Balraj Gopula, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Balraj Gopula, Ph.D., is a principal investigator at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery (NCWR). A skilled chemist, his experience includes developing compounds for anticancer and antiviral therapies through roles in contract research and academia. His expertise spans advanced strategies like targeted protein degradation and designing specialized compounds to influence hard-to-target proteins. At NCWR, he continues to focus on innovative research, helping to discover and develop new approaches to treating pain and substance use disorder.
Arun Raja, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Arun Raja, Ph.D., is a principal investigator at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery. Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, Dr. Raja has over 15 years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, including roles in academia and industry across the United States, United Kingdom, Taiwan and India. His expertise spans small molecule drug development, targeted protein degradation and asymmetric organocatalysis. Now, at NCWR, he focuses on mechanistic studies and the development of new treatments for chronic pain and addiction, driven by his dedication to innovative therapeutic solutions.
Tamal Das, Ph.D., Senior Research Investigator
Tamal Das, Ph.D., is a senior research investigator at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery where he is dedicated to advancing novel treatments for pain and addiction. With more than a decade of experience in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, Das specializes in complex synthesis techniques, diverse methodologies, and the design of bioactive molecules guided by structure-activity relationships. He has authored numerous articles in respected international journals, including a book chapter and review article and serves as a reviewer for several scientific publications. Das’s expertise and dedication to research drive his contributions to medicinal chemistry and drug discovery at NCWR.
Brian Soriano, Research Investigator
Brian D. Soriano is a research investigator at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery. With over 30 years of academic and pharmaceutical research experience, Soriano has developed analytical methods and managed core labs to advance therapeutic research. His work is referenced in scientific publications, including studies on developing treatments that target specific pathways involved in pain signaling to reduce discomfort. At NCWR, Soriano focuses on applying his expertise to develop innovative solutions for pain and substance use disorder, contributing to the center’s mission of improving health outcomes.
