Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad has developed nano-fibre based oral tablets of Amphotericin B, called as AmB.
Highlights
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IIT Hyderabad researchers decided to keep this technology free of intellectual property rights and is ready for technology transfer so that tablet can be produced on mass level.
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This medicine is reportedly cheaper, higher AmB absorption and less Nephrotoxicity.
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AmB was earlier available in injectable form only.
What are Amphotericin B tablets?
Amphotericin B tablets are nano-fibre based oral medicine that can be used to treat fungal infections which is currently spreading in India post COVID treatment.
Background
Researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering were studying two years ago about oral nanofibrous AmB and found it effective for Kala Azar. This was the first attempt to fabricate nanofibrous oral tablets of Amphotericin B to cure Kala Azar.
Amphotericin B
It is an antifungal medication used in serious fungal infections and leishmaniasis. It is used to treat mucormycosis, aspergillosis, candidiasis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis etc. It is typically given through injection into vein. Common side effects of medication include fever, chills, and headaches besides kidney problems. It is safe in pregnancy as well.
Mucormycosis or black fungus
It is a serious fungal infection affecting people with reduced immunity and inability to fight infections. Symptoms of infection depends on site of the infection in body. It commonly infects sinuses and brain causing runny nose, one-sided facial swelling, pain, headache and fever.