Latest news with #NobelLaureate
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Punjab government launches anti-drug curriculum for students to tackle menace
To tackle the growing drug menace in the state, the Punjab government launched an anti-drug curriculum for students of classes 9 to 12. The scientifically designed curriculum is a part of the Bhagwant Mann-led government's 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, which aims to empower approximately 8 lakh students with prevention-focused skills to combat substance abuse. The curriculum, developed by Nobel Laureate Prof Abhijit Banerjee's team, will be introduced in all the government schools starting August 1. The programme includes 35-minute sessions every 15 days for 27 weeks, featuring documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. The classes aim to teach students how to say no to drugs, resist peer pressure, think critically, and make informed decisions. Over 6,500 teachers have received special training to implement the curriculum effectively in 3,658 government schools. The project was initially piloted in 78 schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran, which, according to the government, yielded impressive results. Out of 9,600 students, 90 per cent acknowledged that even a single instance of using heroin-like drugs could lead to addiction. The misconception that willpower alone is enough to quit drugs dropped from 50 per cent to just 20 per cent after the course. The Punjab government stated that it is addressing the drug menace through a dual strategy, a crackdown on supply and awareness and education to strike the demand. 'Since March 2025, under the 'War Against Drugs' campaign, over 23,000 drug traffickers have been jailed, more than 1,000 kg of heroin seized, and property worth crores confiscated,' said the state government.
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Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Punjab becomes first state to launch evidence-based anti-drug curriculum
Punjab is set to take a new step in its fight against drugs by launching India's first evidence-based anti-drug curriculum for school students. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will inaugurate the programme on August 1 in Arniwala, Fazilka, as part of the third phase of the state's "Yudh Nashian De Virudh" campaign. School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the curriculum will cover around 8 lakh students from Classes 9 to 12 in 3,658 schools. More than 6,500 trained teachers will deliver the programme. The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with Nobel Laureate Prof. Abhijit Banerjee's J-PAL South Asia and leading behavioural scientists. It aims to equip students with the skills to avoid drug use and make informed decisions. The 27-week programme consists of 35-minute interactive sessions held every two weeks. It uses documentaries, quizzes, posters, and group activities to bust myths, address peer pressure, and promote better decision-making strategies. Randomised trials conducted in 78 government schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran with 9,600 students showed a strong impact. Ninety per cent of students understood that even trying drugs like "chitta" once could lead to addiction, compared to 69 per cent in the control group. The belief that addiction can be overcome with willpower alone dropped from 50 per cent to 20 per cent. Bains said this marked a shift in approach, stating, "The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms, not just in police stations." He added that more than 23,000 drug smugglers have been arrested so far, over 1,000 kg of heroin has been seized, and properties of offenders have been confiscated, highlighting the government's commitment to protect Punjab's youth from drug abuse. Punjab has become the first Indian state to roll out an anti-drug curriculum at this scale, starting from August 1. The programme focuses on prevention through interactive classroom learning and behavioural change. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Medincell Proposes Board Appointments of Industry Veterans Dr. Sharon Mates and Dr. Charles Kunsch
MONTPELLIER, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Medincell (Paris:MEDCL): Sharon Mates, PhD, is the co-founder and former Chair and CEO of Intra-Cellular Therapies, a CNS-focused biotech that developed the successful drug CAPLYTA ®, acquired by Johnson & Johnson for $14.6 billion in April 2025. Dr. Mates said: "Medincell is entering a new era and I'm excited to help shape its future. Its vision and achievements closely align with my passion for advancing medical innovation and delivering meaningful solutions for patients." Charles Kunsch, PhD, is a seasoned life sciences executive with over 30 years of experience, including as former Managing Director at AbbVie Ventures, where he led investments in pioneering biotech companies. Dr. Kunsch said: 'Throughout my career, I've seen how innovation and collaboration can transform bold ideas into meaningful impact. These values are deeply rooted at Medincell. They've already taken the company far and laid a strong foundation for a new phase of growth. I'm excited to contribute my experience to support the executive team and fellow board members in driving the company's continued success.' These nominations aim to further strengthen the expertise of Medincell's Board of Directors, which currently includes: Philippe Guy (Chairman) - Former Head of BCG's Global Health Care Practice and member of BCG's Worldwide Executive Committee Christophe Douat - CEO of Medincell Elisabeth Kogan - CEO of Clexio Bioscience, former SVP at Teva where she led global generic and specialty R&D Tone Kvåle - CFO of Herantis Pharma, with over 25 years of biotech finance leadership Virginie Lleu - Senior Partner at WittKieffer, with over 30 years of experience in executive search for the pharmaceutical industry Pascal Touchon - Former Global Head of Cell & Gene Therapy at Novartis Oncology, CEO then Chairman of Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. Philippe Guy, Chairman of the Board of Medincell, said: 'The Board has made it a priority to strengthen its collective expertise in preparation for the future. The addition of Dr. Mates and Dr. Kunsch brings a wealth of experience in innovation, strategic vision, and influential networks. Their contributions will play a key role in reinforcing our leadership, expanding our impact, and creating lasting value.' Christophe Douat, CEO and Director of Medincell, said: 'The coming years will be the most transformative in Medincell's history. Sharon and Charles will bring invaluable experience and world-class expertise in science and innovation to our Board, as Medincell remains deeply committed to improving patients' lives.' The appointments of Dr. Mates and Dr. Kunsch, along with that of Pascal Touchon - who was previously appointed by Medincell's Board of Directors (see press release) - is subject to shareholder approval at the General Assembly to be held on September 11, 2025. About Dr. Mates Sharon Mates, Ph.D., co-founded Intra-Cellular Therapies in 2002 with Nobel Laureate Dr. Paul Greengard, building the company on his groundbreaking research into intracellular signaling to pioneer treatments for psychiatric and neurologic disorders. As Co-founder, Chairman and CEO, Dr. Mates led the development of CAPLYTA ® (lumateperone), a breakthrough therapy for schizophrenia and bipolar depression, with analysts projecting peak annual sales of up to $5 billion. Under her leadership, the company went public and grew to a market capitalization of over $10 billion before its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson for $14.6 billion in April 2025. Previously, for almost a decade, Dr. Mates served as President of North American Vaccine Inc., where she oversaw the development of pediatric vaccines. She holds a Ph.D. in anatomy and neuroscience and completed her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition to her scientific leadership as a research analyst and investment banker in the life sciences sector, she has co-founded several biotech companies and has sat on several non-profit boards. Dr. Mates was named to Forbes' '50 Over 50 – Innovation' list in recognition of her lasting impact on neuroscience and biotech innovation. About Dr. Kunsch Charles Kunsch, Ph.D., is a seasoned life sciences executive and investor with over 30 years of leadership in R&D, venture capital, and biotech innovation. He served as Managing Director at AbbVie Ventures, where he led investments in manyhigh-impact biotech companies including Prevail Therapeutics (acquired by Lilly) and Tidal Therapeutics (acquired by Sanofi) among others. Earlier in his career, he held senior scientific roles at AbbVie, AtheroGenics and Human Genome Sciences. Kunsch holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed postdoctoral training at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology. He currently serves as a Venture Partner at Dreavent Capital, Vice Chair of the Board at Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, Board of Trustees of the Penn State Research Foundation, and is a board member at Captor Therapeutics, Antiverse and NextRNA. About Medincell Medincell is a clinical and commercial-stage biopharmaceutical licensing company developing long-acting injectable drugs in many therapeutic areas. Our innovative treatments aim to guarantee compliance with medical prescriptions, to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of medicines, and to reduce their environmental footprint. They combine active pharmaceutical ingredients with our proprietary BEPO ® technology which controls the delivery of a drug at a therapeutic level for several days, weeks or months from the subcutaneous or local injection of a simple deposit of a few millimeters, entirely bioresorbable. We collaborate with leading pharmaceutical companies and foundations to improve global health through new treatment options. Based in Montpellier, Medincell currently employs more than 140 people representing more than 25 different nationalities. This press release may contain forward-looking statements, particularly concerning the progress of the Company's clinical trials. Although the Company considers that its forecasts are based on reasonable assumptions, any statements other than statements of historical fact that may be contained in this press release relating to future events are subject to change without notice, to factors beyond the Company's control and to the Company's financial capabilities. These statements may include, but are not limited to, any statements beginning with, followed by or including words or expressions such as "objective", "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "may", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "project", "will", "may", "probably", "should", "could" and other words or expressions of similar meaning or used in the negative. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such statements. A list and description of such risks, hazards and uncertainties can be found in the documents filed by the Company with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) pursuant to its regulatory obligations, including in the Company's document de base, registered with the AMF on September 4, 2018 under number I. 18-062, as well as in documents and reports to be published subsequently by the Company. Furthermore, these forward-looking statements only apply as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, nor to update the reasons why actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available. The Company's updating of one or more forward-looking statements does not imply that it will or will not update these or any other forward-looking statements. This press release is published for information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of the Company in any jurisdiction whatsoever, particularly in France. Similarly, this press release does not constitute investment advice and should not be treated as such. It is not intended to address the investment objectives, financial situation or specific needs of any particular recipient. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for the exercise of your own judgement. All opinions expressed in this document are subject to change without notice. The distribution of this press release may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab to roll out drug prevention curriculum in govt schools: Harjot Singh Bains
The Punjab government will roll out a drug prevention curriculum for students of Classes IX to XII in all government schools from August 1 as part of the 3rd phase of the ongoing 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' drive, announced school education minister Harjot Singh Bains. The Punjab government will roll out a drug prevention curriculum for students of Classes IX to XII in all government schools from August 1 as part of the 3rd phase of the ongoing 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' drive, announced school education minister Harjot Singh Bains. (HT File) Addressing a press conference here, Bains informed that Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal and chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will launch the statewide drug prevention curriculum at Arniwala in Fazilka district on Friday. He said this pioneering programme, created by Nobel Laureate Prof Abhijit Banerjee-led J-PAL South Asia, will empower around eight lakh students in Classes IX to XII with prevention-focused skills to combat substance abuse. The curriculum will consist of 35-minute sessions, held every fortnight for 27 weeks, and will feature a mix of engaging content, including documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. These sessions will focus on key areas such as myth-busting, refusal strategies, and resisting peer pressure, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, he said. Bains said this initiative is grounded in evidence, developed with leading behavioural scientists, and evaluated through randomised trials conducted in 78 government schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran during FY 2024–25. 'These trials covered 9,600 students and, evaluated by J-PAL South Asia, yielded significant results. The trials demonstrated a marked improvement in addiction risk awareness, with 90% of students recognising the high risk of addiction from trying 'chitta' even once, compared to 69% in the control group,' he added.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Punjab to launch ‘evidence-based' anti-drug school curriculum in govt schools on August 1
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government is set to roll out an anti-drug school curriculum, developed by Nobel Laureate Prof Abhijit Banerjee-led organisation J-PAL South Asia, for Classes IX to XII in government schools to empower around eight lakh students with prevention-focused skills to combat substance abuse as part of its ongoing 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh', Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said on Monday. Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Bains said Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal would launch the statewide curriculum at Arniwala in the border district of Fazilka on August 1. Bains said the drug prevention programme would have a wide reach, covering 3,658 schools and engaging over 6,500 trained teachers to empower approximately eight lakh students from Classes IX to XII to ensure a significant impact on Punjab's education system, equipping students with essential skills to say 'no to substance abuse'. 'The curriculum consists of 35-minute sessions, to be held every fortnight for 27 weeks, featuring a mix of engaging content, including documentaries, quizzes, posters and interactive activities. These sessions will focus on key areas such as myth-busting, refusal strategies and resisting peer pressure, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions,' Bains said. The minister said, 'The initiative is grounded in evidence, developed with leading behavioural scientists, and evaluated through randomised trials conducted in 78 government schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran during 2024-25.' 'These trials covered 9,600 students and, evaluated by J-PAL South Asia, yielded significant results. The trials demonstrated a marked improvement in addiction risk awareness, with 90 per cent of students recognising the high risk of addiction from trying 'chitta' even once, compared to 69 per cent in the control group. Additionally, the trial successfully debunked myths about addiction, with the belief that addiction can be overcome by willpower alone dropping from 50 per cent to 20 per cent,' said Bains. Noting that Punjab's drug crisis is a result of 'decades of systemic neglect and patronisation of previous regimes,' Bains said, 'Punjab becomes the first state in India to implement a statewide, evidence-based drug prevention curriculum, while recognising that the battle against drugs begins from the classroom, not in police stations.' He said the state government has taken stringent actions, including putting over 23,000 drug peddlers behind bars, seizing their properties, and confiscating over 1,000 kg of heroin.
