The Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) has given approval to Lupin Ltd for conducting phase I clinical trials for two of its Investigational New Drug candidates (IND), LL 4858 (Sudoterb) and LL 4218 (Desoside-P). With this addition of these approvals, Lupin now has 4 IND applications approved by DGCI.

The anti-TB drug candidate LL 4858 has shown excellent anti-mycobacterial activity against multidrug resistant strains of Tuberculosis. LL 4218 is a pure compound, isolated from plant, for the treatment of psoriasis, the company said in a release here.

"The approval of LL 4858 and LL 4218 marks a significant milestone in Lupin's NCE research programme. With 4 drug candidates in clinical trials, this puts us in the league of a select few," commented Dr. D B Gupta, chairman, Lupin Ltd.

Beside these, Lupin is focusing of NCE research for Inflammatory disorders, respiratory diseases as well as antibacterials. The Company has several successful collaborations with government agencies like CSIR and NMITLI.