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Acquisition of Cyclotron-PET Technology and development of required Human Resource

As Head, Division of Biocybernetics, Radiopharmaceutical and Radiation Biology, I visited various industries, Universities and advanced molecular imaging research centres of Siemens, GE Medical and Philips at PENN State University-PA, Bronx- NY, Rochester-MN, Chicago-IL, Knoxville-Tennessee, Atlanta-GA, California-LA in USA during 9-23 October 2003 in connection with evaluation of various Cyclotron / PET technologies for their acquisition and assimilation as per INMAS / DRDO’s requirement.

Besides selection of the equipment (16.5 MeV PET –Trace Cyclotron, 16 Slice PET/CT with Biopsy facility etc.), I was actively involved in conceptualization and design of a state-of-the art building to house the Molecular Imaging Research Centre.
I organized two major Human Resource development activities. As Course Director a Continuing Education Programme on Cellular and Molecular Imaging was organised during 9-13 February 2004. Fourteen participants from various DRDO labs attended the course. The CEP emphasized the role of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Optical Imaging Techniques in the non-invasive diagnosis and evaluation of various diseases. As Indian Coordinator - I organized an Indo-German Workshop on "Recent Trends in Development of PET Radiopharmaceuticals" was organized at INMAS during 15th - 17th Nov 2005 under the aegis of Indian Council of Medical Research & DRDO, New Delhi and the International Buro, DLR, Bonn, Germany. Prof. Dr. Richard P. Baum from Zentralklinik, Bad Berka, Germany was the German Coordinator. The Workshop reviewed the strengths and capabilities of two countries in the field of PET radiopharmaceuticals and the ways and means of sharing these.
The Molecular Imaging Research Centre was finally inaugurated on 6^th October, 2007.

5. Conceptualization of Bioactivated magnetopharmaceuticals for conditional improvement of image contrast

Studies on research and development of Bioactivated magnetopharmaceuticals for conditional enhancement of MR contrast were initiated following the experience gained as Associate Professorship (Senior MR Scientist) at Max-Planck-Institute for Biol. Cybernetics, Tuebingen, Germany during June 2002-January 2003

Two book chapters on magnetopharmaceuticals were contributed. Invited talks on MRI contrast enhancement by Magnetopharmaceuticals were delivered in International Workshop on Biomedical MR. AIIMS, New Delhi (January 12–15, 2005) and at Symposium on ‘Advanced MR Applications’ and 14^th National Magnetic Resonance Society Meeting (January 16-19, 2008).

6. Development of Decorporation formulations to decorporate the radionuclides incorporated in the bodies of individuals exposed Ionising radiation.

In the event of nuclear fallout radionuclides may be incorporated into the bodies of survivors through intact / broken skin, inhalation and ingestion routes. Decorporation of these fallout radionuclide will be an immediate requirement. Studies on innovative DTPA and Prussian Blue formulations were initiated under my supervision.

7. Stem Cell Gene Therapy

Stem Cell transfusion has been the present day innovative clinical regimen employed as first line of therapy in the management of radiation disasters. Stem cells have re-population potential. However, this immune system retrieval mechanism residing in bone marrow, is exquisitely sensitive to radiation. Therefore, these cells are transfused after radiation exposure to help retrieve the lost immune system. At least 5x106x60 cells are needed per individual exposed to lethal radiation doses. Finding these many number of cells to treat mass casualties is an impossible task, even if blood or stem cell banks are relied upon. In view of this grave situation, the program that consists of undertaking molecular biological work involving responsive engineering stem cell fates that likely to up-regulate stem cell proliferation and self-renewal in culture has been nurtured under the leadership of Dr.G.U.Gurudutta under under my supervision during 2003-2006.

The studies included the cloning of genes that up-regulate these fates critical for transplantation and be successful with usage of smaller number of cells, such as, antiapoptotic BCL-2, adhesive CD34 antigen, transcription factor PU.1 which respectively regulate survival, engraftment and differentiation into infection fighting cells. Their genes after cloning and engineering introduced in human C34⁺ stem cells in culture and found their molecular signaling enhanced these parameters. This study forms the basis of proposed strategy to replace the requirement of larger number of cells and not rely on smaller supply from storage banks. However, it is yet to demonstrate and realize its clinical utility.

4. MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES

1. Activities in Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT) and as Member of the Task Force on Indigenous Biomedical Devices, appointed by Indian Council of Medical Research in 2003-04 and as Member, Committee of Experts appointed by Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to hold consultations and prepare a detailed framework for regulating the medical devices in the country (2^nd December 2009)

I was actively involved with Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT), a joint venture of DRDO and Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India for about 4 years. The major programmes steered were on development of ventilators, titanium bone plates and dental implants and hydroxy-apatite based integrated orbital implant. I helped Chief Executive, SBMT, in technical and financial management of the Society. I was deeply associated with monitoring various programmes funded by SBMT and in convening various meetings.

I carried out a detailed objective analysis of outcome of a Brainstorming Session on SBMT activities that was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. W Selvamurthy, the then Adviser, Biomedical Sciences at INMAS on 24^th June 2003, wherein Prof. K. Mohandas, Director, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvanathapuram released a booklet on SBMT activities and products compiled by me and launched a website of SBMT. The basic aim of the exercise was to analyze the activities & performances of SBMT and formulate directives for the ways and means of improving Society’s performance, its basic structure, and monitoring methods, keeping in mind the ever-increasing role this society is expected to play in future. Detailed report was submitted to SA/RM and on the basis of remarks / comments obtained, comprehensive strategy / plan proposed.
I was nominated as a Member of the National Task Force on Indigenous Biomedical Devices (to represent SBMT and DRDO) appointed by Indian Council of Medical Research in 2003-04.  The Task Force drafted a proposal for the setting up of a regulatory authority for Biomedical Devices, tentatively named as the Indian Medical Devices Regulatory Authority (IMDRA). The Report of the Task Force and Expert Committee  has been accepted by Director General Health Services, Govt. of India vide No. Z. 28015/3/2004-MH dated 13.04.2004.
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