Sathgen Therapeutics, India

Mumbai

Drug Discovery division of Godavari Biorefineries - Research and Clinical Trials hub

Executive Leadership

Mr. Samir Somaiya

Chairman and Co-Founder

BS, Cornell University | MS Chemical Engineering, Cornell | MBA, Cornell | MPA, Harvard University | Chairman & MD, Godavari Biorefineries

Samir Shantilal Somaiya is the Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries. He has over 28 years of experience in the chemicals industry. Prior to joining the Company, he was associated with Somaiya Organo-Chemicals Limited as a managing director. He has been conferred with various awards including the Annual Chapter award for Scholastic Achievement by the American Institute of Chemical Engineer in 1988, the Student Award Certificate by the American Institute of Chemists Foundation in 1990, the Lala Shriram National award for leadership in chemical industry by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers in 2022, the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy award in 2022, the Industry Excellence award by The Sugar Technologists' Association of India in 2023, and the Sugar & Ethanol International award as philanthropist of the Sugar Industry in 2024.

Dr. Sendurai Mani, PhD

Scientific Co-Founder

Sendurai A. Mani brought deep expertise in cancer stem cells to help shape Sathgen Therapeutics’ anticancer drug pipeline. After earning his PhD from the Indian Institute of Science, he joined the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research / Massachusetts Institute of Technology ecosystem in 2009 in the Weinberg laboratory. His research helped establish the role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in metastasis and delivered a landmark finding that cancer cells can acquire stem-cell–like properties—work cited over 9,500 times. He is a recipient of the V Scholar and American Cancer Society Research Scholar awards, an elected member of Sigma Xi, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, PhD

Executive Director

Sangeeta Srivastava has been a key driver of vision and strategy across Godavari Biorefineries and Sathgen Therapeutics. Over 28 years at Godavari, she helped build the R&D organization that ultimately enabled the formation of Sathgen. She is an inventor on 19 Indian patents, with multiple filings extended to international jurisdictions. Dr. Srivastava holds an M.S. in Organic Chemistry, an M.Phil., and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Mumbai. She serves on the National Chemical Industry Committee of FICCI, the “Task Force for Alternative Chemicals” of ASSOCHAM, and the editorial board of Industrial Biotechnology, and remains actively engaged in research and academic evaluation.

Dr. Prashant Kharkar, PhD

Consultant

PhD Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ICT Mumbai | Postdoctoral Research, Wayne State University | Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, ICT Mumbai | Former Piramal Life Sciences, Reliance Life Sciences, Nycomed Pharma

Prashant Kharkar has 13+ years of drug-discovery experience, specializing in computer-aided molecular design (CAMD), with prior roles at Piramal Life Sciences, Reliance Life Sciences, and Nycomed Pharma Pvt. Ltd.. He is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Institute of Chemical Technology, where his research focuses on small-molecule cancer stem cell inhibitors for Triple-negative breast cancer, prostate cancer, and glioblastoma. He also leads discovery efforts in anti-tubercular and anti–SARS-CoV-2 agents and is an inventor on multiple patents, including filings in the U.S. and Japan. Dr. Kharkar earned his Ph.D. (Tech.) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from ICT and completed postdoctoral research at Wayne State University

Scientific Team

Dr. Maithili Athavale, PhD

Assistant General Manager (R&D - Cancer Biology)

PhD Applied Biology, NIRRH | Masters, Mithibai College, Mumbai University | 21+ Years Experience in Molecular Biology & Drug Development

Maithili Athavale has led cancer biology at Sathgen Therapeutics for over 12 years, playing a central role in advancing and expanding the company’s drug discovery pipeline from early target biology through preclinical development. She brings more than 21 years of experience spanning molecular biology, translational drug development, and medicinal chemistry, with a strong foundation built in large pharma environments. Dr. Athavale is known for integrating rigorous biology with practical development strategy - helping prioritize programs, guide experimental direction, and move candidates efficiently toward the clinic..

Dr. Vitthal Yadav, PhD

Senior Manager (R&D)

Masters Organic Chemistry, University of Pune | PhD, University of Oslo, Norway | 3 International Patents | 15 Publications | 14+ Years Experience

Dr. Vitthal Yadav joined Sathgen with his expertise in the field of organic synthesis, drug discovery, API development, process research and commercial strategies. With over 14 years of experience in the field of synthesis, Dr. Vitthal has three international patents and 15 publications in reputed journals. He has worked in reputed pharmaceutical and specialty chemical organizations in various capacities.

Dr. Apoorva Ugarkar, PhD

Program Manager (R&D)

Masters & PhD Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai University

Apoorva Ugarkar has been with Sathgen Therapeutics since 2020 and provides core scientific and technical support across the development of our lead and pipeline molecules. She tracks emerging literature, trends, and methodologies in oncology research and translates these insights into practical development strategy. Dr. Ugarkar is actively involved across multiple programs spanning new chemical entity (NCE) development from discovery through clinical trials. She plays a key role in advancing the lead molecule toward market readiness by coordinating with CRO partners on critical activities, including cGMP synthesis, formulation, in vivo and in vitro studies, method development, and analytical testing. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Bombay College of Pharmacy, affiliated with University of Mumbai.