Dr. Sanjay Malhotra
Head – Medicinal Chemistry
Dr. Sanjay brings over 23 years of experience at the forefront of synthesis, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical R&D, specializing in drug discovery, process development, and strategic project leadership. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of therapeutic domains, including antifungals, anti-bacterials (Beta-Lactams, Pro-Drugs), respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD-5-LO), and inflammatory conditions (p38 MAP Kinase, Syk Kinase), serving in key leadership roles at Ranbaxy Research Laboratories and Daiichi Sankyo Pharma.
As a Group Leader, he spearheaded interdisciplinary drug discovery programs, advancing novel therapeutics from concept through to Proof of Concept (POC). Notably, he co-led a collaborative 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor program with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), culminating in a successful POC with design and synthesis of key compounds. His leadership extended to the synthesis of Posaconazole (SCH56592), a 34-step antifungal compound (originated from Schering Plough), recognized for its synthetic complexity and strategic importance in antibacterial drug discovery. Was instrumental in delivering Novel Chiral Building Blocks in quantitative yields for PPI for Daiichi Sankyo Inc. Japan.
In addition to his drug discovery experience, he has experience in Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS) and process chemistry, where he served as Project Head for 4 years at Solara Active Pharma Sciences Ltd. in Bengaluru. Then he transitioned into senior leadership as Associate Director of Drug Discovery at Aragen Life Sciences, managing Custom Contract Compounds from medicinal chemistry teams on collaborative projects with multinational pharmaceutical giants in US, UK and Korea. He is credited with the successful process development of six high-value drug candidates and one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), Cevimeline Hydrochloride, demonstrating his proficiency in scaling complex chemistries for industrial application. His team leadership, comprises up to 35 professionals, has driven efficiency and innovation across multiple concurrent projects within CRO chemistry services. In recognition of his scientific contributions, he has published 20 peer-reviewed articles, authored multiple patents, and contributed a seminal book chapter on medicinal chemistry. His unique combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and operational leadership continues to drive innovation in Synthetic Chemistry and development.
