Three scientists from the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow have been honored by the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI). This recognition highlights their significant contributions in the fields of cancer biology, cardiovascular research, and medicinal chemistry.
The awards reflect the ongoing advancements in health sciences and the critical roles these researchers play in addressing major health challenges.
CDRI chief scientist and head of Cancer Biology Division Dipak Datta and Manoj K Barthwal, a senior scientist in Division of Pharmacology, have been elected NASI Fellows for 2026. His team has also developed a small-molecule drug candidate, S016-1348, with potential anticancer activity, according to the institute.
CDRI spokesperson Sanjeev Yadav said the honours underline the institute’s emphasis on research aimed at major public health challenges, ranging from understanding disease mechanisms and identifying drug targets to developing molecules that could progress into future therapies. Ravindra Kumar, Scientist E in Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry, has been selected as a NASI member. Datta was recognised for research on cancer metastasis, with a focus on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype where treatment options remain limited. The candidate is being advanced towards filing an application seeking permission to begin human clinical trials. Barthwal was honoured for work on heart and metabolic diseases. His research highlighted IRAK, a protein involved in inflammatory pathways, as a potential drug target connecting inflammation, abnormal lipid levels and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves the build-up of fatty material inside blood vessels, which can narrow arteries, restrict blood flow and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Kumar’s selection as a NASI member recognises his contributions in medicinal chemistry, a discipline that applies chemical approaches to design and develop new medicines. His research focuses on creating new chemical scaffolds and structures with potential biological and therapeutic applications.