The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India has entered into a tripartite collaboration research project with the Tanjavore-based Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) Deemed University and the Chennai-based Citadel Fine Pharmaceuticals for standardizing the efficacy of Siddha drugs in the management of leucoderma.

As per this industry-institute collaboration, supported by the government, SASTRA would conduct the chemical finger printing for analysis of various secondary metabolites, vitamins and mineral elements related to the Siddha formulation available for treating leucoderma. Further, the organization would conduct extensive pre-clinical studies including animal trials as per WHO standards. In the two-year project with an estimation of Rs 83 lakhs christened as 'Scientific evaluation of safety and efficacy profile of herbal Siddha formulation in the management of leucoderma', the DST would fund Rs 55 lakhs, and the remaining Rs 28 lakhs would be met by the industry partner towards research and development and for the promotion of the drug.

According to sources, Leucoderma, a dermatological disfiguring caused by the absence of melanin pigments in the skin, is common among dark skin races all over the world, and it is estimated that one out of 100 people is affected by this disease. At present, though many treatment methods including surgical options are available, effective and complete cure is impossible for this disease. However, the Siddha system of medicine claims to cure this remedy with a few effective formulations. The goal of the project in leucoderma management would be to restore the functions of the skin and to improve the appearance of the patient, said sources.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed recently at SASTRA between G J Samadhanam of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Division of DST, S Vaidhya Subramanian, dean, Planning & Development, SASTRA and G Sethuraman, director of Citadel Fine Pharmaceuticals.