A one day national seminar on the topic drug discovery and research as a career,organised by the Department of Botany, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma in collaboration with the Nagaland Institute of Science and Technology, Kohima, was held at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma on September 30.Dr Sundeep Dugar gave key note address. He is an eminent scientist, the former vice president of Johnson & Johnson and the current president of Aayam Therapeutics, San Jose, California, USA. Dr Dugar gave a talk on his 14 years of research on mitochondria and the discovery of a new drug Code Name- ATX001, which is also found in Cacao.
The new drug is found to heal damage tissue, build endurance and improve muscle structure. The findings were presented to the audience with results of muscle structure changes using electron microscopic evidence, noting their potential to slow ageing and extend human life span. The discovery was realised and identified by studying Mayan history and their use of cacao.Dr Dugar encouraged the students as well as the research scientists present in the seminar to broaden their perspective in viewing the natural resources present in our state and to also study and research on our ancestor’s lifestyle, which could lead to new drug discoveries.
The programme was chaired by Dr Wenyitso Kapfo, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany while welcome address was delivered by Dr Temjenwabang, Principal, KSC, Jotsoma. Introductory remark was given by Dr Zavei Hiese, Director, Nagaland Institute of Science & Technology, Kohima. Dr Zavei stressed the need for researchers and encouraged the students present to pursue research as a career, while also calling upon the passionate few to join the institute. The seminar concluded with vote of thanks by Vesa Hiese, Head of the Department of Botany, KSC, Jotsoma.