Pioneering Scientist Dr. Girish Sahni Passes Away at 68

Former CSIR Director General Dr. Girish Sahni, renowned for developing clot busters for cardiovascular treatments, has died at 68. Sahni's work significantly advanced protein engineering, molecular biology, and biotechnology. His notable achievements include producing India’s first indigenous clot blusters and technology transfers to international pharmaceutical companies.

Former CSIR Director General Dr. Girish Sahni, recognized for his groundbreaking development of clot busters for cardiovascular disease treatment, passed away on Monday at the age of 68, according to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

The CSIR family expressed its sorrow over Dr. Sahni's death in a post on X, highlighting his significant contributions to protein engineering, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Sahni's team was instrumental in developing India's first indigenous clot blusters, natural streptokinase, and recombinant streptokinase.

One of Sahni's major achievements was the development of clot-specific streptokinase, which attracted international attention, leading to the sale of its licensing rights to New Jersey-based Nostrum Pharmaceuticals in 2006. His pioneering work was considered one of the most visible technology transfers in Indian academia, according to former CSIR Director General Shekhar Mande.

(With inputs from agencies.)