Hareesh Nair | Drug Discovery and Development | Outstanding Scientist Award

Published on by Top Pharmaceutical

Dr. Hareesh Nair | Drug Discovery and Development | Outstanding Scientist Award

Texas Tech University Health Science Center | United States

Dr. Hareesh B. Nair, Ph.D., is a distinguished biochemist and translational scientist whose career spans academia, biotechnology innovation, and advanced research leadership. He completed his academic training in life sciences and biochemistry in India, followed by specialized research fellowships in oxidative lipidomics and hormonal carcinogenesis at leading U.S. institutions. These early experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapeutic solutions.Dr. Nair’s professional journey reflects a rare blend of deep scientific expertise and strategic research leadership. Over the course of his career, he has held progressive roles ranging from instructor and assistant professor to senior scientist, director, and senior director of translational research and external innovation. His contributions at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute significantly advanced the fields of breast cancer biology, hormonal carcinogenesis, melanoma signaling pathways, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and targeted drug delivery. His work also includes pioneering estrogen-dependent cancer research, mechanistic studies on aromatase pathways, development of innovative cancer detection strategies, and creation of non-human primate models for reproductive disorders.At Evestra, Inc., Dr. Nair led multidisciplinary teams driving the translational development of oncology and women’s health therapeutics. He spearheaded multiple preclinical programs, established strategic collaborations, guided biomarker discovery, contributed to regulatory submissions, and supported business development through scientific due diligence. His leadership also resulted in the advancement of first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutic candidates, expansion of oncology pipelines, and successful acquisition of non-dilutive federal funding. His contributions include numerous publications, patents, and project management of large-scale contraceptive development initiatives supported by major global health foundations.In his current academic role at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Dr. Nair is establishing a cutting-edge research laboratory at the chemistry–biology interface. His group focuses on identifying novel drug targets, decoding disease mechanisms, and transforming molecular insights into preclinical therapeutic strategies for cancers and other complex diseases. He remains deeply engaged in collaborative clinical and translational research, particularly in gynecologic oncology, triple-negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. His expertise also extends to long-acting contraceptive technologies, anti-HIV formulations, and experimental therapeutics for endometriosis and uterine fibroids.Beyond research, Dr. Nair has served extensively as a scientific review officer, facilitating numerous peer-review panels for federal biomedical research programs. His work has been recognized through multiple competitive honors, travel awards, and scientific achievement distinctions. With a strong commitment to innovation, mentorship, and multidisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Hareesh B. Nair continues to shape the future of translational medicine through impactful research, strategic leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving patient health outcomes.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Aller, E. J., Nair, H. B., Vadlamudi, R. K., & Viswanadhapalli, S. (2025). Significance of midkine signaling in women’s cancers: novel biomarker and therapeutic target. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(10), 4809.

Blankenship, L., Pratap, U. P., Yang, X., Liu, Z., Altwegg, K. A., Santhamma, B., … Lai, Z. (2022). Inhibition of LIFR blocks adiposity‑driven endometrioid endometrial cancer growth. Cancers, 14(21), 5400.

Nair, H. B., Ford, A., Dick, E. J., Jr., Hill, R. H., Jr., & VandeBerg, J. L. (2014). Modeling sunscreen‑mediated melanoma prevention in the laboratory opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 27(5), 822‑830.

Nickisch, K., Nair, H. B., Kesavaram, N., Das, B., Garfield, R., Shi, S. Q., … Edwards, D. P. (2013). Synthesis and antiprogestational properties of novel 17‑fluorinated steroids. Steroids, 78(9), 895‑902.

Bhaskaran, S., Dileep, K. V., Deepa, S. S., Sadasivan, C., Klausner, M., Krishnegowda, N. K., … Nair, H. B. (2013). Gossypin as a novel selective dual inhibitor of V‑RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 and cyclin‑dependent kinase 4 for melanoma. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 12(4), 567‑576.

Budrys, N. M., Nair, H. B., Liu, Y. G., Kirma, N. B., Binkley, P. A., Kumar, S., … Tekmal, R. R. (2012). Increased expression of macrophage colony‑stimulating factor and its receptor in patients with endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility, 97(5), 1159‑1165.e1.

Palaniyandi Velusamy | Drug Discovery and Development |

Published on by Top Pharmaceutical

Prof. Dr. Palaniyandi Velusamy | Drug Discovery and Development | Research Excellence Award

Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital  | India

Prof. Dr. Palaniyandi Velusamy is a distinguished researcher, academic leader, and biotechnology expert recognized for his extensive contributions to microbiology, nanobiotechnology, biosciences, and antibacterial drug research. He began his academic journey with foundational studies in botany and biochemistry before completing his doctoral research at the University of Madras, where he specialized in antibacterial agents and developed research competencies that shaped his future scientific pursuits. Following his Ph.D., he undertook multiple prestigious post-doctoral fellowships across internationally reputed institutions in Taiwan and South Korea, including Academia Sinica, Korea University, and Chonnam National University, where he contributed to advanced research in nanotechnology, microbial applications, and bioengineering. He later served as a Visiting Professor at Kyung Hee University in South Korea, strengthening his global academic footprint. In India, he built a progressive academic career at SRM University, where he contributed as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and later took on key departmental responsibilities including Deputy Controller of Examinations, Research Coordinator, Department Treasurer, Class In-Charge for B.Tech and M.Tech programs, Counsellor, and Course Coordinator for key subjects such as Microbial Technology, Microbiology, Enzyme Technology, Bionanotechnology, Green Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Phytochemistry. His academic leadership expanded further when he joined Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, where he served as Professor and currently holds the role of Joint Director at the Innovation & Incubation Centre, guiding institutional innovation, research development, and technology incubation.Prof. Velusamy’s contributions to scientific publishing are extensive; he serves as Editor for Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group), Associate Editor for Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Editor for the Global Journal of Pathology and Microbiology, Guest Editor for Biosensors, and Editorial Board Member for the Austin Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology. He is also an invited reviewer for globally recognized journals including Colloids and Surfaces B, Spectrochimica Acta Part A, Heliyon, and the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Krishnan, N., Singh, P. K., Sakthivelu, M., Velusamy, P., Gopinath, S. C. B., & Raman, P. (2024). Influence of thermal treatment on extraction and characteristics of phytochemicals from rhizome of _Acorus calamus L_. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. doi:10.1007/s13399-022-03415-y

Velusamy, P., Jeyanthi, V., Pachaiappan, R., Anbu, P., & Gopinath, S. C. B. (2024). Secretion of 2,4‑di‑tert‑butylphenol by a new _Pseudomonas strain SBMCH11: A tert‑butyl substituted phenolic compound displayed antibacterial efficacy_. Results in Chemistry, 6, 101593. doi:10.1016/j.rechem.2024.101593

Velusamy, P., Su, C.-H., Ramasamy, P., Arun, V., Rajnish, N., Raman, P., Baskaralingam, V., Kumar, S. M. S., & Gopinath, S. C. B. (2023). Volatile Organic Compounds as Potential Biomarkers for Noninvasive Disease Detection by Nanosensors: A Comprehensive Review. Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 53(4), 1‑30. doi:10.1080/10408347.2022.2043145

Soundararajan, P., Parthasarathy, S., Sakthivelu, M., Karuppiah, K. M., Velusamy, P., Gopinath, S. C. B., & Raman, P. (2023). Effects of Consuming Repeatedly Heated Edible Oils on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Narrative Review. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 30(30), 1‑18. doi:10.2174/0109298673250752230921090452

Ramesh, V., Kulkarni, S. A., Velusamy, P., Devadasan, V., Devaraju, P., Rajnish, K. N., Madhavan, T., Anbu, P., Ramasamy, P., & Sundarraj, R. (2022). Current Update of Phytotherapeutic Agents in the Treatment of COVID‑19: <i>In‑Silico</i> Based Virtual Screening Approach for the Development of Antiviral Drug. Frontiers in Bioscience‑Landmark, 27(4), 123. doi:10.31083/J.FBL2704123

Parthasarathy, S., Soundararajan, P., Krishnan, N., Karuppiah, K. M., Devadasan, V., Prabhu, D., Rajamanikandan, S., Velusamy, P., Gopinath, S. C. B., & Raman, P. (2022). Detection of adulterants from common edible oils by GC‑MS. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 12(5), 1‑12. doi:10.1007/S13399-022-02913-3

Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Top Pharmaceutical

Prof. Dr. Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

University of Michigan Medical School Department of Pathology | United States

Prof. Dr. Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska is an accomplished pharmaceutical chemist and molecular pharmacologist recognized for her groundbreaking work in the design, synthesis, and development of molecularly targeted small molecules for cancer treatment. She earned her foundational and advanced degrees in pharmaceutical chemistry from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, where she also began her academic career as a young assistant and later advanced through multiple teaching and research positions. Her dedication to chemical sciences and biomedical innovation led her to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.Dr. Nikolovska-Coleska’s research is centered on the discovery of small molecule inhibitors that target protein–protein interactions involved in apoptosis, oncogenic signaling pathways, and epigenetic regulation. Her laboratory investigates mechanisms such as Mcl-1–Bim/Noxa, Bfl-1–Bim/Noxa, EZH2–p38 MAP kinase interactions, and histone methyltransferase activities, contributing to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for various malignancies. Through her integrative approach, combining chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and translational oncology, she has developed promising compounds for the modulation of signaling pathways implicated in cancer progression and resistance.Her clinical and translational research extends into precision medicine, where she applies functional assays to predict anti-cancer drug responses, aiming to enhance individualized therapeutic strategies. As a clinician-research scholar and educator, she has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows, clinical trainees, and graduate students, guiding them in developing innovative research methodologies and critical scientific reasoning.Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Nikolovska-Coleska has played pivotal roles in multiple large-scale research initiatives, serving as Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, and Mentor on numerous national and international grants focused on cancer biology, aging, and drug discovery. Her collaborations with global scientific institutions and pharmaceutical organizations have contributed to the advancement of targeted therapies, including the development of inhibitors against oncogenic proteins such as DOT1L, Mcl-1, EZH2, and PAPP-A.In addition to her research excellence, Dr. Nikolovska-Coleska has made outstanding contributions to academic leadership. As Director of the Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program and Associate Director of Academic Programs in Biomedical Sciences, she has overseen curriculum development, student recruitment, academic policy, and interdisciplinary research training. Her vision continues to shape the next generation of biomedical scientists, emphasizing the integration of molecular insights with clinical applications.Through her scholarly achievements, mentorship, and leadership, Prof. Dr. Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska stands as a leading figure in pharmaceutical chemistry and translational oncology, dedicated to advancing science that bridges molecular discovery with therapeutic innovation.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ding, K., Lu, Y., Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Wang, G., Qiu, S., Shangary, S., Gao, W., et al. (2006). Structure-based design of spiro-oxindoles as potent, specific small-molecule inhibitors of the MDM2−p53 interaction. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 49(12), 3432–3435.

Shangary, S., Qin, D., McEachern, D., Liu, M., Miller, R. S., Qiu, S., et al. (2008). Temporal activation of p53 by a specific MDM2 inhibitor is selectively toxic to tumors and leads to complete tumor growth inhibition. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(10), 3933–3938.

Ding, K., Lu, Y., Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Qiu, S., Ding, Y., Gao, W., Stuckey, J., et al. (2005). Structure-based design of potent non-peptide MDM2 inhibitors. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 127(29), 10130–10131.

Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Wang, R., Fang, X., Pan, H., Tomita, Y., Li, P., Roller, P. P., et al. (2004). Development and optimization of a binding assay for the XIAP BIR3 domain using fluorescence polarization. Analytical Biochemistry, 332(2), 261–273.

Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Xu, L., Hu, Z., Tomita, Y., Li, P., Roller, P. P., Wang, R., et al. (2004). Discovery of embelin as a cell-permeable, small-molecular-weight inhibitor of XIAP through structure-based computational screening of a traditional herbal medicine. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 47(10), 2430–2440.

Bagherian, M., Sabeti, E., Wang, K., Sartor, M. A., Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., et al. (2021). Machine learning approaches and databases for prediction of drug–target interaction: A survey paper. Briefings in Bioinformatics, 22(1), 247–269.

Wang, G., Nikolovska-Coleska, Z., Yang, C. Y., Wang, R., Tang, G., Guo, J., et al. (2006). Structure-based design of potent small-molecule inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 49(21), 6139–6142.