Pune-based Ahammune Biosciences and Ahmedabad-based Veeda Clinical Research announce partnership for first-in-human studies with Ahammune’s investigational new drug- AB1001, being developed as a topical therapy for Vitiligo. The preliminary research for AB1001 was conducted at Ahammune’s R&D laboratory based out of Pune which demonstrates that this drug candidate is both safe and efficacious for vitiligo treatment, the companies said in a joint statement.
Vitiligo or leukoderma is an autoimmune skin condition which results in the formation of white or light patches on our body. It is a life-long condition and the current management options for these white patches provide only temporary and symptomatic relief, leading to an enormous unmet global need for treatment. Several misconceptions are associated with the disease which often cause patients to be ostrasized. This, along with fear of change in appearance, has significant impact on patient’s life. Both the companies – Ahammune Biosciences and Veeda Clinical Research – anticipate that this new drug has a great potential for the treatment of vitiligo, said the statement.
Speaking about the new treatment, Dr Parul Ganju, co-founder and Executive Director, Ahammune Biosciences, said in the statement, “The development of our investigational new drug AB1001 is a result of years of hard work of Ahammune’s team and our commitment towards the cause of translating scientific innovations for betterment of the life of patients. Vitiligo is a debilitating disease where autoimmune attack to melanocytes results in the formation of white patches. The chronic nature of the disease and the lack of treatment options is distressing for the patients. Understanding this lacuna, we have identified new intervention pathway for the disease and have developed therapeutic molecules targetting this pathway. Our pre-clinical studies establish that our molecules have the potential to stop disease progression and also support repigmentation…………”
Commenting on the partnership between both companies, Ajay Tandon, Managing Director, Veeda Clinical Research, also said in the statement, “We are privileged to partner with Ahammune Biosciences in the clinical development of a novel solution for the management of Vitiligo as compared to currently available therapies. Veeda Clinical Research, along with its subsidiary Bioneeds India Private Limited and Joint Venture company Ingenuity Biosciences, will continue to invest in our preclinical and early and late phase clinical research capabilities to be able to partner with innovative biotech companies in developing novel therapies for unmet healthcare needs.”