Dr. Natarajan (Raj) Muthusamy, a distinguished professor of medicine at The Ohio State University, was recently honored with a 2025 Outstanding Accomplishment Award from the Society of American Asian Scientists in Cancer Research (SAASCR) on April 27.
“It is an honor and privilege to join a group of 170 outstanding Cancer Scientists of South Asian Origin who have received the SAASCR award over the past 21 years. The true credit for this award goes to all my mentors, trainees and collaborators who have been part of my academic journey for the past four decades,” reflected Dr. Muthusamy.
Dr. Muthusamy, who has dedicated his career to studying blood cancers and leukemia-initiating cells, has published over 150 papers in high-impact journals and holds several patents. His research focuses on translational medicine, particularly in hematological malignancies, and he has made significant contributions to understanding the therapeutic vulnerabilities of leukemia-initiating cells.
"The true credit for this award goes to all my mentors, trainees and collaborators who have been part of my academic journey for the past four decades."
In addition to his research, Dr. Muthusamy has been actively involved in training and mentoring over 50 trainees, including junior faculty members, PhD and MD/PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows. He has been actively involved in building collaborative interactions and student exchange programs in India over the years through his involvement with Ohio State’s India Gateway.
With the support of a five-year NIH renewal grant of $3.4 million, the Muthusamy Laboratory is joining forces with the medicinal chemistry lab at the University of Florida Medical Center to develop a novel approach to antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) design and delivery in B-cell cancers. The resulting product could prove revolutionary in targeting only cancer cells and overcoming resistance patients may develop to current therapies.
Dr. Muthusamy's award from SAASCR recognizes his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to cancer research, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the field.
Society of American Asian Scientists in Cancer Research
SAASCR, a non-profit founded in California in 2004, has over 5,000 members, all of whom also belong to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Its members—primarily of Indian origin—are based in the U.S. and Canada and are supported by biotechnology companies.