Lucknow: The 9th International Symposium on Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research was inaugurated at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, bringing together leading scientists, researchers, and industry experts to discuss the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research.
Dr. Radha Rangrajan, Director of CSIR-CDRI, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, highlighting the significance of the symposium in fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and research skill development.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, emphasized that scientific advancements require global collaboration. “Science has no borders, and this platform serves as a gateway for researchers, industry leaders, and young minds to come together and innovate in pharmaceuticals and healthcare,” she stated. Encouraging students, she urged them to contribute towards making India a global leader in science and technology by 2047.
Prof. Balram Bhargava, former Director General of ICMR and Senior Consultant at Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi, spoke about India’s growing strength in pharmaceutical innovation. He stressed that while India has established itself as a global hub for affordable medicine production, challenges such as dependence on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and the need for new drug discoveries must be addressed.
He further highlighted the transformative potential of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drug discovery. “These technologies will revolutionize pharmaceutical research, accelerating the development process and reducing costs,” he stated, while also emphasizing the importance of collaborations and market strategies to ensure affordable healthcare solutions reach the masses.
In the inaugural talk, Prof. Christopher Robert McCurdy from the University of Florida, USA, presented his research on pain management. He discussed the role of Sigma-1 receptors in pain processing and introduced a tracer molecule FTC146, which has completed Phase 1 human clinical trials. This molecule has the potential to detect nerve damage and enhance pain treatment, marking a significant breakthrough in pain management strategies.
In Session II, Prof. Courtney C. Aldrich from the University of Minnesota, USA, shared his research on developing novel antimicrobial agents. His work focuses on targeting cofactor biosynthesis to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis. He discussed new drug candidates that could serve as next-generation Rifamycin derivatives, offering hope for more effective tuberculosis treatment.
Dr. Arindam Talukdar from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, presented his research on TLR7 modulators, which play a crucial role in the immune system’s response to infections. His study explored how chemical modifications can switch a compound’s function from an agonist to an antagonist, opening doors for new therapeutic developments.
The CTDDR-2025 symposium continues to ignite scientific curiosity with its discussions on cutting-edge technologies and research breakthroughs. Eminent speakers and participants are engaging in dynamic knowledge-sharing sessions, paving the way for new directions in pharmaceutical research and development.
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