Zydus Lifesciences Gets Phase III Trial Approval for Desidustat in Sickle Cell Disease.

$ZYDUSLIFE has received approval to initiate the Phase III clinical trial of its oral drug Desidustat for treating Sickle Cell Disease patients. The trial will be conducted in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The decision follows the successful completion of the Phase II trial, where Desidustat met its primary endpoints, demonstrating promising efficacy and safety in patients. Desidustat has also received Orphan Drug Designation from the US FDA, underscoring its potential to address this rare and debilitating blood disorder. This development marks a significant milestone in Zydus’ efforts to provide an effective oral treatment option for Sickle Cell Disease, which predominantly affects tribal and marginalized populations in India. The advancement is expected to strengthen the company’s presence in the rare disease and specialty therapy segments.