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The Quest for a Vaccine”,
in the national capital
recently on the occasion
at seeking community’s
perspectives, wherein
the participants shared
experiences about living
with HIV, their motivation
to participate in research
and their hopes from a
vaccine.
Indian scientists
discover new drug for
depression and anxiety
of HIV Vaccine Awareness
Day.
The discussion was led
by speakers from the
National Aids Control
Organization (NACO), a
division of the Ministry
of Health and Family
Welfare, Government
of India, World Health
Organisation (WHO) and
community members,
with participation from
thought leaders from
research and civil service
organisations to facilitate
informed reflections on
the AIDS epidemic in
India.
The workshop was aimed
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BioVoiceNews | June 2017
Psychological disorders
that affect mood, emotion,
and cognition are a rising
global health concern.
These include depression,
anxiety, posttraumatic
stress disorder, dementia,
Alzheimer’s and cerebral
ischemic stroke. Indian
scientists have found a
new compound that can
be a potential drug against
such central nervous
system disorders.
The new compound
named “2-oxa-spiro
5.4 decane3”, acts
specifically on nerve
cells and also inhibits
their inflammation. It
has shown potent anti-
depression and anti-
anxiety activity in various
animal models.
The compound has been
found to be non-toxic
and more effective than
commonly used anti-
depressant, fluoxetine.
It enhanced social
interaction in animal
tests.
This research was
initiated under an Indo-
French collaboration
called ‘Joint Laboratory
for Sustainable Chemistry
at Interfaces and Joint
Laboratory for Natural
Products and Synthesis
towards Affordable
Health’. It is a joint effort
of Indian Institute of
Chemical Technology,
University of Hyderabad,
Centre for Cellular and
Molecular Biology and
Academy of Scientific and
Innovative Research.