USC’s Vice President for Research, Prakash Nagarkatti, has been elected to the rank of fellow by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). He is the first faculty member from the University of South Carolina to receive this outstanding distinction.

The NAI is a nationwide organization that works to encourage and promote the development and translation of new cutting-edge inventions by enhancing the visibility of academic research, technology and innovation, encouraging intellectual property disclosure and supporting education and mentorship. The NAI Fellows Selection Committee chooses fellows who “have demonstrated a highly prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development, and welfare of society.”

Nagarkatti has patented several diagnostic and treatment modalities against cancer and inflammatory diseases at USC, including a recent FDA-approved treatment for autoimmune hepatitis in the form of an orphan drug, which is expected to be tested in clinical trials in 2019.  His patents have been licensed to two pharmaceutical companies and his research has been highlighted in a PBS documentary and several media outlets including the BBC.  This strong invention background combined with his leadership that has positively impacted innovation across USC, served Nagarkatti well in the 2018 NAI election.

“I am so honored to be named an NAI fellow,” Dr. Nagarkatti said. “Research is a team effort, so I share this recognition with my many esteemed collaborators throughout my career, including my research partner Dr. Mitzi Nagarkatti, and the faculty and graduate students who make our lab at the School of Medicine such a vibrant and innovative driver of invention.”

Nagarkatti will be formally inducted into the NAI at their national meeting in April 2019 at Space Center Houston.

 

11 December 2018