Anuja Modi Email & Phone Number

South San Francisco, California, Us

South San Francisco, California, Us

• Designed, validated, and executed diverse assays integral to multiple preclinical discovery initiatives focused on neurodegeneration targets:-Leading the conceptualization and development of a suite of biochemical and cell-based assays aimed at refining small molecule candidates and elucidating their mechanism of action against a novel target in neuroimmunology area.-Establishing HTS assays to identify a differentiated modality within an existing program. Conducting functional assays to detect pathway activation in mammalian primary cells, leading to a no-go decision.-Employing automation to streamline the evaluation of efficacy and potency of large molecule constructs, such as antibody TV (TREM2, DNL919) and enzyme TV (GCase), advancing them towards in-vivo candidacy.-Fine-tuning bioassay to assess the ex-vivo stability of preclinical antisense oligonucleotides (OTV), pivotal in configuring optimal OTV architecture for platform development.• Provided essential support to establish SOPs, liquid handling automation and assay miniaturization, adapting and troubleshooting experiments for efficient execution in 384w formats whenever feasible. • Extensively managed CRO relationships, overseeing assay transfers and compliance with company standards across diverse programs.• Collaborated with the Modelling and Informatics team to optimize data analysis workflows by implementing assay data deposition in Dotmatics, facilitating automated analysis and swift dissemination. Additionally, maintained rigorous oversight of assay parameters prior to HTS execution and ensured ELN compliance within the pharmacology team.• Facilitated knowledge sharing within project teams by communicating literature reviews and research findings, guiding discussions in a dynamic cross-functional setting. Presented significant discoveries at companywide meetings.• Provided mentorship and training to associate and research scientists, supporting their professional growth and development.

Dallas, Texas, Us

• Conceptualized and established the drug discovery project to screen small molecule inhibitors of tau-HSPG, collaborating with UTSW HTS core to adapt and validate screening protocols for screening 300,000-compound library. • Led hit-to-lead optimization, assessing approximately 50 chemotypes to identify lead candidates for further medicinal chemistry refinement, collaborating with UTSW Med Chem core for SAR studies.• Developed and standardized multiple assays across project phases, ensuring efficient production methods and protocol documentation. Composed all project documentation and progress reports for funding agency, assisted PI with drafting of scholarly manuscripts.• Facilitated lab infrastructure upgrade to high-throughput capabilities, acquiring liquid handling robots and bioprocess equipment/French pressure cell press, implementing centralized equipment scheduling, and training personnel in assay development and characterization.

Dallas, Texas, Us

Dallas, Texas, Us

• Worked in the laboratory of Ken Westover to lead the development of a mobility shift-based activity-inhibition assay (Z-factor 0.8) to determine small molecule inhibitors of SRMS kinase for breast cancer management. This assay was adapted in high-throughput screen to identify a series of small-molecule hits that continue to be developed as lead compounds.• Co-developed a mobility shift assay to determine Kinact/ Ki values of covalent small molecule inhibitors of kinase enzymes, for improved inhibitor assessment of the covalent enzyme-binding kinetics.• Adapted the ALPHA Screen-based compound-binding assay to identify small molecule inhibitors of kinase enzymes in oncological indications and designed a novel chemical probe for use in this assay.• Extensive experience in assay-detection methods like absorption, fluorescence, luminescence to support development of small-molecule inhibitors and development of probes in search of promising therapeutic targets.• Accomplished molecular cloning and high-yield recombinant protein purification of human kinase enzymes in bacterial and insect cell cultures. Enzymes were purified using Bio-rad's Profinia and BioLogic DuoFlow chromatography systems.• Served as the co-chair of the UTSW Postdoctoral Association’s Career Development Committee, collaborating with the Graduate Career Development office to peer-mentor, plan, and organize events for postdocs’ professional development.

Columbia, Sc, Us

• Developed and analyzed P450-CAM enzyme-turnover assays using GC-MS to establish its reaction mechanisms. Synthesized and tested probe molecules to assess their influence on enzyme turnover capabilities.• Collaborated with multiple research groups to identify heme coordination structure using magnetic CD spectroscopy in novel heme-containing proteins.• Held the position of laboratory safety manager, familiar with basic lab equipment maintenance and SOP writing.

Columbia, Sc, Us

• Held lectures and discussion sessions for the advanced organic chemistry course.• Assisted course instructor in administering experiments and lab material for organic chemistry laboratory.• Mentored undergraduate students teaching them basic biochemistry lab techniques and instrument operations during summer semesters.

Richmond, Va, Us

• Designed and developed a protocol for molecular cloning of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes from M. tuberculosis.• Used sited directed mutagenesis to generate CYP51 enzyme’s active site amino acid mutants. • Optimized the expression and purification of these proteins and analyzed them using SDS-PAGE, UV-vis spectroscopy and resonance Raman spectroscopy. Analysis of spectroscopy data was used to establish the role of the mutated amino acids in CYP51.

Mumbai, Maharastra, In

• Assisted in compounding and tableting of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for generic drug formulations.• Involved in designing dissolution experiments to analyze API release from the formulation. • Analyzed in-vitro dissociation of test tablets using HPLC for improved release.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Biochemistry

Ms Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal And Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Bachelor Of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.), Pharmaceutical Sciences