Call
+918447748545

Published on: Jan 20, 2021
1 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MRNA Vaccines – Uses Beyond COVID

mRNA vaccines – uses beyond COVID

Last year we estimated it would take over a year for a vaccine against COVID to be approved, with vaccinations expected by spring 2021. Incredibly we have managed to meet this prediction, and by the start of January over 42 million doses have been administered in 51 countries. What is even more astounding is that two of the approved vaccines use a completely new vaccination method never used before. mRNA vaccines can be used to easily deliver a variety of different vaccines by changing the mRNA inside the vaccine capsule, and its benefits may not be limited to just infections.

A recent publication in NATURE has demonstrated the use of mRNA vaccines against auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. MS is an autoimmune condition in which the protective lining of nerves is destroyed by the body’s immune system, significantly slowing down or altering nerve impulse propagation. This leads to symptoms such as fatigue, vision problems, numbness, tingling, aberrant pain, muscle spasms and weakness.

The study looked at introducing antigen-specific tolerance in mice models of MS. This was achieved by activating anti-inflammatory white blood cells. Normally vaccines activate inflammatory white cells to produce a response but altered mRNA with one specific change to its base structure induces and activates anti-inflammatory cells instead.

Furthermore, this anti-inflammatory response is specific to cells that are activated by and attack the body’s nerve cells, thereby delivering a targeted response and not affecting the immune response against infections or cancer. Global immunosuppression is a common side effect of steroids and chemotherapy agents that are normally used to treat auto-immune conditions, and mRNA vaccines may avoid this side effect altogether.

A further advantage is its versatility. This has been demonstrated against multiple sclerosis, but changing the mRNA delivered by the vaccine, it may prove beneficial in far more auto-immune conditions. Of course, we have to emphasize this was an animal study and human trials are unlikely to happen in the next few years, but this study nicely demonstrates how the impact of the COVID pandemic may already be providing beneficial gains for the future.

Read Blog

Digital Pharmacy Platforms India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Medicine Access Through Technology

India’s healthcare system is rapidly digitizing, and one of the most impactful innovations is the rise of digital pharmacy platforms. These platforms make it easier for people to order medicines online, manage prescriptions, and access healthcare services without visiting a physical store.

As chronic diseases, online consultations, and digital health records become more common, digital pharmacy solutions are now a vital part of India's healthcare infrastructure. SecondMedic plays a key role in this evolution by providing secure, fast, and integrated digital pharmacy services.

What Are Digital Pharmacy Platforms?

Digital pharmacy platforms are online systems that allow users to:

Order prescription medicines
Upload or sync digital prescriptions
Schedule refills
Purchase OTC products
Track orders
Access pharmacist support

Instead of visiting a traditional pharmacy, users can manage medication needs from anywhere in India.

Why Digital Pharmacies Matter in India

India sees high demand for medicines due to:

Rising chronic diseases
Aging population
Urban mobility challenges
Increasing telemedicine adoption
Growing digital health awareness

Digital pharmacies bridge the gap between medical consultation and medication access.

Key Benefits of Digital Pharmacy Platforms

1. Convenience and Accessibility

Patients can order medicines anytime, especially helpful for elderly individuals or those living in remote areas.

2. Time and Cost Savings

Digital ordering eliminates long queues, multiple store visits, and pricing uncertainties.

3. Verified, Authentic Medicines

Reputed platforms ensure drugs come from licensed pharmacies with full batch traceability.

4. E-Prescription Integration

Digital prescriptions reduce manual errors and support seamless ordering.

5. Chronic Disease Medication Management

Automated refill reminders and scheduled deliveries help maintain treatment consistency.

6. Privacy and Discretion

Useful for sensitive medication categories where users may prefer confidential ordering.

The Growing Digital Pharmacy Market in India

According to Statista 2025:

The Indian e-pharmacy market is expected to reach USD 10 billion by 2027.
Nearly 35 percent of urban households now use digital pharmacy services.
Chronic disease patients are the largest user segment.

Government initiatives like ABDM also promote secure and standardized digital prescriptions.

SecondMedic’s Digital Pharmacy Ecosystem

SecondMedic integrates pharmacy services seamlessly within its broader digital health platform.

1. Online Medicine Ordering

Users can order medicines directly through the SecondMedic app or website.

2. E-Prescription Sync

Prescriptions from SecondMedic doctors sync automatically, reducing errors and delays.

3. Verified Inventory

All medicines are sourced from certified pharmacies with temperature-controlled storage and valid expiry cycles.

4. Chronic Care Refill System

For diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and cardiac conditions, patients can schedule monthly refills.

5. Real-Time Tracking

Users get live updates on order status, dispatch, and delivery.

6. Secure Payment Gateway

Digital payments are supported through encrypted channels, ensuring safety and transparency.

7. Integration with Medical Consultations

After virtual consultations, prescribed medicines can be ordered instantly on the same platform.

How Digital Pharmacy Platforms Support Telemedicine

Telemedicine has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare. Digital pharmacies complement this by:

Enabling immediate access to prescribed medicines
Ensuring continuity of care
Reducing patient dependency on physical pharmacies
Streamlining doctor-to-pharmacy communication

Together, they create an efficient, patient-centered care loop.

Challenges in India’s Pharmacy System and How Digital Platforms Solve Them

1. Fragmented Pharmaceutical Distribution

Digital systems bring transparency and accountability.

2. Prescription Mismanagement

E-prescriptions minimize errors and duplication.

3. Limited Accessibility in Rural Areas

Digital ordering delivers medicines directly to underserved regions.

4. Inconsistent Medicine Availability

Real-time inventory ensures availability and alternatives.

5. Lack of Patient Awareness

Digital platforms offer information on dosage, interactions, and side effects.

Regulatory Framework for Digital Pharmacies in India

To ensure safety and compliance, digital pharmacies follow:

Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940)
Pharmacy Practice Regulations
ABDM standards for digital prescriptions
DPDP Act for data security
CDSCO guidelines for online pharmacies

SecondMedic maintains full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Future of Digital Pharmacy in India

The sector is expected to grow due to:

AI-based medicine recommendations
Smart refill systems
Blockchain for supply chain verification
Automated pharmacy logistics
Drone-based delivery pilots in some states

SecondMedic is actively building tools to support next-generation pharmacy automation and integrated digital care.

Why Patients Trust SecondMedic’s Pharmacy System

Authentic and verified medicines
Transparent pricing and secure payments
Direct connection with healthcare consultations
Support for chronic care medication
Nationwide delivery capability
User-friendly ordering process
Compliance with all digital health safety standards

SecondMedic brings reliability, convenience, and safety under one unified digital healthcare platform.

Conclusion

Digital pharmacy platforms are redefining how India accesses medicines. They improve convenience, enhance safety, support telemedicine, and empower patients to manage chronic conditions more effectively. SecondMedic’s digital pharmacy provides an integrated solution that combines e-prescriptions, secure ordering, and nationwide delivery to simplify healthcare access.

To order medicines or explore digital pharmacy services, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

Statista – India E-Pharmacy Market Outlook 2025
IMARC Group – Digital Healthcare Market India 2025
NITI Aayog – Digital Health Tech Landscape 2024
ABDM – Digital Prescription Guidelines
FICCI – Healthcare Innovation Report 2024

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.