Dr. Kalyanam Nagabhushanam, Sami-Sabinsa Group R&D president, dies
Dr. Nagabhushanam's main responsibilities at Sami-Sabinsa included development of efficient and novel scientific routes for xenobiotics and intermediates as well as exploration of new business areas.
As head of R&D, Dr. Nagabhushanam led several independent divisions at the company, including Natural Drugs, Phytochemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Tissue Culture, Biotechnology, Analytical R&D, Biological Research, Microbiology, and Formulation R&D, which collaborate in a synergistic work model to produce products that adhere to international standards, according to spokespersons for Sami-Sabinsa.
Dr. Nagabhushanam co-invented several Sami-Sabinsa Group patents around the world and co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed research papers and two book chapters in leading scientific journals.
He also co-wrote eight books and, at the time of his death, had a few in process describing the historical perspectives, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and various pharmacological activities of multiple herbal extracts and the research into their beneficial compounds.
Dr. Nagabhushanam was a scientific advisor to Dr. Muhammed Majeed, founder and chairman of Sami-Sabinsa Group in the development of the company’s ingredients until Dr. Majeed’s death in March.
“Dr. Nagabhushanam was profoundly devoted to his work, to my father, and the belief that his work could benefit overall health,” said Shaheen Majeed, Sami-Sabinsa Group global managing director and CEO. “He challenged my father, he challenged me, and his contributions to Sabinsa will be etched in stone forever. I am eternally grateful for his wisdom, the insights he brought forth and the help he gave to all of us.”
A global career
Over his 25 years at Sami-Sabinsa, Dr. Nagabhushanam was recognized at national and international levels in the areas of synthetic methodology, chiral chemistry and natural products.
He obtained his MSc in chemistry from the University of Madras and PhD in organic chemistry from Baylor University. Following two years of post-doctoral research in the United States on chiral chemistry and chiro-optical methods, Dr. Nagabhushanam returned to India to work with IPCL (now part of Reliance Group), Ciba- Geigy (now Novartis) and SPIC Pharma.
Dr. Nagabhushanam established research collaborations between Sami-Sabinsa and a number of academic universities, hospitals and clinics including Auburn University, University of Rochester, University of Florida, University of Illinois, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, San Francisco Research Institute, University of Southern California, and a clinical trial at Mexico's National Cancer Institute (INCan).
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Kalyanam Nagabhushanam,” said Michael McGuffin, American Herbal Products Association president. “We join colleagues across the industry in expressing our gratitude for his dedication to advancing the science behind nutraceuticals and developing innovative health products. A remarkable scientist, prolific author and kind spirit, Dr. Nagabhushanam will be remembered fondly and missed dearly as his legacy carries on through the lasting impact of his groundbreaking work.”
Dr. Anju Majeed, Sami-Sabinsa Group executive chairperson, said the company offers its sincere condolences to Dr. Nagabhushanam’s family.
“In addition to his research talents and dedication that helped make Sami-Sabinsa Group a very successful and leading a multinational health and life sciences company, he was a kind and thoughtful person and will be deeply missed by us all.”
Dr. Nagabhushanam is survived by his wife, son, daughter and four grandchildren.
