Lucknow: The second day of the 9th “International Symposium on Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research” (CTDDR2025) at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, witnessed groundbreaking scientific discussions and presentations by eminent researchers from around the world. Key themes of the day included drug resistance, CAR-T cell therapy, parasitic and viral diseases, and advancements in natural product chemistry.
New Strategies to Combat Drug Resistance
Dr. Sachin S. Bhagwat from the Wockhardt Research Center, Aurangabad, presented his research on a novel β-lactam + β-lactam enhancer combination, WCK 5222, which demonstrated efficacy against pan-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. He emphasized the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and shared promising clinical results indicating that WCK 5222 could revolutionize treatment for life-threatening infections.
CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Game Changer in Cancer Treatment
Prof. Rahul Purwar from IIT Bombay discussed India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, which has already treated over 300 patients. Given the exorbitant costs of imported therapies, his team developed a cost-effective and accessible platform, recently approved for commercial use in India.
Microbiome Research Unlocks Next-Generation Probiotics
Dr. Tarini Shankar Ghosh from IIIT Delhi introduced the HACK-index, a metric developed to identify health-associated microbiome species. His team’s research could lead to more targeted probiotic therapies, enhancing gut health and overall well-being.
Mitochondrial Translation: A Target for Parasitic Disease Treatment
Prof. Dominique Soldati-Favre from the University of Geneva highlighted her work on mitochondrial translation in Apicomplexan parasites, including malaria-causing Plasmodium. Her research identified potential drug candidates that could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Host-Directed Therapy for Infectious Diseases
Prof. Christian Doerig from RMIT University, Australia, presented findings on targeting host signaling proteins to combat infections. His study focused on Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria, and identified promising kinase inhibitors that could serve as new drug targets.
Breakthroughs in Visceral Leishmaniasis Treatment
Prof. Shyam Sundar from Banaras Hindu University discussed the transformative role of single-dose liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) in combating visceral leishmaniasis (VL). He underscored the importance of maintaining India’s progress toward the 2025 WHO elimination target.
SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Discovery Through Open Science
Dr. Peter Sjö from DNDi, Switzerland, showcased the discovery of DNDi-6510, an orally bioavailable SARS-CoV-2 antiviral developed through an open-science initiative. This breakthrough could enhance preparedness for future pandemics.
Urgent Need for Novel Antivirals
Prof. Sudhanshu Vrati from RCB, Faridabad, stressed the importance of developing antivirals for emerging viral threats. He presented his lab’s promising antiviral candidate against the Chikungunya virus.
Advanced Diagnostics for Arboviral Infections
Prof. Gaurav Batra from THSTI, Faridabad, shared advancements in diagnostics for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. His team is developing rapid antigen tests that could significantly improve outbreak response and patient management.
Natural Product Chemistry for Drug Discovery
A dedicated session on natural product chemistry highlighted innovative research, including:
Prof. Inder Pal Singh (NIPER, SAS Nagar) on wound-healing formulations derived from Seabuckthorn.
Dr. Chandra Kant Katiyar (Emami Ltd, Gurgaon) on integrating traditional medicinal plants into modern drug discovery.
Dr. Ashutosh Pandey (NIPGR, New Delhi) on genetic engineering of crops to enhance health-beneficial natural products.
Young Scientists Showcase Innovative Research
In the Flash Talk and Poster Session, over 180 young investigators presented their research findings, sparking vibrant discussions and collaborations.
The symposium continues to serve as a premier platform for scientific exchange, fostering innovation in drug discovery and therapeutic advancements. With leading scientists driving progress in multiple domains, #CTDDR2025 reaffirms its significance as the Maha Kumbh of Drug Research.
