CSIR-CDRI Organizes National Symposium on ‘Preclinical Innovation and Regulatory Practice’

LUCKNOW: The CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, organized a one-day National Symposium on “Preclinical Innovation and Regulatory Practice” on Friday, bringing together leading voices from science, industry, and policy to explore the evolving landscape of preclinical research and regulation in India.

Inaugurating the symposium, CSIR-CDRI Director Dr. Radha Rangarajan welcomed participants and underscored the institute’s mission in advancing drug discovery through ethical and innovative preclinical research. She stressed the importance of regulatory awareness and the development of reliable preclinical models to ensure safety and efficacy in new therapies.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. G.N. Singh, Former Drug Controller General of India and Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, emphasized the critical need for a robust regulatory ecosystem to support innovation while protecting public health. He highlighted that the state government-backed initiative “Promote Pharma” will play a pivotal role in building a strong research and innovation network in Uttar Pradesh. He also shared updates on the upcoming Pharma Park being developed in Lalitpur, which is set to become a significant hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D.

Prof. Alok Dhawan, Director of the Centre of BioMedical Research (CBMR), focused on the role of ethical integrity and cross-disciplinary collaboration in modern scientific research. He encouraged young scientists to embrace cutting-edge tools and maintain scientific rigor in their work.

A major highlight of the event was a compelling lecture by Dr. A.B. Pant, a senior expert in pharmaceutical regulation. He offered strategic insights into strengthening India’s preclinical testing framework and improving synergy between researchers and regulators. He stressed the need for transparent processes and clear guidelines to ensure drug safety and public trust.

The event also marked an emotional and celebratory moment as Dr. S.K. Rath, a distinguished toxicologist and veteran in regulatory science, was felicitated for his decades-long service and groundbreaking work in the field. Former colleagues shared heartfelt memories of his leadership and mentorship, turning the session into a touching tribute to his career.