Ashok Purandare
About Ashok Purandare
Ashok Purandare is the Research Investigator to Scientific Associate Director, Discovery Chemistry at Bristol-Myers Squibb, with a background in organic chemistry and significant contributions to drug discovery.
Current Title and Role at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Ashok Purandare currently serves as a Research Investigator to Scientific Associate Director in Discovery Chemistry at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Princeton, NJ. In this role, he is involved in significant research initiatives and oversees various projects aimed at drug discovery and development.
Professional Background
Prior to his current role at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ashok Purandare worked as a Research Associate at Hoechst (India) Ltd from 1984 to 1986. During this time, he conducted research in the field of chemistry, contributing to the company's scientific advancements.
Educational Background and Expertise
Ashok Purandare achieved a Post-doc in Organic Chemistry from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick, from 1991 to 1994. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, between 1986 and 1991. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Organic Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, completed from 1982 to 1984. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Savitribai Phule Pune University, earned between 1979 and 1982.
Key Research Contributions
Ashok Purandare has led several key research projects. He spearheaded the discovery of BMS-911543, a JAK2 inhibitor that reached Phase II clinical trials for treating myeloproliferative neoplasms. He guided the discovery of BMS-135, an advanced preclinical cancer treatment inhibitor, and BMS-211, a backup lead with improved properties. His work also includes the discovery of selective inhibitors of CARM1 involved in cancer, a selective CCR4 antagonist for Th2 dependent immunological diseases, lactam-based inhibitors of the 20S-proteasome for cancer treatment, and selective 5-HT7 antagonists for preclinical validation.
Innovative Chemistry Developments
In addition to his research in drug discovery, Ashok Purandare has developed novel chemistries on solid phase. His innovations have enabled the assembly of a diverse library of compounds, contributing significantly to the advancement of chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences.