Pune Researchers Clinch Coveted ICMR Grant for Innovative Stem Cell Therapy
In a significant achievement for India's medical research community, two distinguished scientists from Dr DY Patil University in Pimpri, Pune, have been awarded the prestigious Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) first-in-the-world challenge grant worth Rs 56 lakh. The grant recognizes their groundbreaking work in developing a novel, stem cell-based therapeutic solution for ulcerative colitis, a debilitating chronic inflammatory bowel disease that currently lacks effective long-term treatments.
Highly Competitive Selection Process
The grant was conferred upon Avinash Kharat, Scientist D, and Ramesh Bhonde, Emeritus Scientist, both affiliated with the Regenerative Medicine Laboratory (RML) at Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth. This recognition comes after a rigorous selection process where their project stood out among nearly 1,500 applications submitted from research institutions across India. Only 37 projects were ultimately chosen for funding to advance proof-of-concept solutions, underscoring the highly competitive nature of the grant and the exceptional quality of the proposed research.
Revolutionary Oral Stem Cell Capsule
Explaining the project's innovative approach, Dr. Ramesh Bhonde highlighted the laboratory's extensive progress in human stem cell research over the past eight years. "Through this project, our aim is to develop a human stem cell secretion capsule which can be taken orally to cure ulcerative colitis," he stated. "Normally, stem cell therapy involves intravenous or intramuscular injections, but the beauty of our product is that it will be an oral capsule." This three-year initiative, commencing upon receipt of the grant, promises a more patient-friendly and accessible treatment modality.
Foundation of Excellence in Regenerative Medicine
The Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, inaugurated in 2018 by eminent scientist Raghunath Mashelkar, has established a robust infrastructure for stem cell research. The lab maintains a comprehensive bank of human stem cells, including:
- Dental pulp stem cells
- Gingival stem cells
- Umbilical cord stem cells
These resources have been instrumental in preclinical studies across various disease models, such as diabetes, oral submucous fibrosis, ulcerative colitis, and burn wound healing. The scientists have a prolific research record, having published 60 papers in reputed journals over the last six years and secured several extramural grants from Union ministries for screening Ayurvedic and homeopathy medicines using their human stem cell platform.
A Milestone for Pune's Research Landscape
Dr. Avinash Kharat noted that the ICMR grant, announced on January 1, 2026, is a continuous funding mechanism aimed at product development. "The selection was based on the innovative and novel concept for treating unmet medical needs," he added. This achievement marks Dr DY Patil University as the only institute in Pune to receive this esteemed grant, highlighting its leading role in advancing regenerative medicine and addressing critical healthcare challenges through cutting-edge scientific innovation.
