ICMR seeks to provide oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in children
The Hindu
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations for the “joint development and commercialisation” of low dose or paediatric oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in India.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations for the “joint development and commercialisation” of low dose or paediatric oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in India.
India has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in South Asia, and over 20 million sickle cell affected individuals reside in the country. While most pharmaceutical companies in India market 500 mg capsules or 200 mg tablets of hydroxyurea, the biggest challenge in treatment is that it’s not available in the suspension form for effective use in the case of paediatric patients, the ICMR said.
Also Read:How subpar treatment options allow sickle cell disease to persist | Explained
Sickle cell disease is one of the most common monogenic disorders of haemoglobin, and hydroxyurea, a myelosuppressive agent, is an effective drug for treating patients of sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. The ICMR said that since only high dosage hydroxyurea tablets are available, initiating a low dose treatment becomes a tedious task for service providers, as the capsule or tablet has to be broken down appropriately to be administered in accordance with body weight, thereby risking the efficacy available with measured doses.
“Thus, there is a need for paediatric formulation of HU (hydroxyurea), considering the number of SCD (sickle cell disease) cases in India and in view of the launch of the National Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia/SCD (by 2047),’’ the council said.
The ICMR, which is the apex biomedical research body in the country, also said that in India, according to the National Health Mission’s guidelines, healthcare providers initiate hydroxyurea therapy to only symptomatic sickle cell disease patients among children both because of the lack of availability of paediatric doses as well as the fear of toxicity.
Also Read: Indigenous drug for sickle cell disease developed
Perundurai's industrial growth faces challenges of pollution, water scarcity, and healthcare, impacting residents ahead of the 2026 elections.
The Travancore Devaswom Board asserts that courts should respect community beliefs in its Supreme Court submission on Sabarimala's entry issue.
Karnataka cancels Deendayal Upadhyay event at KSOU due to protocol violations, citing inconsistency with university objectives.
Illegal pickle unit busted in Hyderabad, one arrested; unhygienic stock worth ₹3 lakh seized
Karnataka has entered a state of demographic transition where a large working-age population will no longer be enough to drive economic growth, and future gains will depend on how productively people are employed, the ‘State of Working India 2026’ report said.
Key demands in Sulur Assembly constituency include reviving the powerloom sector, addressing farmers' needs, and protecting River Noyyal.
Kodihalli urges Karnataka CM to allocate ₹10,000 crore revolving fund for seamless procurement of farm products under MSP scheme.
Kerala's political parties continue to marginalize women candidates, highlighting a troubling disconnect between gender demographics and representation.
The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday ordered the issue of a notice to the State government on a PIL petition, which had complained about disturbances caused to people residing in the localities around the National Public School situated in Rajajinagar 5th block due to use of loudspeakers with high volume in the school and parking of school buses in residential areas.
China is extensively mapping ocean floors to enhance submarine warfare capabilities against the U.S. and allies across key oceans.
AIADMK's 2026 manifesto promises free rations, women's benefits, education reforms, and economic growth initiatives for Tamil Nadu.
The vehicle towing drive will soon resume in the city to ease traffic congestion. The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), in coordination with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), is set to relaunch the vehicle towing drive across the city shortly to tackle traffic congestion and illegal parking.
Panic buying, not shortage, is leading to long queues at Hyderabad petrol pumps.