In a major breakthrough in antifungal drug research, researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad have developed an oral formulation of Amphotericin B for the treatment of Black Fungus disease, medically known as Mucormycosis.
The development is considered significant because Amphotericin B is traditionally available mainly as an injectable drug, which is expensive, difficult to administer, and associated with several side effects.
What is Black Fungus?
Black Fungus or Mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by molds called mucormycetes. The disease mainly affects people with weak immunity, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer patients, or individuals recovering from severe infections.
The disease gained national attention in India during the COVID-19 pandemic when thousands of cases were reported among post-COVID patients.
Common Symptoms
- Facial swelling
- Nasal blockage
- Black lesions around nose or mouth
- Fever
- Headache
- Breathing difficulty
- Vision problems in severe cases
If not treated early, the infection can spread rapidly to the lungs and brain.
What IIT Hyderabad Developed
Scientists at Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad developed a nanofiber-based oral tablet of Amphotericin B using advanced drug delivery technology.
The new oral formulation aims to:
- Replace or reduce dependency on injections
- Improve patient convenience
- Lower treatment costs
- Reduce hospital visits
- Minimize side effects associated with intravenous therapy
Researchers stated that the tablet uses sustained-release technology, allowing the medicine to release slowly in the body for better absorption and prolonged antifungal action.
Why This Development is Important
Traditional Amphotericin B injections require hospitalization and careful monitoring because they can cause severe side effects, especially kidney toxicity.
The IIT Hyderabad oral formulation could offer several advantages:
Major Benefits
- Easier administration through tablets
- More affordable treatment option
- Reduced kidney-related toxicity
- Better patient compliance
- Suitable for long-term therapy
- Lower burden on hospitals
According to reports, the oral tablet may cost significantly less compared to injectable therapy, which became extremely expensive during the Black Fungus outbreak in India.
Technology Behind the Oral Drug
The research team used nanofibrous drug delivery technology to improve the absorption of Amphotericin B, which normally has poor oral bioavailability.
This technology helps:
- Protect the drug in the digestive system
- Improve absorption in the intestine
- Deliver sustained antifungal activity
- Enhance therapeutic effectiveness
The innovation was originally explored for Kala Azar treatment before being adapted for Black Fungus therapy.
Scope for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad stated that the technology is open for transfer to pharmaceutical companies for large-scale production.
Experts believe the innovation could play a major role in improving antifungal treatment accessibility, especially in developing countries where injectable therapies remain costly and difficult to access.
Conclusion
The oral Amphotericin B formulation developed by Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad represents a promising advancement in the treatment of Mucormycosis. If commercialized successfully, the innovation could make Black Fungus treatment safer, cheaper, and more accessible for patients across India and beyond.
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