Congratulation, Mr Nilesh Khedkar | Best Researcher Award |Winner 2023  

Mr Nilesh Khedkar : Innovative Leadership

Congratulations to Mr. Nilesh Khedkar on Receiving the Best Researcher Award! We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Nilesh Khedkar has been honored with the prestigious Best Researcher Award for his outstanding contributions in the field of medicinal and computational chemistry. His innovative leadership and commitment to excellence have set a benchmark in the industry. This well-deserved recognition reflects not only his past achievements but also anticipates the significant impact he will continue to make in the realm of drug discovery. Kudos to Mr. Nilesh Khedkar for his remarkable accomplishments and continued dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.

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Early Academic Pursuits:

Nilesh Raghunath Khedkar embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in Organic Chemistry. He earned his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Pune in 2008, showcasing a commendable academic record. His dedication to the field is evident in his commitment to continuous learning and skill development.

Professional Endeavors:

Nilesh has accumulated over 14 years of rich industrial experience as a medicinal and computational chemist. He has contributed significantly to the new drug discovery domain in esteemed organizations such as Zydus Research Center, Lupin Research Park, Aragen Life Science Pvt Ltd, and presently, Schrodinger Inc.

His roles have been diverse, from a Trainee Senior Scientific Assistant to his current position as a Senior Scientist at Schrodinger Inc. Along this trajectory, he has demonstrated expertise in designing, synthesizing, and developing new chemical entities (NCEs) for various therapeutic targets. His proficiency extends to molecular modeling tools, analytical techniques, and De-Novo design tools, showcasing a comprehensive skill set in the field.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Nilesh's professional journey underscores his proficiency in diverse aspects of medicinal chemistry. His contributions include the design and optimization of multi-step synthetic routes for novel small molecules, macrocycle synthesis, and enantioselective synthesis. Noteworthy is his involvement in significant projects, including oncology collaborations and the synthesis of anticancer agents, reflecting a commitment to impactful research.

His research focus extends to molecular modeling tools, structure-activity relationships, and patent drafting. Nilesh has a robust background in literature search, IP evaluation, and a keen eye for troubleshooting synthetic issues.

Accolades and Recognition:

Nilesh Khedkar has received recognition for his outstanding contributions, including a certificate of appreciation for achieving a significant milestone in an oncology project. His innovative and reliable approach to medicinal chemistry has been acknowledged through awards, such as the "ESOP" (Employee Stock Option Plan), underlining his qualitative and consistent performance.

Impact and Influence:

With a strong managerial background, Nilesh has led teams of up to 20 members, fostering a collaborative and productive working environment. His ability to communicate effectively, both in business communication and team management, speaks to his leadership skills. Weekly medicinal chemistry updates with clients further highlight his commitment to transparent and impactful communication.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

Nilesh Khedkar's legacy lies in his verifiable achievements in medicinal chemistry, including several patents and publications in renowned journals. His creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities position him as a valuable contributor to the field. As he continues to pursue his Ph.D., Nilesh is poised to make future contributions that will add to the body of knowledge in medicinal and computational chemistry.

In the future, his expertise and innovative approach are likely to influence the next generation of researchers and contribute to the ongoing advancements in drug discovery and development.

Notable Publications:

Modified 9H-fluorene-9-carboxamides as MTP-inhibitors

Discovery of a Novel Potent and Selective Calcium Release-Activated Calcium Channel Inhibitor:

• Authors: Nilesh Raghunath Khedkar*, Nageswara Rao Irlapatti, Disha Dadke, Vijay Kanoje, Zubair Shaikh.
• Publication: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2021, 64, 23, 17004-17030 (Drug Annotation).
• Affiliation: Lupin Ltd., Lupin Research Park, Survey No. 46 A/47 A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune 412115, India.

Discovery of Isoquinolinone and Naphthyridinone-Based Inhibitors of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 (PARP1) as Anticancer Agents:

• Authors: Navnath P Karche*, Mandar Bhonde, Neelima Sinha, Gourhari Jana, Gagan Kukreja, Sanjay P Kurhade, Arun R Jagdale, Ajay R Tilekar, Anil K Hajare, Ganesh R Jadhav, Nishant R Gupta, Rohan Limaye, Nilesh Khedkar, Baban R Thube.
• Publication: Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry, 2020 Dec 15; 28(24):115819.

Discovery of Isoquinolinone and Naphthyridinone-Based Inhibitors of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 (PARP1) as Anticancer Agents:

• Authors: Navnath P Karche*, Mandar Bhonde, Neelima Sinha, Gourhari Jana, Gagan Kukreja, Sanjay P Kurhade, Arun R Jagdale, Ajay R Tilekar, Anil K Hajare, Ganesh R Jadhav, Nishant R Gupta, Rohan Limaye, Nilesh Khedkar, Baban R Thube.
• Publication: Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry, 2020 Dec 15; 28(24):115819.

Modified 9H-Fluorene-9-Carboxamides as MTP-Inhibitors:

• Authors: Saurin Raval, Mukul Jain, Niket Khare, Preeti Raval, Nilesh Khedkar, Pankaj Patel.
• Publication: International Journal of Drug Design & Discovery; Volume 2, Issue 4, October-December 2011, Page: 611-618.

Substituted Pyrazole Compounds as CRAC Modulators:

• Publication: WO2013164773 A1.

Substituted Heterocyclic Compounds as CRAC Modulators:

• Publication: WO2014203217 A1; US9409898-B2.

Substituted Tricyclic Compounds as SOS1 Inhibitors:

• Publication: WO2021105960A1.

Manuscripts Under Preparation:

• One manuscript is under communication with an international publication for PhD work.
• Two other manuscripts are under preparation.