Zydus Lifesciences Ltd and CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) have joined forces to develop an innovative drug targeting osteoporosis induced by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Chronic kidney disease, affecting over 10% of the global population, has long posed severe health challenges, leading to complications such as bone mineral disruptions and an increased risk of fractures. This partnership brings hope to millions suffering from CKD-induced osteoporosis, a condition that conventional treatments often cannot address due to their harmful effects on renal function.

The announcement was made on September 27, 2024, marking a major milestone in CKD treatment. Zydus Lifesciences, a global leader in healthcare therapies, and CSIR-CDRI, an esteemed biomedical research institution, will undertake preclinical research aimed at developing a drug that safely reduces the risk of fractures without compromising kidney health. Studies have shown that the protein Sclerostin plays a pivotal role in bone metabolism dysregulation among CKD patients, making it an ideal target for new therapeutic interventions.

This collaboration stems from the shared vision of improving healthcare outcomes for CKD patients, with a specific focus on bone health. Under the agreement, Zydus and CSIR-CDRI will leverage their combined expertise to explore small molecule inhibitors of Sclerostin. These inhibitors hold great promise as a novel treatment for CKD-induced osteoporosis and postmenopausal osteoporosis. The ultimate goal is to develop an oral medication that is effective, affordable, and accessible to patients both in India and internationally.

Significant Health Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a growing global health crisis, with more than 800 million people affected worldwide. This progressive loss of kidney function not only heightens the risk of kidney failure but also disrupts mineral metabolism, often leading to osteoporosis. The elderly, particularly women above the age of 65, are especially vulnerable to these complications. The urgent need for new therapeutic options has driven Zydus Lifesciences and CSIR-CDRI to take on this challenge, pioneering research that may lead to life-saving treatments for millions.

Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and a heightened risk of fractures, is particularly dangerous for CKD patients. Many existing osteoporosis treatments cannot be prescribed to CKD patients because they exacerbate renal problems. Zydus Lifesciences’ Chairman, Pankaj Patel, emphasized the importance of addressing these unmet needs, noting that Zydus is committed to improving the quality of life for CKD patients through innovative drug discovery and development.

Expert Opinion: The Promise of Sclerostin Inhibition

Leading experts in the field have expressed optimism about the potential impact of this collaboration. Dr. Radha Rangarajan, Director of CSIR-CDRI, highlighted the institute’s deep-rooted expertise in bone metabolism research. The team at CSIR-CDRI, under the leadership of Dr. Naibedya Chattopadhyay, has extensively studied Sclerostin signaling and its role in bone health. Dr. Rangarajan noted that inhibiting Sclerostin could unlock new avenues for treating CKD-induced osteoporosis, providing a novel approach that has never before been explored in such depth.

Dr. Arun Trivedi, one of the leading scientists involved in the project, expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts between Zydus and CSIR-CDRI. He stated that this partnership exemplifies the power of public-private collaborations, as the two organizations combine their strengths to pioneer groundbreaking research for the benefit of society. Such collaborations are key to driving innovation and ensuring that healthcare solutions are both effective and accessible.

Innovative Public-Private Partnerships: Paving the Way for New Therapies

The collaboration between Zydus Lifesciences and CSIR-CDRI underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing medical research. Both organizations bring unique expertise and resources to the table, creating a powerful synergy that could pave the way for future breakthroughs in healthcare. Zydus, known for its leadership in chronic disease therapies, and CSIR-CDRI, with its long history of cutting-edge biomedical research, are positioned to transform the landscape of CKD treatment through this pioneering initiative.

The first step in this ambitious project is to undertake rigorous preclinical research to identify compounds that can safely inhibit Sclerostin. Should a viable drug candidate emerge from these efforts, Zydus Lifesciences will lead the development and commercialization of the treatment, bringing it to patients not only in India but also in markets around the world.

This partnership could mark the beginning of a new era in CKD treatment, with the potential to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. The development of this best-in-class drug could fill a significant gap in current therapeutic options, offering new hope for CKD patients who are at risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

  Ahmedabad, Central Drug Research Institute, chronic kidney disease, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Pankaj Patel, Radha Rangarajan, Zydus Lifesciences