The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has partnered with Zydus Lifesciences to begin Phase 2 clinical trials of Desidustat for treating sickle cell disease, a blood disorder.
A pact was formalised for a Phase IIa, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to assess the drug's efficacy and safety. The trial follows approval from the drug regulator Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
Desidustat is a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that stimulates erythropoietin (EPO) production, which increases red blood cell production under low oxygen conditions.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, ICMR Director General, emphasised the importance of this collaboration for advancing clinical research in India and addressing the needs of sickle cell patients beyond the current treatment, hydroxyurea.
