Cipla, CSIR-CDRI to advance ophthalmic antifungal treatment development
IMT News Desk
The collaboration aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both organisations to develop a safe and efficacious drug for fungal keratitis
Cipla has entered into a collaborative research agreement with CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India, to jointly develop a novel ophthalmic formulation for fungal keratitis. The collaboration aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both organisations to develop a safe and efficacious drug for fungal keratitis.
CSIR-CDRI has developed a prototype formulation for an antifungal drug to optimise its delivery in the eye. In preclinical studies, this formulation supports faster resolution of the infection. Cipla will scale up the product, conduct the required studies and seek regulatory approvals for commercialisation, ensuring accessibility for those in need.
Umang Vohra, MD and Global CEO, Cipla, said, “At Cipla, our growth is centered on our commitment to patients, extending care to communities through patient-centric innovation. This collaboration with CSIR-CDRI is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and top-quality healthcare solutions to all those in need, encompassing drugs, devices, and diagnostics. With this, we are sustaining our antimicrobial resistance stewardship by investing in anti-infectives and leading industry voice in the fight against AMR.”
Dr Radha Rangarajan, Director, CSIR-CDRI said, “Our research focuses on finding innovative, cost-effective solutions for India’s unmet clinical needs. CDRI scientists have developed a unique ophthalmic formulation of the antifungal drug. This, in turn, is expected to accelerate the cure and lead to better outcomes. Our collaboration with Cipla will enable the translation of the research into a drug product, with the potential to reduce the burden of disease.”
