In a significant development for India's pharmaceutical innovation landscape, VeGen Labs has secured ₹3.765 crore in royalty-based financial support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology. The funding will advance the development of IND126, a promising KRAS inhibitor targeting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) treatment.
Critical Advancement in Lung Cancer Treatment
The funding marks a crucial step in addressing India's substantial lung cancer burden, where NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. With over 70,000 new lung cancer cases reported annually in India, and many patients diagnosed at advanced stages, the development of targeted therapies like KRAS inhibitors represents a significant opportunity to improve patient outcomes.
Strategic Focus on Toxicology Studies
The BIRAC grant will support comprehensive IND-enabling toxicology studies for IND126, a critical phase in the drug development process. These studies will evaluate the safety profile of the compound and generate essential data for regulatory submissions, paving the way for first-in-human clinical trials.
"We are thrilled to receive this support from BIRAC, which will accelerate our path toward clinical development," said Prashant Bhavar, Founder & Director of VeGen Labs. "This grant empowers us to execute key preclinical studies, ensuring the safety and efficacy of IND126 as we progress toward regulatory approval. More importantly, it highlights India's transition from a largely generics-driven industry to pharmaceutical innovation."
Pioneering Drug Development in India
As the first Indian biotech company developing a KRAS inhibitor for both domestic and global markets, VeGen Labs represents a significant shift in India's pharmaceutical landscape. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, emphasized this importance: "BIRAC is committed to fostering innovation in the Indian biotech ecosystem, and we are happy to support VeGen Labs in developing this groundbreaking KRAS inhibitor. This initiative aligns with our vision to promote cutting-edge research that addresses critical healthcare challenges both in India and globally."
Innovation in Drug Discovery
VeGen Labs is leveraging cutting-edge technologies in its drug development efforts, integrating AI-driven drug discovery with emerging modalities such as PROTAC and Molecular Glues. This approach demonstrates the company's commitment to innovative solutions in cancer treatment, particularly in addressing unmet medical needs in oncology.
The BIRAC funding comes at a crucial time when private and venture funding for biotech innovation in India remains limited. This government support not only validates VeGen Labs' scientific approach but also strengthens India's position in the global pharmaceutical research and development landscape.
