India close to developing drug for sickle cell disease as Zydus-ICMR candidate enters phase III trials

India's efforts to develop an effective treatment for the neglected disease sickle cell anaemia have received a significant boost, with Zydus Lifesciences' drug candidate, Desidustat, advancing to Phase III clinical trials in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Sickle cell disease is particularly prevalent among tribal populations, and despite affecting millions of Indians, treatment options have remained limited for decades.

According to the National Health Mission, nearly 20 million people in India live with sickle cell disease, while around 50,000 children are born with the condition every year. Because the disease affects relatively small and economically disadvantaged patient populations, multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have traditionally shown limited interest in investing in new therapies, making it one of the world's neglected diseases.