Translational Research

 

For the birth of something new, there has to be a happening. Newton saw an apple fall; James Watt watched a kettle boil; Roentgen fogged some photographic plates. And these people knew enough to translate ordinary happenings into something new- Alexander Fleming 

Translation is to convert practical into practice. Translational research is the research process that investigates and translates nonclinical research results into clinical applications and tests their safety and efficacy in a Phase 1 clinical trial. It is aimed at translating (converting) results of basic research into results that directly benefit humans.

Translational research involves the application of knowledge gained through basic research to studies that could support the development of new products. For example, translational research in the field of medicine may involve using knowledge of the biology of a disease to identify and evaluate chemical compounds in disease models, with a view to selecting potential candidate drugs to advance into clinical trials.

The primary goal of “translational” research is to integrate advancements in molecular biology with clinical trials, taking research from the “bench-to-bedside” 

The 2-tier model of Translational research has layers namely, T1 research which refers to the "bench-to-bedside" enterprise of translating knowledge from the basic sciences into the development of new treatments and T2 research which refers to translating the findings from clinical trials into everyday practice.

Latest classification includes 5 stages: T0- T4.

ü  T0 stage is associated with laboratory (in-vitro and in-vivo) research. It includes target identification, hit-to-lead identification, lead optimization and pre-clinical studies.

ü  T1 stage: It is associated with new laboratory discoveries that are translated to human application including phase I clinical trials.

ü  T2 Stage: It includes candidate applications progressing through clinical development to generate the evidence for integration into clinical practice guidelines. This includes phase II and III clinical trials.

ü  T3 stage: It includes broadcasting of research and outcomes of earlier stages into community practice.

ü  T4 stage: T4 translation seeks to advance scientific knowledge to paradigms of disease prevention and health practices established in T3 into population health impact.

Translational research:

ü  Encourages and promotes multidisciplinary collaboration among laboratory and clinical researchers.

ü  Incorporates the desires of the public with communities being engaged to determine their needs for health innovation.

ü  Identifies and supports the adoption of best medical and health practices.

Dabur Research Foundation (DRF) has extensive knowledge and experience in translational research of Synthetic & botanical leads. At DRF, we work extensively on Stage T0 and hold capabilities to take our collaborators through later stages. We have different departments to assist in different phases of Stage 0 (bench to bedside) research:

ü  Formulation Department

ü  Cell Biology Department (in-vitro studies)

ü  Pharmacology Department (in-vivo studies)

ü  Analytical Department

ü  Toxicology Department

ü  Genotoxicity Department

All the departments work in co-ordination with each other to provide end to end preclinical services to address all your requirements and enable successful translational research.

Success Stories of DRF in Translational Research:

ü  Extensive preclinical studies to determine the complete mechanism of uptake, delivery and action of Nanoxel in cancer cells.

ü  Complete preclinical testing of efficacy, safety studies for products in dermal pathologies such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. Products have been tested in multiple clinical trials.

ü  Preclinical testing for hair growth promoting ability of a product in animal model of telogen to anagen transition. Product is now in Phase-2 clinical trial.

ü  Preclinical testing for anti-aging, hair growth promotion and anti-osteoarthritic activity of Stem cell-based products. Products have been successfully launched in market.

ü  Preclinical studies with Herbal mixtures in the areas of Wound healing, Hirsutism and Erectile dysfunction.

ü  Preclinical studies with Herbal mixtures in the areas of diabetes, cataract, bone health, skin health, hair growth, antimicrobials, liver health.

ü  Preclinical studies with Herbal mixtures in the areas of anti-lice, anti-tick, anti-fungal activities. Anti-lice product has been tested in clinical trial.