CSIR drug to provide new lease of life to cardiac patients

In a major relief to cardiovascular patients, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a clot buster –a drug to dissolve blockages in blood vessels. 

A team of scientists from Chandigarh-based Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) is working on a clot buster to make management of heart attack much easier.

“The clot busters that are currently in use have a major problem as they are not specific. Consequently, there is a risk of haemorrhage and patients have to be given the drug in a hospital,” said CSIR Director General Girish Sahni, adding that the new drug is more specific and has fewer side-effects. He added that the drug not only prevents bleeding but can also be given as a single-shot injection, a major advantage in clinical terms.

“The new drug is currently undergoing phase II trial at four centres in Gujarat and is likely to be available in market in the next two years,” said Sahni, adding that the drug can be considered as a major breakthrough as it would be possible to use it in rural settings, unlike the versions that are currently available.

Clot busters are the first line of action in case of heart attacks and if administered within six hours of the onset of symptoms, they can prove to be life-savers in 40 to 50 per cent of the cases. 

“We have already completed an initial limited phase II trial of the new drug with 10 patients and the results have been quite good. We will now initiate an extended phase II trial and hope to complete phase II by October next year,” Sahni said.

The CSIR DG also expressed hope that the Drug Controllers General of India  (DCGI) would allow commercialisation of the medicine after the phase II trial.

“We have requested the DCGI to fast-track the approval for the new drug as it is a life-saving one.”