Nykaa’s beauty business growth is a highlight, but margin is a sore spot

Business News

The September quarter (Q2FY25) results of FSN E-commerce Ventures Ltd, the parent of Nykaa, showcased robust growth in the beauty business, while fashion was sluggish—mirroring a trend seen in the previous few quarters.

Revenues increased 24% year-on-year to ₹1,875 crore, and the Ebitda margin at 5.5% was slightly below estimates. Beauty gross merchandise value (GMV) growth was stellar at 29% with Hot Pink Sale attracting 23 million unique visitors over 10 days, pushing order volumes up 24%. Average order value (AOV) was up 2%. The beauty segment-owned brands’ GMV growth was striking at 48%, led by strong growth in Dot & Key and Kay Beauty. Ebitda is short for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Still, higher marketing and sales expenses meant that the beauty contribution margin as a percentage of net sales value fell 110 basis points (bps) on-year to 22%. Kotak Institutional Equities flagged concerns over sustained high spending. It warned of risks from quick commerce companies expanding their product portfolios and adding brands, which may eventually put pressure on Nykaa’s fulfilment costs.

Margin pressureKotak has trimmed its FY25-27 Ebitda estimates by 6-9% as it assumes lower profitability in the beauty business on account of higher marketing spends, sales and distribution expenses, and a slightly higher loss run-rate for the eB2B business.

In Q2, Nykaa’s eB2B superstore saw 862bps improvement in contribution margin to -11%. Meanwhile, fashion segment GMV growth was relatively much slower at about 10% perhaps owing to subdued demand from a delayed festive season. Fashion AOV was up 10%, but the number of orders was down 4%. Fashion contribution margin was up 440bps to 9.4% due to higher marketing and service-related income. The onboarding sneaker giant Foot Locker signals an intent to revitalize the segment, although the runway to profitability could be long for fashion.

Given muted demand conditions, Nykaa’s stock is down 27% from its 52-week high of ₹229.80 apiece, seen on 23 August. The company is optimistic about demand prospects in the second half of FY25 (H2FY25), backed by the festive and wedding seasons. But can the festive season be a turning point for Nykaa in H2FY25 remains to be seen.

“Nykaa may see strong tailwinds in H2FY25 owing to festivities and weddings, but elevated retailer-funded discounting from horizontal platforms continues to be a near-term challenge,” said a Nomura report.

Investors will watch if Nykaa’s beauty segment retains its edge amid rising competition.

A Cautionary Tale Of Business Failure And Resilience

Business News

Starting a business is often seen as a bold leap into the unknown. For Marie Chevrier Schwartz, founder of the once operational Sampler, it was also a labor of love and a testament to her vision of connecting brands to consumers through the power of sampling.

Schwartz courageously shared her story of business failure in an interview with Doug Soltys, Editor in Chief at BetaKit, on stage at SaaS North in front of hundreds of founders. The reality is that a large proportion of businesses fail, and many of those founders witnessing Schwartz’s story may have the misfortune of walking down that same path.

Schwartz has chosen to share her story, not as a tale of defeat, but to let others whose businesses have failed that there is hope. Her candid reflections are a reminder that failure, while painful, can be a powerful teacher.

The Story of Sampler
Sampler was born from a simple yet revolutionary idea: help brands deliver samples to the right consumers through a digital platform. Gone were the days of handing out products at random on street corners or stuffing them into mailboxes without context. With Sampler, brands could target specific demographics and track the effectiveness of their campaigns.

The concept took off quickly. Investors saw the potential, and partnerships with major consumer goods companies validated the business model. The team grew, and many celebrated Sampler as a game-changer in the marketing industry.

At its peak, Sampler was a thriving business. It seemed to have it all: a growing user base, enthusiastic investors, and partnerships with top-tier brands. But despite its promising trajectory, Sampler ultimately floundered.

As the business grew, so did the challenges. The rapid scaling strained Sampler’s resources and team. Operational inefficiencies began to creep in, supply chain issues proved to be disastrous, and the business struggled to maintain profitability.

The tipping point came during an economic downturn when Sampler’s clients were pulling back on spending, and revenue plummeted. Attempts to pivot came too late, and the business was unable to recover.
Schwartz had to make the difficult decision to wind down operations. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I felt like I had let everyone down – my team, my investors, and myself,” she says.
Lessons in Failure
Schwartz’s journey with Sampler has given her a wealth of insights that she hopes can help other entrepreneurs avoid similar pitfalls, and she shares this insight with you:
1. You are not alone
In the entrepreneurial world, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many businesses, even those with great ideas and strong starts, face challenges that lead to failure. In fact, failure is a common part of the journey; more businesses fail than succeed.
This doesn’t diminish your efforts or vision as it’s a reflection of the risks that come with building something new. What matters is how you rise after the fall, learn from the experience, and decide to move forward. You are part of a community of entrepreneurs who understand this struggle, and support is always within reach.
2. Your business is not your identity
It’s easy for your business to feel like an extension of your identity. After all, you’ve poured your time, energy, and heart into building it, so when things don’t work out, it can feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself. The sense of failure can be deeply personal, leaving you questioning your worth or abilities.
It’s important to remember that while your business is something you created, it is not you. Your value, creativity, and resilience exist beyond any venture, and this experience is just one chapter in your story; not the whole book.
3. Share the news in your own way
As people reached out, she found herself too emotional to recount the story over and over again. Instead, she leaned on her network and chose to share her experience openly on social media. Her raw honesty resonated deeply with others, sparking meaningful conversations and an outpouring of support.
What she didn’t expect was how her vulnerability opened doors to new opportunities, from collaborations to mentorship roles. By sharing her journey authentically, she not only found healing but also paved the way for her next chapter.
Moving Forward
Today, Schwartz has found new purpose in helping other founders navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She speaks candidly about her experience, encouraging others to embrace failure as part of the journey. “Failure doesn’t mean the end,” she says. “It’s a chapter, not the whole story.”
The bottom line is that Schwartz’s story of Sampler is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. While the business may have failed, the lessons have been learned, and the lives touched endure. For founders facing their own challenges, her message is clear: You are not alone, and you have the strength to rise again.

Bicycle ride planned to help raise fund for business owners struck by Helene

Business News

CAROLYN R. WILSON
Special to the Bristol Herald Courier
DAMASCUS, Va.— Local business owners are still scrambling to recover after one of the most powerful storms in history swept through the region in late September, shuttering stores and leaving a financial toll behind.Among those businesses hurting from the impact of Hurricane Helene are bicycle shops in Damascus and Abingdon—-the unexpected heroes that help to build a vibrant economy in the tourist town.In an effort to extend the season for cycling businesses, the town of Abingdon is launching a family friendly fundraising event to help bicycle shop operators who are suffering a loss of revenue this fall.The community is invited to participate in a Turkey Trail Ride on Nov. 23 when cyclists will gather to take an excursion on the Virginia Creeper Trail. Starting times for the trail ride are staggered at 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to prevent trail congestion and create a better flow for cyclists.

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A live turkey will make a holiday appearance at the trailhead that morning to welcome cyclists and usher in the Thanksgiving spirit.Abingdon Town Manager Mike Cochran anticipants as many as 300 or more people will participate in the fundraiser.“We want to give those bike shops that are still operating one last chance to help recover financially,” said Cochran. “Our entire goal is to support them.”The Virginia Creeper Trail Welcome Center located at the trailhead on Green Spring Road will be open, offering trail merchandise for sale including newly-designed T-shirts that represent the recovery efforts of the Virginia Creeper Trail.The Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the Trail corridor, will sell “Rebuild the Ride” campaign merchandise at Damascus Outfitters. The sales will benefit the rebuilding of the second portion of the trail that remains closed due to damages from the hurricane.The trail ride is an event for seasoned or beginner cyclists, allowing participants to ride at their own pace while exploring the landscape from Abingdon to Damascus, the portion of the trail that has reopened following flooding from Hurricane Helene.According to Cochran the portion of the trail from Damascus to Whitetop remains closed while restoration efforts continue.Cyclists can purchase a $35 shuttle ticket or make a donation online at www.visitabingdonvirginia.com. The money goes directly to participating bike shops including Shuttle Shack and The Bike Station, both in Damascus, and the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop in Abingdon.Participants can bring their own bikes but can still arrange for the shuttle services. Shuttle passes also will be available at the trailhead in Abingdon on the morning of the event.A shuttle service will offer rides to participants until 2 p.m. on the day of the trail ride, looping through Abingdon, Alvarado, and Damascus. Cyclists can start their ride at the trailhead in Abingdon and then catch a shuttle at either Alvarado Station or Damascus for a ride back to Abingdon. The Alvarado Station will be a location where cyclists can stop to refresh with snacks and drinks, and browse the merchandise. Restrooms will be available at the station while biking on the trail.An estimated time for cycling from Abingdon to Damascus is approximately four hours.Cochran described the trail from Abingdon to Damascus as “a neat ride.”“It’s interesting that a lot of people don’t know the trail head begins in Abingdon, It’s a section of trail that some people have never experienced. It’s a very pretty ride from Abingdon to Damascus,” he said.Cyclists will venture alongside the river, riding through farming pastureland until reaching Damascus, the half-way point of the picturesque 34-mile trail that winds its way through the Mount Rogers recreational area. The trail starts in Whitetop and ends in Abingdon, with Damascus sitting right in the middle.Once reaching Damascus, participants can eat lunch at one of the town’s restaurants and patron the town’s shops.‘Our Christmas’Hurricane Helene devastated the region just before Damascus geared up for its tourism season, which generates thousands of dollars for the trail town each year.Wendy Poplin, owner of The Bike Station on Laurel Avenue in town, said she also is feeling the same impact the hurricane had on restaurants and airbnbs, causing her business to struggle financially.Although her shop escaped damages from the flooding, she’s seen less traffic than what’s expected this time of year.“The hurricane hit right in the middle of what we call our Christmas season. This time of year is supposed to be Christmas for people in Damascus. That’s what we call it because it’s just like having Christmas a little early,” said Poplin.“It’s our Christmas season because of the leaf peppers who come to town to see the autumn colors. It’s our Christmas season because the restaurants and airbnb owners welcome the tourists. But, Mother Nature took it a different direction.”Poplin’s busiest weekend this October barely brought in half of the revenue usually made this time of year.“That’s been hard as a small business owner. I’ve got five full time and six part time staff members. I’m struggling to keep them on the pay roll. I’ve had to cut hours and the number of shuttles per day. Instead of doing six a day, we’re doing only three a day just to help conserve gas. It’s been playing with numbers and making the best of it,” said Poplin.The good news, she said, is the generous help the town has received since violent flood waters from Hurricane Helene damaged or destroyed homes and businesses, washed out roads, and demolished trestles and pathways on the Virginia Creeper Trail.“That’s the beauty of living in a small town,” Poplin said.The Turkey Trail Ride will run in conjunction with two holiday events in Abingdon.A Merchant Open House for downtown shops is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.The 2024 Festival of Trees will take place from Nov. 10 to Dec. 31. The festival will kick off with a tree lighting event at 5 p.m. on Nov. 23 at the Abingdon Visitor Center on Main Street.Cyclists can purchase a $35 shuttle ticket or make a donation online at www.visitabingdonvirginia.com. The money goes directly to participating bike shops including Shuttle Shack and The Bike Station, both in Damascus, and the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop in Abingdon. These three businesses will provide shuttle services for the Turkey Trail Ride.To purchase tickets or make a donation to the Turkey Trail Ride, visit www.visitabingdonvirginia.com.For more information, contact the Abingdon Visitor Center at (276) 676-2282.
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Carolyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. Contact her at [email protected].

Why we need a body to oversee how science is used by governments

Science and Health

Science and Politics Ian Boyd Polity (2024)Say what you really think, Sir Ian. Politics attracts people who are comfortable with “lying” and “manufacturing social truth” and who “do not distinguish between fantasy and reality”, Ian Boyd notes in his book Science and Politics. Moreover, many scientists are falling “for the wisdom of crowds”, “following the money” or, worse, indulging in the “evil” of normative research by designing studies to confirm their preferences. Borrowing former US president Barack Obama’s scathing comment about lawyers, the author labels many of those researchers as “highly credentialed, high-IQ morons”.AI tools as science policy advisers? The potential and the pitfallsIn short, I loved this book. In Science and Politics, Boyd — an ecologist and former adviser to the UK government — weaves together anecdote and reason to unpick the “troubled marriage” between research and government. He offers insights into life inside the “policy factory” as a participant and, frequently, a frustrated observer. His narrative never shies away from robust language, yet it somehow retains an upbeat tenor throughout.The relationship between science and politics is, Boyd laments, “too much theory and too little practice”. Boyd is very much a practitioner of science advice, having spent seven years (2012–19) as chief scientific adviser at the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). He also had a key role in developing science-advisory structures during the COVID-19 pandemic.I overlapped with Boyd’s tenure at Defra while I was leading the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, the UK Parliament’s in-house source of research analysis. For years, I asked science and policy researchers how we could provide better advice, but the answers were rarely useful. This book, with its shamelessly practical bent, would have helped a lot.There’s much in here, too, that tallies with my current role as a practice-focused academic who helps executives and legislatures to improve their use of evidence in decision making. Government clients usually ask me how they should design systems and processes. Although that is important, my starting point focuses on how to improve institutional cultures and the quality of staff.How to spend one trillion dollars: the US decarbonization conundrumBoyd agrees, and shares example after example of how, in the UK government, the truth is too often considered toxic and politicians and civil servants are unqualified or unable to hear it. For example, one senior civil servant told him how it was their job “to keep science advisers in their ‘boxes’”. Boyd recalls the “horror” on one UK cabinet minister’s face when he tried to explain something in theoretical terms.While acknowledging flaws in the system, Boyd notes the benefits of the UK model of having chief scientific advisers in each ministry — individuals who are responsible for bringing research evidence to bear on policy. It won’t work when there is a bad adviser in the post, but a good one can be very effective at honing policy options, identifying unintended consequences and stopping bad ideas.The rise of AI in policyLooking to the future, Boyd flags how artificial intelligence (AI) promises to alter the functioning of government institutions. For example, ‘digital twins’ are increasingly used to test policy options. These are computer models that mimic complex systems associated with, for instance, agriculture, ecology or public health.AI tools will also put evidence scoping and synthesis into the hands of mainstream policymakers, an advance that will surely be a headache for science advisers (see C. Tyler et al. Nature 622, 27–30; 2023). It is easy to imagine how political figures might use AI tools to produce ‘policy-based evidence’ rather than ‘evidence-based policy’.Until now, advisers have been responsible for delivering or contextualizing scientific evidence and understanding its nuances. This isn’t always easy, or popular. For example, Boyd reflects on how he was politically exposed for having to explain weaknesses in opposing evidence syntheses on the role of badgers in the spread of bovine tuberculosis. In a room filled with the most senior politicians, civil servants and the president of the farming union, Boyd overruled approvals for two badger culls, which led to “an embarrassing climb-down by the politicians”.Badgers can be vaccinated against bovine tuberculosis as an alternative to culling them.Credit: NPL/AlamyBecause AI tools make more-advanced modes of decision-making more attainable — such as real-time policy testing that produces feedback leading to better outcomes — advisers will need to increase their monitoring efforts to maintain the standards of people who use science but who are not trained in it.How can scientific rigour be maintained? Boyd recommends establishing a science office, modelled on the UK Office for National Statistics or the UK Office for Budget Responsibility, that holds policymakers and science advisers to account in their use of research. This is not a new idea, but it is the most high-profile argument I have seen for it so far.Such a statutory authority would enforce a system of internationally accepted standards, such as “follow the guidance of science” and “formally state your reasoning if you choose to depart from that guidance”. The latter part exists in several documents, including the UK ministerial code. Debate over upholding these standards will be lively, but resolvable.Decision makers need constantly updated evidence synthesisYet Boyd feels that the current guidance lacks teeth. He professes to feeling “coercion to conform to the current political will” and feared a “dark space” where he could “control policies by tilting the ‘evidence’”. He argues that it would have been preferable, as a scientist working in policy, to be responsible to an external authority.Serious thought would be required to ensure that a scientific authority does not seem to be a form of technocracy aimed at overturning democracy. Boyd suggests a renewed commitment to “open science” and “scientific freedoms” and calls for making the scientists of this body visible. In my view, such a body would also do well to adopt modes of social-scientific research that involve public participation.After finishing Science and Politics, and despite its horror stories about the peddling of “hocus-pocus” by “charlatans”, I still felt upbeat. Boyd reflects that bringing science to bear on policymaking is important because there is societal value in “merging reality with aspiration”. This is an apt description of this book and a fabulous summary of Boyd’s career.

Why we need a body to oversee how science is used by governments

Science and Health

Science and Politics Ian Boyd Polity (2024)Say what you really think, Sir Ian. Politics attracts people who are comfortable with “lying” and “manufacturing social truth” and who “do not distinguish between fantasy and reality”, Ian Boyd notes in his book Science and Politics. Moreover, many scientists are falling “for the wisdom of crowds”, “following the money” or, worse, indulging in the “evil” of normative research by designing studies to confirm their preferences. Borrowing former US president Barack Obama’s scathing comment about lawyers, the author labels many of those researchers as “highly credentialed, high-IQ morons”.AI tools as science policy advisers? The potential and the pitfallsIn short, I loved this book. In Science and Politics, Boyd — an ecologist and former adviser to the UK government — weaves together anecdote and reason to unpick the “troubled marriage” between research and government. He offers insights into life inside the “policy factory” as a participant and, frequently, a frustrated observer. His narrative never shies away from robust language, yet it somehow retains an upbeat tenor throughout.The relationship between science and politics is, Boyd laments, “too much theory and too little practice”. Boyd is very much a practitioner of science advice, having spent seven years (2012–19) as chief scientific adviser at the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). He also had a key role in developing science-advisory structures during the COVID-19 pandemic.I overlapped with Boyd’s tenure at Defra while I was leading the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, the UK Parliament’s in-house source of research analysis. For years, I asked science and policy researchers how we could provide better advice, but the answers were rarely useful. This book, with its shamelessly practical bent, would have helped a lot.There’s much in here, too, that tallies with my current role as a practice-focused academic who helps executives and legislatures to improve their use of evidence in decision making. Government clients usually ask me how they should design systems and processes. Although that is important, my starting point focuses on how to improve institutional cultures and the quality of staff.How to spend one trillion dollars: the US decarbonization conundrumBoyd agrees, and shares example after example of how, in the UK government, the truth is too often considered toxic and politicians and civil servants are unqualified or unable to hear it. For example, one senior civil servant told him how it was their job “to keep science advisers in their ‘boxes’”. Boyd recalls the “horror” on one UK cabinet minister’s face when he tried to explain something in theoretical terms.While acknowledging flaws in the system, Boyd notes the benefits of the UK model of having chief scientific advisers in each ministry — individuals who are responsible for bringing research evidence to bear on policy. It won’t work when there is a bad adviser in the post, but a good one can be very effective at honing policy options, identifying unintended consequences and stopping bad ideas.The rise of AI in policyLooking to the future, Boyd flags how artificial intelligence (AI) promises to alter the functioning of government institutions. For example, ‘digital twins’ are increasingly used to test policy options. These are computer models that mimic complex systems associated with, for instance, agriculture, ecology or public health.AI tools will also put evidence scoping and synthesis into the hands of mainstream policymakers, an advance that will surely be a headache for science advisers (see C. Tyler et al. Nature 622, 27–30; 2023). It is easy to imagine how political figures might use AI tools to produce ‘policy-based evidence’ rather than ‘evidence-based policy’.Until now, advisers have been responsible for delivering or contextualizing scientific evidence and understanding its nuances. This isn’t always easy, or popular. For example, Boyd reflects on how he was politically exposed for having to explain weaknesses in opposing evidence syntheses on the role of badgers in the spread of bovine tuberculosis. In a room filled with the most senior politicians, civil servants and the president of the farming union, Boyd overruled approvals for two badger culls, which led to “an embarrassing climb-down by the politicians”.Badgers can be vaccinated against bovine tuberculosis as an alternative to culling them.Credit: NPL/AlamyBecause AI tools make more-advanced modes of decision-making more attainable — such as real-time policy testing that produces feedback leading to better outcomes — advisers will need to increase their monitoring efforts to maintain the standards of people who use science but who are not trained in it.How can scientific rigour be maintained? Boyd recommends establishing a science office, modelled on the UK Office for National Statistics or the UK Office for Budget Responsibility, that holds policymakers and science advisers to account in their use of research. This is not a new idea, but it is the most high-profile argument I have seen for it so far.Such a statutory authority would enforce a system of internationally accepted standards, such as “follow the guidance of science” and “formally state your reasoning if you choose to depart from that guidance”. The latter part exists in several documents, including the UK ministerial code. Debate over upholding these standards will be lively, but resolvable.Decision makers need constantly updated evidence synthesisYet Boyd feels that the current guidance lacks teeth. He professes to feeling “coercion to conform to the current political will” and feared a “dark space” where he could “control policies by tilting the ‘evidence’”. He argues that it would have been preferable, as a scientist working in policy, to be responsible to an external authority.Serious thought would be required to ensure that a scientific authority does not seem to be a form of technocracy aimed at overturning democracy. Boyd suggests a renewed commitment to “open science” and “scientific freedoms” and calls for making the scientists of this body visible. In my view, such a body would also do well to adopt modes of social-scientific research that involve public participation.After finishing Science and Politics, and despite its horror stories about the peddling of “hocus-pocus” by “charlatans”, I still felt upbeat. Boyd reflects that bringing science to bear on policymaking is important because there is societal value in “merging reality with aspiration”. This is an apt description of this book and a fabulous summary of Boyd’s career.

Tackling Europe’s antimicrobial resistance problem with QuantaMatrix’s technologies

Technology

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming one of the biggest health and societal threats today. Recognising the severity of this problem, clinical microbiology company Quantamatrix has developed innovative technologies to help tackle the issue.The issue of antimicrobial resistance poses a threat not only to individual health but also to the safety of society as a whole. Resistant bacteria can spread between individuals, crossing borders and proliferating globally, potentially leading to large-scale outbreaks akin to a ‘pandemic’, which places a tremendous burden on public health systems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to AMR as a ‘silent pandemic’ and has classified it as one of the top ten threats to global public health. According to the international medical journal The Lancet, more than one million people have died each year from drug-resistant infections as a direct cause of death between 1990 and 2021, with projections suggesting that this number could reach two million annually by 2050. Additionally, the UK’s antimicrobial resistance report by Jim O’Neill warns that, if AMR is not adequately addressed, the number of direct and indirect deaths from AMR could exceed ten million worldwide by 2050, surpassing the eight million deaths caused by cancer.
Reasons for AMR and the global issue of AMR: The One Health Initiative
The primary cause of AMR is the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. For instance, during the pandemic, antimicrobials, antifungals, and AR antimicrobials were indiscriminately used on COVID-19 patients, despite their ineffectiveness against the virus, exacerbating the AMR problem. Additionally, as medical facilities, resources, and personnel were concentrated on responding to COVID-19, infection prevention, surveillance, control, and appropriate treatment for potential AMR patients weakened, leading to an increase in antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
Particularly concerning is the continuous rise of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens known as ‘superbugs’, which are no longer responsive to antimicrobials, viruses, fungi, and parasites, further deepening the AMR crisis.
To address this AMR issue, the global initiative known as ‘One Health’ has been launched. One Health aims to tackle the worldwide AMR problem through a four-part collaboration involving the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In a new declaration made during the UN high-level meeting on AMR in September, it was pledged to reduce deaths caused by AMR by 10% over the next six years, in response to the ‘silent slow-motion pandemic’ that could claim around 39 million lives by 2050.
Moreover, the initiative recognises the close interconnection between human health, animal health, and the environment, emphasising the need to strengthen strategic co-operation at local, national, and global levels regarding not only human and animal health but also food security, environmental issues, and economic concerns.
Antimicrobial resistance issues in Europe
In the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), the costs associated with antimicrobial resistance were estimated to reach approximately €1.5bn annually as of 2022. In 2022 alone, over 35,000 people died from drug-resistant bacterial infections in Europe. This figure surpasses the combined death toll from influenza, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, indicating that if the spread of resistant bacteria continues, it could have severe repercussions not only on public health systems but also across society as a whole.
However, the EU lags behind the United States, China, the United Kingdom, India, and Australia in the field of AMR research. Even Germany, which has published the most papers in the EU, has only around 6,000 publications, which is half the number of those from the UK or India. Furthermore, none of the top ten institutions in antimicrobial resistance research are located within the EU, suggesting a relatively low concentration of AMR research in the region.
Importance of rapid diagnostics in overcoming AMR
In the medical field directly addressing the AMR issue, close collaboration among healthcare professionals, industry, and government is essential to overcome this challenge. Stabilising the supply chain for existing antimicrobials, developing new antimicrobials, and implementing ‘rapid diagnostics’ to prevent the misuse of antimicrobials are all crucial.
Particularly when bacterial bloodstream infections progress to sepsis, the survival rate declines sharply by 7-9% per hour after onset, leading to a 30% mortality rate within 30 days. Current diagnostic methods often involve the empirical use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, which can take a long time to identify the optimal antimicrobial treatment, thereby accelerating the problem of antimicrobial resistance and threatening patient lives.
Therefore, rapid and accurate diagnostics are vital, as timely treatment with the correct antimicrobials can significantly impact patient outcomes. Recognising this need early on, the innovative company in clinical microbiology, Quantamatrix, has developed dRAST™ and uRAST to achieve faster and more accurate diagnostics.
Quantamatrix and dRAST™
Quantamatrix was established in 2010 as a spin-off from the laboratory of Professor Kwon Sung-hoon in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Seoul National University, South Korea. CEO Kwon founded the company with the goal of developing innovative platforms in clinical microbiology and molecular/immunodiagnostics to save patients’ lives through early diagnosis and improve healthcare environments.
In 2016, Quantamatrix developed the dRAST solution (direct & Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing), which revolutionised the field of clinical microbiological diagnostics. While traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) typically takes about 60 hours, dRAST significantly reduces this testing time by 30 to 50 hours, allowing for quicker and more effective treatment decisions.
Fig. 1: dRAST work flow
Three core proprietary technologies of dRAST
The rapid diagnostic capability of dRAST is attributed to three core proprietary technologies:

Microfluidics and bacterial immobilisation technology: This technology allows for the effective mixing of positive blood culture samples with agarose, which is then dispensed onto a chip and gelled to immobilise the bacteria within a thin layer of agarose.
Microscopic imaging: dRAST employs advanced microscopic imaging techniques to capture time-series images of bacterial growth. This allows for real-time monitoring of bacterial activity.
AI-driven big data analysis: Using algorithms trained through artificial intelligence (AI), dRAST can quickly assess bacterial growth or non-growth based on the imaging data. Traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods, used globally for over 30 years, primarily relied on turbidity changes due to metabolic activity when bacteria encounter antimicrobials, which required waiting for physical metabolic processes and thus took a long time. In contrast, dRAST conducts AST directly from positive blood cultures, determining the effectiveness of antimicrobials within five to seven hours.

dRAST is optimised for testing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, offering advantages in daily testing capacity, antimicrobial diversity, concentration composition for each antimicrobial, ease of use, and convenient reagent storage, making it a comprehensive rapid diagnostic solution.
Fig. 2: Three core proprietary technologies of dRAST
dRAST’s global market penetration
dRAST was commercialised for the first time in the world at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea in 2019. Following this, the same year, Quantamatrix established its European subsidiary in Paris, France, to directly target the global market. They have secured over 50 customer hospitals in key countries, including Germany, the UK, France, and Switzerland, as well as in Spain, Portugal, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania, accelerating their commercialisation efforts.
Recently, Quantamatrix has also expanded into the Middle East, entering markets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE, as well as Southeast Asia, further promoting market growth.
Clinical trial results of dRAST: Ramon Y Cajal
In April, at the largest European clinical microbiology and infectious diseases conference, ‘ESCMID Global 2024,’ results were presented from a study conducted over the past year at a hospital in Spain involving 300 patients, focusing on the ‘clinical and economic utility of dRAST’. The rapid test results provided by dRAST enabled prompt prescription of appropriate antimicrobials, reducing the 30-day mortality rate for severe sepsis patients from 24.4% to 9.5%, a decrease of 14.9 percentage points. For all patients with bacteremia, the 30-day mortality rate dropped from 13.5% to 9.6% with dRAST use, representing a reduction of 3.9 percentage points. This suggests that, for every 26 dRAST tests performed, one patient’s life can be saved.
Additionally, in the economic evaluation of hospital operations, a frequently used metric is the average length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), which decreased from 12.4 days to six days, a reduction of over six days. Quantifying this change indicates a potential direct healthcare cost savings of approximately €13,440. Reducing patient length of stay increases bed turnover, allowing hospitals to accommodate more new patients, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and expanding economic benefits. The use of dRAST not only saves lives but also demonstrates significant economic and social value.
Fig. 3: uRAST all tests completed within 13 hours
Next-generation technology, uRAST
In July, Quantamatrix developed the all-in-one rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing technology, uRAST (ultra-Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing), which integrates all processes before AST, completing all tests in just 13 hours. This technology was developed in collaboration with Seoul National University and Seoul National University Hospital and was introduced in July in the prestigious journal Nature (Impact factor: 64.8 in 2022).1
The ‘uRAST’ technology combines Quantamatrix’s ‘dRAST’ technology with the bacterial identification technology ‘QmapID (QuantaMatrix Multi Assay Platform IDentification),’ allowing the entire process to be completed in one day. Notably, the QmapID technology utilises a method of inscribing specific codes onto microdisks smaller than a hair cross-section, enabling the specific differentiation of 50 to 100 different bacterial species in a single test. This innovation significantly reduces the physical workload and time required for bacterial identification. Together with dRAST, the uRAST technology is regarded as an innovative solution to address the issue of AMR.
Future aspirations
Kwon Sung-hoon, CEO, stated: “After commercialising dRAST, I set a goal to innovate by integrating reverse processes such as bacterial identification and blood culture. The biggest challenge was whether we could eliminate the time-consuming blood culture process. Through dedicated research to solve this issue, we were able to develop the uRAST technology, which led to our achievements being featured in Nature.
“We aim to bring about another disruptive change with μCIA (micro Culture-Identification-AST), an integrated testing solution that commercialises the uRAST technology in the rapid AST market led by our current flagship product, dRAST. While continuously pursuing the global expansion of dRAST, we are committed to developing the all-in-one testing system μCIA to showcase yet another innovation in the field of clinical microbiology diagnostics.”
References

Blood culture-free ultra-rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Nature volume 632, pages 893–902 (2024)

Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.

Michelin-star menu added by Air France for SA business-class flyers

Business News

Air France has gone the extra mile to ensure business-class travellers would experience a taste of gourmet French cuisine, as Michelin-star chefs, including the revered Jérôme Banctel, have crafted a new menu to create an experience like never before.
Business-class holders will not only be able to enjoy gourmet meals on-flight but also in the airport lounges.

Also read: Air France resumes seasonal flights between Cape Town and Paris

This will ensure that flyers from Paris to South Africa will be able to savour the scrumptious gourmet flavours of France one last time, before departing back home.
Travel News has reported that the new menu introductions included additions such as haddock with a spiced carrot sauce and buckwheat risotto with parsley oil.
Menus catering to vegetarians and other dietary needs have also been created, whilst incorporating French seasonal produce and sustainably sourced products into their meal options for passengers.
With an inclusive, luxurious French-inspired menu on-flight, Air France has ensured that patrons can enjoy a fine dining experience while sky-high in the air.
According to IOL, the airline has commented on the new additions to the menu on the flights from Paris to Johannesburg and Cape Town:
‘To create these menus showcasing French fine dining, the chefs work together with Servair, the world leader in in-flight catering, using fresh, local produce that varies according to the season… In a responsible approach, the meat, poultry, milk products and eggs on each menu are of French origin, and the fish is sourced from sustainable fisheries.’
Also read:
21 great breakfast restaurants and cafés in Cape Town

Picture: Magda Ehlers / Pexels
Words: Louise Bell / Getaway

Business News | Swasti Launches a Short Film to Highlight the Health Impacts of Climate Change on Vulnerable Communities

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

BusinessWire IndiaBengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 18: To shed light on a critical aspect of climate change: its devastating impact on human health, Swasti, The Health Catalyst, a leading public health platform has launched a powerful new short film, “Under the Indian Sky: Tales of Climate and Health – Part 2: Our Communities.Also Read | Kailash Gahlot Joins BJP: AAP Replaces Former Transport Minister With Another Jat Face Raghuvinder Shokeen in Delhi Cabinet.The short film is part of a series of 12 short films – scheduled for release over 12 months in FY 2024-2025 – that results from a series of listening exercises led by Dr. Angela Chaudhuri, Chief Catalyst, Swasti across India in 2023 and 2024 where Dr. Chaudhuri met with members from communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, frontline health workers and sectoral partners to understand the experiences, learnings and actions around health impact of climate change.The films capture rich perspectives, anecdotes, and shared lived realities that can shape the ongoing global and national discourse around the impact of climate change on our most vulnerable citizens.Also Read | GERD Awareness Week 2024 Start and End Dates: Here’s the Significance of the Week-Long Observance That Raises Awareness About Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.The second film in the series, “Under the Indian Sky: Tales of Climate and Health – Part 2: Our Communities” helps us see the impact of climate change on communities through the eyes of vulnerable communities. Through their firsthand accounts, the film stitches together the health impact of climate change, as experienced by real people in their communities.The film is a Call to Protect Ourselves and Our Planet. On the occasion of the film launch, Dr. Angela Chaudhuri, Chief Catalyst from Swasti, said, “We heard from people in their communities. I am afraid that if these communities don’t have the resources to adapt to climate change, their health and well-being could be at serious risk. Without adaptation and early warning systems, these communities are also likely to experience poor mental health due to constant uncertainty and economic strain. But, all is not lost. Addressing these health risks requires a coordinated effort to support and protect these vulnerable communities.”Digital Film Link: https://youtu.be/83hXEntvD1ISays Dr. Angela about the film series, ‘Under the Indian Sky,’ is a powerful and necessary contribution to the climate change conversation. Highlighting the real experiences of people captures the human cost of this crisis – something we often miss capturing. We hope the film series sparks dialogue and inspires action towards a healthier planet for all.”The short film was launched at a virtual film festival hosted by Swasti titled “COP29: Climate Cinema for Resilience”, which presented a curated selection of 3 films including “Nature’s Shields” by SEEDS which highlights collective environmental protection efforts to ensure public well-being, “The Secret In Our Backyards” by Vitamin Angels which highlights the importance of good nutrition and communities taking ownership of their wellbeing and “Under the Indian Sky: Tales of Climate and Health – Part 2: Our Communities” by Swasti – in alignment with COP29 themes and discussions.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Heckler & Koch USA MR556 A4 & MR762 A4

Technology

Heckler & Koch, the global leader in small arms, is excited to announce the release of the new MR A4 Series. The MR556 A4 and MR762 A4 are the latest products released by HK-USA.

The A4’s updated furniture and fully ambidextrous controls make it more user-friendly than ever. A new lifetime barrel bore guarantee, an HK first, reflects HK’s confidence in this no-compromise civilian product.

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“Our testing has shown our proprietary cannon-grade steel barrels vastly outperform so-called mil-spec barrels in both accuracy and durability. We’re so confident in our barrels that we now guarantee them for life. You shoot it out, we’ll replace it. Period.”

Nathan Shueth, HK Director of Business Development

Schueth said HK tested the MR556 A4 head-to-head with a with a mil-spec chrome-lined barrel to compare accuracy and durability. After 12,000 rounds, the HK experienced no degradation in accuracy, while the mil-spec competitor was shooting groups 2.5X larger than its baseline.

The updated MR rifles are feature-rich and now reflect the latest technologies included in the newest models of the select-fire HK416 and HK417 they are patterned after. A few key updates include a 2-position adjustable gas block for shooting suppressed or un-suppressed, a new fully ambidextrous lower receiver (bolt catch/release, magazine release, 45-degree selector levers) and new slimline handguard and buttstock. At launch, the MR556 A4 will come in two barrel lengths: a 11.5 in. pistol configuration, and a 16.5 in. Rifle. The MR762 A4 will ship with a 16.5 in. barrel.See also

Source: Heckler & Koch news release