The United States grapples with numerous public health challenges. Among these, one stands out as particularly daunting – opioid abuse. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, approximately 6% of Americans, over 12 years old, abuse prescription drugs each year, with 12% of them turning into addicts. The enormity of this problem is hard to fathom, but for one individual, this challenge serves as a call to action. Enter Dr. Nagireddy Dumpa, who currently works as a Scientist at Stanford Research Institute International (SRI International).
In his line of work, Dr. Dumpa employs his vast expertise to tackle the formulation and evaluation of drug delivery systems with abuse deterrent potential. His research, which is supported by a grant from National Institute of Health (NIH), has led to the development of dosage forms that are resilient to crushing and thermal manipulation, making it difficult for opioid abusers to extract the potent ingredients all at once.
For his extensive work in Pharmaceutical innovation through his tenures at Stanford Research Institute International (SRI International), Modavar Pharmaceuticals, Bioduro-Sundia and University of Mississippi, he was awarded the National Achievers Award in the field of Pharmaceutical Innovation from National Achievers Recognition Forum, on November 15, 2023 in New Delhi (virtually).
While Dr. Dumpa received his award virtually, he shared “This honor is not just a recognition of my work, but a testament to the collective effort in addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges, like opioid abuse, that our society faces today. Innovation in pharmaceutical sciences is not just about scientific breakthroughs; it’s about creating real-world solutions that improve patient outcomes and public health. I am deeply humbled to see our research contributing towards this larger goal. Receiving this award is a moment of reflection for me – it reinforces the belief that persistent research and innovative approaches can lead to meaningful advancements in drug delivery and patient care. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues & mainly my advisor Dr. Michael Repka, and the U.S government for the funding from the National Institute of Health, which have been instrumental in the pursuit of our groundbreaking research. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue our work in hot melt extrusion technology and the co-crystal approach, pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical science for betterment of U.S. and global health”.
In addition to this, Dr. Dumpa in August 2019 had received the “American Association of Indian Pharmaceutical Scientist (AAiPS) Graduate Award” from AAiPS. Every year the AAiPS awards only 6 extraordinary individuals in the field of pharmaceutical, clinical and regulatory sciences out of over 10,000 graduate students all across the United States. This article highlights and discusses Dr. Dumpa’s extensive work in the field, which led to these prestigious awards.
In the drug development arena, one term you’d frequently hear is “hot melt extrusion technology,” a technique that Dr. Dumpa uses extensively in his research. This technology offers advantages such as being a solvent-free and environmentally friendly process, as well as cost-effectiveness in manufacturing drug products. Dr. Dumpa’s research applying this technology holds potential for not just addressing opioid abuse but also adding environmental sustainability and economic benefits to the broader US landscape.
Another cornerstone of Dr. Dumpa’s research is the co-crystal approach to enhance drug solubility and bioavailability. By using hot melt extrusion technology, Dr. Dumpa has shown that solubility and bioavailability enhancement is possible through an efficient and solvent-free process, tackling the challenges posed by poorly soluble drugs.
Dr. Dumpa’s research accomplishments, published in international journals like the International Journal of Pharmaceutics and MDPI Pharmaceutics, have made an extraordinary impact on the pharmaceutical science field. His work has garnered over 536 citations globally, an impressive feat that underlines his influence on fellow researchers.
Yet, the significance of Dr. Dumpa’s research goes beyond these impressive numbers. His work has the potential to address critical issues in the pharmaceutical field. From deterring opioid abuse to enhancing drug solubility and optimizing formulation design, his contributions are far-reaching and impactful.
During his tenure at BIODURO-SUNDIA, Dr. Dumpa showcased his expertise by significantly contributing to the development of several innovative drug products. One of the highlights of his work was the formulation of a liquid drug product, for which a patent was successfully filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office. This drug product showed promising results in animal trials and has tremendous potential for treating rare disease conditions, potentially impacting millions of lives worldwide.
Dr. Dumpa’s innovative solutions extend further. He tackled low bioavailability issues associated with a small molecule inhibitor of the salt-inducible kinase 2 and 3 (SIK2, SIK3), a drug used for treating ovarian cancer. His work significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy of this treatment, paving the way for advancements in cancer care.
Moreover, his research on 3D printed tablets, known as ‘printlets,’ has garnered significant attention worldwide. Researchers from the United Kingdom and Spain have cited Dr. Dumpa’s work in their paper on ‘Printlets with Braille and Moon Patterns for Visually Impaired Patients,’ demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his research.
Another significant contribution lies in his work on ‘Chronotherapeutic Drug Delivery of Ketoprofen and Ibuprofen for Improved Treatment of Early Morning Stiffness in Arthritis Using Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology.’ By aligning drug delivery with the body’s circadian rhythm, Dr. Dumpa has revolutionized how diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and gastric ulcers can be managed, thus improving medication adherence and patient outcomes.
In essence, Dr. Nagireddy Dumpa’s research stands out for its originality, significance, and transformative potential. His groundbreaking work in employing 3D printing and hot melt extrusion technologies in drug delivery systems has garnered international recognition, as evinced by the numerous citations his work has received.
Through his tireless efforts and innovative thinking, Dr. Dumpa is not only advancing the field of pharmaceutical sciences but is also making a significant impact on public health in the US and worldwide. His innovative research approaches align with the growing demand for personalized medicine, thereby driving advancements that would be beneficial for U.S. interests in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
Dr. Dumpa’s extraordinary contributions to science and society underline the essence of innovation – pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and envisioning a future that transforms lives for the better. As he continues to innovate, his work serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a healthier and more sustainable world.
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