IICT Director Dr. Reddy Envisions Strategic Partnerships with Leading Pharma and Chemical Industries
Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, the Director of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) in Hyderabad, is a figure of substantial influence in the realm of chemical research and technology development. With a rich background in organic chemistry, Dr. Reddy’s career spans several prestigious roles, from his postdoctoral work in the United States to notable positions in both the private sector and prominent government laboratories. His leadership at IICT has been marked by remarkable advancements in sustainable chemistry, biodegradable materials, and the transformation of industry practices to meet modern environmental challenges.
In this exclusive interview with Dr. Reddy, facilitated by Dr. Subramanian Iyer of Neo Science Hub, he delves into how IICT is shaping the future of chemical technology to align with India’s ambitious goals for self-sustainability. He discusses the institute’s pioneering work in green chemistry, the development of technologies to reduce environmental impact, and strategic collaborations with industries that underscore the role of scientific research in driving societal progress. Dr. Reddy also highlights the institute’s efforts in promoting gender diversity in science and its contributions to making Hyderabad a global hub for pharmaceutical research. Through his insights, we gain an understanding of the strategic initiatives propelling India towards a brighter, more sustainable future by the pivotal year of 2047.
Could you share how you began your career in chemical research and what impact your leadership has had since taking over as Director of IICT?
Thank you for this opportunity to discuss my journey. My academic background is in organic chemistry, I pursued my masters from Osmania University (OU), PhD from University of Hyderabad (UoH) and IISc, Bangalore. After Postdoctoral training in the United States. I returned to India, where I spent four years at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, followed by a tenure at Advinus Therapeutics, also known as Tata Advinus, in Pune. After accumulating significant experience in the industry, I transitioned to the government sector, dedicating ten years at the National Chemical Laboratory. In mid-2020, I assumed the directorship of a lab in North India, now known as the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM). I held that position for two years before joining IICT in 2022, following Dr. Chandrasekhar’s appointment as Secretary to DST. Given my extensive background, closely aligned with the lab’s focus, I felt well-prepared to lead IICT and continue its legacy of innovation in the sector.
IICT is renowned for its varied departments and long-standing research contributions. Could you highlight how these departments align with the institute’s core research areas and their impact on industry and society?
The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) is committed to advancing solutions in chemistry and chemical technology. Our institute is structured around four primary research areas: healthcare, chemicals, energy, and environment. To support these sectors, we have established several specialized departments including organic synthesis, process chemistry, agrochemicals, functional materials, chemical and environmental engineering, lipids, natural products, catalysis, applied biology, and analytical structural chemistry, which is particularly renowned nationwide.
Our focus spans these critical areas, facilitating the transfer of various technologies to industries. This includes process development for agrochemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), as well as innovations in energy and environmental solutions. A notable achievement is our development of biodegradable plastics, a recent and significant contribution to both industry and environmental sustainability. Through these efforts, IICT continues to play a pivotal role in propelling societal and industrial advancements.
Considering the rapid evolution of industry needs, how does IICT adapt its research goals to align closely with these changes?
The dynamism of industry needs requires that institutions like IICT not only keep pace but also anticipate future demands. Historically, our contributions have been significant, especially in regions like Hyderabad, where IICT, formerly known as RRL, along with institutions like IDPL, played a pivotal role in establishing the city as a pharmaceutical hub. As industries evolve, they are well-equipped with advanced technologies, compelling us to innovate continually in new domains.
Our approach focuses on emerging technologies that address current and future challenges, such as sustainability and life cycle assessments aimed at reducing carbon footprints. These areas are relatively new to many industries and represent the frontier of our research and development efforts. For instance, we’re exploring flow chemistry technologies—a burgeoning field that some industries are just beginning to adopt.
We maintain a proactive dialogue with the industry through regular meetings and interactions to understand their challenges and adjust our research focus accordingly. This ongoing engagement allows us to remain relevant and provide solutions that not only meet but drive industry standards forward.
Given your pharmaceutical background, could you elaborate on how IICT achieved its USFDA recognition, particularly in the context of your NMR lab?
The USFDA accreditation for our NMR lab is largely a result of our robust industry connections. Initially, industry partners approached us to utilize our services for recording NMRs, especially solid-state NMRs, which are critical in pharmaceutical analysis. This interaction naturally evolved into compliance with FDA requirements, culminating in the accreditation. It’s an exemple of how collaborative engagements can elevate a research institution’s standards to meet international regulatory requirements.
Transitioning to a broader topic, green chemistry is becoming increasingly significant. How is IICT embracing this shift towards more sustainable chemical processes?
Indeed, green chemistry is revolutionizing our approach to chemical synthesis by minimizing the environmental impact traditionally associated with chemical processes. At IICT, we are committed to advancing green chemistry initiatives by developing methods that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. This shift is not only a response to global trends but also a proactive measure to set new standards in sustainable practices, aligning with the growing environmental consciousness in the industrial sector.
Can you explain to our viewers how IICT is implementing green chemistry it in its research?
Absolutely. Green chemistry, or sustainable chemistry, is at the heart of our efforts to minimize environmental impact through science. It’s a common misconception that chemistry inherently contributes to pollution. However, at IICT, we see it differently. Take agrochemicals, for example. While some may view them as pollutants, their use significantly boosts agricultural yield, which in turn reduces the need for deforestation to meet food demands. Thus, agrochemicals can indirectly diminish environmental degradation.
Further, our green chemistry initiatives focus on life cycle assessments and sustainability analysis to decrease carbon footprints. While achieving zero pollution is challenging, we strive to minimize our ecological impact by advising industries on sustainable practices and implementing them in our research. This commitment is fundamental to our approach, as we continuously work to mitigate the environmental burdens associated with chemical processes.
Your profile mentions an intriguing concept known as the ‘silicon switch.’ Could you elaborate on what this entails and its implications in your research?
The ‘silicon switch’ is a fascinating aspect of my research group’s work, similar to the known hydrogen-deuterium exchange used in some marketed pharmaceuticals. This technique involves substituting carbon or sulfur atoms in a molecule with silicon to alter its properties significantly. For instance, by replacing a carbon atom with silicon in a molecule, we can enhance its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for delivering drugs directly to the brain.
A practical example of this is with the drug linezolid, where silicon incorporation has led to a substantial increase—up to 30-fold—in its brain to plasma ratio, thereby increasing its effectiveness in the central nervous system. Such modifications improve the drug’s lipophilicity, which enhances its ability to permeate the brain.
Another innovative application is creating stable mimics of transient states that are challenging to achieve with traditional carbon-based compounds. By substituting carbon with silicon, we can produce molecules that possess two hydroxy groups attached to a silicon atom, mimicking unstable structures in a more stable form. This approach opens new possibilities for drug development and other chemical processes, highlighting the versatile and transformative potential of silicon in modern chemistry.
Speaking of drugs and new chemical entities, are there any that have advanced into clinical trials or have become marketable drugs under your leadership?
Yes, one notable example is a molecule developed during my tenure at Advinus in Pune, in collaboration with Novartis. The molecule, Licogliflozin, has progressed to Phase 2 clinical trials. This molecule was designed to address metabolic disorders, specifically diabetes, and is now also being explored for potential treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and other related conditions. Novartis is currently leading these efforts, continuing the research and development process to potentially bring this new chemical entity to market.
So, it has already reached clinical trials?
Yes, indeed. I led the project from the chemistry side, collaborating with a biologist who co-led the efforts. It’s tremendously satisfying to oversee a project where a large, multidisciplinary team comes together to achieve a common goal. Designing the molecule with the assistance of skilled chemists and seeing it progress to human clinical trials is a profound achievement for all of us involved. It exemplifies the collaborative nature of scientific research and the detailed process that leads to significant medical advancements.
Over the past several decades, chemistry has made remarkable progress, but now we’re entering a biological era. Do you think chemistry needs to catch up with biology, especially when considering drug efficacy and toxicity?
It’s true that the biological approach to drug development has shown great promise, particularly in terms of targeting specific organs or body parts with reduced toxicity. However, traditional chemistry-based drugs are not going to be replaced by biologics entirely. While biologics offer specific advantages, they also come with high costs, which may not be feasible for widespread use in countries with limited healthcare budgets.
Moreover, chemistry continues to play a crucial role in the development of conjugated drugs and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), where it enhances the specificity and efficacy of biologics. The integration of chemistry into these processes shows that it’s not merely catching up but is essential for advancing drug development. Therefore, I see it as more of a synergistic relationship rather than a competition, where chemistry and biology together are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine.
Considering the intersection of chemistry and biology, do you think there’s a need to establish a dedicated department that focuses on their combined research?
Absolutely, and at IICT, we have already embraced this integrated approach with the establishment of our Applied Biology department. This unit is a testament to our commitment where chemists and biologists work side by side: chemists synthesize molecules and biologists evaluate their biological activities. This synergy fosters a productive environment for chemical biology, allowing us to excel in this interdisciplinary field.
Additionally, our proximity to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), a premier biology research institute, enhances our collaborative efforts. We have ongoing joint projects and are anticipating patent filings from these collaborations soon. This setup not only maximizes our research capabilities but also underscores the potential of combining chemistry and biology to innovate and advance the frontiers of science.
In terms of management, are you advocating for each department to engage in industrial collaborations and to produce publications? I noticed on your website something regarding fluorochemicals. Could you elaborate on that?
Yes, fostering industrial collaborations and encouraging publications are key mandates for each department at IICT. This approach not only enhances our scientific contributions but also ensures practical applications of our research in industry.
Regarding fluorochemicals, this is an area where there is significant industrial demand. Most fluorochemicals are currently imported, and I am proud to say that IICT is the leading organization in the government sector actively engaged in fluorination research. We are the pioneers in this field within the country.
We have recently initiated a major project funded by our CSIR headquarters, known as the Facility Creation Project (FCP), to enhance our capabilities in this area. This involves setting up a modern facility equipped with the latest technology to advance our research in fluorochemicals. Interestingly, our funding mechanism for this project is quite unique—it’s structured as a loan rather than traditional funding. This model was innovated by our Director General, Dr. Kalaiselvi, encouraging labs to be financially accountable and self-sustaining.
We are confident about the potential of this new facility and the advancements in fluorochemical research. The idea is not only to meet the domestic demand by reducing imports but also to create a sustainable model where we can pay back the loan through the revenue generated from industrial collaborations and consultations. This project represents a significant step forward in integrating our research capabilities with industry needs, further enhancing the impact of our scientific endeavours.
Are industries showing interest in partnering for developments in fluorochemicals?
Absolutely, there is a substantial demand for fluorochemicals in the market. While there are relatively fewer industries currently specializing in this area, the need for fluorochemicals is significant. This gap between supply and demand presents a unique opportunity for IICT to collaborate with industries seeking to expand or develop new capacities in fluorochemical production. Our ongoing and future projects aim to fill this market need by enhancing our research and development capabilities, thereby attracting more industrial partners looking for innovative and efficient solutions in fluorochemistry.
I noticed a reference to the “Wealth out of Waste” initiative on your website. Can you explain how IICT is progressing with this project?
At IICT, our “Wealth out of Waste” initiative is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. One of our standout technologies in this area is the Anaerobic Gas Lift Reactor (AGR) technology, which is gaining popularity across India. A prime example of this is at the Bowenpally vegetable market, a project that has even been highlighted by the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat talk. This facility processes approximately 10 tons of vegetable waste daily, converting it into biogas that is then used in local kitchens, effectively closing the loop from kitchen waste back to kitchen fuel. The solid byproducts from this process are also utilized as bio-manure, contributing further to agricultural productivity.
Additionally, we are expanding our efforts to include other forms of waste. For example, in North India, we are working on projects to convert agricultural waste, which are typically burned and contribute to air pollution, into bioenergy and manure. This not only helps in managing waste but also in reducing pollution and enhancing soil health.
Another significant project is in the Sripuram village in the Nalgonda district, where we’ve implemented an effluent treatment plant (ETP) to address pollution caused by dye waste from handlooms. This treatment plant, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), helps in purifying the water contaminated with dyes, thereby protecting the local ecosystem and supporting the community’s health. These initiatives are examples of how we leverage advanced technologies to transform waste into valuable resources, supporting both our economy and the environment.
Could you elaborate on the effluent treatment project mentioned earlier?
Yes, our effluent treatment initiative is part of our broader commitment to employing green technology for sustainable development. We’ve constructed an effluent treatment plant (ETP) in Sripuram village, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which utilizes enzyme-based technology to treat water contaminated with dyes from local handloom operations. This approach not only cleans the water but does so in an environmentally friendly manner.
We regard this project as a pilot, a model for other villages across the country. If successful, we plan to replicate this system elsewhere, significantly reducing the environmental impact of industrial dyes on a national scale.
Additionally, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond water treatment. For instance, we’ve developed a method to convert banana stem into biodegradable sanitary pads, further demonstrating our dedication to turning waste into valuable products. This innovation has recently been out licensed to a company, showcasing how academic research can transition into commercial applications that both support sustainable practices and provide essential products.
With environmental challenges particularly pressing in rural India, how is IICT contributing solutions that impact these areas?
Addressing environmental issues, especially in rural areas, is a critical focus for IICT. Our efforts in creating biodegradable plastics exemplify this commitment. We have developed a technology that produces biodegradable plastic materials, which we have transferred to the industry. One notable collaboration is with, a company GreenWorksBio that now produces biodegradable plastic bags used extensively in Apollo hospitals and medical stores.
These bags bear our institute’s logo, signifying the origin of the technology. The adoption of these biodegradable plastics by such a prominent healthcare provider not only demonstrates the practical application of our research but also aids in reducing the environmental footprint of plastic waste. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to expand the use of biodegradable materials, ultimately leading to wider applications beyond just plastic bags, thus contributing positively to environmental sustainability.
Can you discuss how IICT addresses gender issues and what efforts are being made to encourage women in science?
At IICT, we’re conscious of the gender disparities that can exist in scientific fields and are actively working to encourage greater female participation in research. We’re somewhat ahead in this respect compared to other organizations. We believe in fostering an environment where women are encouraged to pursue science as a viable and rewarding career path.
My personal experience also reflects this commitment. My wife, who pursued her PhD alongside me, now works in the private sector at a senior level position. This shared journey underlines respect for women in research and their potential to contribute significantly.
In terms of specific disciplines, it’s observed that while biology tends to have higher female participation at the higher education level, chemistry and other more hardcore engineering fields see less female involvement, possibly due to prevailing stereotypes about the nature of the work. However, we are seeing a gradual increase in women entering these fields at IICT. They are proving to be exemplary scientists and dedicated researchers.
Furthermore, we actively engage with schools and educational institutions to promote science as an inclusive field. Through outreach and educational initiatives, we aim to inspire more young women to consider science as a future career. This effort is crucial for building a more diverse and innovative scientific community.
With the Government of India envisioning the completion of the hundred years by 2047 under the Amrit Mahotsav initiative, how do you see the role of science in achieving a self-reliant India?
The vision for India by 2047 is to be a self-sustainable nation, and science and technology play a crucial role in realizing this goal. At IICT, we are aligned with the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Our research and innovations are geared towards developing solutions that can make India self-sufficient in various sectors, especially in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The transformation of Hyderabad into a pharma hub, significantly influenced by IICT, is a testament to what focused scientific endeavour can achieve.
Looking forward, our commitment remains steadfast. We have a dedicated team of scientists and students who are not just working on projects but are passionate about contributing to the betterment of society. Our efforts extend beyond laboratory research; we aim to implement practical solutions that address the broad spectrum of challenges facing our nation, including food security, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By 2047, we aspire to see India not just as a self-reliant nation but as one of the world leaders in science and technology, driving innovations that benefit not only our country but the global community.
