CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, has undertaken a pioneering project on “Biological evaluations, discovery of novel bioactive compounds & coordination of the program – Drug from Sea” with financial support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). This initiative, concluded in 2020, involved the screening of 2654 compounds for anti-cancer, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial activities, and GPCR modulation profiles.
The project yielded promising results, including the identification of a potent anti-cancer molecule, GS/IICT5/6, exhibiting superior tumor inhibitory characteristics compared to Sunitinib. Another significant discovery, the compound SB/CDRI4/105, shows potential in alleviating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain, currently undergoing advanced lead optimization. Additionally, a highly potent anti-cancer molecule, SP/NISER29, has been identified.
Concurrently, the CSIR-CDRI is engaged in a “Centre for Marine therapeutics” project, supported by the Department of Pharmaceuticals. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, under MoES, has conducted groundbreaking research on marine microalgae and microorganisms from Indian seas’ various regions and depths. This research aims to explore the production of functional health supplements like lutein and phycocyanin, known for their antioxidant properties and preventive effects against age-related macular degeneration.
Moreover, NIOT’s significant contributions encompass diverse areas of ocean technology development, such as energy and freshwater generation, deep-sea technology, ocean mining, coastal protection, marine sensors, and ocean electronics. Noteworthy achievements include the implementation of low-temperature thermal desalination technology in Lakshadweep and the successful demonstration of the Deep-Sea Mining machine at a depth of 5270m in the Central Indian Ocean.
NIOT’s technological advancements extend to acoustic monitoring systems, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), coastal protection studies, bathymetry surveys, moored buoy networks, HF Radar installations, and research vessel operations. The institute has also established facilities for ballast water testing, fish feed systems, and achieved NABL accreditation for seawater testing.
Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Shri Kiren Rijiju, shared these significant accomplishments in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The strides made by CSIR-CDRI in drug discovery from marine sources and NIOT’s advancements in ocean technology underscore India’s commitment to scientific innovation and technology-driven solutions for healthcare and sustainable ocean resource utilization. These initiatives pave the way for potential breakthroughs and applications in multiple domains, promising a brighter future in research, healthcare, and ocean technology development.