Health Desk July 18, 2026 at 02:53 AM 2 min readhealth

CDSCO Approves New Treatments For MASH And Rare Syndromes

[New Drug Approvals]:

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has granted approval for several new medical treatments. On July 17, 2026, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) was approved for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. This treatment is intended to be used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications.

[Expanding Therapeutic Scope]:

AstraZeneca Pharma India received clearance on July 15, 2026, to import and sell Benralizumab (Fasenra) for patients aged 12 and older diagnosed with Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES). This approval follows the drug's previous authorization for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Additionally, Leiutis Pharmaceuticals secured approval for a synthetic cannabidiol oral solution for managing anxiety disorders.

[Broader Healthcare Advances]:

These approvals reflect a broader effort to introduce specialized therapies into the Indian market. The CDSCO also recently approved a dengue vaccine from Takeda Biopharmaceuticals and a biologic for macular degeneration, highlighting a significant expansion in the availability of advanced medical interventions for both chronic and acute conditions across the country.
Pulse Intelligence
Context & Impact
  • Novo Nordisk's Wegovy approval for MASH was based on the ESSENCE clinical trial results.
  • Benralizumab was previously approved for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in May 2026.
  • The CDSCO also approved a dengue vaccine and a biologic for macular degeneration earlier in July.
  • Patients with MASH and HES will have access to new, specialized treatment options.
  • Domestic distribution partnerships, such as Emcure Pharmaceuticals, may see increased activity.
  • The healthcare sector may experience a shift in treatment protocols for chronic liver and eosinophilic conditions.

Not applicable.