IIT-H researchers produce tablets for Kala Azar

Hyderabad: Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad researchers have developed a method to produce controlled-release oral tablets for treating fungal infections and leishmaniasis (kala azar or black fever) that are prevalent in the country. Their tablets were found to release the drug Amphotericin B in a sustained and controlled manner over a period of 10 days.

Amphotericin B (AmB) is the drug of choice for progressive and potentially life-threatening fungal infections of the abdomen and heart valves, fungal pneumonia, and leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease. It is used to treat Kala Azar or black fever, a dangerous and often fatal form of Leishmaniasis, common among the economically underprivileged sections in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

The development of oral, controlled release tablets for fatal fungal infections and leishmaniasis, could help in better management of the disease burden in the country. The development of cures for dangerous fungal diseases and leishmania has been challenging. Prof. Brahmchari who first used an antimony compound for treating kala azar in the nineteen twenties was even nominated for the Nobel Prize in 1929.