
The discovery of Bedaquiline has revolutionized tuberculosis (TB) treatment worldwide. Building on this breakthrough, we are investigating additional targets within mycobacterial metabolic pathways that could complement Bedaquiline’s action, with the goal of developing a novel, pan-TB regimen that could reduce treatment duration to just three months. These innovations in space of public health are driven by the latest advances in AI and generative chemistry, enabling faster development cycles. Our approach to new TB drug discovery emphasizes fostering strategic partnerships, leveraging cutting-edge AI/ML tools, and ensuring cost-effective research solutions, from lab to last mile.
Prof Anil Koul Bio:
Anil has over 24 years of experience in drug discovery, early development, and scientific innovation. Anil
also holds the position of Professor of Translation Discovery at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine, with a particular focus on translational medical research. He is also an ex-member of the board
of directors of Janssen Pharmaceutica, a subsidiary of J&J in Europe, with fiduciary and operational
responsibilities.
At J&J as VP research in drug discovery for infectious diseases and global public health, successfully
advancing projects from early discovery to clinical phases, including more than five drug candidates that
have moved to early/late clinical phases, such as antiviral Rilematovir to phase III and antibacterial drug
Bedaquiline to market.
Anil was instrumental in co-discovering and contributing to the clinical development of Bedaquiline, the
first drug to be approved in the last 45 years for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. About 1 million doses of this drug has been shipped across 170 countries. Bedaquiline is listed on the WHO list of ‘essential medicines’ for adults as well as children.
Anil received the annual “Heroes in Chemistry” award from the American Chemical Society for his
discovery of Bedaquiline. He was awarded in 2017 the “Sun Pharma Research Award” and in 2004 the
“Swiss TB Prize.” Anil was also a member of the J&J team that won the Prix Galien prize in 2016.
Between 2017 and 2019, Anil served as managing director of the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, a
premier R&D biotechnology institution of the Government of India. Subsequently, Anil served on the
Scientific Advisory Board of the CSIR, India, from 2019 to 2022, chaired by the then principal scientific
advisor to the Prime Minister.
Anil has a track record of building public-private partnerships, and in 2021 he successfully established 3
satellite discovery centers (J&J-operated labs) in London, Singapore, and Cape Town. He has published in
leading scientific journals such as Nature and Science, among other things, and holds over 35 international
patents. He is a member of the UN’s StopTB Partnership Working Group on New Drugs. In 2023, he was
recognized as one of the top 20 innovators for bioscience innovation in India by BioVoice News.
Anil loves to simplify complicated problems with sharp focus on what is important or critical. At executive
level, he championed diversity & inclusion as fundamental innovation driver. He is passionate about
mentoring next-gen scientists & drug hunters and equitable access to medicine and innovations across the
world.