Sumit Chanda

Sumit Chanda is a Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the Scripps Research Institute. His research focuses on understanding virus-host interactions, particularly RNA viruses with pandemic potential, and translating basic discoveries into antiviral therapies. He has held roles including Director of the Immunity and Pathogenesis Program at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and Group Leader at the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation. Dr. Chanda earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 2001.

• Education: Ph.D., Stanford University (2001)
• Professional Experience:
  • 2021–present: Professor, Scripps Research
  • 2015–2021: Director, Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Sanford-Burnham
  • 2007–2015: Research roles at Sanford-Burnham and Novartis Institutes

His research integrates systems biology and cutting-edge technologies to study innate immunity and develop antivirals, vaccines, and immunotherapies. Key projects include:

• Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors like clofazimine
• Development of Metascape, a gene analysis portal
• Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies for drug discovery

His work is funded by the Gates Foundation, the Department of Defense, and NIH grants. Notable contributions include uncovering mechanisms of viral replication and host immune responses, with implications for pandemic preparedness and personalized medicine.