Arbro Pharmaceuticals recently launched SNEC30, a Curcumin formulation in 30 mg dose. Dr Saurabh Arora, Executive Director, Arbro Pharmaceuticals explains more about the formulation’s characteristics, its therapeutic advantages, the research that went into its creation and more, in an interaction with Lakshmipriya Nair
Arbro Pharmaceuticals has recently launched SNEC30, a curcumin formulation. Tell us about its unique characteristics?
Tell us about the research that went into its creation?
The use of curcumin for medicinal purposes dates back to five millennia, to the Vedic times. It is also used in ayurvedic medicines. Despite its effectiveness against so many diseases, scientists have always been of the opinion that curcumin’s true potential has been limited by its poor bioavailability which is caused by its poor solubility and extensive pre-systemic metabolism. However, Arbro Pharmaceuticals partnered with Jamia Hamdard University to carry out research for developing a novel formulation which would be able to overcome curcumin’s poor bioavailability so that it could be used for its tremendous therapeutic potential. The development project was jointly funded by Arbro and the Department of Science and Technology Government of India under its Drug & Pharmaceutical Research Programme (DPRP) scheme.
What are the therapeutic benefits of the formulation?
Many studies have been carried out about curcumin. The clinical research studies which have been carried out for the past 25 years have shown curcumin to be effective in the treatment of various diseases like cancer, pain, inflammation, arthritis, ulcers, psoriasis, arteriosclerosis, diabetes and many more pro-inflammatory conditions.
How does this formulation overcome the problem of curcumin’s poor bioavailability?
In the new formulation we have used nano-technology. We have been able to generate an industrially viable product to work as a curcumin-based, contemporary therapeutic agent for numerous indications.
Was a novel technology used to come up with this formulation?
Yes, the formulation was prepared with the use of the novel self nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). SNEC30 is the outcome of a joint development for which patents have been filed. The US patent has been granted.SNEC30 is a proprietary product with US patent (USPTO).
What are the other research areas that Arbro Pharma is currently involved in?
Currently, SNEC30 formulation is planned to be studied in a variety of conditions and these are under planning with the leading institutions.