My research group at Pharmacology Division, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, focuses on developing NCEs from both synthetic and natural product sources. Our primary focus is to treat colorectal and pancreatic cancer by modulating the WNT/β-catenin and KRAS pathways. The critical interplay between these pathways contributes to the development and progression of cancer and therapeutic resistance. I have secured the research funding from DST-SERB (ANRF) and CSIR Seed grant to discover and develop WNT/β-catenin pathway inhibitors as preclinical candidate for colorectal cancer. Additionally, I have been part of the PAN CSIR-cancer project (HCP-040) to evaluate the in-vivo efficacy of IIIM-873 in breast cancer models and its toxicity evaluation in rats and mice.

I have extensive experience validating various experimental models for NCE screening, viz., pain, inflammation, xenografts, diabetes, arthritis (rheumatoid- and osteo-), and ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, I have served as a study director to conduct pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies in rodents and non-rodents per OECD-Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines. I have been involved in establishing OECD-GLP-certified test facility at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu for the conduct of GLP toxicity studies. As a FELASA-certified laboratory animal veterinarian with 12 years of experience, I ensure stringent adherence to laboratory animal welfare principles as per CPCSEA and AAALAC guidelines.