CSIR-IICT Develops Plant-Based Drug for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Scientists at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, developed a plant-based phytopharmaceutical drug candidate for diabetic foot ulcers on 12 August 2026. The candidate uses Gymnema sylvestre, a medicinal plant known as Gurmar or Podapatri, and it has reached Investigational New Drug (IND)-ready status after preclinical testing.

Plant-Based Phytopharmaceuticals

Phytopharmaceuticals are medicines derived from plant sources and developed through standardised extraction, characterisation, and safety evaluation. In India, phytopharmaceutical development combines traditional medicinal knowledge with laboratory validation, pharmacological testing, and regulatory documentation.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that develop in people with diabetes, usually on the feet, because of neuropathy, poor blood circulation, and delayed wound healing. They are among the common chronic complications of diabetes mellitus and often require long-term wound care, infection control, and metabolic management.

Research Process and Regulatory Status

The formulation completed botanical standardisation, pharmacological evaluation, Good Laboratory Practice-compliant safety studies, and pharmacokinetic assessments before becoming IND-ready. IND-ready status means a drug candidate has completed the preclinical stage required before human clinical trials begin.

The development was carried out by the Department of Applied Biology at CSIR-IICT under Dr. Anthony Addlagatta, with Dr. Srigiridhar Kotamraju and Dr. Aruna Jangam among the key researchers. CSIR-IICT signed a technology transfer agreement with Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd. of Mumbai for further clinical development and regulatory work.

CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission

The project received support under Phase III of the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, a research programme for converting botanical resources into clinically tested products. The mission operates through CSIR laboratories and industry partnerships for drug development from Indian medicinal plants.

Important Facts for Exams

• Gymnema sylvestre is a medicinal plant used in traditional Indian systems and is known by the common names Gurmar and Podapatri.
• Good Laboratory Practice, or GLP, is a quality system used in non-clinical safety studies for medicines and chemicals.
• Investigational New Drug status is a regulatory milestone before human clinical trials in drug development.
• CSIR-IICT is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Patent and Clinical Scope

The technology has secured patent protection in India and in international jurisdictions. Researchers have linked the therapy to diabetic foot ulcers and to other chronic wounds and inflammatory skin disorders.