Hyderabad, Aug.3 (NSS): Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA), Science Gurus and University of Hyderabad, inaugurated Landmark Virtual Drug Discovery and Development Workshop.
The Federation of Asian Biotech Association, in collaboration with the University of Hyderabad and Science Gurus, USA has announced the successful commencement of a high-impact two week virtual workshop on Drug Discovery and Development. The workshop, part of a series adapted to a virtual format due to ongoing global health precautions, aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry applications in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Over 140 participants from various countries have registered for this event, which features over 40 experts from across the globe. These experts are sharing their insights into the complex and interdisciplinary nature of drug discovery, covering a range of topics from translational biology to drug manufacturing and regulatory affairs.
Professor B.J.Rao, Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, opened the workshop with an address highlighting the critical need for interdisciplinary approaches and the importance of molecular interactions in phenotypic changes. “The path of drug discovery is intricate and requires more than traditional biology. It demands a concerted effort across various scientific disciplines,” said Professor Rao.
The first session began with Drug Discovery and Development Process Overview. Led by Dr Chakk Ramesh, a seasoned pharmaceutical scientist, this session provided a comprehensive review of the drug discovery process, underscoring the distinctions among small molecules, biologics, and vaccines. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding complex protein networks and highlighted the rigorous aspects of the discovery process, including patent protection and market competitiveness.
He has also explored the critical role of antibiotics and the evolution of drug discovery from traditional remedies to patented pharmaceuticals.The workshop also discussed the emerging vision of personalized medicine, focusing on genetic engineering and the stratification of patients to enhance treatment efficacy. The importance of understanding the analytical differences between small molecules and biologics was highlighted.
The second session of the day was by Prashant from Vegen Labs on Exploring Undruggable Targets and New Frontiers. He has addressed the challenges of targeting the vast unexplored regions of the human proteome, advocating for a shift from ‘undruggable’ to ‘difficult to target’. Prashant covered the major transcription factors involved in cancer, such as P53 and Kras, emphasizing recent therapeutic advancements and the ongoing challenges in targeting these proteins effectively.
The workshop organizers have curated a series of presentations that not only explore the scientific aspects but also offer career guidance for emerging scientists in the field. The event is structured to foster interaction, with opportunities for attendees to engage directly with leading experts through discussions and Q&A sessions. “We are excited to see such enthusiastic participation and are confident that this workshop will spark innovative ideas and collaborations,” said Dr. Jagat, Chairman of the Board at Science Gurus.
