FPPS Seminar Day - Chemistry for Better Health: Synthesis and Drug Discovery by Prof. Rajshekhar Karpoormath
On Monday, 17 March 2025, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPPS) had the honor of hosting Prof. Rajshekhar Karpoormath, a renowned Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), for an enlightening guest seminar titled "Chemistry for Better Health: Synthesis and Drug Discovery."
With an esteemed career in independent research since 2014, Prof. Karpoormath shared his pioneering work in target-based drug design, synthetic methodologies, and nanomaterial-based electrochemical biosensors. He highlighted how these innovations are transforming the treatment landscape for diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), cancer, and other infectious conditions. Key drug targets, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis GlmU, InhA, DNA-Gyrase, and Kinesin Spindle Protein (KSP), were discussed, showcasing the potential to disrupt disease progression at the molecular level.
A central theme of the seminar was Prof. Karpoormath's groundbreaking contributions to anti-TB drug discovery, funded by the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he serves as the Principal Investigator. He also shed light on his success in securing competitive research funding from the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF-SA) for his work on biosensors and anti-infective agents.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Prof. Karpoormath emphasized the power of global collaboration, drawing from his partnerships with leading researchers and institutions across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. His ability to foster an environment of innovation and mentorship has established the Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Group (SMCRG) at UKZN as a center of excellence in drug discovery.
The seminar concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where attendees engaged with Prof. Karpoormath on topics ranging from drug resistance to the future of personalized medicine. His journey of translating cutting-edge research into practical therapeutic solutions left a profound impact on students, researchers, and faculty alike.
The FPPS community extends its sincere gratitude to Prof. Rajshekhar Karpoormath for delivering an inspiring and insightful session, reaffirming the vital role of chemistry in advancing global health.
