Bhagwat Prasad Named Cincinnati Children’s Division Director of Translational and Clinical Pharmacology
- Dr. Bhagwat Prasad, an expert in quantitative proteomics and metabolomics, has been appointed as the Division Director of Translational and Clinical Pharmacology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, marking a significant step forward in pediatric pharmacology.
- Dr. Prasad's work focuses on integrating genomic information into physiologically based pharmacokinetic models to predict drug disposition and response in special populations, using non-invasive biomarkers, which is crucial for populations like children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
- His appointment is a strategic move for Cincinnati Children’s to strengthen its leadership in pediatric research, with a focus on developing advanced pharmacokinetic models that will provide more personalized and effective drug treatments for pediatric patients.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest news, updates, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
A New Era in Pediatric Pharmacology: Dr. Bhagwat Prasad Takes the Helm at Cincinnati Children’s
In a significant move to advance the field of pediatric pharmacology, Dr. Bhagwat Prasad has been appointed as the Division Director of Translational and Clinical Pharmacology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. This appointment marks a new era in the quest for innovative and non-invasive methods to predict variability in drug disposition, particularly in special populations like children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Dr. Prasad, a renowned expert in quantitative proteomics, metabolomics, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, brings a wealth of experience to this role. With a PhD in Pharmaceutical Analysis from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in India, Dr. Prasad has established himself as a leading researcher in the field of pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
A Trailblazer in Pediatric Pharmacology
Dr. Prasad’s research focuses on the variability caused by drug transporters and non-cytochrome P450 enzymes. He has developed innovative methods to quantify these transporters and enzymes in human tissues and biofluids using quantitative proteomics and metabolomics approaches. These methods are crucial for integrating genomic information into PBPK models, which predict how drugs will be absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.
This integrated approach allows for the identification and validation of surrogate biomarkers for drug transporters, metabolizing enzymes, and receptors. These biomarkers are essential for non-invasive predictions of drug disposition and response in populations where clinical trials are not feasible, such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
A Career of Excellence
Dr. Prasad’s academic journey is marked by numerous milestones. He began his career as a Research Associate at Ranbaxy Research Laboratories before moving to the United States for postdoctoral training. At the University of Washington, he held various positions including Acting Assistant Professor, Acting Instructor, and Lead Scientist for the University of Washington Research and Assay Profiling Technology (UWRAPT) program.
His tenure at the University of Washington saw him serve as the Director of the Proteomics-based Research Initiative on Non-CYP Enzymes (PRINCE) from 2018. Under his leadership, PRINCE has made significant contributions to understanding the role of non-CYP enzymes in drug metabolism. He also co-directed UWRAPT, a program focused on developing advanced pharmacokinetic models.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Prasad’s dedication to his field has been recognized internationally. In 2018, he received the ISSX North American New Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research in xenobiotics. He is also an Editorial Board Member of Drug Metabolism and Disposition and has been featured in the Translational and Clinical Pharmacology (TCP) Division’s Early Career Faculty Showcase at the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET).
Impact on Cincinnati Children’s
At Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. Prasad will lead a team of researchers focused on developing innovative pharmacokinetic models tailored for pediatric populations. His expertise in PBPK modeling will be instrumental in predicting how drugs interact with children’s developing bodies. This is particularly crucial for pediatric patients, as drug responses can vary significantly based on age and developmental stage.
The appointment of Dr. Prasad is a strategic move to enhance Cincinnati Children’s position as a leader in pediatric research. His extensive experience and innovative approaches will help bridge the gap between basic scientific research and clinical practice, ultimately benefiting patients through more accurate and personalized treatments.
Looking Ahead
The future holds tremendous promise with Dr. Prasad at the helm. His commitment to non-invasive biomarkers will pave the way for more accurate predictions of drug responses in children. This could significantly reduce the need for clinical trials in pediatric populations, making treatments safer and more effective.
As Dr. Prasad transitions into his new role, the medical community eagerly awaits the groundbreaking research that will emerge from his division. With a focus on translational and clinical pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s is poised to become a hub for innovative pediatric pharmacology research.
In conclusion, Dr. Bhagwat Prasad’s appointment as the Division Director of Translational and Clinical Pharmacology at Cincinnati Children’s marks a significant milestone in pediatric pharmacology. His extensive experience, innovative approaches, and commitment to non-invasive biomarkers position him as a true leader in the field. As we look forward to the future of pediatric research, one thing is clear: Dr. Bhagwat Prasad is poised to make a lasting impact.
