Invasive fungal infections have emerged as a significant public health challenge in India, with the rapid rise of antifungal resistance further constraining an already limited therapeutic arsenal. Despite ongoing advances in antifungal research, including novel chemistries and therapeutic modalities, next‑generation diagnostics, and enhanced understanding of fungal pathogenesis, the translation of these innovations into routine clinical practice remains markedly restricted. As a result, scientific progress often lags behind the urgent needs of clinicians across intensive care units, transplant wards, and hospitals.
Organized by the Foundation for Neglected Disease Research, the University of Aberdeen, and Brigid Bio, with funding support from FAILSAFE, this one‑day, invitation‑only stakeholder conference aims to overcome barriers in translating antifungal innovations to clinical practice. The day features three focused sessions: (i) the clinical landscape of invasive fungal infections in India (ii) emerging therapies and diagnostics targeting antifungal resistance, and (iii) the translational framework for research, approvals, access and adoption. The event will close with a roundtable to discuss national priorities to strengthen India's response to fungal diseases and antifungal resistance.
Morning tea will begin at 8:30 AM at Krishna Hall, Shangri-La.
Buffet lunch and refreshments will be provided.
The conference is free of charge for attendees.
As seats are limited, we kindly request all interested attendees to register in advance. Attendance will be subject to confirmation by the organisers.
AGENDA
8.30 AM Tea
9 AM Welcome
Welcome Address
Prof. Carol Munro,
Professor, University of Aberdeen, UK
Dr. Shridhar Narayanan,
Chairman, Foundation for Neglected Disease Research
Mr. Angus Urquhart,
Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter
9.10 AM Session 1 - Clinical Landscape
Changing epidemiology of fungal infections in the Indian perspective
Prof. Arunaloke Chakrabarti,
Professor, Department of Medical Microbiology,
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
Invasive Fungal Infections associated with Viral Pandemics, Cancers and Immunosuppression
Dr. Gifty Immanuel,
Director, Center for AIDS & Antiviral Research, Church of South India Hospital
Mucormycosis in India: beyond the COVID surge, the present-day clinical picture
Prof. Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy,
Professor, Medical Mycology, Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
Candida infections and C. auris in Indian ICUs: outbreak, tracking, AMR signals, and clinical management
Prof. Anuradha Chowdhary,
Professor, Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi
11 AM Tea
11.30 AM Session 2 - Biology & Solutions
Beyond Efflux Pumps: Emerging Mechanisms and Targets of Antifungal Resistance and Their Implications for New Antifungal Chemistry
Prof. Rajendra Prasad,
Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
Director, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University
Novel antifungal drugs: The global pipeline and what's next after azoles and echinocandins
Dr. R K Shandil
Director & Chief Clinical Officer, Foundation for Neglected Disease Research
Novel approaches: monoclonal antibodies, host-directed therapy, and immunotherapy in fungal disease
Prof. Carol Munro, Professor, University of Aberdeen, UK
Dr. Soumya Palliyil, CEO, Brigid Bio
Diagnostics for fungal disease: current platforms, novel approaches, and designing for LMIC settings
Dr. Chandrasekhar Nair,
Co-founder and CTO, Molbio Diagnostics
1 PM Lunch
2 PM Session 3 - Translational Framework
Innovative solutions for fungal diseases and AMR in India: ICMR's initiatives
Dr. Taruna Madan Gupta,
Scientist G & Head, Division of Development Research, Indian Council of Medical Research
Dr. Madhuchhanda Das,
Scientist E, Division of Development Research, Indian Council of Medical Research
Indian generics and antifungals: a manufacturing legacy, new antifungals and the road ahead for patient supply
Dr. Jaideep Gogtay
Global Chief Medical Officer, Cipla
From clinical trials to getting novel antifungals to patients in India
Dr. Saiprasad Patil
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Panel: Closing the translational gap in India: gaps, priorities, and how we close them
Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed,
Director and CEO, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bangalore
4.30 PM Closing Remarks and Tea
Prof. Carol Munro,
Professor, University of Aberdeen, UK
Dr. Shridhar Narayanan,
Chairman, Foundation for Neglected Disease Research