Bangalore: As the Centre pulls out all stops
to contain the spread of swine flu, an indigenous source
uncovered by scientists to make tamiflu, the only indicative
drug for the virus, is lying unnoticed.
A team of scientists from University of Agricultural
Sciences (UAS) here earlier this year came out with findings
that certain plants in the Western Ghats, a mega-diversity
hotspot in South India, contain shikimic acid, the starting
material and the "precursor" for making tamiflu.
"I am hoping that the Ministry of Health or someone (from
the government) approaches us," Dr. R Uma Shaanker, Professor
at the Department of Crop Physiology and School of Ecology &
Conservation, UAS, the Principal Investigator leading a team
of over 20 scientists, told news agencies.
The team, working on the project supported by the
Department of Biotechnology, looked at 250-odd species of
plants in the Western Ghats and found that some half-a-dozen
of them had substantial amount of shikimic acid.
Shaanker said at least half-a-dozen bulk fine chemical
producers, those from the pharmaceutical industry, and those
who manufacture tamiflu by importing shikimic acid
from China, have approached UAS to see our proposition.
These companies are willing to adopt the Indian source if
they can save 20 per cent of the cost. "We have been getting
enquiries from industries and there are some industries that
are interested in seeing the economic feasibility," Shaanker
said.
Asked if he thought the Indian source of shikimic acid is
an economically-viable option, Shaanker said, "I have a
feeling it would be economically viable. But to be frank, I am
completely ignorant of industrial processing".
As the private industries would be driven by profit
motive, he wants the government to take the lead in making
tamiflu drugs using the Indian source with the help of public
sector companies, particularly because it has now become a
social cause.
"We (UAS) can offer all the information we have. The three
years of information that we got. The leads that we have got.
Now, Health Ministry can ask its public sector companies
what they can do in this regard," he said.
UAS scientists began their work three years ago to look
for an Indian source of shikimic acid at the height of the
birdflu scare. Now, this research undertaken with modern
technical tools, has provided a source to make tamiflu.
Shikimic acid has also been found in the seeds of
star anise plant in China. In India, it has been found in the
leaves of some plants.
"The important thing is that it (shikimic acid)is coming
from leaves. Leaf is a renewable source of material biomass
which can easily become applicable if someone is interested in
extracting shikimic acid from Indian source," Shaanker
explained.
He said some Indian firms procure shikimic acid from
China.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, August 14, 2009, 14:31