‘Natural products key to future drug discovery’

Natural products have always been at the forefront of drug discovery, and the phytopharmaceutical regulations introduced in India offer an exciting opportunity for researchers to translate traditional knowledge into scientifically validated medicines, said Annam Visala, joint drugs controller (India) at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

She was delivering a talk on the regulatory framework for new drug development in India during the inaugural session of the National Conference on Translational Opportunities in Natural Products Research, organised by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT).

The conference highlighted the expanding role of natural products and phytopharmaceuticals in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges and accelerating translational drug discovery in India. Discussions focused on translational research in natural products, phytopharmaceutical drug development and regulatory frameworks for herbal medicines.

IICT director D. Srinivasa Reddy emphasised the increasing relevance of natural products in modern drug discovery. He noted that the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is actively pursuing mission‑mode programs in phytopharmaceutical research, with IICT making significant contributions through process chemistry, natural product chemistry, and drug discovery initiatives.

Around 300 delegates, including researchers, faculty members, and students from more than 18 States, are attending the meeting, said a press release.