CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, one of the premier drug research institutions in India and Aveta Biomics, US, a leader in developing the next generation of botanical drugs based on its evolutionary biology platform, have joined their hands and announced the exclusive licensing to Aveta Biomics of CDRI's patented technology of Caviunin-based drug compositions for further clinical development and commercialisation.

According to Indian Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ISBMR), 50 million Indian women suffer from osteoporosis. On the other hand, in the US alone, an estimated 10 million people over the age of 50 years have osteoporosis and one in two women in the United States will sustain a fragility fracture in her lifetime. Over 43 million more people in the US have low bone mass, putting them at increased risk for osteoporosis.

Dr Ritu Trivedi's group from the Endocrinology Division (CDRI) has shown that the Caviunin scaffold has a targeted action that prevents bone breakdown, stimulates new bone formation and reduces bone turnover markers.

"Osteoporosis is a chronic condition requiring a life-long treatment. Approved treatment duration of currently available drugs ranges from 1 to 5 years (depending on the drug) due to waning efficacy and increasing risk of adverse events. Caviunin-based therapeutic has a huge potential to change the standard of care for osteoporosis. The potential benefit risk profile is expected to be second to none with desirable efficacy and safety for long-term use," said Dr Parag G. Mehta, CEO of Aveta Biomics, USA.