IIT Bombay alumnus to fund for Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay signed an agreement on February 18, 2022, with its alumnus Sharad Sanghi, BTech, Electrical Engineering (batch 1989), for setting up a Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases at the Institute. Sanghi, who is currently the Managing Director of NTT Ltd in India, has committed a donation of generous amount towards the Centre which will be called “Sunita Sanghi Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative” diseases (SCAN), in memory of his late mother Sunita Sanghi.

IIT Bombay said, “With the existing expertise of the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay combined with an interdisciplinary approach, the Centre will focus on diagnostics and early detection of ageing and neurodegenerative diseases and movement support.”

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The Centre aims to decipher the mechanism of disease progression, understand the molecular, cellular, and biochemical pathways using a wide range of disease-relevant in vitro, cell-based and computational studies, the IIT Bombay said in a statement

The facility also envisions developing novel tools and biomarkers for the early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of ageing-related neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

The outcome from this study can further be extrapolated for innovative diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. In addition, the Centre will also facilitate research programs for students, including short-term R&D projects and internships, and support-applied research and development activities pertaining to the ageing process and neurodegenerative diseases.

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Speaking about this collaboration, IIT Bombay Director Subhasis Chaudhuri said, “As the Indian population ages and its growth slows down, the burden of neurodegenerative diseases will increase. Early detection and slowing the onset of such diseases will be key levers towards effective therapy, and this Centre will go a long way in helping us overcome this challenge. Sanghi’s donation will enable us to embark on this journey and we are deeply grateful to him for his generosity.”

Speaking about the initiative, Sharad Sanghi said, “Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly becoming a challenge to the senior citizens of our society and threatening to deprive them of quality life in their golden years. The onset of such ailments is a trauma for the affected person, as well as their loved ones. This contribution is a tribute to my late mother Sunita Sanghi, and an effort towards enabling the planned Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases at the Institute. This Centre is an endeavour towards ensuring that neurogenerative disorders in the elderly are detected and treated in a timely manner for better outcomes.”

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Samir K Maji, Professor at the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay said, “Apart from understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's, we are using molecular biology, biophysics and a wide variety of different techniques to understand how these diseases occur. We plan to collaborate with various hospitals and other medical institutions with the aim to cater to the general public with application-based solutions. Sanghi’s contribution will truly further our vision and mission.”