CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, has signed a technology transfer agreement with Viridis Biopharma Pvt Ltd for a phytopharmaceutical developed from Gymnema sylvestre for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
The technology also has potential applications in other chronic wounds and inflammatory skin disorders, opening up possibilities for wider therapeutic use.
The development marks an important step in translating India’s traditional botanical resources into scientifically validated, evidence-based therapeutic products with potential for clinical development and global regulatory applications.
From botanical research to drug development
The technology was developed by researchers from the Department of Applied Biology at CSIR-IICT under the leadership of Dr Anthony Addlagatta, with Dr Srigiridhar Kotamraju and Dr Aruna Jangam as key members of the research team.
The programme was supported under the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission Phase-III, which focuses on translating scientifically validated botanical products into clinically useful therapies.
The research has progressed through an extensive development pathway, resulting in patent protection in India and international jurisdictions. The technology has undergone botanical standardisation, pharmacological evaluation, mechanism-of-action studies, analytical characterisation, pharmacokinetic studies, formulation development, GMP process development, stability evaluation and GLP-compliant safety studies.
These studies have collectively generated an IND-ready data package for the standardised botanical therapeutic, providing a foundation for further regulatory and clinical development.
Academia–industry partnership
CSIR-IICT Director Dr Srinivasa Reddy said the technology transfer reflects the institute’s commitment to transforming scientific research into innovative healthcare solutions that can benefit society.
He said the development of the phytopharmaceutical formulation highlights CSIR-IICT’s scientific capabilities and its focus on evidence-based botanical drug discovery.
He added that academia–industry collaborations of this nature are vital for accelerating innovation, strengthening India’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem and delivering affordable, world-class therapies to patients.
From public-funded research to commercialisation
The agreement marks a significant milestone in converting publicly funded scientific research into potential healthcare solutions. It demonstrates the complete innovation pathway—from scientific discovery and intellectual property generation to technology transfer, regulatory development and eventual clinical evaluation through an academia–industry partnership.
The collaboration also reinforces CSIR-IICT’s focus on developing globally competitive phytopharmaceuticals and strengthening India’s capabilities in translational research, technology commercialisation and evidence-based botanical drug development.
The technology transfer to Viridis Biopharma is expected to provide the next platform for advancing the Gymnema sylvestre-based therapeutic towards further regulatory and clinical development.