Starting a life sciences company is knowledge-intensive and high-risk: Dr. Srinivas Maddi, ACUBIOSYS Pvt. Ltd
In an insightful interview, Dr. Srinivas Maddi, Founder & CEO of ACUBIOSYS Pvt. Ltd., discusses his journey from a pharmaceutical scientist to an entrepreneur. With over 15 years of experience in drug discovery, Dr. Maddi founded ACUBIOSYS in 2017 to bring novel medicines to market faster using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and nanotechnology. He shares his vision for addressing unmet medical needs, including ongoing projects in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Dr. Maddi also highlights the role of expos in fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Rashmi Kumari from Neo Science Hub interviews Dr. Maddi to explore his pioneering work.
Could you start by sharing a bit about your background with our readers?
I, Dr. Srinivas Maddi, hold a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, which I completed abroad. Afterward, I worked internationally for a while before moving back to India in 2007. I began my Indian career at Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb R&D Centre in Bangalore and later moved to Hyderabad, where I worked at Aragen Life Sciences in drug discovery and development. With over 15 to 20 years of experience in drug discovery, I decided to embark on my entrepreneurial journey in 2017, founding ACUBIOSYS Pvt. Ltd., a company focused on developing new drugs using technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and drug repurposing. Our goal is to reduce the time it takes to bring safer and more effective medicines to market, targeting unmet medical needs.
That’s an impressive journey from scientist to entrepreneur. What was your experience like transitioning from working in the pharmaceutical industry to starting your own company?
I’ve always had a passion for science, and after completing my bachelor’s and master’s in pharmacy, I pursued my PhD in Germany and worked as a scientist in drug discovery programs. During that time, I learned how to take a molecule from the initial stage to the final stage, and I wanted to apply that knowledge to make a difference, especially in India. In 2017, when the Indian government started supporting startups and MSMEs in life sciences, I saw an opportunity to contribute by creating a company that brings novel medicines to the market. Beyond that, I wanted to create employment opportunities for scientists, given the shortage of jobs in India. Despite the challenges, I took the risk to start ACUBIOSYS, and we’ve been able to grow steadily, developing new formulations and patent filings.
You’ve mentioned that ACUBIOSYS is working on some exciting projects. Could you share more about your current research and development work?
At ACUBIOSYS, we focus on drug delivery systems and drug discovery. We’re leveraging nanotechnology combined with AI and machine learning to develop novel formulations. This allows us to accelerate the drug discovery process, which typically takes 20 to 25 years, and bring medicines to market faster. For instance, we are currently working on a drug for psoriasis, which is in phase 3 clinical trials and will be India’s first drug repurposing formulation for psoriasis. We aim to introduce this drug to the market by 2025. Additionally, we are working on autoimmune diseases and cancer treatments. Our technology helps reduce the time required to bring these treatments to patients.
How has the experience been for you at this year’s India Lab Expo, especially as a growing MSME?
The experience has been very positive. This year, the crowd is much larger, and we’re seeing a vibrant ecosystem with MSMEs, startups, and big companies all working hard to bring new products and medicines to the market. The support from the Indian government for startups has been crucial in creating this energy. I’ve also noticed that many companies are showcasing high-throughput and novel technologies, which makes the environment even more dynamic. The India Lab Expo is definitely growing and becoming a great platform for networking and showcasing innovations.
Do you believe expos like this can also benefit college students and young professionals who are interested in science and technology?
Absolutely! These expos provide a valuable opportunity for academic institutions and students to gain insights into the latest technologies and products available in the market. The academic world in India, unfortunately, isn’t always up to par with industry standards. However, by attending expos like this, students and teachers can understand the new advancements happening in science and technology. This knowledge can then be applied in classrooms and laboratories, ultimately benefiting students and giving them a competitive edge in their careers. Moreover, Hyderabad has become a hub for such gatherings, which is wonderful for academic and industrial collaboration across India.
It’s clear that ACUBIOSYS is at the forefront of using AI and machine learning in drug discovery. Could you tell us more about how these technologies are impacting your research?
Certainly. The use of AI and machine learning in our research helps us cut short the drug development process significantly. Typically, drug discovery is a time-consuming process, but with AI models, we can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and identify potential candidates for drug development much faster. We are also using nanotechnology to develop innovative drug delivery systems that improve the efficacy and safety of the drugs we’re developing. By combining these technologies, we’re not only reducing the time it takes to bring new drugs to market but also increasing the success rate of these drugs.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs and scientists who want to start their own ventures in life sciences?
My advice is that starting a company in life sciences is not easy. It’s a knowledge-intensive, capital-intensive, and high-risk business. You need a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, and I would recommend gaining experience in the industry before starting a company. Life sciences are not like software; you need significant infrastructure, funding, and government support to succeed. But if you’re passionate and ready to take risks, the rewards can be immense. There’s also a growing ecosystem in India that supports innovators and academicians who want to take the entrepreneurial route.
Finally, what message would you like to share with the Neo Science Hub audience?
Neo Science Hub is a fantastic platform that brings scientific knowledge to a wide audience. I’ve interacted with your team for some time now, and I appreciate the work you do in disseminating important information about advancements in science. Platforms like Neo Science Hub play a crucial role in helping viewers and subscribers stay informed about the latest trends in the industry. Keep up the great work!
