Dr. Rakhee Bajaj
Manager - Strategy & Business Development
Emerging trends encompass personalized medicine and immunotherapies, tailoring treatments based on individual patient characteristics, and leveraging the immune system to combat diseases, notably cancer. However, amidst this progress lie formidable challenges, including the exorbitant costs and substantial time investment essential for successfully ushering a drug to market, intricate regulatory processes, potential adverse effects, drug resistance, and the imperative for innovative research to address diseases lacking efficacious treatments. In this challenging landscape, Sathgen Therapeutics emerges as a prominent problem solver, a clinical-stage biotech company with an aim to deliver drug therapies for difficult-to-treat diseases such as cancer and viral infections.
Finding Innovative Ways for Targeting Untreatable Cancers
With a core mission to introduce novel cancer treatments, Sathgen Therapeutics - a clinical-stage biotech firm was established in the year 2007 as one of the divisions of Godavari Biorefineries Limited. Scientific Co-Founder Dr. Sendurai Mani, deeply concerned about the toxicity associated with current cancer treatments, and about patient well-being, explored plant-based compounds with anti-cancer potential. Teaming up with executive co-founder, Mr. Samir Somaiya, the firm aimed to develop cancer treatments that prioritized safety and efficacy.
“After evaluating over 10,000 molecules, our team identified a non-toxic, potent anti-cancer compound. Presently in Phase 1 clinical trials, we seek to swiftly integrate this compound into global cancer treatment,” says Rakhee Bajaj, PhD, Strategy & Business Development Manager. Backed by Godavari Biorefineries Limited, Sathgen is committed to revolutionizing cancer therapeutics globally, guided by its core values of integrity, data-driven decision-making, and risk recognition.
Sathgen focuses on developing novel therapeutics for difficult-to-treat diseases, notably cancer and viral infections. Collaborating with GMP-certified Contract Research Organizations (CROs), the firm outsources crucial services such as API synthesis & formulation, certain preclinical studies, and clinical trial management.
“Our aim at Sathgen Therapeutics is to treat the untreatable. Aggressive cancer types such as triple-negative breast cancer and prostate cancer have some of the highest unmet needs for treatment options”, says Rakhee Bajaj. Sathgen stands out for addressing these challenging cancers by specifically designing first-in-class and best-in-class molecules that target the cancer cell population responsible for making cancers untreatable and resistant to current therapies.
A Stellar Team Driving Cancer Innovations
Sathgen Therapeutics is steered by a highly accomplished team. Samir Somaiya, the Executive Co-Founder, leverages 20+ years as chairman and managing director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited. Dr. Sendurai Mani, the Scientific Co-Founder, introduced the scientific community to the idea of cancer stem cells and metastasis; and is currently the associate director at the cancer center in Brown University. Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, the astute Executive Director, shapes the organizational vision.
Dr. Prashant Kharkar, a Consultant and Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, brings 13+ years of experience in drug design. Dr. Maithili Athavale, Assistant General Manager, directs and executes the cancer biology program. Dr. Sandip Gavade, Manager (Drug Synthesis), innovates synthetic drug design. Dr. Rakhee Bajaj, Manager (Strategy and Business Development), orchestrates the commercialization and go-to-market strategy. Together, they propel Sathgen Therapeutics towards pioneering advancements in cancer treatment.
The clinical development of this drug is supported and managed by Clinexel Life Sciences, a clinical research organisation in the pharmaceutical sector. The clinical trial is headed by Dr. Shrinath Kshirsagar and his able Clinical Trials & Research Unit Team.
In the near term, Sathgen Therapeutics plans to take their lead molecule through clinical development, which is a pivotal step in evaluating its drug's anti-cancer activity in humans. The firm’s ultimate goal is to establish partnerships with global pharmaceutical giants, expediting market entry for its drug and showcasing India's prowess in drug synthesis and development on a global healthcare stage. Concurrently, Sathgen is actively advancing a robust pipeline of anti-cancer molecules, several in preclinical development. “In the coming years, we envision introducing various classes of molecules from our extensive repository, reinforcing our commitment to innovative cancer-fighting solutions”, says Rakhee Bajaj.
Sathgen focuses on developing novel therapeutics for difficult-to-treat diseases, notably cancer and viral infections. Collaborating with GMP-certified Contract Research Organizations (CROs), the firm outsources crucial services such as API synthesis & formulation, certain preclinical studies, and clinical trial management.
“Our aim at Sathgen Therapeutics is to treat the untreatable. Aggressive cancer types such as triple-negative breast cancer and prostate cancer have some of the highest unmet needs for treatment options”, says Rakhee Bajaj. Sathgen stands out for addressing these challenging cancers by specifically designing first-in-class and best-in-class molecules that target the cancer cell population responsible for making cancers untreatable and resistant to current therapies.
A Stellar Team Driving Cancer Innovations
Sathgen Therapeutics is steered by a highly accomplished team. Samir Somaiya, the Executive Co-Founder, leverages 20+ years as chairman and managing director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited. Dr. Sendurai Mani, the Scientific Co-Founder, introduced the scientific community to the idea of cancer stem cells and metastasis; and is currently the associate director at the cancer center in Brown University. Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, the astute Executive Director, shapes the organizational vision.
Dr. Prashant Kharkar, a Consultant and Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, brings 13+ years of experience in drug design. Dr. Maithili Athavale, Assistant General Manager, directs and executes the cancer biology program. Dr. Sandip Gavade, Manager (Drug Synthesis), innovates synthetic drug design. Dr. Rakhee Bajaj, Manager (Strategy and Business Development), orchestrates the commercialization and go-to-market strategy. Together, they propel Sathgen Therapeutics towards pioneering advancements in cancer treatment.
The clinical development of this drug is supported and managed by Clinexel Life Sciences, a clinical research organisation in the pharmaceutical sector. The clinical trial is headed by Dr. Shrinath Kshirsagar and his able Clinical Trials & Research Unit Team.
In the near term, Sathgen Therapeutics plans to take their lead molecule through clinical development, which is a pivotal step in evaluating its drug's anti-cancer activity in humans. The firm’s ultimate goal is to establish partnerships with global pharmaceutical giants, expediting market entry for its drug and showcasing India's prowess in drug synthesis and development on a global healthcare stage. Concurrently, Sathgen is actively advancing a robust pipeline of anti-cancer molecules, several in preclinical development. “In the coming years, we envision introducing various classes of molecules from our extensive repository, reinforcing our commitment to innovative cancer-fighting solutions”, says Rakhee Bajaj.
