Chandrakanth Edamakanti

About Chandrakanth Edamakanti

Neuroimmunologist with 8 years of research experience in genetic disorders including neurodegenerative disorders, Cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Drug discovery scientist with 8+ years of experience advancing programs from early research through preclinical development across neurodegeneration and autoimmune disease. Demonstrated leadership in assay strategy, disease models, and translational biology to enable mechanism-driven decisions, support SAR, and de-risk targets. Strong cross-functional partner to chemistry and DMPK in driving data-informed progression.Model and assay leadership: design, generate, and validate fit-for-purpose in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical models to deliver proof of mechanism, target engagement, PK/PD, and efficacy packages that enable go/no-go decisions and de-risk targets.Biomarker strategy: lead exploratory biomarker discovery and assay development from CSF, plasma, and serum, identifying stage-specific and pharmacodynamic biomarkers linked to drug response and mechanism of action.Cross-functional execution: rigorous experimental design and data interpretation, effective project management and CRO/academic partnerships, and collaborative delivery in fast-paced, matrixed teams.

Experience

1. Research Scientist Ii, Small Molecule Discovery

   阿斯利康

   May 2024 — Present · New Haven, CT, US

   I lead assay strategy and translational pharmacology to enable small molecule drug discovery, advancing programs in neurodegeneration and autoimmune disease. I translate therapeutic hypotheses into integrated, orthogonal assay ecosystems that generate decision-grade data—clarifying mechanism of action, quantifying potency and selectivity, and identifying liabilities early to accelerate compound progression.I architect end-to-end assay ecosystems spanning biochemical and cellular pharmacology, including primary neural and immune models, plate-based functional assays, flow cytometry, and immunoassays. These platforms are aligned to human disease biology and designed around key project decision points to support SAR and translational strategy.I establish experimental rigor through predefined acceptance criteria, fit-for-purpose controls, and statistical decision thresholds. I drive reproducibility and data integrity by authoring and governing version-controlled SOPs, troubleshooting complex assay systems, and scaling platforms for robustness and throughput across discovery stages.I integrate orthogonal datasets with early selectivity and liability profiling to uncover off-target effects, resolve conflicting biological signals, and deliver mechanism-anchored insights that guide medicinal chemistry optimization. In close partnership with chemistry and DMPK, I interpret exposure–response and PK/PD relationships, enabling data-driven prioritization and milestone-based progression.I lead externalization strategy with CRO partners, defining assay design, QC frameworks, and acceptance gates while maintaining scientific ownership and ensuring comparability with internal platforms.I curate and communicate complex datasets using platforms such as D360, ELN, and Signals Notebook, translating multi-dimensional data into clear, decision-oriented narratives for cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.

Education

• Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli

  Master's degree, Biotechnology

• The Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Neuroscience

  2009 — 2014

Skills

• Cancer
• Immunocytochemistry
• Dna Extraction
• Sds-Page
• Cell
• Cell Culture
• Southern Blot
• Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
• Cancer Research
• Proteomics
• Immunohistochemistry
• Qpcr
• In Vivo
• Knock Down and Expression of Desired Protein by Lentivirus
• Dna Sequencing
• Microbiology
• Dna
• Purification
• Protein Expression
• Primary Neuronal Culture
• Real-Time Pcr
• Immunology
• In Vitro
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Western Blotting
• Confocal Microscopy
• Elisa
• Mouse Models
• Flow Cytometry
• Sequencing
• Microscopy
• Protein Chemistry
• Tissue Culture
• Recombinant Dna Technology
• Protein Purification
• Stem Cells
• Genomics
• Transfection
• Cell Biology
• Rna Isolation