On this special day, the birthday of our beloved founder, Dr. Raj Barathur, we at Cymbiotics pause to remember and celebrate a visionary whose life’s work continues to illuminate our path. Born on January 7, 1949, in Hyderabad, India, Dr. Raj’s journey took him from a young boy to a pioneering geneticist, a successful entrepreneur, and a compassionate mentor. His life was a testament to the power of dedication, the importance of helping others, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.
After earning his bachelor’s in agriculture and master’s in genetics and plant breeding, his professional trajectory was marked by both rapid advancement and a fearless entrepreneurial spirit. His career at the pharmaceutical company Roche saw him rise to senior vice president in just over a decade. But Dr. Raj was more than an executive; he was an innovator. He co-founded the Center for Molecular Biology and Pathology for Hoffmann-La Roche and later co-founded two international diagnostic genetic organizations, including Specialty Laboratories.
Dr. Raj’s ambition did not stop there. In 1998, he founded ClinCyte, a company focused on accelerating and reducing the costs of clinical trials. Four years later, in 2002, he founded Cymbiotics Biopharma Private Limited with a vision to revolutionize healthcare through innovative drug delivery mechanisms and novel dosage forms. Under his leadership, Cymbiotics grew into a multinational entity, renowned for its robust business model and groundbreaking research. One of his most groundbreaking contributions was the co-invention of Cetosomes™, a patented transdermal drug delivery technology he developed with Dr. Jack Bookout.
“Transdermal drug delivery offers the promise of convenience, efficacy, and non-invasiveness. Yet, persistent challenges such as poor drug stability, limited skin penetration, degradation of active ingredients, and reduced bioavailability hinder its potential,” Dr. Raj observed. Recognizing these limitations, he co-invented Cetosomes™ to bridge it. This innovative delivery system was designed to overcome these barriers, marking a significant advancement in the field and paving the way for more effective topical transdermal therapies.
Beyond these achievements, Dr. Raj was a prolific researcher and academic. He published over 30 scientific articles, co-authored the Black Book on Genetics, and patented four inventions. He also developed over 200 specialized assays and held professorships at Rutgers and Duke University. His intellectual contributions were as significant as his entrepreneurial achievements.
As we remember Dr. Raj Barathur on his birthday, we celebrate not just a scientist but a man of kindness and mentorship. His remarkable journey reminds us that true legacy is crafted not through achievements alone, but through the lives we touch and the love we share. Dr. Raj continues to guide Cymbiotics, inspiring a future where innovation and compassion walk hand in hand. He was a mentor to many and a pillar of support for his family and friends around the world.
At Cymbiotics, we remain deeply committed to honoring Dr. Barathur’s vision and values. Under the leadership of his niece, Pooja Bhartur and her team, Cymbiotics continues to strive for excellence in formulations and innovation, carrying forward his dream of improving lives through science.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Raj. Your memory lives on in every discovery we make and every life we improve.
