Innovative sample collection methods developed through Gates Foundation-funded grant enable high-quality metabolomics biomarker discovery in populations from low- and middle-income countriesMORRISVILLE, N.C., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Metabolon, Inc., the global leader in metabolomics solutions advancing life science research, diagnostics, therapeutics, and precision medicine, today announced the successful completion of multiple pilot projects funded by the Gates Foundation (the foundation). These projects aimed to identify metabolites strongly associated with clinical outcomes for diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect women and infants in low- and middle-income countries. Global health research, particularly for women and infants, continues to face a significant representation gap. Approximately 95% of samples analyzed in many large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) come from individuals of European ancestry, leaving non-European populations vastly under-represented. Populations in low- and middle-income countries remain understudied, particularly with respect to environmental exposures that strongly influence health and disease. Projects funded by the foundation address this gap by generating high-quality molecular data from globally diverse populations and real-world settings.Metabolon was awarded a grant from the foundation to perform metabolomics research across diverse geographies and health priorities:Neonatal Encephalopathy with Suspected Hypoxic Ischemia (NESHIE) South Africa Biomarker Discovery and Neuroprotection (South Africa)Metabolomics Analysis of Antepartum Stillbirth within the Multiomics for Mothers and Infants (MOMI) Consortium (Bangladesh, Pakistan, Tanzania, Zambia)Evaluation of Vaginal Sample Collection Methods (Senegal)Vaginal Bacterial Metabolomics Analysis (United States)The data generated through these studies have the potential to enable biomarker discovery for disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for vulnerable populations of women and infants who face significantly higher risks of poor reproductive health and adverse birth outcomes — including stillbirth and hypoxic encephalopathy — compared to populations in high-income countries. These insights have the potential to inform interventions to improve women's health and infant outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.As part of the research, Metabolon evaluated alternative biological sample collection methods, including dried blood spots (DBS), compared multiple vaginal sampling methods, and assessed supernatants from cultured vaginal bacterial cells. These non-traditional sample types are particularly well-suited for global health research where access to cold-chain logistics and conventional clinical sampling can be limited. By enabling robust metabolomics profiling from these alternate collection methods and sample types, Metabolon helps integrate multiomic and environmental signals into clinically meaningful outcomes. Metabolon is well prepared to conduct this research given the quality, depth, and reproducibility of its metabolomics data, as well as its ability to support complex, multi-country studies and a wide range of sample types. All project data is delivered through Metabolon's Integrated Bioinformatics Platform and made available to authorized project collaborators, supporting open science and shared discovery.High-throughput mass spectrometry and advanced bioinformatics tools enable precise identification of metabolites and biological pathways associated with health outcomes. These capabilities accelerate the translation of biological insights into effective interventions across global health indications, benefiting vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries."This work highlights how advanced multiomics research can be expanded to serve underrepresented populations," said Professor Michael Pepper, MD, PhD, Director of the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Director of the South African Medical Research Council Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy. "By generating robust molecular data from diverse populations using accessible sample types, we can accelerate biomarker discovery and advance earlier, more targeted interventions for women and infants in low- and middle-income countries.""The completed studies demonstrate Metabolon's ability to support high-impact global health research and serve as a partner for academic investigators, global health organizations, and biopharma teams pursuing multiomic studies in diverse populations," said Ro Hastie, Chief Executive Officer of Metabolon. To learn more about how Metabolon can strengthen your multiomic studies, visit:https://www.metabolon.com/multiomicsAbout Metabolomics Metabolomics, the large-scale study of all small molecules in a biological system, is the only omics technology that provides a complete current-state functional readout of a biological system. Metabolomics helps researchers see beyond individual genetic variation, capturing the combined impact of genetic and external factors, such as drugs, diet, lifestyle, and the microbiome, on human health. By measuring thousands of discrete chemical signals that form biological pathways in the body, metabolomics can reveal important biomarkers, enabling a better understanding of a drug's mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile, as well as individual responses to therapy.About Metabolon Metabolon, Inc. is the global leader in metabolomics, with a mission to deliver biochemical data and insights that expand and accelerate the impact of life sciences research and complement other 'omics' technologies. With more than 25 years, 15,000+ projects, 4,000+ publications, and ISO 9001:2015, CLIA, and CAP certifications, Metabolon has developed industry-leading scientific, technological, and bioinformatics techniques. Metabolon's Global Discovery Panel is powered by the world's largest proprietary metabolomics reference library. Metabolon's industry-leading data and translational science expertise help customers and partners address some of the most challenging and pressing questions in the life sciences, accelerating research and enhancing development success. The company offers scalable, customizable multiomics solutions, including metabolomics and lipidomics, that support customer needs from discovery through clinical trials and product life-cycle management. For more information, please visit www.metabolon.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/metabolon-completes-landmark-global-health-pilot-advancing-womens-and-infant-health-302849208.html

HYDERABAD, India, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rainbow Children's Hospital recently introduced robotic-assisted surgery in its gynaecology department at its Financial District facility in Hyderabad, marking a step forward in the centre's approach to complex gynecological procedures. The technology allows surgeons to operate with greater precision and control, translating into smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery for patients undergoing procedures for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and other gynecological disorders requiring surgical intervention. The move reflects a broader pattern across Indian healthcare, where gynecological surgeries have been rising steadily in recent years. Factors ranging from delayed childbearing and lifestyle-linked conditions to improved diagnostic access have contributed to a higher incidence of conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic floor disorders among women. At the same time, awareness around timely intervention has grown, with more women seeking consultation earlier rather than living with symptoms that affect daily life.This has widened the range of gynecological surgeries hospitals are expected to offer. Myomectomy, the surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, remains among the most commonly performed procedures for women seeking to retain fertility. Hysteroscopic procedures, which use a thin camera passed through the cervix, allow surgeons to diagnose and treat conditions such as uterine polyps, fibroids, and abnormal bleeding without any external incision. Laparoscopic hysterectomy, ovarian cystectomy for the removal of ovarian cysts, and surgical management of endometriosis are among the other procedures that have moved toward minimally invasive approaches in recent years, replacing more invasive open surgery wherever clinically suitable. For patients, this has meant shorter hospital stays, quicker return to normal activity, and reduced post-operative complications.Rainbow Children's Hospital's women's healthcare vertical, BirthRight by Rainbow, has built its practice around this shift, offering services spanning normal and high-risk obstetrics, fertility care, and advanced gynecology, including hysteroscopy, myomectomy, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures. The addition of robotic-assisted surgery at the Financial District facility extends this capability further, positioning the centre to manage more complex gynecological cases without requiring patients to seek care elsewhere for advanced surgical options.The hospital has indicated it will expand robotic-assisted surgery across a wider range of gynecological procedures in the coming months, as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen surgical care for women alongside its established paediatric and maternity services.About Rainbow Children's HospitalRainbow network comprises 24 hospitals and 6 clinics across 9 cities, with a total bed capacity of ~2,435 beds. Our Pediatric services under 'Rainbow Children's Hospital' include newborn and pediatric intensive care, pediatric multi-specialty services, pediatric quaternary care (including organ transplantation), whereas our women care services under 'BirthRight by Rainbow' offer perinatal care services which include normal and complex obstetric care, multi-disciplinary foetal care, perinatal genetic and fertility care along with gynecology services.Rainbow Children's Hospital is built on strong fundamentals of multidisciplinary approach with a full-time consultant led clinical service along with 24/7 commitment in a child-centric environment. The company follows a hub-and-spoke operating model where the hub hospital provides comprehensive outpatient, inpatient care, with a focus on tertiary and quaternary services and the spokes provide primary, secondary and emergency care in pediatrics and obstetrics, large outpatient services and comprehensive obstetrics, pediatric and level 3 NICU services. This model is successfully operational at Hyderabad and is gaining traction in Bengaluru. The endeavor is to replicate this approach in Chennai and across the National Capital Region. Subsequently, Rainbow intends to expand into tier-2 cities of Southern India.Rainbow embraces a unique doctor engagement model, where doctors work exclusively on a full-time, retainer basis. The doctors work in teams and have 24/7 commitment, which is particularly important for children's emergency, neonatal, pediatric intensive care services and support pediatric retrieval services. The Company also operates the country's largest pediatric DNB training program in private healthcare, offering post graduate residential DNB and fellowship program.Please visit www.rainbowhospitals.in for more information.   View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/rising-demand-for-advanced-gynecological-care-rainbow-childrens-hospital-expands-surgical-capabilities-for-women-302859122.html

BENGALURU, India, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new chapter in women's healthcare begins with a more personalised maternity experience, designed around the needs of every woman and mother, from pre-conception and pregnancy to childbirth, postnatal recovery and beyond. With a focus on combining clinical expertise with personalised, compassionate care, Manipal Hospital Millers Road has launched Momstory, to bring together maternity services and comprehensive women's healthcare under one roof. The initiative aims to create a supportive environment where women and their families can feel informed, confident and cared for throughout the different chapters of motherhood and women's health.Momstory offers dedicated support across the maternity journey, including pregnancy care, childbirth, postnatal recovery and postpartum wellness, supported by advanced medical infrastructure and multidisciplinary clinical expertise.A key component of the initiative is the Premoms programme, which extends care beyond the hospital through a combination of online and offline wellness sessions. The programme brings together a multidisciplinary team comprising dietitians, physiotherapists, lactation consultants and psychologists, providing women with guidance and support from the pre-conception stage through pregnancy and into postpartum wellness.The launch was graced by chief guest, Dr. Vidya Desai, Senior Consultant, who joined the team in marking the beginning of this new chapter in maternity, neonatal and paediatric care at Manipal Hospital Millers Road. Her presence added significance to the launch of Momstory and its vision of creating a more personalised and comprehensive care experience for mothers and children.Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Geeth Monnappa, Lead Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Manipal Hospital Millers Road, said, "Momstory is designed around the understanding that a woman's healthcare journey extends well beyond the delivery room. From preparing for pregnancy to navigating motherhood and the many transitions that follow, women need continuous clinical guidance as well as emotional and practical support. Through Momstory and the Premoms programme, we aim to create a more connected care experience that supports women and their families at every step."Beyond maternity care, Momstory also addresses healthcare needs across different stages of a woman's life through speciality clinics for PCOS, adolescent care and menopause care. These services are designed to provide specialised support during important transitional phases and address the evolving physical and emotional healthcare needs of women."The initiative also places emphasis on the overall patient experience. Through thoughtfully designed value-added services, Momstory seeks to make the journey of motherhood more comfortable, meaningful and memorable, while maintaining high standards of clinical care and safety," said Dr. Mahima Bakshi, Strategy Consultant at Momstory Manipal Hospitals. "It's a privilege to bring the Momstory brand to Manipal Hospitals. It has been a privilege for me to introduce the brand in South India, and we plan to take it across all our other units as well," added Dr. Mahima.With its launch at Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Momstory strengthens the hospital's commitment to providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary and compassionate women's healthcare, ensuring that women have access to the expertise and support they need across every stage of their lives.For more information, please visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/manipal-hospital-millers-road-launches-momstory-bringing-comprehensive-maternity-and-womens-healthcare-under-one-roof-302855219.html

AHMEDABAD, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- India has made real progress on maternal health in recent years with expanding access to healthcare and plummeting maternal mortality ratios. Yet a nation-wide analysis by the ICMR found that nearly half of all pregnancies in India are now classified as high-risk, and the country marks a maternal mortality rate of around 88 maternal deaths every 1 lakh live births. The aim is to lower it to 70 by 2030. In Western India, the department of gynaecology and obstetrics at Zydus Hospitals, Ahmedabad, has been established as a top high-risk pregnancy and IVF centre that manages a massive case load of high-risk pregnancies annually, spanning placenta abnormalities, multiple gestation, pre-existing conditions, preterm complications, and more. With an in-house blood bank, a dedicated Gynec ICU, in-house NICU, and round-the-clock specialists across obstetrics, fetal medicine, anaesthesia, and neonatology, the department is built to handle nearly any gynaecological emergency in the State. With roughly 3 crore pregnancies and up to 2.7 crore live births annually, more than anywhere else in the world, even a small share of high-risk cases add up to an enormous number of women who need specialised care. A pregnancy is generally classified as high-risk when either the mother or the baby faces a higher-than-usual chance of complications. Common contributors include advanced or very young maternal age, a previous caesarean delivery, obesity, and pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.Dr. Namita Shah, Sr. Obstetrician and High-risk Pregnancy Expert, says, "Several of these factors are becoming more common in India. We handle a lot of high-risk pregnancy cases with such conditions, and recently, a 30-year-old woman in her second pregnancy, came to us for her antenatal check-up in her fifth month. Her first child was born by C-section. During the scans, we could see her placenta had invaded deeply into the uterine wall, and found that she had a rare condition known as placenta accreta spectrum along with placenta previa."Placenta previa becomes considerably more serious when combined with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). A prior caesarean delivery is one of the strongest risk factors for PAS, since the placenta can implant over the old scar and burrow in more deeply than it should."Our fetal medicine specialist confirmed PAS layered on top of placenta previa. In such a case, we need to deliver the baby in a setup with a strong anaesthesia team, an in-house blood bank and an in-house neonatologist as PAS carries a real risk of catastrophic blood loss during delivery, and if it isn't managed quickly, it can push a patient into haemorrhagic shock or organ injury. Fortunately, all of these facilities are available at Zydus, which also makes it a much safer setup for the patient," says Dr. Namita. An MRI was done ahead of delivery to map the extent of the placenta's attachment, and the team explained the inherent risks of her condition to the family.The baby was delivered by an upper-segment caesarean section. "As anticipated, her placenta had invaded into the bladder wall, and an obstetric hysterectomy was required to control the bleeding. We had to transfuse 2.5 litres of blood and several units of fresh frozen plasma during the operation," added Dr. Namita.Given the extent of the bladder involvement, Dr. Kaustubh Patel, Urologist, joined the surgical team. After the delivery of the baby, the placenta was carefully separated from the bladder wall and later a hysterectomy was performed. Post-op, the mother spent two days in intensive care. Both her and the baby's recovery were uneventful, and they were discharged in five days. "They both are doing well now," Dr. Namita said.Dr. Raman Patel, Sr. Gynecologist, Endoscopic and Robotic Surgeon and IVF specialist, with nearly four decades of experience, met a couple who had been trying to conceive for ten years. The wife, 31, had a history of PMOS and irregular periods; the couple were also facing male-factor infertility and higher BMIs. They had already been through three rounds of intrauterine insemination and one IVF cycle elsewhere, all unsuccessful, before coming to Zydus for a second attempt at IVF, this time under Dr. Raman and Dr. Reitu Patel, IVF and Infertility Specialist and Embryologist.Keen not to risk another failed cycle, the couple opted to have three embryos transferred. Despite Dr. Reitu explaining to them the potential complications of such a procedure, the couple insisted for the same. Surprisingly, all three embryos implanted. "However, in her first trimester, as she was experiencing multiple episodes of bleeding and spotting, we recommended that they consider reducing the pregnancy to twins," says Dr. Reitu Patel. The reduction was carried out under the guidance of a fetal medicine specialist, and a preventive cervical encerclage (a stitch to reinforce and help support the pregnancy) was done at 16 weeks. The mother had subsequently developed gestational diabetes as the pregnancy progressed.At 25 weeks and 4 days, considered extremely ultra-preterm, she began experiencing severe pain and leaking so Dr. Raman had to move ahead with a caesarean delivery. "Both twins were born ultra-preterm, weighing just 800 grams and 900 grams. At that stage, babies haven't yet developed the ability to regulate their own body temperature or to breathe and feed without support, so we had to keep them in our in-house neonatal ICU," he said."One of the twins developed pulmonary hypoxia and needed ventilator support before recovering. They both spent around three months in the NICU before they were strong enough to be handed over to their mother," said Dr. Anita Srinivasan, Neonatologist."I recently spoke to the mother, and I was relieved to hear that the twin babies are doing exceedingly well," Dr. Raman said.In addition, the team also has state's first MCh in Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Vivek Kakkad, IVF and Reproductive Medicine Specialist.Though a cervical cerclage was enough to help carry that pregnancy through, for another patient who broke her waters at 4th month of her pregnancy, things took a far more severe turn. She had undergone three miscarriages in her fourth and fifth months, including two where a vaginal cerclage had already been placed. However, in her fourth pregnancy, she came to Dr. Riddhi Shah, Maternity Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Robotic Surgeon. "Given her history, we had to be very careful. And as she was suffering from chronic cervical insufficiency, this time around, we planned to do a laparoscopic cerclage after the first trimester," she said. Cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix begins to open too early in pregnancy without contractions, often leading to second-trimester loss or extremely preterm birth. "Unfortunately, she began losing amniotic fluid at the 4th month, so we moved straight to a laparoscopic abdominal cerclage," she added. Despite the fluid loss, the patient carried the pregnancy for another 3.5 months, and was admitted for 3 months. "We regularly sent for blood and urine tests and closely monitored her for any infections and also included the infectious diseases team who supported us throughout her stay," said Dr. Riddhi. After long and anxious hospital stay, she delivered successfully, and both the baby and the mother recovered well. Recently she celebrated her baby's first birthday.Beyond high-risk pregnancies, other complex gynec cases including infertility, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, menstrual disorders, and menopause treatment are also carried out here. The department's gynaecology team also includes Dr. Bina Mavani, Dr. Sonali Chauhan, Dr. Foram Vora, Dr. Margi Shah and Dr. Vaishali Patel, Zydus also extends their services in gynec cancer and breast cancer cases with experts like Dr. Ava Desai, Dr. Mona Shah and Dr. Priyanka Chiripal and Dr. Dhara Pandya.As the quality of care across India remains uneven and a gap is reflected in national data as well as in individual outcomes. Zydus's push to bring advanced infrastructure, in-house specialists and specialised gynec care to its other centres with Dr. Reshmi Banerjee and Dr. Prachi Sabnis at Zydus Vadodara and Dr. Kavya Patel at Zydus Anand, is an effort to close that gap across Western India.To know more about their services, visit https://zydushospitals.com   View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/zydus-hospitals-sets-new-benchmarks-in-high-risk-pregnancy-and-complex-gynaecological-care-302852827.html

MELBOURNE, Australia and NEW DELHI, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclaimed Indian actor and humanitarian Rani Mukerji has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) by La Trobe University, Australia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, humanitarian work and social advocacy. The honorary doctorate was conferred on 14 August during the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).One of the most respected and influential figures in Indian cinema, Rani has enjoyed a career spanning nearly three decades, earning widespread critical acclaim and major honours including a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards.Rani's performances in films including Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway have helped bring issues including gender-based violence, access to justice, disability inclusion and women's rights into mainstream public conversation, demonstrating the power of cinema to drive awareness, empathy and positive social change.Alongside her achievements in film, Rani has maintained a longstanding commitment to humanitarian initiatives supporting women, children and disadvantaged communities across India.Since 2007, she has supported paediatric and neonatal healthcare initiatives at Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai, including the establishment and ongoing support of specialised intensive care services for critically ill children and newborns. Her philanthropic work has also supported initiatives focused on education, food security and community development. Rani has additionally supported charitable and advocacy initiatives associated with organisations including Child Rights and You (CRY), the Indian Stroke Association and the Cancer Patients Aid Association.Rani said she was deeply honoured to receive the recognition."Receiving this Honorary Doctorate in Australia from La Trobe University is one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of my career and life. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and accept it with immense gratitude. As an actor, you never begin your journey thinking about honours — you simply hope that the stories you choose and the characters you bring to life will connect with people. To have that journey acknowledged in this extraordinary way is something I will cherish forever. I have always believed that cinema is one of the most powerful forces for change because stories have the ability to shape hearts, minds and society. Looking back at my career, I feel incredibly grateful that I have had the opportunity to portray women who are strong yet vulnerable, flawed yet inspiring, determined and unapologetically themselves. These were never just characters to me — they represented countless real women whose voices deserved to be seen, heard and celebrated. If my work has, in any way, helped people view women with greater empathy, respect and equality, then I feel I have truly fulfilled my purpose as an artist. This honour is also a reminder that art transcends borders. The emotions we share through cinema are universal and I feel privileged that the stories I have been a part of have travelled across cultures and touched audiences around the world.As an Indian, this moment fills me with immense pride. I come from a country with a rich cinematic heritage and a storytelling tradition that has inspired generations. To be honoured with an honorary doctorate on a global stage is not just a recognition of my individual journey, but also a celebration of Indian cinema and the extraordinary talent it continues to offer the world."La Trobe University Chancellor The Hon John Brumby AO said Rani's contribution reflected the values the University sought to recognise through its highest honours."Rani Mukerji is an artist of extraordinary influence whose work has consistently combined creative excellence with meaningful social impact.Through some of Indian cinema's most acclaimed and socially resonant performances, she has helped elevate important conversations about equality, justice, inclusion and the dignity of women and children, demonstrating the unique power of storytelling to shape culture and inspire change.Through her artistic achievements and humanitarian contribution, she embodies the values La Trobe seeks to recognise through its honorary degrees: leadership, integrity, social responsibility and service to the public good."IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said the honour was a proud moment for the festival and the Indian Australian community."Rani Mukerji has remained one of the most respected voices in Indian cinema because of the integrity, intelligence and humanity she brings to her work. For nearly three decades, she has captivated audiences through performances that are both powerful and deeply relatable, while continuing to champion stories that encourage empathy, resilience and social awareness. Her influence extends far beyond the screen, particularly through her longstanding commitment to women, children and community wellbeing."La Trobe University has maintained a longstanding association with Indian cinema through its partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, previously hosting distinguished Indian film figures including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Vidya Balan and Rajkumar Hirani.The honour reflects the growing cultural and educational ties between Australia and India and recognises the role of cinema in fostering understanding, connection and dialogue across cultures.About La Trobe UniversityLa Trobe University is a top 1% globally ranked, research-intensive Australian university with more than 30 years of engagement with India across education, research and innovation. In India, La Trobe partners with leading institutions including SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Mahindra University, OP Jindal Global University and Lady Shri Ram College, and collaborates on initiatives such as the Bio Innovation Corridor with Bangalore Bio innovation Centre. Its engagement is supported by a network of more than 12,000 India-born alumni and initiatives including the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship for women researchers from India. The University's AI-first strategy is led by the La Trobe AI Institute launched on July 22, 2026, which provides a single front door to its AI capability across research, education and industry collaboration, embedding AI responsibly and at scale. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/rani-mukerji-awarded-honorary-doctorate-by-la-trobe-university-302851727.html