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Pharma major Roche may have earned over a hundred times what risdiplam, a drug used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), should cost to bring to market according to calculations by public health activists. After Roche declined to share information on the cost of clinical trials, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI), a US-based non-profit working on access to affordable medicines, calculated the costs and pegged them at about $50 million.
Roche earned $5.8 billion from the sale of risdiplam in the 2021-2024 period, about 115 times the calculated cost.
In response to the calculations sent to it by KEI, Roche stated: “Only a small fraction of projects make it ‘from bench to bedside’ and we have to absorb the cost of failing projects as well, while your calculation only addresses successful development. Similarly, our dedication to innovation extends to the continuous development of next-generation therapies-a commitment clearly reflected in our ongoing development work of new treatments in SMA.”
The three risdiplam trials cited in US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and four earlier clinical trials involved 587 participants.
KEI estimated per patient cost of conducting the trial by combining several data sources on the cost of conducting clinical trials.
The US provides a tax credit for qualifying clinical trials for rare diseases. After KEI applied the tax credit to the trial cost, the net cost ranged from $11 million to $25 million. Clinical trials typically constitute 60-70% of drug development costs.
Roche was also awarded a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) in Aug 2020. The PRV is an incentive designed to encourage development of drugs and biologics for serious or life-threatening diseases.
The PRV can be sold to third parties. In 2020, the market value of a PRV was roughly $100 million, more than the Roche outlays on trials, pointed out KEI.
Since 2003, when it was established, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation (SMAF) has invested $100 million to develop drugs for this condition. Roche paid $30 million dollars to get an exclusive worldwide license to PTC Therapeutics’ SMA programme, which PTC had developed in collaboration with SMAF.
Roche’s costs of manufacturing the drug are not significant, with a year of treatment requiring less than 2 grams of risdiplam, which can probably be manufactured by Roche at less than $50,000 per kilo, or $50 per gram, estimated KEI.
In India, the treatment with risdiplam typically costs Rs 72 lakh per adult patient per year which is unaffordable for most.
According to Roche’s response to TOI, as of Oct 2024, of the 168 patients receiving Roche’s treatment for SMA, 56 continued to be treated for free under the company’s Compassionate User Program (CUP), 53 were covered under various govt policies – Central Government Health Scheme, Defence, Employee State Insurance (ESI) and Railways – and the remaining 59 purchased the drug under Roche’s Patient Access Program, launched in 2021, “under which Roche provides free bottles of the treatment for every bottle that is purchased”.
Cure SMA, a trust formed by parents of children with SMA, has 1,800 patients registered and the govt portal for rare disease has 700 SMA patients registered.

TOI Correspondent from London: Hundreds of Indian-origin supporters gathered Sunday outside the Indian high commission in London, overwhelming a small protest organised by British Pakistanis aimed at “rejecting Indian propaganda” following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that left 26 people dead, mostly tourists.
While about 50 people turned up for the Pakistan protest opposite the high commission, hundreds of PIOs (persons of Indian origin) filled the area in front of the mission building. The Indian side, separated by police barricades, displayed a massive Tricolour on the building and used a loudspeaker to outvoice the Pakistani protesters, singing the national anthem and chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Some could be seen shaking water bottles.
The Pakistani protesters raised slogans against PM Narendra Modi and shouted “Pakistan Zindabad”, but lacked placards and enthusiasm. “This is a disaster,” said a Pakistani journalist on the scene. Mohsin, a protester, claimed the tensions were linked to upcoming assembly elections in Bihar.
“Modi needed this because of the elections in Bihar. They have blamed Pakistan without any investigation,” he said. “There won’t be war,” added Zubair, another protester, claiming that accusations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam massacre lacked proof.
“They can’t stop the water coming to us as they have no dams. They can’t keep the water,” Zubair said, referencing India suspending Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam attack.
On the Indian side, some participants waved both Indian and Israeli flags. Dheeraj questioned the motives behind the Pakistani protest: “Why are they even here protesting in front of the India high commission?” Placards held by Indian supporters read “Hafiz Saeed Mastermind 26/11” and “Professionalism at the best sar tan se juda — Pakistan high commission hospitality,” referencing a throat-slitting gesture made Friday.
“They are shamelessly protesting and pretending to be victims,” said Gaurav. Another supporter, Indranil, pointed to economic gains in J&K: “GDP has gone up considerably. Pakistan does not want to see J&K flourish. The terrorists shot men in front of their children. It was a cold-blooded genocide,” he said.
The protests have riled right-wing commentators in UK. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, shared a video of the confrontation, writing: “If it’s not Gaza it’s India v Pakistan sectarian politics being fought on our London streets. Chaps this is Britain. Take your national disputes elsewhere.”
Journalist Isabel Oakeshott also posted a video, saying: “Dozens of Met Police are battling to separate Indian and Pakistani protesters as they hurl abuse at each other. UK multiculturalism has been a DISASTER!” GB News aired a segment titled “Has multiculturalism failed?” focusing on the protest.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: How often do we see a home crowd cheering for the opposition? But that’s exactly what unfolded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. The roar was deafening when Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to field against Delhi Capitals. The crowd erupted, cheering at the top of their lungs — and it was all for one man, their beloved local hero, Virat Kohli.
Kohli (51 off 47) didn’t disappoint, anchoring the chase with a composed half-century, while Krunal Pandya’s majestic knock (73 not out off 47) powered RCB to a six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals, propelling them to the top of the points table.
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Just a couple of months ago, the scenes at the Arun Jaitley Stadium were completely different during the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways, which featured Kohli. Fans wrapped in thick jackets, mufflers, and woollen caps braved the biting cold, hands tucked into pockets, just for a glimpse of the action.
This time, it was the opposite.
Sweat-soaked, clutching water bottles, wiping their faces with handkerchiefs, sporting hats and sunglasses, Delhiites battled the scorching heat — all for the chance to see their superstar Kohli in action. 35000 fans flocked inside the stadium to watch Kohli in action.
Every time Kohli moved to collect the ball, sprinted for a single, or struck a boundary, the stadium echoed with chants of “Kohli, Kohli.”

Kohli played the perfect anchor, constantly walking up to Krunal Pandya for quick chats, offering fist pumps, and shouting words of encouragement from the other end. His energy never dipped as he guided the partnership forward.
Krunal built his innings patiently. After his superb effort with the ball, he assessed the conditions smartly, waited for loose deliveries, and made sure to dispatch them to the boundary ropes whenever they came his way.
Krunal reached his half-century off 38 balls, bringing it up with a boundary off Axar Patel. Kohli, all smiles, rushed forward to hug him in celebration of a brilliant effort.
Bought by RCB for Rs 5.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Krunal scored 73 not out off 47 balls and was involved in a 119-run partnership with Kohli.
Kohli, meanwhile, brought up his own half-century off 45 balls — his slowest fifty of the IPL 2025 season. The previous slowest was Vijay Shankar’s 43-ball half-century against Delhi Capitals in Chennai. He scored 51 off 47 balls before being dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera.

RCB spinners Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya may not have picked up many wickets, but they played a crucial role in keeping the Delhi Capitals batters in check and controlling the flow of runs.
It was Krunal who got under Faf du Plessis’s skin, building pressure and eventually claiming the prized wicket. Krunal finished with tidy figures of 4-0-28-1 and didn’t allow KL Rahul to hit a single boundary during his spell.
At the other end, Suyash shared the responsibility brilliantly, conceding just two boundaries in his four overs. He ended with figures of 4-0-22-0, with an impressive economy rate of 5.50.

RCB’s chase never really got going the way they had hoped. They lost three wickets for just 26 runs in the first four overs, leaving Virat Kohli visibly frustrated at the other end.

Jacob Bethell (12), Devdutt Padikkal (0), and Rajat Patidar (6) all fell cheaply. Axar Patel did the early damage, removing Bethell and then castling Padikkal for a duck in the same over to leave RCB reeling.
However, what really infuriated Kohli was Patidar’s dismissal. After Kohli flicked one towards mid-wicket, Patidar set off for a single but hesitated midway as the fielder released a sharp throw. A direct hit from Karun Nair caught Patidar short of his crease, leading to a run-out that left Kohli visibly furious at the way Patidar threw his wicket away.

After missing five matches due to a groin injury, Faf du Plessis returned to open the innings for Delhi Capitals. However, the move didn’t work in their favour. The 40-year-old managed just 22 runs off 26 balls before falling to Krunal Pandya.
In all, this was Delhi Capitals’ fifth different opening combination this season — the most by any team. Chennai Super Kings, in comparison, have tried four opening pairs so far.

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul engaged in a heated exchange during the IPL 2025 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals on Sunday. The incident took place during the RCB innings with Virat on the crease and Rahul keeping wickets. In a video going viral on social media, both Indian cricket team stars were seen having a heated altercation. While the exact reason behind the altercation was not clear, the tension was palpable between the duo before play resumed. However, there was nothing more to the incident as both of them went back to the game without any further incident.

Things are heating up in Delhi!#ViratKohli and #KLRahul exchange a few words in this nail-biting match between #DC and #RCB.

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/2H6bmSltQD#IPLonJioStar#DCvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star… pic.twitter.com/Oy2SPOjApz

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2025

Coming to the match, RCB defeated DC by 6 wickets to claim the top spot in the IPL points table.

Krunal Pandya recorded his first fifty in IPL since 2016, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru pull off a six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals.

Krunal (73 not out of 47 balls), who has part of every IPL season since his debut in 2016, paced his innings perfectly while batting alongside chase master Virat Kohli (51 off 47).

The duo shared a 119-run stand off 84 balls as RCB chased down 163 in 18.3 overs to extend their unbeaten run away from home.

RCB bowlers put a squeeze on Delhi Capitals in the middle overs through Josh Hazlewood and the spinners to limit the home team to 162 for six.

For RCB, it was their seventh win in 10 games while DC suffered only their third loss in nine matches. Both teams are on course to make the play-offs.

At 26 for three, RCB felt the heat before Krunal and Kohli bailed them out.

In his maiden season for RCB, Krunal has made valuable contributions with both bat and ball.

On Sunday night, Kohli played the perfect anchor as Krunal came up with timely hits on a difficult surface to deliver a fine win for his team. His straight hit through the line off Mukesh Kumar and an aerial drive over cover off the wily Kuldeep Yadav stood out among his four sixes.

Kohli’s consistency has been remarkable this season and the knock against DC was his sixth 50-plus score in 10 innings. The highlight of his solid effort was the straight drive off Mitchell Starc.

The night, however, belonged to Krunal who collected only his second 50-plus score in 116 IPL innings.

(With PTI inputs)

DC vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2025: Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya in action.© BCCI

Sarada Bai, a Pakistani national, who has been living in India for over since 35 years, has been asked by the Odisha police to leave India immediately. The authorities confirmed that the visa of Sarada Bai has been cancelled and she has been instructed to return to Pakistan without delay. The police have warned that if she fails to comply with the expulsion order, legal action will be taken against her.

The police move is part of a series of measures taken to counter Pakistan after the Pahalgam massacre. 

Sarad Bai was married to a Hindu family in Bolangir and tied the knot with Mahesh Kukreja several years ago. Her son and daughter are Indians.

Despite having all key documents including voter ID, she was never granted Indian citizenship.

She has now requested that the government not separate her from her family. 

With folded hands, she has appealed to be allowed to continue living in India, the country she has called home for over three decades.

“I was first in Koraput then came to Bolangir. I have no one in Pakistan… Even my passport is to old. I ask the government and you all with folded hands, please allow me to live here. I have two grown children, grand children… I wish to live here as an Indian,” she said.   

Her petition to the government has touched many hearts but the Bolangir Police have said they will take action under the law. The situation remains tense. 

India’s non-military measures, announced on Wednesday — a day after the massacre in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that cost 26 lives — includes immediate and indefinite suspension of the Indus water treaty, shutting the Attari border and revoking visas of all Pakistan nationals currently in India.

The terror attack that took place on Sunday was the worst in years, specifically targeting tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. 

Terrorists from a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot had emerged from pine forests around the scenic meadows of Baisaran, often dubbed “mini Switzerland” and opened fire on a group of unsuspecting tourists.

Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant was on Sunday fined Rs 24 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during his team’s 54-run loss to Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. “As this was his team’s second offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Pant was fined INR 24 lakhs,” the IPL said in a release. “The rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, will be fined either INR six lakhs or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser.” Mumbai Indians scored 215 for 7 and then bowled out LSG for 161 to record their fifth consecutive victory in the IPL.

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants mentor and former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan on Sunday exuded confidence that express pacer Mayank Yadav’s bowling speed will improve as he plays more matches in the IPL.

The right-arm tearaway pacer Mayank made his comeback after a long injury layoff. He had to deal with issues related to his back and toe after making his India debut in the shortest format in October last year.

On Sunday, Yadav returned with figures of 4-0-40-2, accounting for Mumbai Indians mainstays Rohit Sharma (12) and Hardik Pandya (5) but bowled in the range of 140kmph, a few clicks down from the earlier highs of 150-155kmph in the past.

“The wait was long and for anyone who is playing after so many months to get back into the game, (it) is always that one hurdle which one needs to cross as a bowler,” Zaheer told the media after LSG lost the game to MI by 54 runs here.

“I am happy with the way he has bowled. It’s important that he had to get through the game.

“He stayed on (for) the (full) 20 overs. He has bowled four overs. The execution is only going to get better. The speed is only going to get better as he plays more, that’s the way I am looking at it.” Zaheer explained the process of Mayank’s return, saying LSG were cautious to not rush him through processes and wanted to create a conducive environment around him.

“Even though he had joined the team, we were taking our time just to create that comfort around him. I know that fast bowling is never easy, especially in this format when the batters are coming so hard at you. So, that was the thought process,” he said.

“I am glad that he has got through the game. That one hurdle is crossed, I am hopeful that with the scheduling which we have, there will be enough breaks also for him to recover and then go again.”