Streptokinase, A Life Saving Drug, Developed in collaboration with CSIR launched for Indian Market

Prithviraj Chavan, minister of state for science and technology and earth sciences (IC), PMO, personnel, public grievances and pensions and parliamentary affairs, announced the launch of Streptokinase, a life saver, for marketing in India.

Streptokinase is an effective and inexpensive clot dissolving drug used in the treatment of myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism and belongs to the category of fibrinolytics or clot busters, which work by activating plasminogen to produce plasmin which in turn helps in dissolving the clot.

The technology for this life-saver drug was developed at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research's (CSIR) Chandigarh-based Institute of Microbial Technology's laboratory (IMTech).

Chennai-based Pharma major Shasun Chemicals and Drugs is entering biotherapeutics by launching Streptokinase in the Indian market.

Speaking on the occasion, Chavan said the launch was a classic example of what public-funded R&D can do. Lauding the efforts of the scientists he said that laboratories and markets must work in an environment of mutual respect to benefit society. The minister also expressed hope that CSIR would rededicate itself to make a difference to the life of the common man.

Prof Samir K Brahmachari, director general, CSIR, and N Govindarajan, CEO & MD, Shasun Chemicals & Drugs Ltd, were among those present during the launch.
The technology for the synthesis of this therapeutic protein was developed at IMTech by Dr Girish Sahni, director, IMTech, and his team, including Drs Deb Sahoo and Kanak Dikshit.