CSIR-CDRI Lucknow and Zydus to develop best-in-class drug for CKD induced Osteoporosis

New Delhi: One of the hallmarks of Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the disruption of mineral metabolism, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Studies suggest that the protein Sclerostin plays a key role in the dysregulation of bone metabolism. In patients with advanced stages of CKD and osteoporosis, Sclerostin levels are observed to be high.

Based on research conducted at Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow and data from antibody-based therapies (biologics), Sclerostin has emerged as a promising drug target for treating CKD-induced osteoporosis as well as postmenopausal osteoporosis.

To develop oral medication through the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of Sclerostin, a collaborative research agreement was signed by Zydus Lifesciences, Ahmedabad and CDRI on 17th September, 2024 at Zydus Research Centre, Ahmedabad. Under this agreement, CDRI and Zydus will jointly undertake preclinical research. Any drug candidate emerging from the efforts will be developed by Zydus for India and other markets.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Radha Rangarajan, Director, CSIR-CDRI said, “CSIR-CDRI has worked extensively in the area of bone metabolism under the leadership of Dr Naibedya Chattopadhyay. The CDRI team consisting of Dr Arun Trivedi, Dr Divya Singh, Dr Kinshuk Srivastava, Dr Imran Siddiqui, Dr. Kishor Mohanan, Dr Pintu Mandal and Dr Shashi Gupta will take a pioneering approach to identifying compounds that inhibit Sclerostin signaling. The complementary expertise and capabilities of the two organizations, combined with a shared mission to address India’s unmet needs through innovative therapies, makes this collaboration particularly meaningful.”

Pankaj Patel, Chairman, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, on this occasion said, “Zydus has a significant focus on chronic kidney disease (CKD) having discovered the novel drug Desidustat in our R&D laboratories. CSIR-CDRI’s deep-rooted expertise in biomedical research, coupled with Zydus’s innovative approach to drug discovery and development, creates a powerful synergy. Together, we’ll explore new avenues for treating bone metabolism disorders, ensuring that CKD patients have access to effective and affordable therapies that improve their quality of life.”