biotechnology – The KGP Chronicle

“Staying Healthy is anything but easy,” said the Gogineni Sisters – The Alumni Story of the Week

Sisters Sudha Gogineni (2010/DD/CH) and Veda Gogineni (2013/DD/BT), both graduates of IIT Kharagpur, left their high-paying corporate careers to address a significant issue in India: Undernutrition. Growing up in a health-conscious household and practicing yoga, the importance of good health was ingrained in them from a young age. However, the demands of their professional lives took a toll on their health, leading to issues like knee pain and fatigue.

Their decade-long corporate story could be anyone’s story. They have worked their way to great jobs, worked incredibly hard, and felt like they had it all. Before, it all began. Their health was slowly but surely, deteriorating. Lack of time and a sedentary lifestyle impacted them in many ways – skin pigmentation, low energy levels, acid reflux, hair loss, back pains. You name it, and they had it. They desperately wanted to fix their health, but the recommendations that came their way were either too synthetic, or too difficult to implement. They were looking for a safe and easy alternative.

“Nutrition supplements were a great solution, but were too synthetic for our liking. But the idea of creating nutrition supplements that were entirely plant based was very appealing to both of us. So, we brought Earthful to life – nutrition supplements that are 100% plant based and pack powerful elements of mother earth.”

When they discovered that 75% of Indians lack at least one essential vitamin, Veda and Sudha knew they had to make a change. Unwilling to rely on synthetic supplements, they began searching for natural alternatives. This journey led to the creation of Earthful, a brand dedicated to 100% plant-based nutrition solutions.

Veda, with a background in biotechnology, had initially pursued a career in investment banking before moving to a high-growth startup, Meesho. Her sister, Sudha, brought her expertise from working in FMCG with ITC Limited and Uber to their new venture. Together, they decided to leave their lucrative jobs to launch Earthful.

“Launching our own business was no easy task. Leaving our high-paying jobs for this was a tough decision. We aimed to create 100% plant-based products, a novel concept in India. To achieve this, we had to scout for experts from various countries to understand and source the right ingredients,” said co-founder Sudha.

“Building a team that shared our vision posed a significant challenge,” said Veda. The challenges seemed endless, but we persisted, trying different approaches each time. We live by Albert Einstein’s words: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’ Learning from our mistakes, we succeeded in creating the cleanest products in the market, which now enables us to launch new products more efficiently.”

Their range of natural products include:

MULTIVITAMIN
PLANT PROTEIN
KIDS MILLETS MIX
ZEN MODE
ROOT NOURISH
HER SUPPORT
INNER GLOW

STAYING WELL, NATURALLY

“We are on a mission to eradicate nutrition deficiency, the natural way. Our products are science-backed nutrition supplements that help you stay healthy without breaking a sweat.”

With ambitious goals to become a 500 crore business within the next three years, Earthful aims to significantly improve the health of Indians. It is valued at 13 billion USD and expanding at 17-18% annually.

Visit https://earthful.me/pages/about-us for more

A Financial Express Exclusive

By : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

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Empowering Educators and Fostering Scientific Growth on Molecular Biology in Rural Areas

Rural Science Education Training Utility Program (RuSETUP) Workshop on Molecular Biology Techniques in Rural Areas

In the pursuit of promoting basic scientific knowledge in molecular biology and enhancing the educational landscape in rural West Bengal, India, a workshop on, “Basic Training on Molecular Biology Techniques for College Teachers in Rural Areas” was successfully conducted on the 6th and 7th of October 2023 jointly by School of Medical Science and Technology (SMST), IIT Kharagpur and Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) under the banner of INYAS’ flagship event “Rural Science Education Training Utility Program’ (RuSETUP).

This endeavor was led by Dr. Budhaditya Mukherjee and Dr. Nishant Chakravorty, faculty members of SMST and Members of INYAS and supported by all INYAS East Zone members. The workshop was attended by 14 college teachers hailing from various institutions of Paschim Medinipur, including Hijli College, Kharagpur College, Medinipur College, K.D. College of Commerce and General Studies, and Vidyasagar Institute of Health.

The RuSETUP workshop was designed to address a pressing issue in rural education – the lack of access to cutting-edge knowledge and technologies in molecular biology. In an era where this field rapidly evolves and impacts diverse sectors such as biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture, it is imperative that educators are equipped with the latest insights and tools. Recognizing this, the workshop comprised a meticulously crafted agenda, blending theory and hands-on training, ensuring that participants gained practical experience in essential molecular biology techniques.

The workshop was inaugurated with motivating words by Dr. Rajendra Singh Dhaka, Chair, INYAS and Prof. Soumen Das, Chairperson, SMST & Officiating Dean, BCRMMRC. The events encompassed a series of enriching activities, including engaging lectures and hands-on training by SMST faculty and student volunteers Shatarupa Bhattacharya, Debolina Manna, Supratim Pradhan, Souradipa Ghosh, Subhangi Chakraborty and Mandrita Mukherjee.

The core of the workshop was in the hands-on training sessions. Participants actively engaged in practices like Plasmid DNA isolation, Genomic DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Agarose gel electrophoresis. These skills are pivotal for scientific exploration and were tailored to empower college teachers with the practical knowledge to enrich their teaching methods. Dr. Praphulla Chandra Shukla, Assistant Professor, SMST concluded the proceedings of the workshop on the second day. The participants highly valued the workshop and expressed a strong desire for additional workshops. They also requested opportunities for students from rural colleges to directly participate in events like these.

The impacts of this workshop reach far beyond its immediate audience. By equipping these dedicated educators with advanced molecular biology techniques, RuSETUP ensures a ripple effect, ultimately benefitting the students they teach. As they return to their respective colleges, they will be armed with the latest knowledge and practical skills, thereby enhancing the quality of science education in rural areas.

By nurturing an interest in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture at the grassroots level, RuSETUP indirectly contributes to the development of the entire region. This growth not only creates a knowledgeable workforce but also ignites the spark of curiosity in the young minds, encouraging them to pursue higher studies and research in these critical domains.

This RuSETUP workshop on,”Basic Training on Molecular Biology Techniques for College Teachers in Rural Areas” marks a success in the realm of rural science education and exemplifies the power of collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision to uplift educational standards in underserved communities. The event has illuminated a path towards a brighter, more scientifically enriched future for all.

Inputs by: Prof. Nishant Chakravorty, School of Medical Science &Technology, IIT Kharagpur
Email : nishant@smst.iitkgp.ac.in

Edited By : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

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International Workshop on Biodiversity & Climate Change

We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and we are the last generation that can do something about it. We only get one home, one planet, there is no plan B. The climate has changed, we have changed, our tolerance and habits have changed. Biodiversity is our most valuable asset but least appreciated resource. Despite our many advances, our environment is still threatened by a range of problems including global climate change, energy dependency on unsustainable fossil fuels and loss of biodiversity. Therefore, there is a need to create an awareness about maintaining ecology among the masses and address the graving concerns that pose a threat to the natural habit of human beings.

On the lines of creating awareness about biodiversity and climate change, the 3^rd International Workshop on Biodiversity and Climate Change (BDCC-2023) was organized by the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere, and Land Sciences (CORAL) at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur on the rising diminishment over ecological disruptions. The four-day programme including field trips to Sundarbans and Similipal Biosphere Reserve was attended by over 230 participants who arrived at the IIT Kharagpur campus on 15^th February. The Inaugural session was organized at Kalidas Auditorium on 17^th February 2023 in the august presence by eminent Professors and Scientists comprising of Dr. M Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, IMD; Prof. V K Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. V P Singh, Texas A&M University, USA; Dr. S Behera, Director of Application Laboratory, JAMSTEC, Japan; Prof. B Pani, Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi; Dr. T Meloth, Director, NCPOR, MoES; Prof. S K Dube, Former Director, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. K Kumar, Chairman CORAL and Prof. M D Behera, Organizing Secretary BDCC – 2023.

Prof. K Kumar, Chairman of BDCC-2023 welcomed the delegates on the dias, followed by lighting of the auspicious lamp by Dr. M Mohapatra and Prof V K Tewari in the presence of other dignitaries followed by a recitation of national anthem by a few students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Kharagpur. Dr. M D Behera, the Organizing Secretary provided an overview of the event with connection to the past two BDCC workshops and highlighted on the GOI Net Zero targets and nature-based climate solutions.

Prof. V K Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur remarked, “If we look at the nature closely, every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular environment in which it has has survived. I feel honored and proud to witness the 3rd International Workshop on Biodiversity and Climate Change (BDCC-2023) organized by CORAL at IIT Kharagpur. Biodiversity forms the backbone of any Nation’s prosperity and development. India is bestowed with immense biological wealth in its different habitats and they provide various ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, food provision etc. However, with climate change crisis exacerbating biodiversity losses and shifts in ecosystems dynamics, it is the need of the hour to adopt multifaceted mitigation and adaptation measures for ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.”

Prof. S K Dube deliberated on the genesis of CORAL and its journey in the frontier era of climate change education and research. Prof. B Pani explained the compliance of the National Education Policy with climate studies, while Dr. T Meloth appraised on climate change footprints on the 3^rd pole. Dr. S Behera emphasized on the prediction of monsoon and its impact on the economy in terms of crop yield and diseases like malaria. Prof. V P Singh highlighted the importance of water resources and its conservation in the era of changing climate. A pheno-meteorological observation tower installed in Similipal Biosphere Reserve was e-inaugurated by Dr. M Mohapatra in presence of Prof. V K Tewari; Dr. B K Bhattacharya and Dr. C P Singh, Scientists from Space Application Centre (SAC-ISRO), Ahmedabad.

The workshop started with four tutorials including (i) Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) using Machine Learning (ML), (ii) Soft Techniques in Environmental Geochemistry and Sediment Analysis, (iii) Geomatics and Data Analytics using Open Source – Google Earth Engine (GEE), and (iv) A Hierarchy of Glacier Models on 16^th February with hands-on training by the Research Scholars of CORAL. Participants including students and young scientists from various international, national, and state institutes also attended the tutorials.

India is a very committed towards tackling the effects of climate change and has promoted and enacted various initiatives. India has tapped the potential of nature-based solutions to achieve net zero targets and uphold its commitment to the Paris Agreement. India’s commitment towards achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents through additional forest and tree cover, Mission LiFE, Honourable Prime Minister’s ‘Panchamrit’ or five-fold declarations project our stance for circular and sustainable economic development,” remarked Prof. V K Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur.

The workshop accommodated seven technical sessions such as Biodiversity and Land Cover Dynamics; Geomatics and Data Analytics; Forest and Agricultural Resource & Biotechnology; Extreme Weather Events and Natural Hazards; Global Cryosphere and The Himalayas; Biogeochemistry- Terrestrial and Marine; Nature-based Solution and Net-Zero Targets. The technical sessions were conducted in parallel in three halls with three keynote talks in each technical session by eminent scientists, who also co-chaired the sessions.

The first plenary session was chaired by Prof V P Singh, wherein Dr. M Mohapatra, Mr. D Ray, PCCF and CWLW, WB state and Dr. S Behera talked on ‘Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events’, ‘Climate threats to Sunderbans Mangroves’ and ‘Monsoon Climate and Food Security’ respectively. The plenary session-II was chaired by Prof B Pani, wherein Dr. E Sharma, Ex-DDG, ICIMOD and Dr. T Meloth and Dr. C Biradar, Country Director, CIFOR-ICRAF, Delhi talked on ‘Himalayan responses to changing climate’, ‘Climatic responses of polar regions’, and ‘Agroforestry interventions towards food security in the warming world’. The plenary session-III was chaired by Prof. S K Dube, wherein Dr. S Nayak, Former Secretary MOES, GOI); Dr. A Orr, British Antarctic Survey, UK; Dr. D H Bromwich, Ohio State University, USA and Dr. Kyle Clem, Victoria University of Wellington, NZ, deliberated on a wide range of topics with respect to climate actions in different spheres.

“All these key policy decisions and initiatives clearly demonstrate that our efforts for climate change mitigation should begin at the grassroot level starting from an individual and become unified as a massive wave for the common goal of preserving our planet. Being blessed with lush green campus, our staff and students of IIT Kharagpur have a plethora of opportunities to create a better world. We are proud to have undertaken different projects to enhance and maintain IIT-KGP campus a green campus. With our vision being – Dedicated to the service of the Nation, we seek to impart value based knowledge in addition to academic curriculum to our students in order to transform them into future leaders of tomorrow. This International workshop is a critical step in that direction which combines both traditional as well as modern fields of science. I congratulate Dr. Mukunda Dev Behera and the entire team for organizing this great event. I strongly encourage the researchers and participants to take full advantage of this workshop,”

stated Prof. V K Tewari.

The keynote talks of each technical session were oriented towards sustainable development perspectives. The participants presented their works in terms of rapid-oral and standard-oral as per specific format and allotted time. A few awards were adjudged from each session by the session co-chairs and the awardees were given a certificate and momento in the Valedictory session on 18^th Feb 2023. Field trips to Sunderbans and Siilipal Biosphere Reserve on 19^th and 20^th February. Several deliberations in the event have led to better understanding of how can we better understand feedbacks between climate change and biodiversity, how do we maintain a balance between bioresource management and socio-economic development, how do cryospheric changes in polar regions and high mountains affect biodiversity, water cycle and global climate etc. Forecasting and preparing for natural hazards and extreme weather events, understanding the intricacies between terrestrial and marine bio-geochemical cycles, geomatics perspective on spatial biodiversity and ways to achieve the net-zero targets through nature-based solutions were among the other topics of discussion.

Healthy ecosystems constitute healthy planet. In this connection, ecosystem restoration is a win-win strategy that is crucial to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate targets of the Paris Agreement. The on-going climate change is unequivocally anthropogenic and together with other stressors like deforestation, land degradation, biological invasion, etc. has resulted in species losses and shifts in landscape dynamics. The carbon cycle and the water cycle, arguably the two most important large-scale processes for life on Earth, depend on biodiversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels and can yield feedbacks to climate change.

Inputs by: Prof. M D Behera, CORAL, IIT Kharagpur
Email: mdbehera@coral.iitkgp.ac.in

Edited by : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

Follow us on: Facebook – IIT Kharagpur; Twitter – @IITKgp; Instagram – @iit.kgp; LinkedIn – Indian Institute of Technology
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Sustainable Alternatives in Energy, Environment & Healthcare for Science & Society

INDO-US, INDO-AUSTRALIA AND INDO-CANADA INTERDISCIPLINARY WORKSHOPS AT IIT KHARAGPUR

The Bioprocess & Bioproduct Development Laboratory of the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Kharagpur along with the collaborators from USA, Australia, and Canada organized three days workshop under the Government of India’s Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) from 24th to 26th February 2023. The workshops were inaugurated by Prof. Amit Patra, Deputy Director, IIT Kharagpur in the august presence of Dr. Prachi Kaul, Director, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and Prof. Saswat Chakrabarti, Dean BTBS, IIT Kharagpur. The workshop saw a footfall of more than 80 participants from both within and outside the horizons of IIT Kharagpur. Sustainable Alternatives in Energy, Environment, and Healthcare for the well-being of Science and Society was the theme of the three different workshops that spanned across the institute.

Pic : Inaugural session of the Indo-US SPARC Workshop (L-R) – Professor Warren D. Seider from the University of Pennsylvania was present online; Prof. Amit Patra, Deputy Director, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. N. R. Jana, HOD, Department of Biotechnology and Prof. Ramkrishna Sen, Department of Biotechnology (Convener) were present physically for the inauguration ceremony.

The three day long programme witnessed 20 speakers from 10 National and International universities and institutes accompanied by eminent industry leaders. On 24th February 2023, the first of the series INDO-US workshop was initiated on ‘Algaeneering for Global Energy and Climate Challenge’, jointly organized by the Bioprocess and Bioproduct Development Laboratory (BBDL) at IIT Kharagpur and the University of Pennsylvania, USA wherein academia researchers and industry experts across India and the US discussed the challenges, avenues, and technologies in research, development & innovations and techno-commercial assessment of renewable energy sectors.

Prof. Warren D. Seider, a world-renowned Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania delivered a plenary lecture. The other speakers at the workshop were Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Prof. Pinaki Bhattacharyya Emeritus Professor, Head, R&D, Chemical Engineering, Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata; Dr. Anindita Moitra, Chief General Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Limited; Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd., Karnataka and Dr. Harshad R. Velankar, Chief Manager, Bioprocess Group, Hindustan Petroleum Green R & D Center, Bengaluru.

Pic : Inaugural session of the Indo-AUS SPARC Workshop (L-R): Prof. Saswat Chakraborty, Dean BTBS, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. D. N. Singh, IIT Bombay; Prof. N. R. Jana, HOD, Department of Biotechnology and Prof. Ramkrishna Sen (Convener) in the inauguration ceremony.

Under the aegis of SPARC, the second day of the INDO-AUSTRALIA workshop scheduled on 25th February 2023 focused on ‘Bioinspired Solutions for Natural & Built Environment: Science, Society & Wellbeing.’ The Australian collaborators under the SPARC program from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Curtin University; Prof. Abhijit Mukherjee and Dr. Navdeep Dhami joined hands with the experts from India, Prof. Devendra Narain Singh, D. L. Shah Chair Professor for Innovation, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay; Prof. Brajadulal Chattopadhyay, Professor, Jadavpur University; Mr. Ramananda Adhikari, Deputy General Manager, Hindustan Copper Limited, Kolkata and Dr. Santanu Dasgupta, Senior Vice President, Reliance Technology Group, Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai put forth a series of insightful talks.

Pic : Dr. Santanu Dasgupta, Senior Vice President, Reliance Technology Group, Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai, India delivering his plenary talk online

A multidisciplinary concerted effort and partnership between educational institutions and industries was deemed to be instrumental in advancing research and development was highlighted in these workshops through the active participation of three PSUs including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) and two private industry market players Reliance and Godavari Biorefineries. These industry experts visited algal biomass production facility, a demo park created under the ambit of IMPRINT-IIA scheme (DST-SERB) between IIT Kharagpur and HPCL.

The INDO-CANADA workshop was held on 26th February 26, 2023 with the funding supports from Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) and SPARC on the theme ‘Green/Bio-polymers as renewable and sustainable alternatives to Petro-plastics: Energy-Environment-Healthcare Nexus’ with the active involvement of Prof. Sudip Kumar Rakshit, Canada Research Chair Professor, Bioenergy & Biorefining Research Institute, Lakehead University, Canada and Prof. Satinder Kaur Brar, James & Joanne Love Chair in Environmental Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Canada. Enthralling talks were also delivered by Dr. Santanu Dasgupta, Senior Vice President, Reliance Technology Group, Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai, India; Prof. Prashant Mishra, Former Head, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi; Prof. Dipankar Chattopadhyay, Former Head, Department of Polymer Science & Technology, University of Calcutta, and Dr. Krishna Chattopadhyay, Jadavpur University and Anchor, DD Bangla, Doordarshan Kendra, Kolkata. Dr. Santanu Das Gupta gave virtual demonstration of their state-of-the-art biorefinery facility, highlighting the challenges and mentioning the need and scopes of Industrial-Academia collaborations.

Pic : Prof. Sen demonstrating the high-rate algal pond, one-of-its-kind facility to capture the industrial emissions and valorize towards biofuels and healthcare products.

Participants delivered oral presentations of their research work in the three day workshops where Prof. Sen’s doctoral students, Mr. Romit Mitra and Ms. Ankita Debnath presented their work on algal biorefinery and bio-cementation perspectives, respectively.

Pic : Group photo at the valedictory session on Day 3

Prof. Ramkrishna Sen, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Kharagpur & Convener of the workshops remarked, “All the workshops were well organized by the members of the Bioprocess & Bioproduct Development Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Kharagpur which acknowledges Mr. Satyanarayana Reddy Battula, Dr. Chinmay Hazra and Dr. Debasree Kundu for their tremendous efforts and ground level coordination. Financial supports accorded by SPARC, an initiative of the Ministry of Education, GoI as well as the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) thus, paved the platform for developing an exciting research ecosystem through cohesive academic and research collaborations was well received by the overwhelming participants. “

Input By : Prof. Ramkrishna Sen, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Kharagpur
Email: rksen@bt.iitkgp.ac.in

Edited By : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

Follow us on: Facebook – IIT Kharagpur; Twitter – @IITKgp; Instagram – @iit.kgp; LinkedIn – Indian Institute of Technology
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Global Experts to address Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge at IIT KGP

Business Standard Jagran Josh NDTV The Week Millenium Post

Antimicrobial Resistance is one of the most crucial challenges faced by the healthcare industry. In the 21st century, germs are evolving resistance to drugs at a faster rate which has now been identified as a severe global threat. A major contributor to this issue has been our malpractices of antibiotic use, be it not finishing the entire antibiotic course or over-prescription of antibiotics for human patients or in livestock and pisciculture. This is further aggravated by poor infection control in health care settings, poor hygiene and sanitation, and the absence of the rapid development of antibiotic drugs. Moreover, evolution might lead to the appearance of new drug-resistant microbes that will pose a huge impact on the treatment of the patients.

Researchers from the Dept. of Biotechnology at IIT Kharagpur are making efforts to address such issues in a global forum with the focus on antimicrobial chemotherapy and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. In this regard, the Institute is organizing the 2nd International Conference on Contemporary Antimicrobial Research (ICCAR-2018) in collaboration with the Society for Antimicrobial Research (SAR), India. Experts from across UK, USA, South Korea, and several EU nations are participating in the conference to address the issues related to the know-how to handle these resistant micro-organisms clinically so that the average human life expectancy can at least be maintained, if not increased.

The thrust areas include antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, evolution and propagation of antimicrobial resistance, new target identification, prospective antimicrobial therapeutics, structure-based drug design, clinical aspects of handling antimicrobial resistance and novel detection methods & antimicrobial resistance.

“Further support is required though in creating awareness among people at large about the pros and cons of the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. This would reduce drug abuse and misuse, thus bringing down the adverse effect on future antimicrobial therapy,” opined Prof. Anindya S Ghosh, faculty at IIT Kharagpur and Convenor of handling & co-ordination, ICCAR-2018.

Prof. Ghosh further mentioned that efforts are already being undertaken by the healthcare industry and drug manufacturers in developing new drug molecules, introducing combination therapy, repurposing of already existing drugs, adding new and useful drug delivery systems to address the issue at drug research and medical advisory level.