Mumbai, March 13 -- Illexcor is developing a first-in-class oral drug that directly targets the root cause of SCD. Their lead asset, currently in preclinical development, is designed to bind to Hemoglobin S and effectively block polymerization and sickling, offering the potential for disease-modifying clinical benefits.

The company said that Sickle cell disease is a devastating and debilitating genetic condition that affects up to 10 million people worldwide. The disease continues to severely impact quality of life and longevity. Highly efficacious oral drug therapies are urgently needed to manage this condition on a global scale.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, MD of Zydus Lifesciences, said, "This investment reflects our commitment to patients bat...