HYDERABAD-based Bharat Biotech launched a specialised therapeutic, REGEN-D, for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, first and second degree burns and donor site skin grafts in Chennai on Friday.

Developed in collaboration with the Institute of Genomics and Integrated Biology of CSIR, Delhi, it is said to be India's first recombinant epidermal growth factor (rhEGF).

The company said epidermal augmentation properties have been documented in developed nations. Its R&D team took up the development of rhEGF molecule for the first time in the country as they could envisage its impact on the lives of a large part of Indian population exposed to conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, burn injuries and other critical interventions.

Dr Krisha M Ella, chairman and MD, Bharat Biotech, said it is being launched in two strengths - REGEN-D 150 for ulcers and REGEN-D 60 for burns and skin grafts. They are being presented in tubes with 7.5-gram and 15-gram volumes as a topical gel application. The price is reasonable as it has a great role to play and in ideal situations can save lots of lives and morbidity.

REGEN-D has received necessary regulatory approvals. The multi-centric double bind, comparative phase-III clinical studies have apparently documented excellent healing rates, well illustrated by the statistical data, the company said in a statement.