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FDA grants approval to a new nasal spray medication for patients with treatment-resistant depression.


In our last article, we mentioned about the affirmative decision taken by the Psychopharmacologic Drug Advisory Committee and Drug Safety and the Risk Management Advisory Committee for recommending the approval of SPRAVATO (esketamine) [1]. As a follow-up to that story, FDA recently approved SPRAVATO (eketamine) nasal spray, in patients who have treatment-resistant depression. These patients have tried other anti-depressants but have not benefitted from them. Due to the risk of abuse and serious adverse effects resulting from sedation caused by the administration of SPRAVATO, the spray is available only under a restricted distribution system under the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). The approval was granted to Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. The FDA granted this a Breakthrough and Fast track designation. The nasal spray is to be used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant for the treatment of depression in adults.

Patients with treatment-resistant depression comprise of the those who despite of being prescribed at least two anti-depressant treatment at required doses and for a suitable time, have not responded adequately or favorably to the treatment. SPRAVATO (esketamine) is an effort in that direction. Esketamine is the s-enatiomer of ketamine which in turn is a combination of two enantiomers. This is the first esketamine approved by the FDA for any use. Three short-term clinical trials of four weeks and one linger trial were evaluated to determine the efficiency of SPRAVATO. Patients were randomized in three of the short-term trials to receive either SPRAVATO or a placebo nasal spray. The patients were also on a new oral antidepressant at the time of randomization and this was continued throughout the trial. This was done in context of the serious nature of treatment-resistant depression and the need of the patients to receive some sort of treatment. The primary efficacy was a change from the baseline on a scale used to assess the intensity of depressive symptoms. Spravato achieved statistical significance in one of the short-term studies, when compared to the effects of placebo. In two of the other short-term trials the effectiveness did not match the pre-specified statistical tests. Whereas, in the long-term trial, when Spravato was used with an oral antidepressant, a statistically long time was required for the relapse of depressive symptoms, than in patients treated with a combination of placebo nasal spray and an oral antidepressant. The common side effects experienced by patients on Spravato during the trial were nausea, vertigo, dizziness, increased blood pressure, vomiting etc. Some of the other more serious adverse effects may result in fetal harm, impairment of attention, judgement and those who have a poorly controlled hypertension may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular effects. Women have also been advised not to take it while breastfeeding. Hence a boxed warning has been issued which states that patients could be at a risk for difficulty in judgment, attention, abuse and misuse, and suicidal thoughts and behavior upon administration of the nasal spray. Patients should therefore be monitored by a healthcare provider at least two hours after the administration.  Spravato must be administered with a patient medication guide that outlines the risks and the importance of its use and must be done only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Depression in the workplace

by antoniodivico.

From Visually.

“There has been a long-standing need for additional effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, a serious and life-threatening condition,” said Tiffany Farchione, M.D., acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Controlled clinical trials that studied the safety and efficacy of this drug, along with careful review through the FDA’s drug approval process including a robust discussion with our external advisory committees, were important to our decision to approve this treatment. Because of safety concerns, the drug will only be available through a restricted distribution system and it must be administered in a certified medical office where the health care provider can monitor the patient.”

 

FDA grants priority review designation for an injection for the treatment of episodic cluster of headaches in adults.


FDA recently granted Priority Review Designation for the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) injection, a product of Eli Lilly and company [2]. The injection intends to serve as a preventive treatment for episodic cluster headache in adults. A priority review designation enables an expedited review process for drugs, which if approved could be a highly important in treating a serious condition.

Patients with episodic cluster headache account for 85 to 90 percent of cluster headache sufferers, a disorder prevalent in 124 adults per 100000. They belong to the group of primary headache disorders called trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. At present, there are no approved preventive medicines for episodic headache in the U.S. Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine for adults with a dose of 120 mg. It was first approved in 2018 by the FDA for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. About 30 million Americans suffer from migraine, a neurological disease characterized by recurrent severe headache episodes. The present sBLA is based on the data obtained from a Phase 3 study that determined the efficiency and safety of the injection (300 mg) in a group of 160 adult patients with episodic cluster headache. Last September, FDA granted a Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Emgality for the treatment of episodic cluster headache. The adverse reactions reported from the study were mainly injection-site reactions. Some other hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, dyspnea, were also reported from the clinical trials. If severe reactions occur, recommendations have been made to discontinue Emgality and to start a different regime of treatment. Emgality is amongst the three investigational treatments that are a part of Eli Lilly’s overall pain portfolio. Tanezumab, developed in partnership with Pfizer which is under investigation for the treatment of osteoarthritis, cancer pain in adults and lower back pain and lasmiditan which is under investigation for the treatment of migraine in adults, are the other two candidates of the pain portfolio.

National Headache Fundation

From Visually.

 

“Cluster headache is a severely disabling and excruciatingly painful neurological disorder. Few treatment options are available, and only a limited body of research from rigorous clinical trials exists. We are pleased the FDA has granted Priority Review for our sBLA, acknowledging the need for new treatments for this devastating disease and bringing us closer to potentially offering a preventive treatment option for these patients,” said Gudarz Davar, M.D., vice president, Neurology Department, Lilly Bio-Medicines.

 

FDA announces priority review designation for Dupixent (dupilumab) for treatment of adults with inadequately controlled severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.


FDA recently announced Priority Review designation for the Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Dupixent (dupilumab) as an additional treatment for patients with inadequately controlled severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) [3]. Patients with CRSwNP often exhibit a relapse despite previous surgeries or treatments. Dupixent is a product of Sanofi and Regeneron. The expected date for the final decision of the FDA is June 26th, 2019.

CRSwNP is a chronic disease affecting mainly the upper respiratory passage and is caused by type 2 inflammation. It is characterized by polyps blocking the nasal passage and the sinuses. Some of the symptoms include reduction or loss of the sense of smell and taste, nasal discharge and pressure or facial pain caused by nasal obstruction. Patients with CRSwNP experience reduced productivity and ability to perform daily activity. Patients with CRSwNP and co-morbid asthma are more difficult to treat and there are no approved medications to treat it. Dupixent works by inhibiting the signaling of IL-4 and IL-13 proteins that are involved in type 2 inflammation pathway which is an underlying mechanism for various allergic diseases and also CRwNP. Sanofi and Regeneron are therefore trying to develop a potential therapy for the problem. The sBLA which was submitted was based on the data from two Phase 3 trials that were pivotal in determining the safety and efficiency of the target product. Dupixent was used in combination with standard corticosteroid nasal spray in people suffering from episodes of CRwNP despite receiving previous treatments and undergoing surgeries. An approximate 60 percent of the total population also had co-morbid asthma. These results have been presented at a conference in February 2019. Dupixent has already been approved for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients who did not respond well to prescription therapies used on skin or those who cannot use the topical treatment. It has also been approved for maintenance therapy in combination with other asthma medicines for the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma in patients 12 years or older and in those whose asthma cannot be controlled with the present set of asthma 2/4 medicines. Dupixent has been considered very versatile due to its involvement in the treatment of a wide range of diseases.

What You Know About Sinusitis?

From Visually.

 

Sanofi and Regeneron are studying dupilumab is various clinical development programs concerning diseases caused by allergic and other type 2 inflammations. These include nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis, pediatric (6 to 11 years of age) atopic dermatitis (in Phase 3), atopic dermatitis is adolescents (12-17 years, Phase 3 completed), pediatric asthma (6 to 11 years, Phase 3), pediatric atopic dermatitis (6 months to 5 years, Phase 2/3) and environmental and food allergies (Phase 2). Dupilumab is undergoing studies in combination with REGN3500 targeting IL-33 and will later be involved in studies for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. All of the above-mentioned uses are still under investigation and the efficiency has not yet been evaluated or determined by any regulatory authority.

 

FDA approves Dupixent (dupilumab) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents.


It doesn’t happen very often when we read about major approvals of the same medication, for different diseases, taking place at the same time. Above, we covered FDA’s approval for the priority review of Dupixent for the treatment of inadequately controlled severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. FDA recently approved the same for patients 12 to 17 years of age with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis [4]. These include patients whose disease is not completely and adequately controlled with prescription therapies or those who cannot tolerate the topical treatment. Dupixent comes with an option of either being used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is a joint product of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Sanofi.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that usually occurs in the form of eczema. It appears as rashes and can spread throughout the body accompanied by severe and persistent itching, skin dryness and lesions, redness, oozing and crusting. As mentioned in the previous section, Dupixent is a targeted biologic therapy that functions by inhibiting interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, proteins that are involved in type 2 inflammation. They are responsible for various allergic diseases and atopic dermatitis. Dupixent is a pre-filled syringe that comes in two doses of 200 and 300 mg each. It is a subcutaneous injection and is administered every week after the initial dosing. It can either be administered by healthcare professionals or by oneself if trained properly. Dupixent was reviewed by FDA under the Priority Review designation used only for medicines that have the potential to treat serious conditions. It had previously been granted a Breakthrough Therapy designation for the insufficiently controlled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The approval comes after evaluation of data from a pivotal Phase 3 trial done to determine the safety and efficacy of Dupixent monotherapy in patients 12 – 17 years with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It was found to be similar and consistent to that observed in adults after 52 weeks. At week 16, 10 times more patients were seen with clearer skin when treated with Dupixent than those who were on placebo. About 24% of patients receiving Dupixent attained either clear or almost clear skin as compared to 2 % of those receiving placebo. 42% of the patients receiving Dupixent achieved 75% or greater skin improvements when compared to only 8% for the placebo. About 37% of the patients receiving the target injection exhibited a significant improvement in itch as compared to 5% of those who received the placebo. Overall, Dupixent has been investigated in over 7000 patients 12 years and older and in over 30 clinical trials. The most common adverse effects associated with the study included eye inflammation and redness, injection site reactions and swelling and itching in the throat along with cold sores on the lips or in the mouth.

“The approval of Dupixent for adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis means that for the first time these patients and their families, who often help them manage this debilitating disease, will have access to a first-of-its-kind biologic treatment that has already been used to treat approximately 50,000 patients in the U.S.,” said John Reed, M.D., Ph.D., Head of Research and Development at Sanofi. “Our Phase 3 data demonstrated that Dupixent treatment significantly improved skin lesions, reduced itching, and helped clear the skin of these adolescent patients.” “For the first time, adolescents with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis have an approved biologic treatment option to help control persistent, often debilitating symptoms such as chronic itch and widespread rash. Today’s approval expands the use of Dupixent in the U.S. to include both adults and adolescents with atopic dermatitis or moderate-to-severe asthma,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer at Regeneron. “Given that Dupixent targets a key pathway in type 2 inflammation, we are also investigating it in a broad development program in patients with other type 2 inflammatory diseases including eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, where we recently announced positive Phase 3 results and Priority Review of a U.S. regulatory submission, and food and environmental allergies.”

 

FDA updates public about the impurity in certain lots of losartan and their consequent recall.


FDA recently updated public on the ongoing investigation of the recent voluntary recall of multiple generic angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) drug products. The ARB medications are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure [5]. A recall of 87 lots of losartan potassium tablets (25, 50 and 100mg) was made by Hetero Labs Ltd. in India. These tablets were distributed by Camber Pharmaceuticals and made by Hetero Labs. The reason for the recall of these losartan tablets is an impurity called NMBA, N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid. NMBA is the third type of nitrosamine detected as an impurity in ARB medications. It is a known animal and potential human carcinogen.

Losartan potassium tablets were found to contain NMBA at levels higher than the FDA’s interim acceptable intake limits. Based on FDA’s evaluations, the reason for the presence of nitrosamines in the ARB medications could be due to specific chemical and reaction conditions during the manufacturing process of the drug’s API. It could also be generated from the reuse of materials such as solvents. FDA is continuing to investigate the presence of this nitrosamine in the tablets produced by Hetero Labs. On previous occasions, NDMA and NDEA, two other nitrosamines, were found in the products containing active pharmaceutical ingredients valsartan, losartan and irbesartan. Only those found above the acceptable limits were recalled. Even though the levels of NDMA and NDEA in valsartan were not found to be dangerous for individual patients, the presence of impurity itself was a matter of concern. Thus, FDA and various drug manufacturers are continuously testing all ARBs for nitrosamine impurities. FDA is constantly updating the list of the drugs that are being recalled. They have advised patients to monitor the list and check for necessary changes. FDA has also advised such patients to speak to their doctors at the earliest since not all lots have the impurities and they should take a decision after obtaining an correct information about the drug products.

The Importance of Healthy Blood Pressure

From Visually.

“We are deeply concerned about the presence of a third nitrosamine impurity in certain ARB medications, but it’s important to underscore that, based on the FDA’s initial evaluation, the increased risk of cancer to patients with NMBA exposure appears to be the same for NDMA exposure but less than the risk from NDEA exposure. That said, any presence of such impurities in drug products is not acceptable. Over the past few months, the FDA has conducted a major investigation and has worked with drug companies to address the presence of impurities in these products,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “Our ongoing effort has determined that the impurities may be generated by specific chemical reactions in the manufacturing process of the drug’s active pharmaceutical ingredients. FDA scientists have developed novel and sophisticated testing methods specifically designed to detect and measure N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) impurities in ARB medicines. Because of the potential for discovering other nitrosamine impurities, we are conducting an extensive organic chemistry analysis to develop novel testing methods to detect additional nitrosamine impurities, including NMBA. We’re continuing to share these testing methods with international regulators, industry and the public to help manufacturers and other regulators evaluate these products for any potential nitrosamine impurity. We are making important strides at understanding how these impurities form and we are continuing to examine if nitrosamine impurities may also arise during the manufacture of other ARB drug products. The FDA is committed to implementing measures to prevent the formation of these impurities during drug manufacturing processes in the future.”

 

Novartis releases data on Cosentyx showing superior improvements in patients with psoriasis.


Novartis, a leading biopharmaceutical company recently announced additional data that demonstrates the superior effectiveness of Cozentyx (secukinumab) over Stelara (ustekinumab) in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis [6]. The extensive study done was named CLARITY and its aim was to determine the quality of life aspect in adult patients after a period of 16 weeks. The data was presented at the 2019 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting.

Psoriasis is a debilitating, chronic condition of the skin that causes cells to build up rapidly on the skin, resulting in itchy red patches and scaly skin which could be painful at times. Psoriasis has the ability to evetually affect the day-to-day activity of patients. Cosentyx is the first and only completely human biologic that functions by inhibiting IL-17A, a cytokine involved in the inflammation and development of psoriasis (PsO), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). More than 100 studies related to the robustness of Cosentyx have been conducted so far. It has shown a consistent effective and safety profile so far in addressing the psoriasis disease. In the three 5-year Phase III extension studies in AS, PsA and PsO, Cosentyx has demonstrated long-lasting safety and efficacy. At present, more than 200,000 patients have been using Cosentyx since its launch. Novartis based its claim on a 52-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind study called CLARITY. The aim of the study was to determine the superiority of Cosentyx 300 mg vs Stelara in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive Cosentyx 300 mg, subcutaneously, at baseline, week 1,2 and 3 and every 4 weeks between week 4 to 48 or Stelara 45 mg or 90 mg subcutaneously based on the approved label. Based on the co-primary endpoint, there was a 90% or more improvement in the baseline psoriasis and severity index (PASI) and investigator’s global assessment (IGA) response rates at week 12. The study results showed 66.5% and 72.3% of patients treated with Cosentyx achieved both co-primary endpoints PASI 90 and IGA mod 2011 0/1, respectively, whereas for Stelara it was 47.9% and 55.4% patients, respectively at Week 12. All essential secondary endpoints were also met with by Cosentyx and was found to be statistically superior to Stelara. Patients who achieved Dermatology Life Quality Index 0 or 1 were found to show a superior improvement with Cosentyx over Stelara. At week 12 and 16 the response was 64% vs 51.7% and 68.4% vs 55.9% respectively for Cosentyx vs Stelara.  The former has also shown favorable and continuous profile. Based on a previous study, Cosentyx is also considered to be superior than Stelara in terms of sustained skin clearance.

A Patient’s Guide to Psoriasis

From Visually.

 

“We are proud to present strong improvement in quality of life data, reinforcing our confidence in Cosentyx as a complete treatment for psoriasis patients,” said Sam Khalil, Worldwide Head of Medical Affairs Immunology, Hepatology and Dermatology. “Over two-thirds of psoriasis patients experience persistent manifestations beyond skin plaques including nail, scalp, palmoplantar psoriasis as well as joints involvement. Our goal is to provide a treatment that targets all these manifestations and improves the quality of life of patients suffering from psoriatic diseases, with a proven long-term safety and efficacy.”

 

Eli Lilly announces the introduction of a lower-priced insulin.


Eli Lilly recently announced their plan of introducing a lower-priced version of Humalog (insulin lispro injection 100 units/ml) in the US [7]. This will enable patients with diabetes to choose a treatment which is about 50 percent lower in list price than the present price of Humalog. The reduced-price version of the injection will be known as Insulin Lispro. It will be the same molecule as Humalog but will now be obtained in a vial and pen modes. These vials and pens have been manufactured and Lilly will now work with pharmacies to make them available as soon as possible. The list price of a single vial has been estimated to be $137.35 and that of a five-pack KwikPens will be $265.20. These are scheduled to be available as an authorized generic through an Eli Lilly subsidiary, ImClone Systems. For those who want to use their insurance plan to access Humalog, the news is that they will still be able to so. The aim of the lower-priced insulin is to make more options available to patients while providing payers time to renegotiate downstream contracts and to adjust to new systems.

Insulin Lispro and Humalog are artificially made fast-acting insulin used mainly to control high blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus and can be used both for children and adults. Both of them are used only under proper guidance from healthcare providers. Insulin Lispro and Humalog are fast-acting insulins and thus should only be taken within fifteen minutes before eating or right after eating. A subcutaneous injection of the insulin is required. Care should be taken never to inject it into a muscle or a vein. Reuse of needles is prohibited to ensure correct dosing every time. Neither Insulin Lispro nor Humalog should be taken if the blood sugar level is too low or if one is allergic to one or more ingredients in the composition. There are a few side effects associated with the use of Insulin Lispro and Humalog. Wrong doses could lead to severe low blood pressure causing unconsciousness, seizures and in some cases even death. There could be rashes or fast heartbeat in certain cases. Sometimes it might also cause life-threatening low potassium in the blood leading to irregular heartbeats and death. The less important but most common side effects include, injection-site reactions and itching.

All About Diabetes

From Visually.

 

“We’ve engaged in discussions about the price of insulin with many different stakeholders in America’s healthcare system: people living with diabetes, caregivers, advocacy groups, health care professionals, payers, wholesalers, lawmakers, and leading health care scholars,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Solutions that lower the cost of insulin at the pharmacy have been introduced in recent months, but more people need help. We’re eager to bring forward a low-proced rapid-acting insulin. The significant rebates we pay on insulins do not directly benefit all patients. This needs to change. There are numerous ideas, including the rebate reform proposal from HHS. For people with diabetes, a lower-priced insulin can serve as a bridge that addresses gaps in the system until a more sustainable model is achieved.”

 

Blackstone Life Sciences announces the launch of Anthos Therapeutics to develop innovative medicines for cardiovascular diseases.


Blackstone Life Sciences recently announced the launch of a biopharmaceutical company called Anthos Therapeutics Inc. that will focus on targeted therapy for high-risk cardiovascular diseases [8]. Novartis has already licensed MAA868, an antibody specific for Factor XI and Xla in the coagulation pathway. MAA868 has the ability to prevent many cardiovascular diseases with almost no bleeding within a new long-acting treatment paradigm. It will be a major advantage over the existing treatments. There is an unmet medical need for anti-thrombotic treatments for patients who are inadequately served by the existing anti-coagulant therapies.

Based on the data from the American Heart Association, nearly 500,000 deaths are caused by thrombotic disorders. It could affect veins or arteries and could result in ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism and peripheral artery disease. Blackstone Life Sciences, a private investment firm, provided $250M for Anthos. They have the ability to invest across the lifecycle of companies and products with the life science sector and they will control the development of products from Anthos. John Glasspool, a former leader and member of Novartis’ cardiovascular division, will be the CEO of Anthos. The Board of Directors will include, Blackstone Managing Director Paris Panayiotopoulos and Ari Brettman, MD. Jonathan Freeman, MBA, Ph.D., Blackstone Senior Advisor and Anthos co-founder, will join as the Chief Operating Officer.

“Blackstone Life Sciences is focused on bringing important medicines and healthcare technologies to market, often working in partnership with major biopharmaceutical companies to provide them with access to capital, scientific expertise and hands-on operational leadership,” said Nick Galakatos, Ph.D., Head of Blackstone Life Sciences and Chairman of Anthos.  “We are excited to collaborate with Novartis to create Anthos, with the goal of delivering important therapies for the high-risk cardiovascular patients who need them.” “The need for new medicines to treat cardiovascular diseases is clear, and this agreement is part of our strategy to work with innovators outside our walls to advance medicines that have the potential to have a positive impact for patients,” said Jay Bradner, MD, President of the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research. “Blackstone Life Sciences has the necessary experience and has assembled a first-class team at Anthos to drive the further development of MAA868.”

 

References:

  1. https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm632761.htm.
  2. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-receives-fda-priority-review-designation-emgalityr.
  3. http://hugin.info/152918/R/2237845/881676.pdf.
  4. https://investor.regeneron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fda-approves-dupixentr-dupilumab-moderate-severe-atopic.
  5. https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm632425.htm.
  6. https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-shows-superior-improvements-psoriasis-patients-quality-life-versus-janssens-il-23-stelara.
  7. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-introduce-lower-priced-insulin.
  8. https://www.blackstone.com/media/press-releases/article/blackstone-life-sciences-and-novartis-launch-anthos-therapeutics-to-develop-innovative-medicines-for-cardiovascular-disease.

 

 

About the Author:

Esha Sehanobish

She is presently a Postdoctoral research fellow at Albert Einstein college of medicine, NY and works on characterization of enzymes that could act as potential therapeutic targets against tuberculosis. She is an enzymologist with a doctoral degree from the University of Central Florida in 2016. She loves using her communication skills to raise awareness about the importance of science in general by using social media. When she is not doing “science”, she loves designing and painting as a way of expressing ones thoughts through graphics and color.

Editor and Blog Design:

Abhi Dey

Abhi graduated from the Molecular Biophysics Unit of IISc (Bangalore, India) in 2011. As a Biomedical Scientist, he has worked with all three life-forms in his 13-year research career, viz., particulate, unicellular and multicellular. Currently, he is a Lead Scientist at MicroCures Inc. (New York, NY). Previously, he served as an Assistant Scientist at Emory University (Atlanta, GA) studying mechanisms of tumor recurrence in kids with brain tumors. As a postdoctoral fellow, he was the recipient of two Young Investigator Awards from Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation (Philadelphia, PA) and Rockland Immunochemicals. His research has been funded by Northwestern Mutual Foundation (Milwaukee, WI), CURE Childhood Cancer Foundation (Atlanta, GA) and American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).  When he is not on the bench you will find him spending time with his family or exploring the world through traveling and blogging.

Image Sources: Wikipedia and Twitter

Cover image: “Scanning electron micrograph of red blood cells clearly showing their biconcave disc shape. Human red blood cells are typically 8 microns x 2 microns in size.” Source

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The contents of Club SciWri are the copyright of Ph.D. Career Support Group for STEM PhDs (A US Non-Profit 501(c)3, PhDCSG is an initiative of the alumni of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The primary aim of this group is to build a NETWORK among scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs).

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