Dr. M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, Distinguished University Research Professor with the College of Community Health Sciences, has received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Association of Indian Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAiPS).
The award was presented at the AAiPS annual event in November in San Antonio, which was held alongside the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists annual meeting.
Kumar, a professor in the College’s Department of Translational Science and Medicine, is a world-renowned leader in the field of translational science for medicine design. He was selected for the Fulbright-Nehru Scholar Award in 2025, allowing him to conduct vital research at the National Institute of Nutrition, or NIN, in Hyderabad, India. He is collaborating with Dr. G. Bhanuprakash Reddy’s laboratory to develop advanced formulations of urolithin A and naringenin, natural compounds with typically low absorption in the body.
Naringenin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but our bodies do a poor job of absorbing the compounds in the form of food or currently available supplements. Kumar’s research with Reddy’s laboratory in India aims to significantly enhance the bioavailability and translational potential of the compounds in human health and nutrition.
In addition to his research, Kumar also plans to develop and teach a customized drug delivery course at NIN and share his research at several planned seminars and workshops across India.