradually lose their ability to focus on nearby objects, making tasks like reading increasingly difficult.

A single vial of PresVu, which lasts about a month, is priced at Rs 345 and is expected to hit pharmacies across India by October. The drug is intended to be used under the prescription of an ophthalmologist, with one drop in each eye daily. The effects last for about six hours, with an option to add another drop three to six hours later for extended relief.

Entod Pharmaceuticals CEO, Nikhil Masurkar, shared that the launch is the result of extensive research that began in 2019. Clinical trials involving 250 patients across 10 sites showed that PresVu works best in individuals aged 40 to 55 years with mild to intermediate presbyopia, temporarily correcting vision issues.

Dr. Dhananjay Bakhle, a senior pharmacologist and advisor to Entod Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the benefits of the eye drop. “For patients with presbyopia, PresVu offers a non-invasive option that enhances near vision without the need for reading glasses. Its rapid efficacy and safety profile, demonstrated in clinical trials, make it a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal,” Bakhle said.

PresVu differs from its US counterpart, Vuity, which was launched in 2022 and is the only FDA-approved eye drop for treating age-related blurry vision. Entod Pharmaceuticals has tailored PresVu’s formulation to better suit Indian eyes, which typically have more pigmented irises. The company has also applied for a patent for its unique formulation and manufacturing process, claiming that the eye drop not only eliminates the need for reading glasses but also helps lubricate the eyes.

Dr. Aditya Sethi, a Delhi-based eye specialist, explained that while presbyopia has traditionally been managed with reading glasses, contact lenses, and surgical interventions, PresVu offers an advanced alternative. “This new treatment option is set to greatly improve the quality of life for many, allowing them to perform everyday tasks with newfound ease,” Dr. Sethi said.

However, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has not yet made public the approval letter for PresVu, which typically outlines contraindications or potential side effects. The CDSCO has requested phase 4 data collection, which will monitor the drug’s safety and efficacy after its commercial release.

In the US, some side effects associated with Vuity, such as headaches and red eyes, were reported by less than 5% of clinical trial participants. Other less common side effects included blurred vision, eye pain, and increased tear flow. Similar monitoring will likely be necessary for PresVu as it becomes available to Indian consumers.

With the launch of PresVu, middle-aged Indians now have a cutting-edge option to manage presbyopia, potentially freeing them from the dependence on reading glasses and improving their overall quality of life.

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NASA’s Juno spacecraft has delivered a breathtaking image of Jupiter’s infamous Great Red Spot, revealing the colossal scale of the gas giant’s most notorious storm. Captured from a mere 8,648 miles (13,917 kilometers) away, this true-color portrait showcases the storm’s immense size, with dimensions that dwarf our own planet Earth.

The Great Red Spot, a turbulent storm twice the size of Earth, has fascinated scientists and astronomy enthusiasts for over 350 years. Its swirling, tempestuous presence has been a constant feature in our solar system, serving as a stark reminder of the dynamic and often mysterious nature of planetary atmospheres.

NASA took to social media to share this extraordinary snapshot, highlighting the sheer magnitude and enduring presence of this Jovian storm. “Our spacecraft Juno captured Jupiter’s Great Red Spot in this true color portrait from around 8,648 miles (13,917 km) away,” NASA shared, captivating the imagination of space enthusiasts worldwide.

Despite its enduring presence, recent observations by Juno suggest that the Great Red Spot is undergoing significant changes. Measurements indicate that the storm is slowly shrinking, with its height diminishing by an eighth and its width by at least a third compared to data recorded by NASA’s Voyager spacecraft in 1979. However, the storm remains a colossal force, with recent studies revealing that it extends approximately 200 miles (300 kilometers) beneath Jupiter’s cloud tops.

The dynamics of the Great Red Spot are further emphasized by its powerful winds, which can reach speeds of up to 400 mph (643 kph), unparalleled by any terrestrial storm. This is largely attributed to Jupiter’s lack of solid ground, which allows storms like the Great Red Spot to persist and evolve without the same dissipative forces experienced on Earth.

The image shared by NASA not only highlights the Great Red Spot’s impressive scale and beauty but also the contrasting colors of Jupiter’s atmosphere. Surrounding the storm are spiraling wisps of red, tan, and orange, set against the planet’s horizon in shades of beige, brown, and blue.

Since its release on Instagram, the image has garnered widespread admiration, amassing over two hundred thousand likes and sparking lively discussions among followers. Comments range from expressions of awe at the storm’s size and longevity to light-hearted comparisons to everyday objects. “Looks like a fried egg,” joked one user, while another marveled, “Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is a centuries-old storm bigger than Earth!”

This latest contribution from the Juno mission continues to enhance our understanding of Jupiter, offering unprecedented insights into the workings of our solar system’s largest planet. As the spacecraft continues its journey around Jupiter, it promises to unveil further secrets and deepen our appreciation for the complex beauty of the universe.

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