Experts from India, UK and US sit together to discuss the Research Preparedness for the Emerging Global Health Challenges

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections pose a significant public health threat. Novel antibiotics targeting lipid A biosynthesis in gram-negative bacteria would be a game changer: Prof. Pei Zhou Prof. Pei Zhou from Duke University, USA, delivered an interesting talk on novel antibiotics targeting lipid A biosynthesis in gram-negative bacteria. Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections pose a significant public health threat. These pathogens depend on lipid A-anchored lipopolysaccharides to maintain outer membrane integrity, which is essential for their survival. Therefore, targeting lipid A biosynthesis enzyme offers a promising strategy for developing novel antibiotics. Dr. Zhou discussed the development of an LpxC-targeting clinical candidate with picomolar binding affinity and broad-spectrum antibiotic activity. He emphasized the untapped potential of Raetz pathway enzymes as innovative targets for combating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be a potential solution to target the bacterial cell envelope to address the AMR: Prof. Jayanta Haldar

Prof. Jayanta Haldar from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangaluru, emphasized the emerging challenge of antimicrobial resistance that evades antibiotic therapy. He proposed antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a potential solution to this challenge and mentioned the key limitations linked with the success of AMPs. His talk also covered their research on small molecular mimics of lipopeptides to revitalize obsolete antibiotics.

Later in the session, Dr. Seamus O'Brien from the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), UK, through online mode, discussed the development of antibiotic treatments targeting sepsis and related serious bacterial infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He presented the overview of the regulatory development of zoliflodacin, including its confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial.

The last scientific session of the #CTDDR2025 was dedicated on Research Preparedness for Emerging Global Health Challenges

Dr. Daniel Goldberg from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USA, presented an interesting talk on “Advancing non-hormonal contraceptive drug discovery: Cultivating a global collaborative ecosystem.” He shared the efforts of the Gates Foundation’s (GF) to revitalize non-hormonal contraception research with the aims to develop novel contraceptive interventions that are both effective and well-tolerated.

Prof. Ian H. Gilbert from the University of Dundee, UK, outlined the challenges involved in discovering drugs for neglected infectious diseases. Infectious diseases are a very large cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. He further shared his recent research on the development of a drug molecule for a neglected infectious disease.
 

The CTDDR 2025 was concluded with the brain storming panel discussion by the stalwarts on "Preparedness for Emerging Global Health Challenges"

Dr. Anil Koul, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, Dr. Daniel Goldberg, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USA, Prof. Christopher R. McCurdy, University of Florida, USA, Prof. Ian H. Gilbert, University of Dundee, UK, and Dr. Radha Rangarajan, Director, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow, were the panelist.

Dr Rangarajan initiated with the what panel consider the most prevalent global challenge that to be addressed. Dr Kaul said it’s is the AMR and Cardiovascular diseases, as 9 million deaths are associated with AMR and about 19 million deaths with CVS diseases. All the panelist agreed with this. Professor McCurdy added that change in food habits and life style and Gut microbiota enhances the severity of the problem. Dr Goldberg said that these Global health challenges can only be addressed with open collaborations and working together. Professor Gilbert mentioned that new researcher need more inquisitiveness and dedication to prepare for forthcoming health challenges. Every panellist appreciated the efforts made during this conference towards, improving recant updates, opportunity for networking and opportunity collaboration. They also appreciated the efforts and arrangements made by the organizing committee for this very successful event. 

At the end of the session, the valedictory function was organized and the young budding scientists were felicitated with four best flash talk awards and 34 best poster awards to the participants from every nook and corner of India. The symposium was concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Kumaravelu and Dr. Kishor Mohanan, the organizing secretory and co-organizing secretory of the event.