Karo Bio in research deal with Zydus Cadila

Swedish drug discovery firm Karo Bio and Zydus Cadila, one of India's leading health care companies, have initiated a three-year research collaboration with the aim of discovering and developing novel, selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Glucocorticoids are used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowels disease, psoriasis and asthma which together represent a market potential of over $10.0 billion, the firms note in their press release. These powerful anti-inflammatory agents with long-term use could, however, lead to the development of unwanted side effects like obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis. Thus, there is a great need for new, selective glucocorticoids devoid of one or more of these side effects.

Karo Bio will leverage its expertise in nuclear receptor drug discovery including structural biology, drug design and compound characterization. Zydus Cadila will carry out a focused drug discovery and development program, undertaking preclinical studies, filing of the Investigational New Drug application and performing human clinical trials. Both parties will equally share risk and rewards as a result of the collaboration.