The Diabetes Research Centre (DRC), the research wing of the Chennai based M V Hospital for Diabetes, has commenced clinical trials of two drugs for detailed studies of their wound healing properties. The centre has also undertaken clinical studies of three more new molecules for diabetes treatment.

The centre will shortly commence detailed studies on Plermin, the recombinant human Platelet Derived Growth Factor rhPDGF, the first drug launched by Dr.Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) in India for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The Centre has also started another study of REGEN-D, India's First Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor (rhEGF) for diabetic foot care, burn injuries and skin grafts. The product is launched by Bharat Biotech International two months ago, informed Dr.Vijay Viswanathan, Joint Director, MV Hospital for Diabetes and Diabetes Research Centre. Both these products, already in market, are taken for one year detailed studies to explore the maximum benefits of these drugs in favour of diabetes patients.

DRC will commence clinical trial of three new molecules for type two diabetes from January 2007. Currently six clinical trials on inhaler or oral insulin for type two diabetes from various Clinical Research Organizations are on progress at DRC and the projects are on phase two, phase three stages. Though Dr.Vijay refused to reveal more about the clinical trial, he said that six trials are expected to complete within the next six months.

The centre is also planning to carry out studies on genetic molecules with a UK based university The research is expected to commence by June 2006 with duration will be one year. The centre has recently completed clinical studies on a wound dressing silver ion material for the Denmark based Coloplast Group of Companies, a new concept in wound healing methods.

The footwear department of DRC, which has introduced special footwear for diabetic patients in collaboration with the Chennai based Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) about eight years ago, is on a venture to come up with special footwear to be offered at a low price. The new product targets the diabetic care of poor farmers and villagers, who cannot afford the current high price.