GVK Bio, Akaal extend partnership for drug development

GVK Biosciences and Australia-based Akaal Pharma have extended collaboration for supporting clinical studies for the latter's novel AKP-11 ointment for treating psoriasis.

GVK Biosciences plans to support phase II clinical studies of Akaal Pharma's topical psoriasis drug by providing clinical supplies, manufacturing and analytical support, the two firms said in a joint statement.

Discussions are also being undertaken for exploring appropriate commercialisation packaging and other formulations for the topical use in other inflammatory diseases, it added.

GVK BIO Formulation R&D Senior VP Seetharaju Gembali said: "Strengthening of our partnership with Akaal Pharma is testimonial to our expertise in the formulation development and we look forward to working with other clients."

AKP-11, a novel molecule is undergoing development for topical treatment of psoriasis, inflammatory skin diseases and other conditions, the statement said.

"We are excited to advance our First-in-Class multi-modal acting topical drug candidate AKP-11 into Phase II stage of clinical development for the treatment of psoriasis," Akaal Pharma CEO Dale Dhanoa said.

GVK Biosciences was under the regulatory scanner of European drug regulators a few months ago.