India Launches First Nitric Oxide Dressing ColoNoX for DFU

In a landmark moment for India’s medical and scientific community, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), in collaboration with Cologenesis Pvt. Ltd., has launched ColoNoX, the country’s first nitric oxide–releasing wound dressing designed specifically for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). This advanced dressing represents a decisive leap in addressing one of India’s most persistent and severe public health challenges: the rapidly increasing cases of diabetes-related complications that, in many instances, lead to amputation.

The innovation marks not only a scientific breakthrough but also an example of how nuclear research, material science, and biotechnology can converge to create life-enhancing health solutions.

From Laboratory Research to Clinical Reality: The Story Behind ColoNoX

ColoNoX is the result of extensive research carried out by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), which developed the core nitric oxide delivery technology. The innovation received Indian Patent No. 300809 in September 2018, signalling early recognition of its potential. The technology was then incubated with Cologenesis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., a move that accelerated its transition from a laboratory concept to a clinically validated medical product.

Cologenesis conducted Phase II and Phase III clinical trials, ensuring the dressing’s therapeutic efficacy and safety. Following the successful completion of trials, BARC granted the company an exclusive licence to manufacture and commercialise the nitric oxide–releasing dressing under its Technology Transfer Programme. This deeply collaborative effort culminated in the first-of-its-kind DFU treatment in India.

Adding further credibility, ColoNoX has received manufacturing and commercialisation approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), under Permission No. MFG/MD/2024/000647. With regulatory clearance secured, the product is now ready for deployment across healthcare settings in India.

A Milestone for Indian Healthcare: Leaders Speak Out

Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of DAE and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), emphasised the product’s enormous significance for public health. He described ColoNoX as a “major step forward” in providing accessible, effective solutions for diabetic foot management in India.

He further stated:

“This initiative reflects our commitment to the motto ‘राष्ट्र की सेवा में परमाणु’ (Atoms in the service of the nation), where we aim to harness scientific innovation for societal benefit.”

Dr. Mohanty added that this advancement aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ missions, underscoring how indigenous scientific capability can help address global health challenges.

Shri Vivek Bhasin, Director at BARC, praised the joint efforts of BARC researchers and the Cologenesis team in successfully transforming a research innovation into a commercial medical solution. He expressed confidence that ColoNoX would become a critical tool in improving diabetic wound management and reducing the risk of foot damage and infection among patients.

Why India Needs ColoNoX: The Growing Burden of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetes is among India’s most widespread chronic conditions, affecting millions. A significant percentage of diabetic individuals eventually develop diabetic foot ulcers, a condition that often escalates into severe infections, gangrene, and even limb amputation. DFUs demand urgent, specialised care—yet treatment options in India have historically been limited, costly, or insufficiently effective.

This is where ColoNoX becomes transformative.

The dressing addresses multiple challenges at once by delivering therapeutically optimised nitric oxide (NOx) directly to the wound site. Nitric oxide plays a well-established role in wound healing: it enhances blood circulation, promotes tissue regeneration, and exhibits strong antimicrobial properties. These attributes are crucial for diabetic wound management, as patients often suffer from impaired blood flow, reduced healing ability, and high susceptibility to bacterial infections.

How ColoNoX Works: The Science Behind the Innovation

According to Mr. Krishna Kumar, Director of Cologenesis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., who was present during the launch, ColoNoX uniquely integrates the healing power of nitric oxide with the regenerative characteristics of collagen, resulting in a highly effective wound-care solution.

Key Mechanisms of ColoNoX

Nitric oxide release: Enhances microcirculation, reduces bacterial load, and accelerates tissue regeneration.
Collagen hydrogel matrix: Promotes natural healing, manages exudates, and reduces patient discomfort.
Antimicrobial action: Helps prevent infection, a major complication in DFU.
Pain reduction: The hydrogel design alleviates pain commonly associated with open wounds.
Exudate absorption: Maintains a balanced, moist environment ideal for healing.

By combining these mechanisms, ColoNoX not only speeds up healing but also reduces the risk of further complications—potentially decreasing the need for surgical intervention or amputation.

DAE’s Dual Breakthrough: A Revolution Beyond Healthcare

Alongside the launch of ColoNoX, the Department of Atomic Energy announced another major scientific achievement: the release of Ferrocarbonatite (FC) – BARC B140, India's first indigenously developed Certified Reference Material (CRM) for Rare Earth Elements (REEs). This development is essential for industries that rely on rare-earth minerals, from electronics to defence technologies.

Why the Rare Earth CRM Matters

The CRM provides certified values for:

13 rare earth elements
6 major elements

The material was jointly developed by:

National Centre for Compositional Characterisation of Materials (NCCCM), BARC
Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Hyderabad

This CRM is only the fourth of its kind globally and the first ever created in India. Its availability enhances the accuracy of:

Mineral exploration
Extraction processes
Industrial quality control

The launch supports India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening domestic capabilities in rare-earth analysis and reducing dependence on international reference materials.

ColoNoX: A New Standard in Diabetic Wound Care

The introduction of ColoNoX marks a pivotal moment for diabetic wound care in India. Until now, treatments relied on conventional dressings, systemic antibiotics, and topical agents that often delivered slow or inconsistent results. With its NOx-delivery mechanism and collagen-based healing environment, ColoNoX offers a holistic, clinically validated, and scientifically superior treatment option for DFUs.

What Sets It Apart

First nitric oxide–releasing wound dressing manufactured in India
Backed by extensive clinical trials (Phase II and III)
Supported by BARC’s patented technology
Licensed under DAE’s Technology Transfer Programme
Approved by DCGI for manufacturing and sale
Fully indigenous—aligned with national missions

Combined, these attributes make ColoNoX not just a medical product but a symbol of India’s growing biotech capability.

Static Facts at a Glance

Innovation 1: ColoNoX – Nitric Oxide Wound Dressing

Use: Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU)
Developed by: BARC + Cologenesis Pvt. Ltd.
Approval: DCGI-certified for commercial use
Benefits: Faster healing, antimicrobial action, improved blood flow, reduced pain, better wound management

Innovation 2: Ferrocarbonatite – BARC B140

Purpose: Certified Reference Material (CRM) for Rare Earth Elements
Use Case: Mineral research, exploration, extraction, and process control
Significance: First in India, fourth globally

A Leap Toward Healthier Futures

With diabetes affecting millions of Indians and diabetic foot ulcers remaining a leading cause of disability and amputation, the launch of ColoNoX promises new hope. The dressing provides an innovative, scientifically backed, and accessible solution for patients who often struggle with chronic, non-healing wounds.

Coupled with the introduction of India’s first rare-earth CRM, the DAE’s dual announcement reflects a larger commitment—using advanced research not just for industry or defence, but for public welfare and global scientific leadership.

As ColoNoX enters the healthcare system, it is poised to become a turning point in wound care for diabetic patients, potentially saving limbs, reducing healthcare burdens, and improving quality of life for countless individuals across the country.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies