IIT Bombay, which recently developed two plant-based surfactants molecules (that can reduce the surface tension of water when used in very low concentrations), is in the process of identifying potential pharmaceutical companies to conduct its further studies and commercialisation.

The molecules, developed in the nano-particular form of drug delivery, were built under a broad-spectrum technology, applicable to a wide platform of diseases. The molecules can target diseases like asthma, bronchitis, TB, diabetes and muscular degeneration. IIT recently filed the patent application for both the molecules.

Out of the two molecules, one is for neo-natal application, whereas the other is for adults. These molecules are plant-based surfactants, which effectively contain adjuvants and essential oils. The adult version has entered pre-clinical studies. IIT Bombay had tied up with Sree Chitira Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram to conduct the pre-clinical studies of the molecule.

“We have conducted the in-vitro studies and are trying to identify potential pharmaceutical companies to conduct the animal studies, optimize the formulation, nature of dosage etc,” Jayesh R Bellare, professor, Department of chemical Engineering, IIT told Pharmabiz.

IIT Bombay had set up an Industrial Research & Consultancy Centre (IRCC) to coordinate the research and development activities at IIT Bombay. IRCC will collaborate with industry and government organizations to foster research and development.