BioVoice News July 2017 Issue 2 Volume 2 | Page 61

The scientific programme included keynote speeches on 20th June by three Principal Investigators from ICGEB New Delhi, Dr Pawan Malhotra, Dr Neel Sarovan Bhavesh and Dr Dhiraj Kumar; further cementing the strong scientific and cultural ties across the ICGEB international community. The social programme included the 5th edition of the ICGEB Fun Run, a non-competitive, open track race that takes place on the Karst surrounding the Science Park. This year, a record number of 150 participants took part in the event. ZYDUS CADILA BEGINS PHASE-2 TRIAL OF DRUG TO CURE ANAEMIA IN KIDEY PATIENTS Anaemia commonly arises in kidney disease patients, because the kidneys no longer produce sufficient amounts of erythropoietin, a hormone which stimulates red blood cell production. It is considered to be a major medical problem in both developed as well as developing nations. In a new development in this direction, the Cadila Pharmaceuticals, also known as Zydus Cadila has announced commencement of a Phase-II trial investigating Zyani1, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), as a treatment for anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The occasion was marked with a convivial celebration during ICGEB’s 22nd Annual Symposium on 20 and 21 June 2017; two intense days during which young, dedicated researchers present their projects and results to colleagues and Group Leaders. In a statement issued in Ahmedabad by Mr Pankaj Patel, Chairman and Managing Director, Zydus Cadila mentioned, “Zyani1 is an oral small molecule designed to increase natural production of haemoglobin and RBCs in anaemic patients. It has been shown to improve iron mobilisation and has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for iron supplementation.” BIOVOICENEWS.COM 61