UCD’s Aradhika Patnaik believes that the best researchers value evidence over expediency.
With a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and a few years working in data management roles in the pharma industry, Aradhika Patnaik decided to combine her interests and expertise by pursuing an MSc in biotechnology at University College Dublin (UCD), with a focus on regulatory affairs, biomedical diagnostics and clinical trials.
Patnaik aims to make her research “as accessible and applicable as possible”, she says. For her current research on a potential new drug for MS, she focused on ways to present “complex immunological mechanisms and clinical trial data in a clear, structured way”.
She is also a firm believer in the value of cross-disciplinary dialogue. “I often seek feedback from peers with different academic backgrounds to improve how I frame and communicate findings.”
Here, she tells us more about her research.
Tell us about your current research.
I recently completed a case study as part of my MSc in biotechnology at UCD, focusing on the repurposing of Alemtuzumab for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The project originated from a module on drug development and clinical trials, where we were encouraged to explore real-world challenges in therapeutic innovation.
I worked under the guidance of Dr Keith Murphy, examining the drug’s mechanism of action, clinical trial outcomes, long-term safety concerns and its unique immune-reconstitution dosing strategy.
Initially developed for leukaemia, Alemtuzumab’s adaptation to MS treatment highlighted critical issues in pharmacovigilance and patient selection.
Over time, my focus shifted from general efficacy to analysing post-marketing risks and strategies for personalised use. The process involved extensive literature review, analysis of clinical trial data and comparative evaluation with other disease-modifying therapies. While it was an individual project, I regularly exchanged feedback with peers and faculty, which helped refine the direction and depth of the report.
In your opinion, why is your research important?
My research is important because it explores the potential of drug repurposing – a strategy that can significantly reduce development time and costs while expanding treatment options for complex diseases such as MS.
Alemtuzumab’s case demonstrates how a drug initially developed for leukaemia can offer substantial benefits in RRMS through a unique immune reconstitution approach.
However, it also brings to light serious safety concerns such as secondary autoimmunity and long-term infection risks.
By critically evaluating both the clinical efficacy and the pharmacovigilance requirements, my work contributes to a more balanced understanding of how such therapies should be integrated into clinical practice.
I believe this research can inform better patient stratification strategies, support more robust post-marketing surveillance frameworks, and ultimately guide safer, more personalised use of high-efficacy treatments in neuroimmunology.
What inspired you to become a researcher?
My interest in research was sparked during my undergraduate studies, particularly while working on my final-year project investigating the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles synthesised from medicinal plants.
I vividly remember the moment we observed clear inhibition zones in the petri dishes – it was the first time I saw how something theoretical could have real-world therapeutic potential.
That experience, coupled with the satisfaction of contributing to published work early in my career, cemented my desire to pursue research.
Over time, as I transitioned into clinical data management roles and later into my MSc studies, I became increasingly drawn to translational research – especially how bench-side discoveries can be repurposed into life-changing treatments. It is this bridge between innovation and patient impact that continues to inspire me.
What are some of the biggest challenges or misconceptions you face as a researcher in your field?
One of the biggest challenges in biotechnology research is balancing innovation with safety.
While new therapies like Alemtuzumab offer high efficacy, there is often a misconception that approval or positive clinical trial results mean the risk profile is minimal.
Long-term monitoring, patient-specific responses and real-world safety data often reveal complexities that are not evident in early trials.
Another challenge is the assumption that drug development is linear and predictable – whereas it often involves setbacks, evolving hypotheses and adapting to regulatory demands.
Additionally, in a highly interdisciplinary field, effectively communicating scientific findings across clinical, regulatory and patient communities can be difficult but is essential for impact. Overcoming these challenges requires persistence, cross-functional collaboration and a strong emphasis on pharmacovigilance and ethics.
Do you think public engagement with science and data has changed in recent years?
Yes, public engagement with science and data has changed dramatically in recent years, particularly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The global crisis brought scientific research, clinical trials and epidemiological data into everyday conversations. People became more aware of terms like ‘efficacy’, ‘variants’ and vaccine development timelines’.
However, it also revealed challenges – like the rapid spread of misinformation and a general mistrust of evolving scientific guidance. This highlighted the critical need for transparent, accessible and responsible science communication.
As a researcher, I see this as an opportunity: we now have a more receptive audience, but we also carry the responsibility to explain complex findings in a way that supports public understanding and informed decision-making. It has reinforced the value of interdisciplinary dialogue between scientists, policymakers and the public.
Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.
www.siliconrepublic.com (Article Sourced Website)
#repurposing #drugs #rushed