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CSIR-IICT Develops IND-Ready Plant-Based Drug Candidate for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

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On 12 August 2026, scientists at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, developed a phytopharmaceutical drug candidate derived from Gymnema sylvestre (known as Gurmar or Podapatri) for treating diabetic foot ulcers. The formulation has completed preclinical testing, including botanical standardization, pharmacological evaluation, GLP-compliant safety studies, and pharmacokinetic assessments, achieving Investigational New Drug (IND)-ready status, enabling progression to human clinical trials. CSIR-IICT has transferred the technology to Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, for clinical development and regulatory approvals. The development is part of the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission Phase III, aiming to convert botanical resources into clinically tested drugs. The technology is patent-protected in India and internationally and holds potential applications for other chronic wounds and inflammatory skin disorders.

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Key Facts

  • Development Date: 12 August 2026
  • Developed by: CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad
  • Drug Source: Gymnema sylvestre, a medicinal plant known as Gurmar or Podapatri
  • Product Type: Phytopharmaceutical drug candidate for diabetic foot ulcers
  • Status: Investigational New Drug (IND)-ready after preclinical testing
  • Technology Transfer: Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
  • Supported by: CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission Phase III
  • Patent Protection: Secured in India and international jurisdictions

Background & Context

Diabetic foot ulcers are chronic open wounds occurring in people with diabetes due to neuropathy and poor blood circulation leading to delayed wound healing. Approximately 20% of diabetic patients develop such ulcers, which are a serious diabetes complication potentially causing infections and amputations.

Phytopharmaceuticals are medicines derived from plant sources developed through standardized extraction, safety evaluation, pharmacological testing, and regulatory documentation. They merge traditional Indian medicinal knowledge with modern scientific validation, offering promising avenues in drug discovery.

The CSIR-IICT formulation underwent rigorous botanical standardisation, pharmacological and mechanistic studies, safety evaluations following Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), pharmacokinetic profiling, formulation development, and stability testing to achieve IND-ready status, indicating readiness for clinical trials in humans.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

  • Illustrates India's advances in evidenced-based botanical drug development and phytopharmaceuticals.
  • Showcases the role of CSIR-IICT, a reputed scientific institution under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in innovative drug research.
  • Demonstrates public-private partnership through technology transfer to Viridis Biopharma for clinical and regulatory advancement.
  • Highlights diabetic foot ulcers as a significant health problem linked to India's status as a diabetes hub.
  • Covers important drug development concepts including IND status, GLP safety studies, patent protection, and phytopharmaceutical regulations.
  • Potential questions could target keywords such as Gymnema sylvestre, phytopharmaceuticals, CSIR-IICT, diabetic foot ulcers, IND-ready status, and technology transfer.

Points to Remember

  • Gymnema sylvestre is traditionally used in Indian medicine and is the active plant source of the drug candidate.
  • IND-ready status signifies completion of necessary preclinical studies to begin human clinical trials.
  • CSIR-IICT is located in Hyderabad and functions under CSIR, India's premier scientific research body.
  • Diabetic foot ulcers affect about 20% of diabetics, needing effective treatments to prevent complications.
  • The technology is transferred to Viridis Biopharma Pvt Ltd for further development and approval processes, including prospective US FDA submissions.
  • The project is part of the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, focused on translating Indian botanical knowledge into clinically validated drugs.
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