Hyderabad, Aug.8 (NSS): The Drug Discovery & Development Workshop continued to engage participants with groundbreaking advancements in pharmaceutical sciences. Organized by the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations, University of Hyderabad and Science Gurus, the day was marked by expert discussions on small molecule drug manufacturing and sustainable practices.
Dr Srinivas Oruganti, Director of Dr Reddy’s Institute of Life Sciences, led the day’s first session with a comprehensive look at the latest trends in small molecule drug manufacturing. He emphasized the necessity of innovative manufacturing processes that not only meet high-quality standards, but are also environmentally sustainable and capable of securing crucial intellectual property rights. Dr Oruganti highlighted the strategic integration of technologies such as flow chemistry, robotic automation, and machine learning to enhance production efficacy and maintain environmental sustainability.
Dr Pravin Kumar, Chief Scientific Officer at Kcat Enzymatic, captivated the audience with insights into the enzymatic synthesis processes that are setting new standards for cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability in the chemical industry. He discussed the challenges and breakthroughs in enzyme engineering, particularly through the use of their proprietary 7D grid technology and AI, which enhances enzyme activity prediction and solubility. His discussion also covered the impressive strides in the commercial application of biocatalysts developed by Kcat Enzymatic, emphasizing their role in greener and more efficient drug synthesis.
The day also featured insightful participant presentations. Nalla Kiran Kumar from the University of Hyderabad discussed the potential of phytocompounds as anti-cancer drugs, highlighting their effectiveness and sustainability. Dr. Aksankshya Vyas from CDRI presented her research on novel cancer biomarkers (SAS1B), which are crucial for the early diagnosis and targeted therapy of cancer, setting the stage for future innovations in oncology.
The workshop continued to serve as a dynamic platform for fostering innovation and collaboration among scientists, industry leaders, and academicians. The discussions from the day set a progressive tone for the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing, highlighting the pivotal role of advanced technology and sustainable practices in the evolution of drug discovery and development.
