Highlights
- Raghuraman Kannan named National Academy of Inventors Fellow
- One of 169 researchers honored nationwide
- Holds more than 65 patents in cancer research
- Developed targeted nanoparticle cancer therapies
- His work has led to multiple startup companies
Indian-American cancer researcher Raghuraman Kannan has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), one of the highest honors for academic inventors in the United States. Kannan, a Curators’ Distinguished Professor at the University of Missouri, is among 169 researchers selected for this prestigious recognition.
The NAI Fellow distinction is awarded to innovators whose inventions have made a meaningful impact on quality of life, economic growth, and the well-being of society. The 2025 class of Fellows represents 127 universities, research institutions, and government agencies across 40 states. Together, this group holds more than 5,300 U.S. patents, reflecting the depth of innovation recognized by the academy.
Kannan also serves as the Michael J. and Sharon R. Bukstein Chair in Cancer Research and holds joint appointments at the University of Missouri’s School of Medicine and College of Engineering. In addition, he is an associate director of the Immuno-oncology and Therapeutics Program at MU Health Care’s Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.
Reacting to the honor, Kannan described the recognition as a shared achievement. He said being named an NAI Fellow is a profound honor and credited his colleagues, collaborators, and students for their contributions. He also expressed gratitude to the University of Missouri for fostering an environment that encourages innovation and enables research to be translated into real-world solutions.
Kannan is widely recognized for combining expertise in chemistry, molecular biology, and materials science with a strong entrepreneurial mindset. Over his career, he has been issued 65 patents, including 12 currently active in the United States. His work focuses on improving cancer treatment outcomes while reducing harmful side effects.
Traditional cancer therapies often destroy both cancerous and healthy cells. To address this challenge, Kannan has developed advanced drug delivery systems using nanoparticles. These systems are designed to target tumors directly while sparing healthy tissue. Using this technology, he is working on new treatments for ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
Beyond treatment, Kannan has also made significant contributions to understanding drug resistance in cancer. By using nanotechnology and a biological process known as RNA interference, or RNAi, his research has helped open pathways for therapies that can reverse resistance to existing cancer drugs.
His laboratory has also created a diagnostic platform called the NSCLC-Suite. This tool helps oncologists design more effective and personalized treatment plans for patients, particularly those with complex cancer profiles.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Kannan has published more than 55 research papers and holds seven additional patents. His innovations have led to the formation of four startup companies focused on bringing nanotechnology-based solutions from the lab to the marketplace.
Kannan says his ultimate goal is to see his work used directly in clinical settings. He believes the most rewarding moment will be watching doctors use his discoveries to improve patient care and save lives.
