New Delhi [India], May 6: Premas Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (PLS), a pioneering enabler of life science innovations in India, has announced a strategic collaboration with Sphere Bio, a global leader in picodroplet-based microfluidic technologies for functional single-cell analysis. This partnership represents a significant leap in bringing transformative, next-generation platforms to scientists and researchers in India and Bangladesh. The collaboration is rooted in a shared vision: empowering biopharma, biotech, and academic communities with cutting-edge tools that accelerate discovery and drive impactful science. With this alliance, Premas will bring Sphere Bio’s high-performance solutions – including their flagship Cyto-Mine® platform and a growing assay portfolio – closer to researchers in South Asia, supported by localized technical expertise and seamless implementation support.

Sphere Bio, formerly known as Sphere Fluidics, is widely recognized for its innovations in single-cell and picodroplet microfluidics. Their technologies enable ultra-high-throughput analysis, sorting, and isolation of individual cells – critical for applications such as antibody discovery, cell line development, and advanced cell therapy research. These platforms are currently used by leading pharma companies and research institutions around the world to enhance the speed and accuracy of biologic development.

For Premas Life Sciences, this partnership is a natural extension of its mission to democratize access to advanced life science tools. Over the last 18 years, PLS has built a strong legacy of introducing globally benchmarked technologies to India’s scientific ecosystem – spanning genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and diagnostics. Their ability to not only introduce but also embed technologies through technical training, application support, and long-term scientific partnerships makes them uniquely positioned to amplify the impact of Sphere Bio’s offerings.

“India is entering a new era of biomedical innovation, with increased investments in biosimilars, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies. This collaboration with Sphere Bio allows us to deliver the kind of scientific capabilities that can transform how research is done in this region–faster, more precisely, and with greater reproducibility. With the government’s strong push through initiatives like the Bio-E3 policy, PRIP scheme, and its vision for bio foundries, we believe technologies like Sphere Bio’s Cyto-Mine® will play a crucial role in accelerating antibody discovery and cell line development, further strengthening the ‘Made in India’ biotech ecosystem. We’re excited to co-create a future where access to such platforms is not a barrier but a baseline.” said Praveen Gupta, Managing Director of Premas Life Sciences.

Sphere Bio echoed this optimism. “We see South Asia as a region with enormous scientific potential. Our partnership with Premas is about more than market access – it’s about long-term impact. Premas brings deep local understanding, technical know-how, and a genuine commitment to enabling discovery. Together, we aim to catalyse the next wave of breakthroughs in biologics and personalized medicine.” said Dale Levitzke, CEO of Sphere Bio

“Our partnership with Premas Life Sciences is a key milestone in our mission to make cutting-edge single-cell technologies more accessible across the APAC region. India and Bangladesh represent rapidly growing innovation hubs, and we see immense potential in empowering local researchers with tools that meet global standards. Premas brings deep market understanding, strong scientific engagement, and a track record of successful technology integration–making them an ideal partner to drive regional adoption and impact.” said Jay Manikandan, VP Commercial (APAC), Sphere Bio

This alliance comes at a pivotal time, as the biotech landscape in India and Bangladesh rapidly evolves with government backing, rising R&D investment, and a growing scientific workforce. As demand for next-gen therapeutics increases, so does the need for high-resolution, scalable tools–precisely what Sphere Bio delivers. Together, Premas and Sphere Bio are building a scientific bridge between global innovation and regional potential. Beyond product access, the partnership offers localized support, training, and tailored solutions aligned with international standards. It sets a new benchmark for how advanced technologies can be effectively introduced and scaled in emerging biotech markets.

New Delhi [India], May 5: In a vast and diverse country like India, where the reach of condoms is limited, e-commerce wellness companies are using immensely popular sporting events like the IPL to reach millions of otherwise unreachable people and encourage the adoption and consistent usage of condoms and sexual wellness products.

For instance, CondomBazaar.com, a popular e-commerce retail store specialising in condoms and sexual wellness products, promotes IPL-themed product bundles. According to the Condom Bazaar team, “The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a cultural phenomenon that captivates millions nationwide. We recognise its vast reach and strategically align our marketing efforts with the IPL season to promote condom usage.”

With targeted interventions like these, e-commerce retailers aim to normalise conversations around sexual wellness and encourage condom usage.

Decoding the Market

Despite advancements, condom usage in India remains relatively low. The NFHS-5 survey indicates that around 10% of men in India reported using condoms. So, there is a significant gap in awareness and adoption of condoms as a viable contraceptive method. Furthermore, the prevalence of condom usage is not uniform across India; it varies according to numerous demographic factors. For instance, only 7.6% of men in rural areas use condoms, as opposed to 13.6% of men in urban areas. Similarly, condom usage varies according to the state.

So, it makes reaching a wider audience and promoting condom usage with ads relevant to the local contexts extremely challenging. There is a clear need to find a common theme to reach diverse sections of society without facing these hurdles. This is where IPL comes in.

IPL: The Key to Mass Engagement

According to Star Sports statistics, the 2024 IPL season had a cumulative viewership of more than 40 crores for the live broadcast of 18 matches. The IPL’s extensive viewership cuts across urban and rural demographics, making it an ideal theme to connect with audiences that cannot be reached by any other means. It offers an excellent opportunity to engage with people nationwide in a context that is both entertaining and relevant.

Take the story of Rajesh Yadav, a farmer in the village of Bhogpur, Uttar Pradesh. Rajesh is a 28-year-old ardent cricket fan with two children. His wife, Anjali, had often requested him to get condoms for contraception, as the couple had reached the limit as to the number of children they could afford to have. “He used to tell me to either get sterilised at the district government hospital or walk the path God has chosen for us. But I never liked the idea of permanent contraception”, says Anjali.

“My friends in the village always made fun of those using condoms. As a result, I believed using them is shameful”, Says Rajesh. That changed suddenly when Rajesh encountered an IPL-themed condom advertisement on his smartphone. He was initially interested only in the IPL theme. “I asked myself how cricket and condoms could be connected. I was amused but curious. I followed the link and saw so many varieties of condoms listed on that site. I never knew about them before. Seeing condoms in fruit flavours made me want to try them”, says Rajesh.

The initial hesitation turned into inspiration. Rajesh not only started experimenting with different types of condoms but also started encouraging his friends in the village to try them. Anjali is also happy with the change. “Now that we use condoms regularly, we do not have disagreements on contraception usage. We have managed to find unity and intimacy by simply choosing a contraceptive that we both like. It all happened because of Rajesh’s interest in IPL”, says Anjali.

E-Commerce Initiatives Promote Sexual Wellness During the IPL Season

Sexual wellness is more than just condoms and contraception. From intimate hygiene products to lubes and lingerie, there are numerous wellness products available online. E-commerce wellness stores like Condom Bazaar are packaging all these products together and promoting them during the IPL season.

According to the Condom Bazaar team, “By bundling condoms, a functional contraception method, with other interesting sexual wellness products, we aim to make condoms more appealing to purchase for even the otherwise uninterested people. These bundles offer a great value for money and appeal to those who want to experiment.”

Condom Bazaar is leveraging the power of IPL to reach the audience through marketing efforts that resonate with cricket enthusiasts like the young couple Priya and Arjun from Delhi. “Watching IPL together and supporting the same team brought us together into a relationship! So, we believe every match is a celebration and an opportunity to strengthen our bond”, says Priya. They both felt the idea of using condoms at a time of celebration to be unexciting.

One evening, they came across a social media advertisement from Condom Bazaar promoting an IPL-themed intimacy bundle. “We both found the contents of that bundle interesting. Having products that promote intimacy and experimentation seemed like a perfect way to celebrate great sporting moments”, Says Arjun.

The couple initially treated condoms that came with the package as added extras. “We soon realised every product in the bundle, including the condom pack, is carefully curated. They all complemented each other so well that we started liking the condoms in the end. We use them regularly now!”, says Priya. These intimacy bundles introduced condoms to a couple who never intended to use them and added a whole new dimension to their relationship.

IPL and E-commerce Marketing: The Perfect Duo for Promoting Sexual Wellness Products

By promoting condoms with IPL-themed initiatives, e-commerce platforms are reaching diverse audiences, including those in rural areas and younger demographics. These initiatives are not only boosting sales but also playing a crucial role in normalising the conversation around sexual wellness and intimacy. As these campaigns continue to evolve, they hold the potential to significantly increase condom adoption and usage across India, contributing to better public health outcomes.

For more information, visit www.CondomBazaar.com.

Bengaluru, India April 23 – BPL Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading medical devices companies, announces key leadership changes as a part of its strategic growth initiatives. Mr. Sunil Khurana has been promoted to Executive Chairman from his former role as the company’s CEO & MD. Dr. Shravan Subramanyam assumes the role of MD of BPL MedTech & Group CEO of Claypond Capital invested MedTech platform. Mr. Guruswamy K, COO of BPL MedTech, will take over as the CEO of BPL Medical Technologies – ^­­­effective April 01, 2025.

Mr. Sunil Khurana, the founding CEO & MD of BPL Medical Technologies, has played a crucial role in building the company into one of India’s most trusted medical device brands since its launch in 2013. Driven by the vision to make BPL MedTech a significant global exporter of medical devices, he led the company in establishing its second state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bengaluru – largely focusing on expanding the manufacturing capacity of X-ray range of equipment and other essential medical devices.

Mr. Khurana now transitions to the position of the Executive Chairman, with focus on guiding the strategic direction of the company, overseeing key decisions at the board level, helping the organisation achieve financial goals, and mentoring the senior leadership to ensure the company’s alignment with the long-term vision.

“I am incredibly proud of our journey so far,” said Mr. Khurana. “With such a strong leadership team, I am more confident than ever that BPL Medical Technologies will continue its growth path. I look forward to working closely with the team, aligning our synergies, and continuing to shape the future of healthcare in India and Global market.”

Dr. Shravan Subramanyam joins as the Managing Director of BPL MedTech & Group CEO of Claypond Capital invested MedTech companies. A third-generation physician from Madras Medical College, Dr. Subramanyam has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, including leadership roles at Wipro-GE Healthcare, Roche, and Novartis. He has also led strategic initiatives at Premji Invest and Claypond Capital.

Dr. Subramanyam will take the reins from Mr. Khurana and lead BPL MedTech into its next phase of growth – BPL 2.0.

Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Dr Subramanyam said, “I’m looking forward to working closely with Sunil Khurana, Executive Chairman and Guruswamy K MBE, CEO, in their new roles, along with the senior leadership team at BPL Medical Technologies. Together, we will continue to drive BPL’s mission of improving lives through cutting-edge medical technologies and solutions.”

Mr. Guruswamy Krishnamoorthy brings with him over 32 years of experience in the medical device industry. In 2017, he joined BPL MedTech where he initially led the international and strategic business initiatives. He was sent on a special assignment to Penlon as Director- Sales & was promoted to the CEO of Penlon Ltd., a former BPL MedTech-invested company based in the UK. Notably, during his role as Penlon’s CEO, he received the title of “Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)” from Queen Elizabeth II for successfully addressing the challenges posed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the launch of an innovative emergency ventilator for the UK market.

As the new CEO, Mr. Guruswamy K will manage all operations and continue to implement the strategic vision established by the former CEO.

“I am honoured to assume the role of CEO of BPL Medical Technologies,” he said. “I share the same passion for the potential and opportunities for this great organisation, and I am excited to work with our incredible team in this journey ahead to take BPL Medical Technologies to newer heights.”

BPL Medical Technologies remains committed to its mission of delivering cutting-edge MedTech solutions to empower healthcare professionals in India as well as globally.

ABOUT BPL MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES

BPL Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is one of India’s leading medical technology solutions providers, specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of medical equipment across Cardiology, Critical Care & Surgery, Imaging, Mother & Child Care, Home Care, and Consumables & Accessories. In 2013, the company was carved out of BPL Limited as a medical devices business division through a business transfer.  The company has its registered head office in Bengaluru, India, along with 14 branch offices across India, dedicated customer support teams, and a network of over 600 professionals located in the farthest corners of the country. The company has a large team of R&D that strives to design and develop medical devices as per the latest product features and offerings. BMTPL products are manufactured at its ISO-certified manufacturing facilities located in Palakkad and Bengaluru – a new manufacturing facility under the PLI initiative driven by the GOI, and was inaugurated by Hon’ble PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi on Oct 29, 2024. Both our facilities conform to the highest standards of quality and best practices.