CSIR-IICT chief scientist elected to Indian Academy of Sciences

CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) chief scientist Chada Raji Reddy has been elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), Bengaluru, in recognition of his outstanding research contributions to chemical sciences, particularly in the area of pharmaceutical chemistry for healthcare applications.

Dr. Reddy’s research focuses on organic synthesis, with significant emphasis on the development of innovative chemical strategies for the synthesis of novel molecules, including bioactive natural products, as part of drug discovery programmes. His group has also developed efficient and scalable processes for several active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including Nicergoline, Favipiravir, Remdesivir, and others, many of which have been successfully transferred to pharmaceutical industries.

He is one of the key scientists involved in the development of a scalable process for an adjuvant molecule used in Covaxin, the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech. Dr. Reddy has published 193 research articles in internationally reputed journals, authored two book chapters, and holds 16 patents. He is also Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences and had received many awards, said a press release on Saturday.