CFTRI’s anti-obesity oil all set for human clinical trials

The anti-obesity oil developed by the CFTRI in Mysuru is prepared using sunflower oil.

Research Council gives nod; trials in four medical colleges

Human clinical trials for anti-obesity cooking oil developed by scientists of the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru are set to begin, with the Research Council, which monitors research and development at the premier laboratory, giving its nod for the process.

It is perhaps for the first time that a food product from the CFTRI has been recommended for clinical trials on human beings to scientifically establish the claim. The CFTRI has claimed that it is a healthy vegetable oil prepared using sunflower oil.

The council, headed by a former IISc. Director, which met here on Tuesday, approved the CFTRI’s endeavour after its Director Ram Rajasekharan elaborated on the innovation and explained the need for clinical trials. The council comprised representatives from industries too.

The CFTRI has teamed up with four medical colleges — Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru; JSS Medical College, Mysuru; Manipal University (which runs a medical college), and Adichunchangiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellur, — for facilitating clinical trials.

MoU with colleges

“An MoU was signed with the four medical institutions recently. As clinical trials require funds, I have sought a grant from the CSIR which I am expecting soon. At least six months are required to complete the trials,” said Dr. Rajasekharan.

He told The Hindu that many industries, including some top names, were excited about the innovation and keen on adopting the technology for commercial production.

“Once the doctors certify the oil and ascertain the health claim we have made, the technology will be shared with whoever wishes to produce the oil for commercial purpose. We will not limit ourselves from sharing the innovation for the larger good of society,” he said.

Dr. Rajasekharan had earlier claimed that the oil was “very unique” as a similar product developed in the past by a foreign country had to be withdrawn over the issue of “food safety.”