Senior scientist of Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO), Dr Hemant Kumar Pandey, has been honoured with DRDO’s “Scientist of the Year Award” for his contribution in developing several herbal medicines, including the well-known drug Lukoskin, meant for treatment of leukoderma also known as Vitilogo.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently facilitated Pandey at an event here with the prestigious award that comprises a certificate and cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.

Recipient of several prestigious awards for his contribution in the field of herbal medicines, Pandey has been undertaking research at DRDO’s lab Defence Institute of Bio-energy Research (DIBER) at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand for the past 25 years.

Though Pandey has developed six herbal drugs so far, Lukoskin, used for treating leucoderma or Vitiligo, a condition in which white patches get developed on the skin, has been most widely appreciated and found huge acceptance in the market.

A formulation of around six herbs found in Himalayan region, Lukoskin  helps in treating white patches and is marketed by Delhi-based Aimil Pharmaceuticals.  Available in oral liquid as well as lotion form, it has effectively helped treat over 2 lakh people suffering from the disease in the country.

Leucoderma is an auto-immune disorder and about over 5 crore people are under its grip in India. It is neither contagious nor life-threatening but often mistaken as leprosy and hence surrounded with stigma and myths. Worldwide, the incidence of leucoderma is 1-2 per cent of the population.

Apart from Lukoskin, Pandey has developed drugs for treatment of itching and toothache as well as an anti- radiation cream, most of which are already being sold in the market following transfer of technology.