Pharma Stalwarts Nudge Next-Gen Lab Innovations

Pharma Stalwarts Nudge Next-Gen Lab Innovations

Hyderabad: Building a strong presence in the global pharmaceutical landscape has required India to overcome numerous challenges, such as cash deficits, skill gaps, regulatory hurdles, and supply chain issues. Establishing robust R&D laboratories has been a top priority, driving significant advancements and collaborations that have propelled India's pharmaceutical industry to success. Experts shared these insights at the second edition of the ET Pharma Next-Gen Lab conference, which served as a crucial platform for industry leaders to discuss the evolution and future of pharmaceutical laboratories.

Conference Overview

  • Theme and Purpose: The Next-Gen LabCon event, themed ‘Future-Ready Labs: Analog to Digital,’ provided a comprehensive overview of the evolution of laboratories, featuring insights from top industry leaders, regulatory personnel, and researchers.
  • Support and Partnerships: Supported by Revvity Signals and Apna Employers as exhibit partners, RXpropolleant as infrastructure partner, and LABGUARD and Aizen as supporting partners.
  • Keynote and Panels: Featured a welcome address by Vikas Dandekar, Editor, ETPharma, and a keynote by Raja Bhanu, Director General, Pharmexcil, on the future of pharmaceutical exports.

Key Discussions

  • Importance of Technology: Bhanu emphasized the need for MSMEs to invest in technology for early error detection and quality maintenance compatible with global standards. Highlighted advancements in automation, data analytics, and AI.
  • Challenges in Labs: Bhanu pointed out the tendency to attribute product failures to human error instead of scientific analysis and control procedures.

Panel Discussions

  1. Indian Laboratories on a Global Scale:
    • Panelists: Included Annaswamy Vaidheesh, Dr. KVS Ram Rao, Akhil Ravi, and Dr. Sauri Gudlavalleti, moderated by Vikas Dandekar.
    • Key Insights: Emphasized India’s position in the global market and the need for speed, next-generation talent, and technological advancements.
  2. Role of Sensors, AI, ML, RPA in R&D:
    • Panelists: Included Dr. Mandar Ghatnekar, Chitti Babu, Tushar Zade, and Dr. Sujay Rajhans, moderated by Chakravarthi AVPS.
    • Technological Adoption: Discussed the integration of AI and sensors to improve quality and efficiency in drug production.
  3. Implementing Green Chemistry Principles:
    • Panelists: Included Dr. Vijayavitthal T Mathad, Dr. Damodharan Muniyandi, and Dr. Rakeshwar Bandichhor, moderated by Ivy Louis.
    • Sustainability Focus: Highlighted the importance of green chemistry in reducing environmental impact and operational efficiency through AI and ML.

Future Directions

  • Digital Transformation: Emphasized the need for digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry, including electronic batch records and the use of AI and ML.
  • Sustainability and Green Chemistry: Advocated for sustainable practices and the integration of green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact.

Closing Remarks

  • Conclusion: The conference concluded with remarks by Prabhat Prakash, Senior Digital Content Producer, ETPharma, emphasizing the importance of innovation and technology in the pharmaceutical industry’s future.

This conference underscored the importance of technological innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices in advancing India’s pharmaceutical industry and maintaining global competitiveness.