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Mallika Alvala

@mallikaalvala

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Pharmaceutical scientist specializing in molecular modeling and drug design.

India

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What I'm looking for

I seek a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and supports career growth in drug discovery.

I am a dedicated pharmaceutical scientist with extensive experience in molecular modeling and drug design. Currently, I serve as the Assistant General Manager at Natco Pharma Ltd., where I lead a team in designing innovative leads for cancer treatment. My academic journey includes a PhD from BITS-Pilani, where I focused on the design and synthesis of modulators for cancer and obesity treatment.

Throughout my career, I have successfully implemented structure-based drug design strategies, improving lead bioavailability and identifying new mechanisms for existing compounds. My role as a Principal Investigator in various research projects has allowed me to contribute significantly to the field, with over 73 publications and numerous invited talks at national and international conferences. I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, having guided numerous PhD and master's students in their research endeavors.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Assistant General Manager

Current

Natco Pharma Ltd.

Apr 2024 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Designed leads for HPK1 and other kinases of cancer. Led the molecular modeling department, establishing an in-house facility with LINUX-based workstations.

Kinase Inhibitors Drug Design Linux

Senior Manager

Natco Pharma Ltd.

May 2021 - Present (4 years 5 months)

Designed leads against immuno-oncology targets using Structure-based drug design and MD simulation studies, achieving nanomolar range activity. Identified new mechanisms for existing NCE's in the pipeline and established in-house protocols for in-silico ADME properties.

Drug Design Molecular Dynamics Chemical Modification

Assistant Professor

NMIMS-Hyderabad

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 9 months)

Taught Pharma MBA students, contributing to their understanding of pharmaceutical business and science. Provided academic guidance and support to students.

Teaching Pharmaceutical MBA Academic Instruction

Founder and Instructor

MARS Training Academy

Feb 2020 - Present (5 years 8 months)

Founded and instructed training programs in Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) and Machine Learning (ML) methods. Guided approximately 200 students, faculty, and scholars in these advanced computational techniques.

Machine Learning Training Instructing Curriculum Development entrepreneurship

Lecturer

NIPER-Hyderabad

Feb 2013 - Present (12 years 8 months)

Conducted research and provided teaching to M.Pharm and PhD students in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics. Designed novel small molecule inhibitors targeting galectin proteins, EIF3a, and HDAC2 using SBDD and LBDD strategies.

Drug Design Medicinal Chemistry Galectin Inhibitors Research Teaching

Research Associate

Dr. Reddy's Institute of Life Sciences

Mar 2007 - Present (18 years 7 months)

Identified leads for HADCs and M.tb target proteins, contributing to early-stage drug discovery efforts. Conducted research in a collaborative environment.

Lead Identification Drug Discovery HADCs M.Tb Targets Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

IIITB

Executive Diploma, AI/ML

Enrolled in an 11-month online Executive Diploma program focusing on AI/ML from IIITB. This course aims to enhance skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad

PhD, Pharmacy

Activities and societies: Thesis Title: Design and synthesis of Human SIRT1 modulators for treatment of cancer and obesity.

Completed a PhD in Pharmacy with a thesis on the design and synthesis of Human SIRT1 modulators for cancer and obesity treatment. The research focused on developing novel therapeutic agents.

BITS-Pilani, Rajasthan

M.Pharm, Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Obtained a Master of Pharmacy degree from BITS-Pilani, specializing in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. This program provided advanced knowledge in drug discovery and development.

Osmania University

B.Pharm, Pharmacy

Earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Osmania University. This foundational program covered various aspects of pharmaceutical sciences.

State Board of Technical Education and Training

D.Pharm, Pharmacy

Completed a Diploma in Pharmacy from the State Board of Technical Education and Training. This diploma provided practical skills in pharmaceutical operations.