The Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, in association with the Bangalore based Connexios Life Sciences is developing a breakthrough drug for controlling blood sugar as well as lipid level in the area of diabetes and associated hyperlipidemia.

At present there is no drug available in the market to control blood sugar level in patients having diabetes and associated hyperlipidemia, which is high level of lipids (fats) in the bloodstream, which can speed hardening of the arteries.

CDRI had identified two marine fractions namely CDR-134F194 and CDR-267F018 having significant antihyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity. CDRI collaborated with Connexios Life Sciences, Bangalore for further studies through its pathway biology-based drug discovery platform and ascribe molecular modes of action of these products.

The joint efforts have succeeded in developing three synthetic molecules namely S-001-469, S-002-853, and S-002-857 having significant anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Negotiations are in progress for joint development of these products. The data is being evaluated by a number of companies for commercial and research venture with CDRI, informed CDRI sources.

CDRI also have a general advisory consultancy agreement with Connexios Life Sciences for consultancy in the area of structural and molecular biology which integrates computational and high throughput screening in new drug discovery and development programmes.

Last year, CDRI had licensed a laboratory process technology for the preparation of specific DNA probes and oligonucleotides primers, to Biotron Health Care Ltd., Mumbai for manufacturing and marketing a PCR Based Tuberculosis Diagnostic Kit. The Institute also had licensed a process know-how for the preparation of vegetable capsules to Strides Arcolab. Ltd., Bangalore, which is one of the largest manufacturers of soft gelatin capsules in India.

CDRI has also developed a synthetic molecule 99-373 with anti-resorptive (anti-osteoporosis) properties and a plant based product NP-1 as an anti-osteogenic (bone forming) agent. The data is being evaluated and is likely to be soon transferred to the industry for commercialization, informed sources.