Piramal Life Sciences Limited (PLSL) has delivered its clinical trial data indicating safety and efficacy of Tinefcon, a phytopharmaceutical developed by the company, in treating severe psoriasis to the scientific community in a recent conference held in USA.
In the 68th scientific session of American Academy of Dermatology held at Miami Beach, Florida, USA, from 5th to 9th, March 2010, Dr Somesh Sharma, managing director, Piramal Life Sciences, presented details of the clinical trial data indicating Tinefcon's efficacy and safety in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
As a partially purified extract of a plant, Tinefcon, sphaeranthus indicus (East Indian Globe Thistle), is categorised as a phytopharmaceutical in India and an herbal supplement in the USA.
PLSL scientists discovered the efficacy of Tinefcon against psoriasis from its' ongoing phytopharmaceutical and NCE development efforts. Last year PLSL carried out clinical trials for psoriasis in which the drug has shown good efficacy, and excellent safety profile, announced the company.
Dr Swati Piramal, director - Strategic Alliances and Communications, Piramal Group stated, "It is a moment of great pride for an Indian pharmaceutical company that it's work will be presented at such a prestigious international scientific conference to discuss the results on the efficacy and safety of the Tinefcon. Our work in this area reaffirms our commitment to building a diversified and strong pipeline of products to address unmet health and medical needs."
Psoriasis is a common and chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, and affects approximately 2 per cent of the world's population. In India, approximately 21 million people are believed to suffer from psoriasis. People with psoriasis typically have sharply demarcated chronic erythematous plaques covered by silvery white scales. These commonly appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, umbilicus and lumbar area. Current standard of care includes topical treatment with corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues (calcipotriol, calcitriol and tacalcitol) and retinoids (tazarotene), use of narrow band photo-therapy and use of biological agents.