His initial research focused on kinase and phosphatase in the laboratory of Axel Ullrich[3] at MPI and subsequently in Axxima Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company in Munich.

[4] Anil's key achievement has been as one of the core scientist at J&J involved in discovery of multi drug-resistant tuberculosis drug called Bedaquiline.

Anil and his team have discovered more than 3 other drug candidates, two of which are into late stage human testing including one for serious respiratory viral infections (RSV).

As Director IMTECH he oversaw R&D and non R&D staff of more than 350 people and was responsible for scientific strategy, finance, general administration, business development, procurement, communication & public relations.

At IMTECH, Anil played a pivotal role in establishing new research divisions like medicinal chemistry, and virology centers.

[18] In 2017, Anil was conferred with 'Sun Pharma Science Foundation Award'[19][20] by India's Health Minister for his contribution to discovery of Bedaquiline.