National Petrochemicals Award to three scientists of Sree Chitra

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three scientists of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology have been awarded the National Petrochemicals Award for their innovative discovery of a 'Polymeric Embolic Agent' to treat Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) of the brain. Dr Roy Joseph, Gopika Gopan and Dr Jayadevan E R are the awardees.

An injectable liquid called 'radiopaque liquid embolic agent' developed by them was successfully tested in pigs. For this, the award was given under the category of 'Polymers in Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications' instituted by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Applications have been submitted for US, European and Indian patents for the invention. The institute hopes to use the technology for industrial production soon.