Fourth Dr. Anji Reddy Memorial Lecture highlight’s role of science and research in shaping future healthcare

Hyderabad: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories hosted the fourth edition of the Dr. Anji Reddy Memorial Lecture on Monday, underlining the importance of advancing scientific research and innovation to address future healthcare challenges.

Instituted in 2023, the annual lecture series honours the legacy of Kallam Anji Reddy, founder-chairman of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and celebrates his vision of using deep science to develop affordable and accessible medicines.

This year’s lecture was delivered by renowned cell biologist Guido Kroemer, a faculty member at Université Paris Cité and recipient of the Leopold Griffuel Prize. In his lecture titled “A tissue stress hormone driving pathological aging”, Kroemer discussed the role of Acyl-CoA Binding Protein (ACBP), also known as Diazepam Binding Inhibitor (DBI), a molecule linked to aging and several disease conditions.

He explained that ACBP/DBI acts as a stress mediator in the body and plays a role in cellular recycling processes. According to Kroemer, the molecule’s levels increase with age and may contribute to the development of multiple diseases. Understanding and targeting it could open new avenues for anti-aging therapies and the prevention of age-related illnesses.

Paying tribute to Dr. Anji Reddy, Guru N. Reddy, founder and chairman of Continental Hospitals, remembered him as a visionary scientist and entrepreneur committed to making world-class medicines accessible to all.

In his opening remarks, G. V. Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, said the lecture series reflects the founder’s belief that scientific discovery should drive the development of affordable medicines.

“Dr. Anji Reddy strongly believed that medicine is for the people, not for profits. His vision helped position India as the pharmacy of the world,” he said.

Concluding the event, Kallam Satish Reddy, Chairman of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, highlighted the importance of collaboration among scientists, researchers and policymakers to strengthen India’s research ecosystem. He also noted that a roundtable discussion held ahead of the lecture focused on promoting translational research in the country.

Previous editions of the memorial lecture featured prominent global scientists, including Nobel laureate Ada Yonath in 2023 and Jack W. Szostak in 2024, reflecting the series’ aim of fostering dialogue on cutting-edge scientific research and its impact on society.