Infectious diseases are as old as life itself. The already existing as well as emerging infectious agents cause morbidity and loss of billions of lives worldwide, every year. Our team of knowledgeable scientists working in the Anti-Infectives Therapeutic Area Franchise blend in experience as well as innovation to care for human life. Using its synthetic capabilities and proprietary in-house libraries of small molecules as well as natural products, the team’s activities are directed towards the development of anti-infectives affording protection against several pathogenic organisms.
The growing incidence of resistance to existing antibiotics is a serious threat to human health worldwide. The generally agreed concept is that the best way to limit the development of multi-drug resistance is to introduce into practice compounds belonging to classes that are new to the clinic. Emergence of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistance in Enterococci spp. (VRE) is a global challenge because infections by these bacteria are untreatable by the existing arsenal of antibiotics. MRSA and VRE infections are nosocomial in nature, affecting patients in hospitals and nursing homes who are already vulnerable health-wise.
Our efforts towards screening of microbial extracts in search of potent antibiotics, led to the discovery of PM181104, a novel thiazolyl cyclic-peptide antibiotic isolated from the culture broth of an actinomycete strain isolated from a marine sponge. The compound exhibited strong broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including MRSA and VRE and displayed activity in the in vivo mouse models of S. aureus and VRE infections
Candidiasis, a fungal infection most commonly caused by Candida albicans, results in superficial to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases. The group has established animal models for systemic and oral candidiasis to evaluate efficacy of potential antifungals.
The Piramal team’s fight against viruses is focused on diseases caused by the existing herpes viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2), rapidly mutating influenza viruses and emerging viruses such as Dengue.
The incidence and severity of herpes infections have increased due to increase in the number of immunocompromised patients produced by aggressive chemotherapy regimens, expanded organ transplantation and the rising incidence of HIV infections. Persons diagnosed with herpes infections face social stigma and undergo stress due to the fear of transmission to partners. The extensive use of approved nucleoside analogue drugs for the treatment of HSV infections has resulted in side effects such as development of drug resistance. In order to overcome the above issues, development of new and improved antiviral products is the need of the hour.
We have identified a highly active phytopharmaceutical, PP9706642/Viracure, that acts both prophylactically and therapeutically against HSV-2. Viracure has shown potent in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy against HSV-2. It was also found to be non-toxic, non-mutagenic and exhibited no growth retardation and teratogenic effects on zebra fish embryo development. Viracure has entered Phase II clinical trials in India.
A second antiviral drug, PP1010525, has shown potent activity and efficacy against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in preclinical studies. This too, is poised to enter clinical trials soon.
For its research and experimental use, the group has a whole battery of in vitro assays and in vivo models in place, a modern Biosafety Level 2 (BSL 2) facility and a state-of-the-art BSL 3 facility conforming to international standards and guidelines.