Overview

VEFA Lifesciences organized the two‑day scientific summit titled “Unlocking the Endless Possibilities – Biomedical Approach in Autism Management” on 22–23 August 2026 in Gurugram. The meeting brought together leading pediatric neurologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatricians, researchers and autism experts to exchange emerging biomedical approaches for autism care.

Chair and Concept

The summit was chaired by eminent Pediatric Neurologist Prof. Veena Kalra and was built around the concept of “Collective Clinical Wisdom”, encouraging clinicians to question emerging science, share experience and explore individualized biological understanding for better outcomes.

Key Presentations

  • Prof. Richard E. Frye, MD, PhD (USA), delivered a scientific address titled “Prof. Richard E. Frye’s Experience in the Development of Folinic Acid Therapy in Autism”, examining cerebral folate transport dysfunction, Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies (FRAA), biomarkers and the evolving research around leucovorin. The session was moderated by Dr. Lokesh Lingappa, who translated international evidence into clinically relevant questions for Indian practice.
  • Dr. Vinit Wankhede, Pediatric Neurologist and Secretary General of the Academy of Pediatric Neurology, presented “Methylation Dysfunction in Autism”, focusing on metabolic pathways and clinical relevance.
  • Dr. Deepak Gupta, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, discussed “Folate Pathway and Precision Therapy in Autism”, highlighting biomarkers, patient selection and individualized approaches.
  • Dr. Sri Venkatesh Ganeshan, Head of Research & Development at ReligenDx, presented “Transforming Clinical Practice into Scientific Evidence”, moderated by Dr. Praveen Kumar, Head of Pediatric Neurology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.
  • Dr. Biju Hameed, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist and Head of Pediatric Neurosciences at Mubadala Health, Abu Dhabi, added a global perspective on collaborative autism care.

Topics Covered

Discussions also addressed mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal health, the gut‑brain axis, sleep, speech and language development, challenging behaviours, co‑factors and functional outcomes, emphasizing a shift from diagnosis‑driven to biology‑driven treatment.

Product Introduction

During the summit, VEFA Lifesciences announced the introduction of NEUROVORIN‑15 (Leucovorin Calcium 15 mg), a prescription medicine launched in India. The company positioned the product as a tool to help identify children who may benefit from cerebral folate biology, FRAA testing and leucovorin therapy, while encouraging the generation of Indian clinical evidence.

Executive Quote

Diptiman Tripathy, Managing Director of VEFA Lifesciences, stated: “Our objective is to build confidence through science. If emerging evidence around cerebral folate biology, FRAA and leucovorin can help us better identify children who may benefit, India should participate in understanding that science, building clinical experience and generating its own evidence.”

Additional Information

The press release includes a disclaimer that the content is provided under an arrangement with NRDPL and that PTI takes no editorial responsibility. For further details, the company website is www.vefalife.com.