Mr. Shankar Gharge ,KLE College of Pharmacy, KAHER ,India.
Mr. Shankar Gharge is an emerging researcher in pharmaceutical sciences with a robust academic foundation and a well-defined research trajectory. His work spans the synthesis and in-silico evaluation of heterocyclic analogues, with a focus on antidiabetic agents. He combines experimental pharmacology with computational tools to design, validate, and optimize novel drug candidates. Recognized with national-level awards and published in respected journals, he has made meaningful contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry.
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Early Academic Pursuits
Mr. Shankar Gharge began his educational journey with a solid grounding in science, completing his SSLC from RMG Composite Junior College in Mudhol, Karnataka, followed by his PUC from Government PU College Mudhol in 2016. His passion for pharmaceutical sciences took shape during his undergraduate studies at Maratha Mandal College of Pharmacy, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, where he earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 2020. He then pursued a Master’s in Pharmacy with a specialization in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, where he honed his interest in medicinal chemistry and drug design. Currently, he is nearing the completion of his Ph.D. at the same institution, awaiting his final viva, with a focus on antidiabetic drug discovery and the synthesis of bioactive heterocyclic compounds.
Professional Endeavors
Shankar’s academic rigor naturally evolved into deep professional engagement through his roles as a postgraduate and doctoral research scholar at KLE College of Pharmacy. During his M.Pharm, he led a comprehensive investigation on sulfur and nitrogen-based heterocycles for antidiabetic activity. This foundation paved the way for his doctoral thesis, which integrates in-silico modeling, green synthesis, and in-vitro/in-vivo pharmacological evaluation. His work bridges computational design with real-world drug evaluation, making him a well-rounded researcher. Beyond the lab, his collaboration with experimental pharmacologists and computational biologists showcases his ability to work across disciplines, thereby contributing to more integrative and practical drug development strategies.
Research Focus and Scientific Contributions
Shankar’s core research is centered on designing novel antidiabetic agents using heterocyclic scaffolds. His approach is highly interdisciplinary, combining structure-based drug design (SBDD), molecular docking, molecular dynamics, DFT calculations, and network pharmacology. He has demonstrated mastery over tools like Schrodinger Suite, AutoDock, PyMOL, Discovery Studio, and Cytoscape. His doctoral research involved the synthesis and evaluation of thiazolidine and rhodanine derivatives, with outcomes leading to publications in respected journals such as Bioorganic Chemistry, RSC Medicinal Chemistry, and the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Reports. His use of green synthesis and focus on molecular mechanism elucidation through network pharmacology further enhances the translational value of his findings.
Accolades and Recognition
Shankar’s dedication and scientific merit have been recognized with multiple awards. Most notably, he received the prestigious Dr. P. D. Patil National Award in 2022 for Best Thesis in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the postgraduate level, awarded by Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute, Pune. He also won the Best Paper Presentation Award in 2023 at a national seminar on emerging trends in chemistry organized by GSS College, Belagavi. These honors reflect not only his research acumen but also his ability to effectively communicate complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences.
Technological Expertise and Innovation
His technical proficiency is evident in his adept handling of molecular modeling software and analytical instruments such as FT-IR, DSC, NMR, HPLC, and UV-Vis spectrophotometers. He leverages tools like Schrodinger’s Maestro, Glide, Desmond, Phase, and Jaguar for predictive modeling and compound optimization. His innovation lies in seamlessly integrating computational chemistry with experimental pharmacology, which allows him to predict biological activity and validate it through empirical testing. His ability to bridge in-silico insights with wet-lab confirmation ensures that his findings are both robust and application-ready.
Impact and Influence
Through his research, Shankar Gharge has significantly contributed to the field of antidiabetic drug discovery. His work on thiazolidinedione and quinazoline hybrids has opened new avenues for glycemic control via PPAR-γ expression modulation. His integrative use of network pharmacology has helped in understanding the systemic impact of potential drug candidates. The citation of his work in reputed scientific publications attests to its relevance and growing influence. Moreover, his collaborative mindset and thorough methodological approach are inspiring peers and juniors in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Shankar’s legacy is already taking shape through the foundation he has built in heterocyclic drug design and pharmacological evaluation. As he steps beyond his Ph.D., he is well-positioned to lead interdisciplinary research teams, develop innovative therapeutics, and contribute to teaching and mentorship. His commitment to sustainable synthesis and integrative pharmacology reflects a forward-looking approach that aligns with global health priorities. With a strong publication record, technical expertise, and a clear vision for translational science, he is poised to become a key contributor to future breakthroughs in drug discovery and development.
Publication
Title: Expression of PPAR-γ TF by newly synthesized thiazolidine-2, 4-diones to manage glycemic control: Insights from in silico, in vitro and experimental pharmacology in wistar rats
Authors: Gharge S, Alegaon SG, Ranade SD, Kavalapure RS, Kumar BP, Mhaske PC
Year: 2024
Title: Novel rhodanine–thiazole hybrids as potential antidiabetic agents: a structure-based drug design approach
Authors: Gharge S, Alegaon SG, Ranade SD, Kavalapure RS, Kumar BP
Year: 2025
Title: Thiazolidine Based Quinazoline Hybrids: Synthesis, Docking, DFT, Molecular Dynamic Study, and In Vitro Antidiabetic Evaluation
Authors: Gharge S, Alegaon SG, Ranade SD, Kavalapure RS
Year: 2025
Title: Design, synthesis, characterization and antidiabetic evaluation of 3,5-substituted thiazolidinediones: Evidenced by network pharmacology, Molecular docking, dynamic simulation, in vitro and in vivo assessment
Authors: Gharge S, Alegaon SG, Jadhav S, Ranade SD, Kavalapure RS
Year: 2024
Title: Recent Studies of Nitrogen and Sulfur Containing Heterocyclic Analogues as Novel Antidiabetic Agents: A review
Authors: Gharge S, Alegaon SG
Year: 2023
Title: Design, synthesis of new 2,4-thiazolidinediones: In-silico, in-vivo anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory evaluation
Authors: Gharge S, Alegaon SG, Ranade SD, Khatib NA, Kavalapure RS, Kumar BP, Vinod D, Bavage NB
Year: 2024
Conclusion
Shankar Gharge exemplifies the integration of academic excellence, research innovation, and practical application in pharmaceutical science. His journey from foundational studies in Karnataka to cutting-edge research at KLE College of Pharmacy illustrates a relentless pursuit of knowledge and societal impact. With a bright future ahead, he is well on track to leave a lasting mark in drug discovery and inspire future scientists committed to improving human health through research.