While pursuing her doctorate in skin biology at the National Institute of Immunology , in New Delhi , Dr Ganju ’ s research led her to people living with vitiligo . As she heard their stories of social stigma , her academic interest turned into a deeper need to make a positive impact .
“ The effect of this disease was humongous , and they were waiting for something to work .” Ganju could have gone on to build a career in academia ; after her PhD , she won a prestigious government scholarship meant to encourage young scientists in basic research . Yet , she was convinced that for research to turn into solutions , a corporate structure was needed . In 2016 , therefore , Ganju partnered with Krishnamurthy Natarajan , collaborator on her PhD project and a professor in the School of Life Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University , to start Pune-based Ahammune Biosciences to discover dermatological drugs . In August 2020 , Ahammune applied to the Indian drugs regulator for approval to start first-in-human clinical trials on a topical drug for early stages of vitiligo .
“ People are often intrigued with the company ’ s name “ Ahammune ” which in fact is a combination of Sanskrit word “ Aham ” meaning self and immunity . The name symbolizes our efforts to develop treatments for autoimmune diseases , developed from India for the world and thus would fulfil the mandate of Atmanirbhar for indigenous , selfreliance for unmet drug need ,” says Dr Ganju .
Vitiligo treatment is an unmet need with a huge market opportunity of over USD 2 billion . Currently , immunomodulators form a major proportion of this market . The company aspires to replace these with its targeted and safe topical treatment . Ahammune recently raised an undisclosed amount of funding from various investors . The company ’ s breakthrough innovations under Dr Ganju ’ s leadership thus not only have the potential for financial gains , but also carry tremendous societal reward . The impact that these treatments will have on the lives of millions of people and their families suffering due to these lifelong conditions will be unprecedented .
Current Position : Co-founder & CEO , Ahammune Biosciences
Impact : Ahammune Biosciences ' s lead drug candidate has a first-in class mechanism of action for vitiligo and has been developed as a targeted treatment .
Alma Mater : National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi
While advancing its therapeutic portfolio for vitiligo through multiple stages of human clinical trials , Ahammune plans to continue with expansion of its scientific breakthroughs through development of new and comprehensive treatment strategies for other dermatological diseases .
Outlining the future priorities , Parul says , “ We aim to introduce our drug into the Indian market first while simultaneously developing it for the rest of the world . We intend to remove the fear and stigma that is often associated with skin diseases which remain unmet medical needs .”
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