Ahammune Biosciences partners Veeda Clinical Research for first human studies of new vitiligo drug

New Delhi: Pune-based Ahammune Biosciences and Ahmedabad-based Veeda Clinical Research have announced partnership for first in human studies with Ahammune’s investigational new drug- AB1001, being developed as a topical therapy for Vitiligo.

The preliminary research for AB1001 was conducted at Ahammune’s R&D laboratory based out of Pune which demonstrates that this drug candidate is both safe and efficacious for vitiligo treatment.

Vitiligo or leukoderma is an autoimmune skin condition which results in the formation of white or light patches on our body. It is a lifelong condition and the current management options for these white patches provide only temporary and symptomatic relief, leading to an enormous unmet global need for treatment. Several misconceptions are associated with the disease which often cause patients to be ostrasized. This, along with fear of change in appearance has significant impact on patient’s life. Both the companies – Ahammune Biosciences & Veeda Clinical Research – anticipate that this new drug has a great potential for the treatment of vitiligo.

Speaking about the new treatment, Co-founder and Executive Director of Ahammune Biosciences Private Limited, Dr. Parul Ganju, said, “Vitiligo is a debilitating disease where autoimmune attack to melanocytes results in the formation of white patches. The chronic nature of the disease and the lack of treatment options is distressing for the patients. Understanding this lacuna, we have identified new intervention pathway for the disease and have developed therapeutic molecules targeting this pathway. Our preclinical studies establish that our molecules have the potential to stop disease progression and also support repigmentation. We are very excited to partner with Veeda for the first in human studies with AB1001 for this promising new treatment, which will impact the lives of millions of patients.”

Commenting on the partnership between both companies, Managing Director of Veeda Clinical Research Limited, Mr. Ajay Tandon, said, “We are privileged to partner with Ahammune Biosciences in the clinical development of a novel solution for the management of Vitiligo as compared to currently available therapies. Veeda Clinical Research, along with its subsidiary Bioneeds India Private Limited and Joint Venture company Ingenuity Biosciences, will continue to invest in our preclinical and early and late phase clinical research capabilities to be able to partner with innovative biotech companies in developing novel therapies for unmet healthcare needs.”