Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited hosted the fourth edition of the Dr. Anji Reddy Memorial Lecture, marking the 13th anniversary of the passing of its founder, K. Anji Reddy.
Instituted in 2023 by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Dr. Reddy’s Institute of Life Sciences, the annual lecture series focuses on the themes of science, society, and sustainability—key pillars of Anji Reddy’s legacy.
This year’s lecture was delivered by Guido Kroemer, a globally recognised cell biologist and faculty member at Université Paris Cité. Speaking on “A tissue stress hormone driving pathological aging,” Kroemer highlighted the role of Acyl-CoA Binding Protein (ACBP), also known as Diazepam Binding Inhibitor (DBI), as a stress mediator linked to aging and disease progression.
He explained that ACBP/DBI, now identified as a “gerogene,” plays a central role in cellular recycling and increases with age. While initially part of the body’s adaptive stress response, its imbalance can lead to systemic health issues and is associated with predicting several disease conditions. Kroemer noted that targeting this molecule could open pathways for anti-aging therapies and prevention of age-related diseases.
Guru N. Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Continental Hospitals, paid tribute to Anji Reddy, describing him as a visionary committed to sustainable science and accessible healthcare. He recalled that Anji Reddy’s mission was to ensure that high-quality medicines were accessible to all, guided by the principle of “business for service.”
In his opening remarks, G. V. Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, said the lecture series celebrates Anji Reddy’s passion for science and his belief that innovation should drive affordable healthcare. “Medicine is for the people. It is not for the profits,” he said, highlighting the founder’s role in shaping India’s position as a global pharmaceutical hub.
Concluding the event, Satish Reddy, Chairman of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, emphasised the importance of collaboration among scientists, researchers, and policymakers. He noted that a roundtable held ahead of the lecture focused on translational research and strengthening India’s research ecosystem, reflecting Anji Reddy’s enduring commitment to scientific progress and knowledge exchange.
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