Pharmaceutical Research and Therapeutic Sciences
Early Education and Background
Prof. Dr. Bikash Medhi is a distinguished Indian clinical pharmacologist, academic leader, and medical researcher. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, in 1992. Driven by a strong interest in experimental drug mechanisms and clinical therapeutics, he went on to complete his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Pharmacology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in 1997.
Academic Leadership and Appointments
Dr. Medhi is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Alongside his academic role, he has served in key institutional leadership capacities, including Additional Medical Superintendent (AMS) at PGIMER. Internationally, he serves as the Chairman of the Basic and Translational Section of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR). He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Journal of Pharmacology (IJP) and the Editor of PGIMER's Drug Bulletin.
Research Contributions and Infrastructure
Prof. Medhi's research spans experimental pharmacology, molecular neurosciences, nanomedicine, pharmacogenomics, and regulatory clinical trials. He expanded PGIMER's biomedical research capabilities by founding the Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory (EPL) and the Neurobehavioral Laboratory (NBRL). His core scientific focus addresses central nervous system (CNS) conditions—such as Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorders, and epilepsy—alongside target-driven nano-drug delivery, in-silico screening, and therapeutic repurposing for chronic and infectious conditions.
Pharmacovigilance and Public Health Impact
Under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Medhi established the Pharmacovigilance Centre and Materiovigilance Centre at PGIMER. Designated as a Regional Resource Centre for Northern India by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), this center trains healthcare professionals, logs individual case safety reports into the WHO Vigiflow database, and drives public health awareness around adverse drug reactions and medical device monitoring.
Academic Legacy and Mentorship
With over 700 peer-reviewed scientific publications, textbooks, and editorial pieces to his name, Prof. Medhi is among India's most prolific pharmacology researchers. He has led major research projects funded by national bodies such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Department of Science and Technology (DST). Through his mentorship, he continues to guide postgraduate doctors, PhD scholars, and postdoctoral researchers shaping translational medical science.