Cadila Healthcare Ltd has filed its second investigational new drug (IND) application for the new modecular entity (NME) - ZYI1 with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). The novel agent for treatment of inflammatory disorders has been designed and developed by Zydus Research Centre (ZRC), the research wing of the company.

ZYI1 has shown a good pre-clinical profile and has a unique mechanism of action. This anti-inflammatory compound has the potential to correct various pain related conditions and be a safe, potent pain reliever, claims a company release.

The pre-clinical studies on ZYI1 have indicated that this may be the molecule of choice for pain management. NMB Research is one of the three focus areas of Zydus Research Programme. Under this, the focus has been on metabolic disorders, which include dyslipidemia, diabetes and obesity and inflammatory disorders. The centre had tiled its first IND - ZY H1 earlier this year to treat dyslipidemia and the phase 1 clinical trials are currently on.

Zydus Research Centre which was set up in the year 2000 has a team of 200 research scientists. Apart from NME research, ZRC is also focussed on novel drug delivery systems and discovery biology research.

1-2% of the population worldwide is estimated to be afflicted by various kinds of inflammatory disorders. There are more than 100 million patients in India alone who suffer from various arthritic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or other related conditions.