Dr. Murugesan Arumugam is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology in the Faculty of Pharmacy at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, India. His PhD research identified decreasing levels of Regulatory T-cells in migraine patients, suggesting that migraine could be an autoimmune disorder. Dr. Murugesan has received prestigious fellowships and awards, including the CSIR-Pool Scientist Fellowship, UGC-BSR Fellowship, and the Drug Discovery Challenge Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK). He has also been invited to the prestigious International Headache Academy meeting (iHEAD) and has received travel awards from the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK), the International Headache Society (UK), and SERB (India). Additionally, he has published over 10 manuscripts in internationally peer-reviewed journals, including a notable publication on COVID-19 vaccination linked to UNSDG 3.
Currently, Dr. Murugesan is leading a novel nicotine cessation project, focusing on addiction mechanisms and detoxification using Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a single-intervention strategy. This innovative approach aims to redefine nicotine cessation methods. His research significantly contributes to understanding and combating nicotine dependence, with potential implications for public health and clinical practice.
The conventional nicotine cessation interventions provide additional nicotine to the body. Our current project aims to convert cotinine—an oxidized metabolite of nicotine that can persist in the body for several weeks—back to nicotine in the plasma samples of smokers using ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. Based on these findings, we developed a fast-dispersing thin film containing ascorbic acid, which has been granted an Indian patent, with an international patent application in progress. We are now initiating Phase 2 clinical trials for this product.
This ongoing study focuses on investigating the FOXP3 mutation in migraine patients, particularly SNPs such as rs2232365, rs3761547, and rs3761548. For the first time, we identified a potential association between FOXP3 variants and migraine predisposition. We are currently assessing BAFF and APRIL levels during various phases of migraine to enhance understanding of the relationship between migraine and autoimmunity. This research is funded by Avicenna Private Limited, India.
International travel award from DST-SERB to attend and present a research paper at the 14th International Congress on Autoimmunity (Autoimmunity 2024) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 17-20, 2024.
Received Travel award from the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research to attend the 14th International Congress on Autoimmunity, (Autoimmunity 2024) in Ljubljana, Slovenia May 17-20, 2024.
Innovation ambassador, Institutional Innovation Council (IIC) 5.0, MoE’s Innovation cell.
Received a travel grant from IBRO to attend the IBRO Neuroscience School on Pain and Cognition at the University of Hyderabad, December 2022.
COVID-19 spread control suggestion appreciated by the Office of Prime Minister of India & Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India.
Winner, Drug discovery challenge Team at the “Workshop: Researcher Mobility in Drug Discovery 2015” by the Drug discovery pathway group, UK.
Received International travel award from SERB to attend the Workshop: Researcher mobility in drug discovery, 7-8th December 2015, Milton Keynes, UK.
Received Travel award from the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK to attend the Workshop: Researcher mobility in drug discovery, 7-8th December 2015, Milton Keynes, UK.
Invited Observer, The Bateson Centre, Zebra fish Facility, University of Sheffield, 6-7th December 2015, UK.
International Headache Academy nomination for iHEAD meeting 2014 (as one among the 60 neuroscientist around the world), 31st October to 2nd November held at Leiden University, the Netherlands.
Received Travel award from the International Headache Society, UK to attend International Headache Academy meeting 2014, 31st October to 2nd November held at Leiden University, the Netherlands.
Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp, July 7-10, 2013 Hyderabad, India on behalf of Tamilnadu State.
Received Meritorious student travel award for a workshop on GLP and GCP (good laboratory practice and good clinical practice), Government of India 28th May – 2nd Jun 2012, Chennai.
International Headache Society, UK Member ID: AMIN01.
Indian Pharmacy Graduation Association, LM. NO: 621.