Speaker: Dr. Lakshmi P. Kotra

Seminar will be conducted online via Zoom @ 5:30 pm EDT

Abstract

This presentation will discuss how to formulate an oral drug product following a Quality-by-Treatment of neurodegenerative and mental health disorders are a challenge due to the complexities associated with quick diagnosis. Once diagnosed, available therapies are very limited, if any, due to the lack of understanding of associated drug targets. Recent clinical data are also unravelling a close relationship between neurodegenerative disorders and mental health. Total Brain Health™ deals with the health of brain and mind, addressing neurodegenerative and mental health disorders. We have been working on a novel group of molecules, and the role of psychoactive compounds to potentially address Total Brain Health targeting neurodegenerative disorders and mental health disorders. This presentation will focus on drug discovery and development in pursuit of novel treatments for multiple sclerosis and major depression disorder.   

About Speaker

Dr. Lakshmi Kotra is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Toronto and a Senior Scientist at Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (UHN). He also leads Lucid Psycheceuticals, a subsidiary of FSD Pharma, its operations and strategy as CEO.

Dr. Kotra brings a wealth of experience from discovery to advanced stages of drug development, building products and business based on fundamentals and pragmatism. Dr. Kotra is an inventor of multiple technologies and holds several patents. He has authored/co-authored over 130 publications and delivered over 140 scientific talks internationally.

Dr. Kotra is the recipient of several recognitions and awards over the years, including the Julia Levy Award from the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) Canada in 2021 in recognition of his substantial contribution to the successful commercialization of innovation in Canada in the field of biomedical science and engineering. Dr. Kotra has led or participated in a number of important drug discovery and development projects, including anti-HIV drugs, antibacterials, insulin, antimalarials, medical cannabis-based therapeutics, and drugs targeting multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition to Lucid Psycheceuticals, he co-founded WinSanTor Biosciences, a San Diego, CA-based company developing treatments for peripheral neuropathies, and CannScience Innovations (Scientus Pharma), a Toronto, ON-based company focused on medical cannabis and cannabinoids. Dr. Kotra received B.Pharm.(Hons) from Birla Institute of Technology & Science (India), Ph.D. in Pharmacy (Medicinal Chemistry) from the University of Georgia, and completed postdoctoral training at Wayne State University.