Bengaluru-based startup Bugworks Research, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has engaged Dr Renu Swarup as a honorary member of the Global Advisory Board. Dr Renu is the former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and brings in more than three decades of experience in the biotech sector. 

As the Member Secretary of the Expert Committee, Dr Renu oversaw the formulation of Biotechnology Vision in 2001, National Biotechnology Development Strategy in 2007 and Strategy II, 2015-20.  She was the Founding Managing Director, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Company with special focus on supporting Start-ups and SMEs.

By strengthening biotechnology translational research and industry-academia partnerships, she has supported more than 5000 startups and nearly 500 small companies to pursue innovative research and product development. She is a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI).

She has actively supported women scientists as a member of the Prime Minister's Scientific Advisory Committee's task force on women in science and is part of The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World.  She played a critical role in DBT’s response to create technological solutions to tackle COVID-19 in India.

On joining Bugworks Research, Dr Renu Swarup said, “I am pleased to be associated with Bugworks in my capacity as an Honorary Advisor and member of their Global Advisory Board. The vision of Bugworks on combating critical unmet health priorities of AMR and cancer is of global importance. Their work on new broad-spectrum antibiotics and novel immuno-oncologic small molecules targeting several solid cell tumors, to make these affordable and accessible to humanity, is of special significance. The company occupies a niche area in their effort to enable patients especially from LMICs to gain access to cutting-edge therapies in infection and cancer.”