Ravindra Kumar | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ravindra Kumar | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute-India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 📚🎓

Dr. Ravindra Kumar’s journey into the world of scientific research began with a Master’s degree from the prestigious Delhi University. Eager to delve deeper into the realm of organic chemistry, he then joined the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) in Pune as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF). Under the supervision of Dr. Ganesh Pandey, Dr. Kumar focused his Ph.D. research on the total synthesis of amaryllidaceae alkaloids, a class of naturally occurring compounds with potential medicinal properties. This work laid a solid foundation for his future in synthetic organic chemistry and sparked a lifelong dedication to drug discovery and innovation.

Professional Endeavors 🚀🏛️

After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Kumar expanded his research horizons by moving to Japan, a globally recognized hub for cutting-edge chemical research. His postdoctoral experience commenced at the Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) in 2011, followed by a stint at Osaka University, where he was appointed as a specially appointed assistant professor. These years honed his expertise in asymmetric catalysis and broadened his skills in multidisciplinary research. With more than six years of post-Ph.D. experience, Dr. Kumar had the opportunity to contribute to several breakthroughs in synthetic organic chemistry.In 2018, Dr. Kumar returned to India and joined the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, in the Department of Medicinal and Process Chemistry. His focus on medicinal chemistry and process development significantly contributed to the institute’s ongoing mission of drug discovery and development. Since 2022, he has served as a Principal Scientist at CSIR-CDRI, leading a team of researchers focused on developing innovative therapeutic strategies.

Contributions and Research Focus 🧪🔍

Dr. Ravindra Kumar’s research focus spans the design and synthesis of novel boron-based drug candidates to combat drug-resistant microbial infections, commonly known as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). His team has made significant progress in this area by identifying boron-containing compounds with potential applications in treating AMR-related infections. For example, the compound S-022-044 has shown selective activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a notorious pathogen in AMR research.In addition to AMR, Dr. Kumar’s group focuses on CNS-related therapeutics. His research has identified novel hits for selective GPCR agonists like TGR5 and dopamine-D1/D5, which have demonstrated promising potential for treating post-stroke recovery and Parkinson’s disease. Compounds like S-022-252 (TGR5 agonist) and S-020-504 (dopamine-D1/D5 agonist) are in the translation phase for further study.Beyond medicinal chemistry, Dr. Kumar’s contributions to synthetic organic chemistry include groundbreaking work in stereo- and enantioselective synthesis of sp3-rich molecules. His research explores the desymmetrization of prochiral cyclohexadienones to create complex polycyclic compounds and heterocycles, which are crucial in drug development. His innovative approaches to p-quinol reactivity have also opened new pathways for site-selective multifunctional arenes, pushing the boundaries of chemical reactivity.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅🌍

Dr. Kumar’s research excellence is reflected in his impressive citation index of 600 and his 30 high-impact publications in prestigious journals, boasting a total impact factor of ~200 with an average impact factor of 7.5. His book, published by Wiley, has further solidified his reputation as an expert in medicinal chemistry and synthetic organic chemistry. Dr. Kumar’s work has also been recognized by national and international funding agencies, with grants from DST and SERB-CRG. His involvement in CSIR mission projects, such as the PAN-Cancer and antiviral programs, exemplifies his commitment to translating research into tangible healthcare solutions.Moreover, Dr. Kumar’s collaborative spirit is evident in his international and domestic partnerships. He has worked closely with Prof. Mary Grellier in France and biologists such as Dr. Sidharth Chopta (AMR), Dr. P.N. Yadav (CNS), and Dr. Rahul Sukla (Dengue) at CDRI, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach to solving complex biomedical problems. His professional membership in the Indian Society of Chemists and Biologists (ISCBC) as a lifetime member highlights his active engagement with the scientific community.

Impact and Influence 🌟🧠

Dr. Kumar’s research has a far-reaching impact, not only in terms of scientific innovation but also in terms of mentorship and student development. His students have excelled under his guidance, winning best paper awards for three consecutive years (2019-2021), a testament to his dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientists. By fostering a culture of excellence and curiosity in his laboratory, Dr. Kumar is ensuring that his contributions to chemistry will resonate long into the future.His work on non-infringing routes for high-value products in CSIR’s API mission projects demonstrates his ability to balance fundamental research with industrial applications, contributing to both academia and industry. This dual impact makes Dr. Kumar an invaluable asset to the scientific community.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮🏆

Dr. Ravindra Kumar’s legacy as a synthetic organic chemist and medicinal chemist is already well-established. His cutting-edge research in drug discovery, particularly in AMR and CNS therapeutics, has the potential to revolutionize treatment options for some of the most challenging diseases of our time. As he continues to lead his research team at CSIR-CDRI, his future contributions are likely to drive innovations in stereoselective synthesis, chemical reactivity, and medicinal chemistry.With his eyes set on further expanding the frontiers of organic chemistry and drug development, Dr. Kumar’s ongoing research and collaborations promise to bring novel therapeutic candidates to clinical use. His work in boron-based therapeutics and enantioselective synthesis will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the field, ensuring that his contributions continue to shape the future of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.

Citations

A total of 562 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        562
  • h-index          32
  • i10-index       13

Notable Publications 

  • Discovery and Structure−Activity Relationships of 2,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl Pyrimidine Derivatives as Selective D5 Receptor Partial Agonists
    • Authors: Kumar, S., Rastogi, S.K., Roy, S., Kumar, R., Yadav, P.N.
    • Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry
    • Year: 2024.
  • Anion-Relay Double Aza-Michael-Michael Cascades to Enone-Tethered Cyclohexadienones: Access to an Intricate Bridged Ring System
    • Authors: Chauhan, A., Patel, R.K., Yadav, A., Kant, R., Kumar, R.
    • Journal: Organic Letters
    • Year: 2024.
  • Polycyclic Pyrazoles from Alkynyl Cyclohexadienones and Nonstabilized Diazoalkanes via [3 + 2]-Cycloaddition/[1,5]-Sigmatropic Rearrangement/Aza-Michael Reaction Cascade
    • Authors: Patel, R.K., Jha, P., Chauhan, A., Kant, R., Kumar, R.
    • Journal: Organic Letters
    • Year: 2024.
  • Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Pyrimidine Derivatives as Bone Anabolic Agents Promoting Osteogenesis via the BMP2/SMAD1 Signaling Pathway
    • Authors: Rastogi, S.K., Khanka, S., Kumar, S., Singh, D., Sinha, A.K.
    • Journal: RSC Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2024.
  • Arylsulfonic Anhydride as Thiol Surrogate for Sulfenylation of sp2 C−H Bond Through De-Oxygenative Reduction with Neutral Ionic Liquid: Scope and Mechanistic Studies
    • Authors: Rastogi, S.K., Equbal, D., Kumar, S., Kumar, R., Sinha, A.K.
    • Journal: Advanced Synthesis and Catalysis
    • Year: 2023.

RAGHU K G | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. RAGHU K G | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

JUBILEE MISSION MEDICAL COLLEGE AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE,THRISSUR-India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. K.G. Raghu’s journey in scientific research began with a strong academic foundation in the life sciences. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry from Calicut University in 1983, achieving first-class honors. His passion for understanding biological systems led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Zoology from the same university, graduating in 1985 with first-class distinction.Dr. Raghu’s pursuit of knowledge continued with a Ph.D. from Saurashtra University, where his research focused on the effects of organomercurials pollution on the biochemical changes in the central nervous system of rats. His dissertation, titled “Effect of Organomercurials Pollution in Animals: Evaluation of Biochemical Changes in the Central Nervous System of Rat with Methylmercury and Chelators,” was completed under the supervision of Prof. P. P. Sood. This early work laid a solid groundwork for his future research in neurotoxicology and pharmacology.Following his Ph.D., Dr. Raghu undertook post-doctoral research at the Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science & Technology. His research, supervised by Dr. C.S. Paulose, focused on neurotransmitter-receptor functions in mercury poisoning and the effects of chitosan.

Professional Endeavors 🔬

Dr. Raghu’s professional career is marked by significant contributions to the field of pharmacology and drug development, particularly in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome. His career began at the CSIR Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, where he served in various capacities from Scientist B to Senior Scientist between 1995 and 2008. His work focused on drug development for cardiovascular diseases and safety pharmacology, which helped advance therapeutic approaches in this critical area.In 2008, Dr. Raghu joined the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum, where he made remarkable contributions as a Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, and eventually Senior Principal Scientist. His research during this period centered on the basic biology of metabolic syndromes and bioactives. He led pioneering studies on the development of leads for metabolic syndrome and explored bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.In 2021, Dr. Raghu retired as Chief Scientist from NIIST but continued his impactful work as an Honorary Scientist at the Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Trichur, Kerala. His research continues to address the fundamental biology of metabolic syndromes, further demonstrating his dedication to advancing medical science.

Contributions and Research Focus 🧬

Dr. Raghu’s research has had a profound impact on the understanding and treatment of metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular diseases. His studies have explored the biochemical mechanisms underlying these conditions and developed potential therapeutic leads. Notable contributions include:

  • Drug Development for Cardiovascular Diseases: Dr. Raghu’s early work involved developing and testing new drugs for cardiovascular conditions, focusing on safety pharmacology.
  • Metabolic Syndrome Research: His later research at NIIST was groundbreaking in exploring the basic biology of metabolic syndromes and developing bioactive compounds to combat these disorders. His work on compounds from natural sources has been particularly influential in identifying potential new treatments.

Dr. Raghu has also been instrumental in supervising Ph.D. and post-doctoral research, guiding several students and researchers in their scientific careers. His mentorship has led to significant advancements in the understanding of oxidative stress, cardiac hypertrophy, and metabolic syndrome.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Raghu’s contributions have been widely recognized in the scientific community. His work has not only advanced the field of pharmacology but has also earned him a place among the leading researchers in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. He is a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Biomedical Sciences and the Kerala Academy of Sciences, highlighting his prominence and influence in the field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Raghu’s research has had a lasting impact on the scientific understanding of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. His innovative approaches and discoveries have paved the way for new therapeutic strategies and drug developments. His role as a mentor and guide to numerous researchers has further amplified his influence, fostering a new generation of scientists dedicated to advancing medical research.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As Dr. Raghu continues his work as an Honorary Scientist at the Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, his legacy is characterized by a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health. His ongoing research aims to unravel further complexities of metabolic syndromes and develop effective interventions.Dr. Raghu’s career serves as an inspiring example of how dedication to research and mentoring can lead to significant advancements in science and medicine. His work not only contributes to the current understanding of critical health issues but also sets the stage for future breakthroughs in the field.

Citations

A total of 2610 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         2610
  • h-index           102
  • i10-index        31

Notable Publications

  • Title: Joubert syndrome causing mutation in C2 domain of CC2D2A affects structural integrity of cilia and cellular signaling molecules
    Authors: Jayarajan, R.O., Chakraborty, S., Raghu, K.G., Purushothaman, J., Veleri, S.
    Journal: Experimental Brain Research
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Corrosion and in vitro characteristics of cerium phosphate based chemical conversion coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy
    Authors: Jayaraj, J., Kumar, S.A., Srinivasan, A., Arunchandran, C., Rajinikanth, V.
    Journal: Applied Surface Science
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: A clinically feasible diagnostic spectro-histology built on SERS-nanotags for multiplex detection and grading of breast cancer biomarkers
    Authors: Murali, V.P., Karunakaran, V., Murali, M., Sujathan, K., Maiti, K.K.
    Journal: Biosensors and Bioelectronics
    Year: 2023.
  • Title: Vanillic acid mitigates hyperinsulinemia induced ER stress mediated altered calcium homeostasis, MAMs distortion and surplus lipogenesis in HepG2 cells
    Authors: Mohan, S., Nair, A., Poornima, M.S., Raghu, K.G.
    Journal: Chemico-Biological Interactions
    Year: 2023.
  • Title: In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effect of Tinospora cordifolia via modulation of JAK/STAT pathway
    Authors: George, G., Shyni, G.L., Mohan, S., Rajankutty, K., Raghu, K.G.
    Journal: Inflammopharmacology
    Year: 2023.