Central University of Punjab Partners in Global Research Consortium to Develop Novel AML Cancer Therapy

Central University of Punjab Partners in Global Research Consortium to Develop Novel AML Cancer Therapy

CU Punjab Secures Health Holland Grant for Leukemia Research for Novel Leukemia Drug Development

CU Punjab Collaborates with European Research Partners for Development of Innovative Leukemia Therapy

Bathinda 2 June ( PDL ) : The Central University of Punjab has marked a significant achievement in international biomedical research through its participation in a global collaborative project focused on the development of first-in-class therapeutics for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat blood cancers.

The project has received funding under the Health~Holland International Kickstarter Call for Public-Private Partnerships 2025. The international consortium comprises BIMINI Biotech BV as the project lead, Institute of Oncology Research led by Prof. Francesco Bertoni, and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products at the Central University of Punjab, represented by Prof. Raj Kumar.

With a total budget of €440,000, the project aims to develop BIMINI Biotech’s novel drug molecules targeting the Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASp). The new therapeutic approach is designed to destroy leukemic cells selectively and provide more effective treatment options for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), especially for patients facing relapse or treatment-resistant disease conditions.

As part of the collaborative research programme, scientists will work on lead optimization, validation in relapse/refractory AML models, and identification of predictive biomarkers for patient stratification. The project is expected to contribute substantially to the advancement of targeted cancer therapeutics and translational oncology research.

Sharing his views on the collaboration, Prof. Raj Kumar, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, stated, “I am delighted to collaborate with BIMINI Biotech and the Institute of Oncology Research on this important project aimed at advancing first-in-class therapies for acute myeloid leukemia. This partnership further strengthens scientific cooperation between Europe and India and reflects the Central University of Punjab’s commitment towards impactful cancer drug discovery and innovative healthcare research.”

Congratulating Prof. Raj Kumar on this accomplishment, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari remarked, “The participation of the Central University of Punjab in this prestigious international consortium reflects the growing global recognition of the university’s research ecosystem and scientific excellence. Such collaborative initiatives are vital for addressing critical healthcare challenges through innovation, interdisciplinary research, and international partnerships.”

The project is also expected to strengthen academic-industry partnerships and create new opportunities for collaborative innovation in healthcare research. The collaboration project LSHI25007 is co-funded through the PPP Allowance awarded by Health Holland to stimulate public-private partnerships in healthcare innovation.