Nageswar Reddy
Team Lead, R&D Loka Biosciences Pvt Ltd.
Hyderabad
Summary
Results-driven R&D Scientist and team leader with over 18+ years of experience in biopharmaceuticals specializing in biosimilars and vaccines. Possesses deep expertise in genetic engineering, clone development, and recombinant protein expression in microbial and mammalian systems for biotherapeutic applications. Adept at leading multidisciplinary teams, mentoring scientists, and driving cross-functional collaborations with process development teams to deliver impactful research outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Team Lead, R&D
Loka biosciences Pvt Ltd
07.2025 - Current
- Preparation of RNA transcripts from dengue replicon plasmids, generation of mRNA via in-vitro transcription (IVT), and validation of transcripts using cell-free and cell line–based expression assays.
- Antigen expression testing and fluorescence/Luminescence reporter gene expression.
Senior Scientist
Hester Biosciences Ltd.
12.2022 - 09.2024
- Whole genome analysis of poultry viral vaccine strains, copy number detection in the vaccine bulk by real time qPCR
- Performed qualitative and quantitative genome detection of Avian Influenza (AI) viruses
- Identification of Adventitious viruses by designing TaqMan probes
- Development of recombinant classical swine fever (CSF-E2) subunit vaccine.
- Virus propagation on cell lines, characterization, and preparation of virus stocks.
Scientific Lead -R&D
Novumgen Pvt Ltd
11.2020 - 12.2022
- Cloning and expression testing of antibody heavy and light chain gene amplification (ScFv/bispecific/full length) in ExpiCHO-S cells.
- Gene synthesis, E.coli clone development for Teriparatide (Forsteo), Somatotropin (Genotropin) biosimilars and protein characterization and expression of protein upto 5 lit fermenter (New Brunswick Bioflo Celligen 115 benchtop bioreactor)
- Presenting R&D data, Prepare technical reports, SOPs internal and external presentations in the weekly meetings.
- Co-ordinate with the functional team for the project development and work progress.
Research Scientist
St. John’s Research Institute
10.2018 - 10.2020
- Identification of biomarkers associated with dengue disease progression through a multi-institutional collaborative project involving SJMC, IISc, and major government hospitals in Bangalore (BMC, RMC, KIMS).
- Molecular characterization of dengue virus, including viral load quantification and serotype detection in human serum samples.
- Serum cytokine profiling analysis using Luminex/bead-based multiplex immunoassays.
Education
Ph.D. - Biochemistry
Central University of Kerala
Kerala07-2018
M.Phil. - Biochemistry
Central University of Kerala
Kerala12-2012
M.Sc - Biochemistry
Aligarh Muslim University
UP07-2000
Skills
Genetic Engineering/Clone development
Gene synthesis strategy design, Vector host selection, and gene integration using multiple cloning methods; Restriction cloning, Gibson assembly, Topo cloning and site directed mutagenesis
Insilico vector designing and optimizing strategies for high yield recombinant proteins in multiple microbial and yeast host systems such as E coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris
Hands-on molecular biology and bioanalytical techniques, including end-point PCR, RT-PCR/qPCR, agarose gel electrophoresis (horizontal and vertical), SDS-PAGE, Western blotting
Strong working knowledge of advanced DNA assembly techniques, including Gibson assembly across bacterial, yeast, and fungal hosts
Ecoli expression of small proteins (Teriparatide, Genotropin, Human IL6), mammalian expression (heavy and Light antibody chains, ScFvs, Dengue viral antigens, Rabies Glycoproteins and Erythropoietin (EPO) in CHO cell lines
Cell Culture & Bioprocessing
Transient transfection (Chemical/electroporation) and Stable Cell line development CHO DHFR (-) - CHO GS (-) and clone screening for EPO therapeutic protein for high expression
Design and execute experiments using mammalian cell culture and transfection techniques
Revival, maintenance, cryopreservation of mammalian suspension/adherent cells, (CHO, HEK 293, HpeG2, Vero, BHK 21, ExpiCHO-S, Carcinogenic hybridomas)
Publications
- Reddy et al. “Rocaglamide inhibits Dengue Virus 2 replication by targeting Prohibitin, a novel replication complex (RC)-specific host cell factor.” Under communication, Springer Nature.
- Reddy, N. et al. Deciphering the Whole Genome Sequence of a Newcastle Disease Virus Genotype VII.2 Isolate from a Poultry Farm in India. Gene Reports 34, 2024, 101884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genrep.2024.101884.
- Reddy, N. et al. Innate Immune Cytokine Profiling and Biomarker Identification in Dengue Patients. Frontiers in Immunology 12, 2021, 677874. Impact Factor: 7.561. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.677874.
- Reddy, N. et al. Mycophenolic Acid Modulates Host Autophagy in Dengue Virus-2 Replicon Cells. Microbial Pathogenesis 137, 2019, 103762. Impact Factor: 2.581. PMID: 31560972.
- Reddy, N. et al. Concurrent Infections with Multiple Dengue Virus Serotypes (2013–2015) in Northern Kerala, India. PeerJ 5, 2017, e2970. Impact Factor: 2.353.
- Reddy, N. et al. Proteomic Analysis Reveals Enhancement of APO A-1 in Dengue Virus Serotype Infections. Tropical Medicine & International health 2017. Impact Factor: 2.423. PMID: 28712153.
Personal Information
Marital Status: Married (Spouse and two children)
Timeline
Team Lead, R&D
Loka biosciences Pvt Ltd
07.2025 - Current
Senior Scientist
Hester Biosciences Ltd.
12.2022 - 09.2024
Scientific Lead -R&D
Novumgen Pvt Ltd
11.2020 - 12.2022
Research Scientist
St. John’s Research Institute
10.2018 - 10.2020
M.Phil. - Biochemistry
Central University of Kerala
M.Sc - Biochemistry
Aligarh Muslim University
Ph.D. - Biochemistry
Central University of Kerala