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Indrajeet Sharma’s research could transform future of drug discovery
The Indian-American’s groundbreaking research on nitrogen-based drug innovation promises to revolutionize treatments for cancer, tuberculosis, and neurological disorders.
Dr Indrajeet Sharma. / Courtesy Photo
Indian-origin American scientist Dr. Indrajeet Sharma is set to transform the treatment of critical diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and neurological disorders, with his research. Sharma, who holds a PhD from the University of Illinois Chicago, is leading the research that incorporates nitrogen atoms into drug molecules, improving their effectiveness while reducing toxicity.
Nitrogen, a fundamental element of life, is crucial for the structure of DNA, RNA, and proteins and is a component of nearly 80% of FDA-approved drugs. This innovation has the potential to drastically lower drug production costs—by up to 200 times—making life-saving treatments more affordable, especially in developing nations like India.
Dr Sharma made the announcement on Jan. 6, during a press conference at the Press Club of India in New Delhi, attended by prominent figures from the scientific and medical communities. Dr Sharma is currently the Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oklahoma.
A panel included Prof. Vikram Saini from AIIMS, New Delhi, Prof. Rupendra Sharma from CTU Prague, Prof. Sanjeev Sharma from CCS University, and Kavindra Talyan, an expert in healthcare policy and innovation.
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Prominent figures from the scientific and medical communities. / Courtesy PhotoIn an exclusive interview with New India Abroad, Sharma said: “By transforming existing drug molecules with nitrogen infusion, we can improve their potency and broaden their applications. For instance, a drug designed for breast cancer could potentially treat brain cancer after modification.”
Sharma’s goal is not just to innovate but to ensure these advancements reach those who need them most. He also told New India Abroad about his plans of giving back to his homeland – India.
“After graduating from IIT, I moved to the U.S. for my PhD. Like many IITians, I believe in innovation, but for me, it’s about innovation with care. I’m deeply committed to India’s future, especially in making technology and innovation affordable.”
Sharma emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “I’m working with AIIMS New Delhi and Professor Vikram Sani on tuberculosis (TB) research. Our nitrogen-based technology is well-suited to tackle the challenges posed by multi-drug-resistant pathogens, particularly those found in polluted environments like the Yamuna River.”
Professor Saini from AIIMS added, “This research enhances drug efficiency and safety, marking significant progress in treating diseases like cancer and tuberculosis.”
Sharma’s work is particularly promising for tuberculosis, a disease that requires high doses of medication and often leads to severe side effects. His nitrogen-based approach could minimize these adverse effects while maintaining efficacy, offering hope in the fight against multi-drug-resistant TB pathogens.
The discovery also moves away from traditional drug development methods that rely on metal-based compounds, which can be toxic and environmentally harmful. Instead, Dr. Sharma’s technique uses sulfenylnitrenes, a sustainable chemical compound that simplifies production while aligning with global efforts for eco-friendly pharmaceutical practices.
Sharma made the deliberate decision not to patent his technology, emphasizing the need for immediate access to life-saving treatments.
“Patents often slow down the availability of innovations. For instance, drugs developed in 2001 only became widely accessible by 2023,” he explained. “My priority is to ensure these advancements reach everyone, especially in regions where affordability is a challenge. As an Indian-origin scientist, I believe in sharing my work globally. If I had secured exclusive legal rights on this in the U.S., my own country [India] might have faced years of delay in accessing this technology.”
The event concluded with a call to action from the panelists, urging governments, research institutions, and industry leaders to support transformative innovations like Dr. Sharma’s.
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The event concluded with a call to action from the panelists. / Courtesy Photo
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