Need for improved and affordable treatments for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

62 million Indians suffer from Diabetes and nearly 1 million of them die as a result. 25% of diabetics in India develop Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) which are localized injuries to the skin and/or underlying tissue of the foot of patients. The occurrence of DFUs increase the risk of amputation of the infected foot and of death due to related complications. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics, antiplatelets or anti-clotting medications to treat the infection, which may further impact existing health conditions or amplify the injury itself. In extreme cases, the infected leg must be amputated through surgical means, a solution that is unaffordable to a majority of the affected population. The average time required for healing of DFU is a range of 12-62 weeks encompassing multiple visits to the doctor, continued medication and treatments at regular intervals making it a costly affair. India is the most expensive country for DFU care, as 5.7 years of an average patients income is required to pay for complete DFU therapy. Thus, there is a need for cost-effective treatments and therapies across the chain of suffering to make suitable treatments affordable. Read less