Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) has entered into a collaborative-cum-license agreement with Ipca Laboratories for further development of its compound 99/411, a promising synthetic substitute for drugs based on Artemisinin derived from the plant Artemisia annua. CDRI, Lucknow, is a premier research institute of CSIR, Government of India, actively engaged in research areas of national priorities like anti-malarial, tuberculosis and reproductive health along with life style and age related disorders.

Artemisinin based combination therapy has been recommended by WHO for the treatment of P falciparum malaria. A synthetic substitute of artemisinin will be a major break through in cost effective management of falciparum malaria and multi drug resistant falciparum malaria in clinical practice. The compound under licensing is being developed in oral form to meet the new global challenges of the malaria incidence covering 300-400 million patients every year including the Indian population of around three millions.

The gross pharmacological and pre-clinical studies of CDRI compound 99/411 have shown high level of activity after administration via oral route in infected mice and monkeys. The compound is found to be sate in small and large animals without any apparent toxic effects.

Ipca is leader in anti-malarial drugs in India, producing and exporting wide range of anti malarial compounds like Choloroquine, Amodiaquine, Primaquine, Artemether, Arteether and Artesunate and their formulations. The company has strong thrust on exports. Its exports to over 110 countries accounted for 53 per cent of its turnover. The company's manufacturing facilities have been approved by regulatory authorities from all over the world. The company currently spends four per cent of its turnover on research and development and with this collaborative efforts, the company is now further expanding its collaborative new Drug Development activities.