Zydus Cadila, an innovation-driven, global pharmaceutical company, announced that it has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial for evaluating the effect of Saroglitazar Mg in the treatment of NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The EVIDENCES VII trial is currently recruiting patients across several clinical sites in the United States of America and Mexico.
Research suggests that in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the risk for NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is increased. PCOS affects fertility and also significantly increases metabolic complications.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Pankaj R. Patel, Chairman, Zydus Group said, “We are happy with the progress of our investigational molecule, Saroglitazar Mg in the study for addressing several unmet healthcare needs including Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis and NAFLD. Our research programme aims at bringing innovative therapies that make a difference to human lives in keeping with our mission to create healthier communities.”
There is a high prevalence of PCOS in the general population affecting 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, causing infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused due to factors like obesity or insulin resistance, affecting liver function and leading to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). There are currently no treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for treatment of NAFLD or NASH.
The trial will evaluate the change in hepatic fat content from baseline following 24 weeks of treatment as measured by MRI-PDFF in patients treated with Saroglitazar Magnesium as compared to placebo as the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints of the trial also include measurements of liver enzymes, insulin resistance, liver fibrosis, liver stiffness, BMI, waist circumference, MRIderived measures of total liver fat index, MRI-derived measures of total liver volume, lipid and lipoprotein levels, SHBG level, ovarian function, free androgen index and pharmacokinetic parameters.
Zydus receives final approval from the USFDA for Ranolazine Extended-Release Tablets
Zydus Cadila has received the final approval from the USFDA to market Ranolazine Extended-Release Tablets (US RLD- Ranexa), 500 mg and 1,000 mg. The drug is used to treat chronic angina and may be used with other medicines that are used for heart problems and blood pressure control. It will be manufactured at the group’s formulations manufacturing facility at Baddi. The group now has 271 approvals and has so far filed over 360 ANDAs since the commencement of the filing process in FY 2003-04.