Indian software replaces lab animals

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Indian software replaces lab animals

 

by Ram Dutt Tripathi

in Lucknow

 

 

Indian scientists have developed a computer program for drug research

designed to reduce the number of animals used in laboratory experiments.

 

The program will help reduced animal experiments in India

The software, called Drug Discovery Assistant or DD Assist, is being

used by India's Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in the northern city

of Lucknow.

 

Director of the CDRI, C M Gupta, said that the program will reduce the

use of laboratory animals by nearly 90%.

 

Now only two or three of the trials will be conducted on animals,

compared to between 20 and 30 in the past.

 

Time-saving

 

Most of the tests will be done by a computer model which relies on

four databases.

 

Selected molecules are passed through each database for their

prioritisation as potential drug candidates.

 

The software application has databases on specific diseases like

diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardio vascular system disorders and diseases

affecting the central nervous system.

 

It also has data on drugs in use, failed or withdrawn drugs and

candidate drugs.

 

Scientists say the new software will drastically reduce time and cost

of coming up with a new drug.

 

At present the laboratory is spending 20 to 25 years in developing a

new drug. During this time some of the drugs become obsolete .

 

Major step

 

Now the research time will be reduced at least by half.

 

This will help the Indian drug industry compete with the developed

world.

 

Scientists say similar technology is already being used by developed

countries.

 

But costs were high and beyond reach of the Indian medical industry.

The Indian software DD Assist is much cheaper.

 

Scientists have described it as a major step for the drug research

industry, which felt handicapped in competition with research groups in

developed countries.

 

The software was developed by Invenio Biosolutions in Delhi.

 

 

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