Towards Eternity #5
Drug Expiration dates, Infosys' investment in 4baseCare, Sharp decline in PE/VC investment in healthcare, and a deep-dive into the healthspan-lifespan gulf in India
This week, we delve into the complexities of drug expiration dates and their impact on consumer safety and waste, take a look at how Infosys’ investment in 4baseCare is advancing precision oncology in India, and learn about the sharp decline in private equity and venture capital investments in the healthcare sector.
Our deep dive highlights India’s 10.49-year healthspan-lifespan gap, examining its causes, consequences, and solutions to ensure a healthier future for all.
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This newsletter brings you the top three healthtech stories from the past week, along with a deep dive into one standout story that caught our attention.
This is Towards Eternity, a weekly newsletter that curates and brings together insights from the world of healthtech. This newsletter is aimed at health enthusiasts, biohackers, investors, Quantified Self enthusiasts, founders, and investors to get the pulse of the ecosystem.
I’m Pradeep, a writer, recovering health enthusiast, and part of the C4E Village.
Three Things for the Week
What do drug expiry dates really tell you?
Drug expiration dates are conservative estimates: Expiration dates are typically set three years after production, based on limited testing.
Pharma companies have little incentive to extend shelf lives: Manufacturers may avoid proving longer shelf lives for drugs since it could reduce sales.
Drug efficacy and safety post-expiration vary: Expired drugs rarely become toxic, but some lose potency, potentially reducing effectiveness. Changes to inactive ingredients (e.g., creams separating, liquids condensing) may alter usability, highlighting the need for more accurate labeling. Read more here.
Infosys invests nearly $1 million in 4baseCare
Investment Details: Infosys, through its Innovation Fund, has acquired a 20% stake in 4baseCare, a Bengaluru-based healthtech startup, for ₹8.3 crore (approximately $1 million). This move aligns with Infosys’ focus on fostering deep-tech and AI-driven innovation.
Startup’s Focus: 4baseCare specializes in precision oncology solutions, using advanced genomics and digital health technologies to personalize cancer care, improve diagnosis, and support drug discovery.
Strategic Benefits: This partnership strengthens Infosys’ capabilities in healthcare and life sciences while offering 4baseCare access to global markets and resources to enhance its offerings.
Decline in PE/VC investment in health in 2024
Decline in Investments: Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) investments in India's healthcare sector fell by 40% in 2024, attributed to cautious investors because of global economic challenges and rising interest rates.
Shift in Focus: Despite the overall decline, investors are increasingly shifting their focus from growth at any cost to profitability and long-term value, and on sustainable healthcare startups that demonstrate revenue generation and scalability.
Future Outlook: PE/VC firms have accumulated significant unallocated capital and are expected to re-engage in strategic investments in health. Read more here.
Deep Dive
India’s Healthspan-Lifespan Gap: What the numbers tell us?
A recent study* highlights a concerning reality: while Indians are living longer, they’re spending a little more than a decade of their lives in poor health. This healthspan-lifespan gap—the difference between life expectancy and the years spent in good health—is an indicator of the country’s healthcare challenges and lifestyle disparities.
Key Insights for India
1. National Gap: 10.49 years
On average, Indians experience a decade of poor health at the end of their lives. This reflects chronic illnesses, limited healthcare access, and inadequate disease prevention measures.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, are key contributors.
2. Women Gap: 11.77 years
Women face a larger gap compared to men, likely due to a combination of biological factors and systemic issues.
Poor maternal healthcare, anemia, osteoporosis, and the burden of caregiving often leave women vulnerable to long-term health challenges.
3. Men Gap: 9.22 years
While men experience a slightly shorter gap because of better healthcare access, they are still prone to chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases and lifestyle-related disorders due to factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and stress.
Urban vs. Rural Divide
Urban populations might have longer lifespans due to better healthcare access but could face an extended period of poor health due to sedentary lifestyles and pollution-related diseases.
In rural areas, limited access to healthcare and delayed diagnoses makes chronic health conditions worse, reducing both healthspan and lifespan.
Underlying Causes
1. Rising Chronic Diseases: NCDs now account for over 60% of deaths in India. This surge stems from lifestyle changes, including unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and increased stress levels.
2. Healthcare Inequality: A lack of access to affordable and quality healthcare—especially in rural areas—limits preventive care and early diagnosis.
3. Environmental and Social Factors: Air pollution, unsafe drinking water, and inadequate sanitation significantly contribute to health issues in India, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
4. Gender-Specific Challenges: Cultural norms often result in women prioritizing family health over their own, delaying treatment and leading to worse outcomes.
What Can Be Done?
1. Focus on Preventive Care: Initiatives such as routine health screenings, vaccinations, and health awareness campaigns are crucial to bridging the gap.
2. Strengthen Primary Healthcare Systems: Expanding access to affordable healthcare, especially in rural areas, can reduce the burden of chronic diseases and ensure timely treatment.
3. Address Gender Disparities: Programs targeted at women’s health—such as anemia prevention, maternal health services, and osteoporosis management—can reduce the health gap.
4. Encourage Healthier Lifestyles: Promoting regular exercise, balanced diets, and mental health awareness can help Indians maintain better health for longer.
The Way Forward
India’s 10.49-year healthspan-lifespan gap underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in healthcare delivery, preventive care, and public health education. Addressing these issues will not only improve individual quality of life but also reduce the societal and economic burden of long-term illnesses.
Through expert insights, practical tips, and evidence-based strategies, we aim to empower readers to take control of their health, adopt preventive measures, and make informed decisions that enhance both the quality and longevity of their lives.
*The study is Garmany A, Terzic A. Global healthspan-lifespan gaps among 183 World Health Organization member states. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(12):e2450241.doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50241
Job Board
Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) – Traya Health
Traya Health, a D2C holistic hair care brand, is looking for an Entrepreneur-in-Residence to drive strategic growth, identify new opportunities, and execute scalable business solutions. Perfect for entrepreneurial minds passionate about innovation and market transformation. Apply hereGrowth Strategy Lead – Zeno Health
Zeno Health, Mumbai's leading generic medicine-focused pharmacy, is hiring a Growth Strategy Lead to develop and execute data-driven growth programs, improve user retention, and drive impactful business outcomes in healthcare accessibility. Apply to Zeno Health hereCo-Founder & Investor – Diatomic Health
Diatomic Health is revolutionizing the nutraceutical and health-tech space with Ox66, a novel, science-backed dietary supplement poised to transform wellness in emerging markets like India. Join as a visionary co-founder to drive strategy, growth, and innovation in this first-mover opportunity. Apply here