Wed Apr 16 11:53:29 UTC 2025: ## Hyderabad Labs Launch Joint “Anti-Viral Mission”
**Hyderabad, April 16, 2025** – The CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad have launched a collaborative “Anti-Viral Mission” focused on developing new drugs and diagnostics to combat emerging viruses.
According to CCMB Director Vinay Kumar Nandicoori and IICT Director D. Srinivas Reddy, the initiative will involve repurposing existing antiviral drugs and creating novel molecules for improved therapeutics. The collaboration has already yielded results, including repurposed drug treatments for sickle cell anaemia.
Furthermore, the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)-CCMB is exploring the potential of its indigenously developed mRNA vaccine technology (originally for COVID-19) to combat other infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, Chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis.
The two institutes, located on the Tarnaka-Habsiguda road, have received funding for several joint research projects. They are also participating in plans to develop the area into a “Science Corridor” with the assistance of the Hyderabad Metro Rail.
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