Prof. Lidia Baltina - Antiviral agents - Women Researcher Award

Ufa Institute of Chemistry Ufa Federal Research Centre of RAS - Russia

Professional Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Baltina Lidia Ashrafovna's journey in the field of chemistry began with her advanced studies, culminating in a Doctorate in Chemistry with a focus on Organic Chemistry from the Ufa Institute of Chemistry in 1995. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her distinguished career as a leading researcher in bioorganic chemistry.

Professional Endeavors

Baltina has been a stalwart in the academic and research community, holding the position of Full Professor in Bioorganic Chemistry since 2002. She has served as a leading researcher at the Ufa Institute of Chemistry UFRS RAS, where she continues to contribute significantly to the field. Her teaching tenure at Bashkir State Medical University (1999-2013) saw her imparting knowledge in organic and bioorganic chemistry, shaping future generations of chemists.

Contributions and Research Focus

Baltina's research interests span natural compounds, triterpenoids, glycosides, and their biological activities. Her work has focused on the synthetic transformations of bioactive plant glycosides and triterpenoids, particularly Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the main triterpene glycoside of licorice root. Her research has led to the discovery of new triterpene substances with significant medicinal potential, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective agents. Notably, she has identified potent inhibitors for various viruses, including HIV, influenza A/H1N1, Epstein-Barr virus, Dengue Antiviral agents and Zika flaviviruses, and SARS-CoV-2.

Accolades and Recognition

Baltina's contributions have been widely recognized. She is an Honored Scientist of the Republic of Bashkortostan (2003) and has received Honorary Diplomas from the Presidiums of the Russian Academy of Sciences. She has been an expert for numerous prestigious organizations, including the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, the Russian Science Foundation, and the Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Baltina's extensive publication record includes 330 papers in scientific journals, 84 patents, two monographs, Antiviral agents and ten reviews, underscoring her prolific impact on the field.

Impact and Influence

Baltina's work has had a profound impact on the development of new medicinal compounds. Her research on GA derivatives has led to the creation of novel antiviral agents, including inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 variants. Her synthetic transformations of lupane triterpenoids from birch bark have yielded promising inhibitors for herpes simplex virus type 1 and enterovirus ESNO6. Furthermore, her work on Paeoniflorin derivatives has advanced the development of nootropic agents for Alzheimer's disease treatment. These contributions have significantly influenced the Antiviral agents fields of bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, enhancing both scientific understanding and practical applications in medicine.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Baltina Lidia Ashrafovna's legacy is marked by her dedication to advancing the field of bioorganic chemistry. Her pioneering work on the synthetic transformations of natural compounds has paved the way for the development of new therapeutic agents. Moving forward, she aims to continue her research on natural product derivatives, exploring their potential in treating various diseases. Her commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that her contributions will have a lasting impact on science and medicine, benefiting future generations.