The symposium will explore opportunities for collaboration in the field of medicine with prestigious institutes in United States and strengthen the medicinal chemistry in the country.

Dr B Suresh, Vice-Chancellor of JSS University told reporters on Wednesday that about 350 delegates, who will include senior scientists, research fellows and professors from across the country will take part in the symposium. Also, about 30 scientists from National Institute of Health, University of Maryland, Pittsburg University, National Cancer Institute and Penn State University, Howard and Cambridge University would also attend the three-day session.

The symposium was being organised with an objective to strengthen field of medicinal chemistry, create state-of-the art infrastructure, educate future scientists or work force in the field of drug discovery and development process, he said.

“The JSS Pharmacy college in Ooty and Mysore is already working on the new medicines in the treatment of cancer, Asthma, allergic disorders using herbal extracts or herbal plants molecules.

The symposium will also help prepare a roadmap for the integration of the chemical and herbal molecules for the preparation of drugs for many diseases and disorders.

“The theme of the symposium will be ‘molecule to medicine’,” the VC said.

Exchange of ideas

The symposium would also provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas on the research and development front.

It intends to bring together outstanding scientists and researchers from India and the US to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in the field of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, he added.

S Gandhi Selvan, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare will inaugurate the symposium.

Dr Surinder Singh, Drugs Controller General of India, New Delhi, Dr G N Singh, Secretary and Scientific Director, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ghaziabad, B R Jagashetty, Drugs controller of Karnataka, Dr R Brakaspathy, Advisor, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi will be chief guests.

Dr Basavanagouda, Principal JSS Medical College and others were present at the press meet.