Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population, posing significant health challenges. CKD causes a progressive loss of kidney function and can ultimately lead to kidney failure. One of the hallmarks of CKD is the disruption of mineral metabolism, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Those above the age of 65, particularly women, are at higher risk. Unfortunately, most of the conventional anti-osteoporosis medications are contraindicated in patients with CKD, due to the risk of worsening renal function. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective drugs for osteoporosis that will reduce fracture risk without a deterioration of renal function.
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 CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, and data from antibody-based therapies (biologics), Sclerostin has emerged as a promising drug target for treating CKD-induced and postmenopausal osteoporosis. To develop oral medication by discovering small molecule inhibitors of Sclerostin, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, Ahmedabad, and CSIR-CDRI signed a collaborative research agreement on 17 September 2024 at Zydus Research Centre, Ahmedabad. Under this agreement, CDRI and Zydus will jointly undertake preclinical research. Zydus will develop any drug candidate emerging from the efforts 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 signalling. The complementary expertise and capabilities of the two organisations, combined with a shared mission to address India’s unmet needs through innovative therapies, makes this collaboration particularly meaningful.”
On this occasion, Mr Pankaj Patel, Chairman, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, 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, create 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.”
