BioSpectrum India May Issue 2018

Global Scientific Conference

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4 BIO CONTENT BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

COVERSTORY 21......................................................................................................

ADDRESSING THE
INDUSTRY ACADEMIA GAP

COVER
DESIGN BY:
Neha Metha

India has been witnessing a good growth in economic and industrial
development, which leads to increasing needs on education and calls for a highly
diversified human resource. India is many paradigm shifts in the social, business and
industrial environment. The onus of making available the skilled human resource lies on
system of higher education.
The evolving science in the biotech sector is leading to a demand for high-skilled jobs in India.
However, a wide gap currently exists between the quality of human capital available and the needs of the
industry. To address this talent deficit by developing Industry ready human capital for the Biopharma sector and
enable global competitiveness of the sector, Dr Manbeena Chawla of BioSpectrum spoke to the captains and HR
heads of few leading companies on what the industry needs from the academia and how these companies are
addressing the gap of talent and skills sets.
Besides we will be covering the leading biotech, life sciences, and pharmaceutical companies like Dr Reddy’s
Labs, Biocon, Cadila Pharmaceucails, Reliance Life Sciences who have set up academy, institutes with an aim to
support the industry with skilled manpower and workforce and bridge the gap between industry and academia.

24 20 ANALYSIS

Corporate supporting industry “Blacklist the accused in
with Academic Institutions sexual harassment cases”

26

“BiSEP intends to train
360 fresh graduates a year”
Gaurav Gupta,

Principal Secretary, Department of Innovation
and Technology, Government of Karnataka

28

Producing biotech

industry-ready manpower

Dr Suman Govil,

Adviser, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry
of Science & Technology, Government of India

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com TOPVIDEO BIO CONTENT 5

30 BIO SPECIAL Dr Hilde Rene
Susanne De
70 Million indians suffering Graeve,Team
From Rare Diseases Leader-Health
Systems,
BIOTALK WHO-India
35 talks about the
implementation
“Startups will have a key role and importance
to play in addressing the of the Universal
local last mile needs” Health Coverage.
Srinivas Prasad,
Scan the QR Code »
CEO, Philips Innovation Campus
C Scott Palubiak,
37 VP, Public Affairs
and Advocacy
“India to become world’s leading Neonatal
nation with highest chest/lung problems” Screening,
Suhas Shubhakaran and Ankur Garg, PerkinElmer points
out the current
Co-Founders of Medequip Healthcare Solutions LLP opportunities in
store for startups
39 in India.

“Changes are sweeping Scan the QR Code »
through the healthcare
landscape in all countries” Dr SM Sakthivel
Pavan Mocherla, Murugan,
Associate Director,
Managing Director, BD India and Diagnostics,
South Asia operations MedGenome
shares his views on
REGULARS the limited amount
of research taking
BioEdit .......................................................................06 place in India in
BioMail ......................................................................08 the field of rare
Policy and Regulatory News....................................10 diseases.
Finance News............................................................12
Company News..........................................................13 Scan the QR Code »
Start-up News............................................................15
WHO News.................................................................17
World News................................................................18
Supplier News...........................................................40
People News..............................................................41
Academic News.........................................................44
Science News............................................................46

6 BIO EDIT BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Complex Task in Hand

Recent revelations in an office memorandum Management Professor of MIT and Iain Cockburn,
of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Professor of Economics at Boston, highlight the
Authority (NPPA) sufficiently makes it importance of IPR. In an article in Health Affairs
clear that the government will have to work on two based on their study from 2000 to 2009 of 184 US
fronts if it wants to provide relief to the patients Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
from the high drug and medical equipment prices. drugs sold in India, 50 per cent of them “went on
Controlling the drug prices is the first front on which sale in India only after lags of more than five years
the government has already initiated few steps by from their first worldwide introduction.” Over 50
regulating prices of some drugs. But preventing per cent of the drugs that became newly available in
hospitals from earning huge profits from sale of the same period were produced and sold by multiple
the drugs and pass on the relief of controlled drug manufacturers indicating weak patent protection
prices to the patients is the second and the most and sharp competition, which are disincentives.
complex front on which the government will have They concluded that modest patent and regulatory
to work. reforms would make the faster availability of new
drugs with limited impact on prices.
The issue of hospitals overcharging the patients
for the medicines has come to forefront when While analysing bills of some hospitals from
patients complained to NPPA about the overpricing. Delhi, NPPA found that out of the total bill amount
NPPA did analysis of the bills of four hospitals and only 4 per cent is for schedule formulations while
found out how the hospitals are playing tricks in not over 25 per cent is for non-schedule formulations
passing on the benefit to the patients despite the and over 10 per cent is of non-scheduled devices
government capping the prices. NPPA in its office and consumables. Only 4 per cent of the total bill
memorandum has explained how the hospitals are amount has a price control. In case of other 35
exploiting patients by various methods with very per cent non-schedule formulations, devices and
high drug and consumable prices and earning huge consumables there is no control over prices. NPPA
profits, which runs up to even 2000 per cent in has concluded that doctors prefer prescribing
some cases. non-scheduled medicines instead of scheduled
medicines to earn higher margins. This is diluting
This is important because access to affordable the purpose of putting the drugs under the list of
medicines and treatment is not merely a market price control, NPPA has observed.
issue but an important social issue. It is more so in
a country like India which has a large number of Currently there are 871 drugs under the
poor population. The issue is so sensitive that the price control drug list (National List of Essential
Doha Declaration also recognises concerns of the Medicines - NLEM). The growth rate of non-
effect of intellectual property on prices and affirms NLEM drugs is double than NLEM drugs in 2017
that “the TRIPS Agreement does not and should clearly indicating the trend of migration from
not prevent Members from taking measures scheduled to non-scheduled category. While
to protect public health”. The declaration re- controlling the prices of essential drugs at one
affirms the right of the World Trade Organisation level, the government will have to find ways to stop
(WTO) members to use safeguard provisions in the migration from scheduled to non-scheduled
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property practically making it ineffective and controlling all
Rights (TRIPS) agreement to enhance access to charges for consumables etc.
medicines for poor countries.
Milind Kokje
Acknowledging that the pricing and accessibility Chief Editor
of patent-protected drugs in low and middle income
countries is a contentious issue, Ernst Berndt, [email protected]

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8 BIO MAIL BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Vol 16; Issue 04; April 2018

Healthcare stand-off Elderly in India

I have been reading a lot of articles based A very thoughtful article written on the
on the recent report released by NPPA on aging population in India. Ageing is
the over-pricing issue by few hospitals. emerging as a major social challenge.
An adequate public health system is Vast resources are required towards the
terribly needed in our country. Do support, service, care and treatment of
cover more articles on affordability and the elderly persons. Keep writing more
accessibility of healthcare. It is of utmost on this.
importance to uphold the constitutional
‘right to health’ and make healthcare - Varsha Das, Mumbai
affordable to all.
Clinical Development
- Reshma Dhillon, New Delhi
It was fascinating to read about the
Patent Law cloud-based eClinical environment
launched by Oracle that is intended to
A very interesting article featured on the redefine the way technology supports
pharma body’s claim on the ineffective clinical research. Please keep featuring
use of patent law. Proper assessment such latest developments in your future
needs to be ensured in order to grant or editions.
revoke licenses and patents.
- Dr Mahesh Arora, Nagpur
- Rini Paranjpe, Pune

Vol 16; Issue 05; May 2018 MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications

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10 POLICY AND REGULATORY NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

ICMR sends Health Ministry to focus
proposals on oral health promotion
for 2 TB
vaccine trials Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister training frontline workers on C
of State for Health and Family oral health promotion as it M
India’s apex body for Welfare recently released the familiarizes the frontline workers Y
biomedical research, manual on oral health promotion with features of healthy mouth. CM
Indian Council of Medical for health workers and school MY
Research (ICMR), has teachers at a function to mark the Currently, there is an urgent CY
recently sent proposals World Oral Health Day. need to get these manuals CMY
for clinical trials of two K
new tuberculosis (TB) The manual translated in other
vaccines to various states encompasses languages so that
as well as civic health the health, people from other
officials. The trials are disease and states can also
likely to start within the prevention benefit from
next four to five months. components it. The
The current TB vaccine, and manual
Bacille Calmette-Guérin highlights also
(BCG), administered to the basic connects the
newborns has not proven oral teachers to the
to be widely effective, health parents and the
especially against the care and
disease’s drug-resistant the role of health workers and communities at large,
strains. The two vaccines, school teachers with respect to the reiterating the concept of an
named VPM1002 and M common dental diseases. The oral Integrated School Community.
Indicus Pranii (MIP), have health manual for health workers There shall be school health
been through safety trials is a comprehensive output for ambassadors under Ayushman
earlier. While VPM1002 Bharat programme to promote
is the joint effort between preventive health in schools.
the German Max Planck
Institute and Serum Odisha to set up 19 new hospitals
Institute of India, MIP is
a collaboration between The Odisha government has proposed to set up 19 new hospitals on
the Indian Department of Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis in 18 backward districts of the
Biotechnology and Cadilla state. A bulk of these hospitals will come up in the eight districts of the
Pharmaceuticals. While KBK (Kalahandi Balangir and Koraput) region. The government would
initial proposals for the
clinical trials have been provide land at
sent to the Bangalore concessional
Medical College, a detailed rate with other
round of discussions infrastructural
between doctors and facilities and
scientists from across also decide
the country is scheduled the tariff of
during this month. treatment in
these hospitals.
The private
parties would
make necessary
investments for
setting up the
hospitals and they would bring in more specialists and clinical personnel.
It is estimated that the project would create direct employment for 9,500
persons and the total private sector investment would be around Rs 1,150
crore. The health department will prepare the detailed project and get the
approval from government.

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12 FINANCE NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

GlaxoSmithKline to buy out
Novartis’ stake for $13B

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has in operating margins from 11.3 per East Bridge
reached an agreement with cent in 2015 to 17.7 per cent in
Novartis for the buyout of 2017. Capital buys
Novartis’ 36.5 per cent stake
in their Consumer Healthcare Under the terms of the original 3.86% extra
Joint Venture for $13 billion. transaction, Novartis has the right,
The Consumer Healthcare Joint exercisable from March 2, 2018 to stake in Fortis
Venture was formed as part of the March 2, 2035 to require GSK to
three-part transaction between purchase its stake (or specified East Bridge Capital
GSK and Novartis which was tranches of it) in the Joint Venture. Master Fund has bought
approved by shareholders in 2014. This put option, in both size and an additional 3.86 per
possible timing, creates inherent cent stake in Fortis
Last year, GSK’s Consumer uncertainty for the Group’s capital Healthcare for over Rs 256
Healthcare business reported sales planning. The new agreement to crore through a market
of £7.8 billion and since 2015 sales buy-out Novartis’ stake removes transaction. According to
have grown 4 per cent on a 3 year this uncertainty and improves the a regulatory filing, East
CAGR basis (2015-2017 at 2014 Group’s ability to plan allocation Bridge Capital Master
CER) with an overall improvement of capital to its other priorities. Fund, which held 5.87
per cent stake in Fortis
Chrys Capital to buy Healthcare, increased
10% in Mankind for $350M its shareholding in the
healthcare services provider
India-bred private equity firm Chrys Capital is set to acquire 10 per to 9.73 per cent by buying
2 crore shares on March
cent in fast-growing Mankind Pharmaceuticals for $350 million. GIC of 28. Based on the weighted
average price of the stock
Singapore and CPPIB of Canada may co-invest in the deal. This will mark on March 28, at Rs 128.15
a piece, the transaction
Chrys Capital’s return to Mankind Pharma, a company it helped build in is estimated at Rs 256.30
crore. Last week, Fortis
2015. It had sold 11 per cent stake in Mankind to another PE firm Capital Healthcare board had
approved the demerger
International for $214 million, making a tenfold return in seven years. of its hospitals business,
which will be acquired by
Chrys Capital, arguably the most successful investor in Indian Manipal Hospitals and TPG
Capital, along with the sale
pharma, came in late to pip global PE firms like Advent of 20 per cent stake in its
diagnostics chain SRL Ltd.,
International and Carlyle who had made in a Rs 3,900-crore deal.
Manipal Hospitals, a part
binding bids. Having of Manipal Education and
Medical Group (MEMG)
worked with it, the has been backed by TPG, a
leading global alternative
promoters preferred asset firm and experienced
healthcare investor since
Chrys Capital. 2015.

Chrys Capital’s

partner Sanjiv Kaul,

a former Ranbaxy

executive, has backed

several pharmaceutical

companies including

Glenmark, Zydus,

Intas, Torrent,

GVK Pharma,

Eris Life

Sciences, among

others. The deal

may involve a secondary sale of shares by the promoter family, who

currently hold 89 per cent stake in the company. It’s not clear if Capital

International will also partly divest its stake.



14 COMPANY NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Tata Chemicals Syngene inks drug discovery
agreement with GSK
launches product
Biocon’s contract research arm Syngene International has
for pharma sector inked a drug discovery agreement with global drug firm
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The multi-year R&D agreement
Tata Chemicals Ltd., the country’s between the two companies will focus on accelerating the
leading producer of Soda Ash and discovery of new drug candidates using Syngene’s discovery
Sodium Bicarbonate, has announced services platforms. As part of the collaboration, Syngene
the launch of Medikarb – India’s first will set-up a
branded pharmaceutical grade sodium customised
bicarbonate for pharma API and discovery
formulation manufacturing. Medikarb research
will be manufactured in state of the laboratory
art FDA certified facilities that are to support
compliant with Good Manufacturing projects
Practices (GMP) standards to ensure the across several
highest quality product conforming to therapeutic
Indian Pharmacopoeia specifications. areas. A team
Medikarb will be produced through of Syngene
a highly mechanized automated scientists will work closely with GSK’s global R&D teams
manufacturing process designed as on discovery research projects to identify new drug
per GMP principles. Quality of the end candidates with the potential to address some of the world’s
product will be assured through an end- most pressing healthcare needs. Syngene started offering
to-end Tata Quality Management System discovery services to global R&D focused organisations
(QMS), with the product manufactured, from 1994 onwards. Over the years, it has consolidated its
processed, packed and distributed under position in offering integrated discovery, development and
the applicable licensing and operational manufacturing services across small and large molecules
guidelines. With an annual capacity of within both the pharmaceutical and biotechnology
100,000 tonne in India, Tata Chemicals industries.
also has two other brands Sodakarb,
customised for use as a food additive and
Alkakarb, for use in animal feed.

Suven Life Sciences secures 3 product patents

Hyderabad based Suven Suven has 4 clinical
Life Sciences has been
granted a patent each by stage compounds, a
Norway, South Korea and
Singapore corresponding Phase 2 undergoing
to new chemical entities
(NCEs) for the treatment SUVN502, Phase 2 ready
of disorders associated
with neurodegenerative SUVN-G3031, Phase 1
diseases. The patents are
valid till 2027, 2034 and completed SUVN-D4010
2036, respectively.
and Phase 1 commenced
The granted claims
of the patents are being SUVN-911. In addition to
developed as therapeutic
agents and are useful in the these clinical compounds
treatment of cognitive impairment
associated with neurodegenerative the company has nine
disorders like Alzheimers disease,
internally-discovered

therapeutic drug

candidates currently in

various stages of pre-

clinical development

attention deficient hyperactivity targeting conditions such as
disorder (ADHD), Huntington’s
disease, Parkinson’s and ADHD, dementia, depression,
Schizophrenia.
Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s

disease and pain.

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l START-UP NEWS 15

Karma Healthcare raises Pick2Heal
Rs 3 crore for scale-up offers lab
services
Rajasthan-based healthcare Existing investors Ankur at home

startup Karma Primary Healthcare Capital, Ennovent Capital, Beyond Startup firm Pick2heal,
headquartered at
Services Pvt Ltd, which provides Capital, and a few undisclosed Kerala Start up Mission
(KSUM) in Technopark at
technology-based healthcare angel investors also participated Thiruvananthapuram, has
come out with a mobile
solutions in rural areas, has in this round. The company will application that makes
medical laboratory tests
raised Rs 3 crore in a fresh round use the fresh funds to scale up cost-effective and brings a
wide range of lab services
of funding from equity crowd- its operations and beef up its to the doorsteps of the
patients. Through the
funding platform 1Crowd. technology offering to improve the website, patients can select
a list of labs that conduct
quality of its healthcare services. the tests along with prices
and an option to book the
Founded in 2014, Karma test at special rates. The
time-saving facility brings
Healthcare sets up health centres transparency in medical
testing and creates a level
in rural areas, which provide a playing field in laboratory
testing. The platform
range of health services including allows the patients to
access the test report from
web-enabled patient-doctor anywhere at any time
and can be useful as an
consultations, face-to-face doctor online repository for the
same. Pick2heal has also
consultations and medicines to tied up with diagnostic
labs to offer discounts on
patients. Each clinic caters to a tests booked through their
website/app.
population of 20,000-25,000.

Karma Healthcare, which

currently has operations in

Rajasthan and Haryana, claims

to have conducted over 50,000

consultations and operates 10

e-doctor clinics.

ZOYLO makes mark in digital healthcare

As tech-enabled healthcare is revolutionizing care, Hyderabad-based

digital consumer healthcare company, ZOYLO has marked a major

milestone to record the highest geography network coverage of doctors

and diagnostic labs, spreading across 600 cities in 29 states of the country.

As a digital healthcare ecosystem in India, which brings together

the entire spectrum

of healthcare services

under a single roof,

ZOYLO is a multi-

functionality app which

has already partnered

with 50,000 doctors,

4000 diagnostic

services and 3000+

hospitals & wellness

centers.

ZOYLO is the

recipient of “The Best

Healthcare app for the

Year 2016” at the India Health and Wellness Summit, for topping the

charts of being the most improvised and quick map-based website and

application in India. It has also made it among “The 20 Most Promising

mHealth Tech Solution Providers” as reported in the CIOReview magazine.

16 START UP NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

BIRAC, Fitness platform
PerkinElmer secures $2M funding
to promote
Startups Mumbai-based online fitness built a tech-enabled marketplace-
discovery platform Fitternity cum-subscription platform, which
During its 6th Foundation Health E-solution Pvt Ltd has allows users to purchase sessions
Day, Biotechnology raised over $2 million from existing or memberships of different
Industry Research and new investors. According to the fitness programmes. In 2015, the
Assistance Council startup, the capital infusion is part startup had raised its seed round
(BIRAC) and Perkin of a larger institutional funding from Exfinity Venture Partners
Elmer, Inc. signed a round. It will be raising additional and Saha Fund, among others.
Letter of Intent to work capital later this year to expand its
together on the identified footprint in new geographies
areas for a five-year
partnership to promote Besides existing investors
India-led startups and Saha Fund and Exfinity Venture
innovators in the areas of Partners, the round also saw the
biomedical, biotechnology participation of marquee angel
and public health. The investors Arihant Patni of Patni
goal of the collaboration Family Office, former TPG Partner
is to promote the portfolio Anjali Bansal, Shardul Amarchand
of Indian-led innovations Mangaldas managing partner
and startups, which Akshay Chudasma, former Lupin
aligns with PerkinElmer’s group president Satish Khanna
mission to innovate for a and the Taparia family office.
healthier world. Moving
ahead, PerkinElmer will Fitternity Health E-solution,
continue to invest in India which owns fitness discovery portal
by lending support to fitternity.com, was founded in 2013
government initiatives in by Neha and Jayam Vora. It has
technology innovations
and advanced solutions E-pharmacy Myra raises
that help protect the $1.84M from Tokyo firm
environment, the safety of
our food, and the health Bengaluru-based Metarain Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd, which runs online
of mothers and their
newborn babies. pharmacy app Myra, has raised about Rs 12 crore ($1.84 million) in a

This collaboration with fresh round. Tokyo-headquartered management consulting firm Dream
PerkinElmer exemplifies
BIRAC’s focus to enable Incubator led the round
commercialization
and ensure the global with an infusion of Rs
competitiveness of Indian
enterprises. This endeavor 6.5 crore ($1 million),
will also help to develop
a complete ecosystem while existing investors
from an innovative idea
to employment creation Matrix Partners
and generation, to product
commercialization in and Times Internet
domestic and global
markets. accounted for the rest.

The Myra mobile app,

which is available

both on android and

iOS platforms, offers

fast online access

to medicines with

doorstep delivery. It

caters to consumers in select areas of Bengaluru and Mumbai, as of now.

According to recent reports, Japan-based Dream Incubator has launched a

$44-million tech investment fund focused on Indian startups.

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l WHO NEWS 17

Donors pledge
over $15M to WHO
for emergencies

Donors have pledged an additional

$15.3 million to support quick action

by the World Health Organization

(WHO) to tackle disease outbreaks and WHO recommends use of
first typhoid conjugate vaccine
humanitarian health crises through its
The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending the
emergency response fund in 2018, the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) for infants and
children over six months of age in typhoid-endemic countries.
Contingency Fund for Emergencies This new policy will help ensure access to typhoid vaccination in
communities most impacted by the disease, which is responsible
(CFE). for nearly 12 million infections and between 128,000 and 161,000
deaths a year.
Canada, Denmark, Estonia,
WHO issued these recommendations following a review of
Germany, the Republic of Korea, evidence on TCVs by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts
(SAGE) on Immunization in October 2017. The group considered
Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malta, data on vaccine safety, efficacy, feasibility, and affordability, as
well as growing rates of drug-resistant typhoid. Based on these
Netherlands, Norway, and the discussions, SAGE recommended TCVs for children over the age
of six months. These recommendations were recently accepted
United Kingdom of Great Britain and reported in the WHO updated position paper on typhoid
vaccines in the Weekly Epidemiological Report.
and Northern Ireland announced
Expanding coverage of TCV through routine immunization
contributions ranging from $20,000 would reduce disease incidence and potentially decrease the need
for antibiotics, two priorities of the effort to stem the development
to $5.6 million at a conference hosted and spread of drug-resistant typhoid. WHO highlighted TCV as a
critical tool to slow further emergence of drug-resistant typhoid
at WHO headquarters in Geneva, strains and ultimately save lives.

Switzerland recently – increasing CFE

funding levels to $23 million.

This will enable the rapid financing

of health response operations in the

coming months filling that critical gap

between the moment the need for an

emergency response is identified and

the point at which funds from other

sources can be released. WHO will seek

to secure further donor commitments

to achieve its $100 million funding

target for the 2018/2019 biennium.

WHO adopts bioinformatics platform for TB surveillance

The World Health Organization will ultimately support clinical
(WHO), the Foundation for
Innovative New Diagnostics management of DR-TB.
(FIND) and the Critical Path
Institute (C-Path), recently ReSeqTB serves a diverse TB
announced that the Relational
Sequencing for Tuberculosis community to rapidly evaluate
(ReSeqTB) Platform, a global TB
knowledgebase for predicting TB phenotypic antimicrobial
drug resistance, will be adopted as
the WHO bioinformatics platform resistance from raw sequence data
for surveillance of drug-resistant
TB (DR-TB). from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The development of ReSeqTB (Mtb) in clinical samples –
has been supported by the Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation, enabling large-scale, culture-free
and renewed funding has been
surveillance of TB drug resistance

applied for to support integration and informing development of
into the WHO Sequencing-based
TB Drug Resistance Surveillance new diagnostics and treatment
Programme. The platform will
also serve as a resource for the regimens. It is designed to capture,
development of global policies
on new TB diagnostics and analyse and report in-country

data on mutations associated with

TB drug resistance based on an

expert-graded mutations list.

18 WORLD NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

OUP- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals to sell
Pakistan anti-emetic drug in India, Nepal
appoints
new MD Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has Helsinn and is currently marketed
signed a licensing agreement with in the European Union, the US, and
Arshad Saeed Swiss pharma player Helsinn Group other leading markets. Glenmark
Husain has to introduce Akynzeo in India and will have exclusive marketing rights
joined the Oxford Nepal, a drug that helps prevent for the drug in India and Nepal, and
University Press chemo-related nausea and vomiting. the marketing approval has been
Pakistan (OUP- The licensing agreement for Akynzeo received for Akynzeo from the Central
Pakistan) as the new represents Helsinn’s first such Drugs Standard Control Organisation
managing director. agreement in India. (CDSCO).
OUPP furthers the
university’s objective The drug was developed by An oral fixed combination of
of excellence netupitant 300mg and palonosetron
in research, 0.5mg in capsule form, Akynzeo
scholarship, is used for prevention of CINV
and education (Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and
by publishing Vomiting). It is the first and only
worldwide. combination anti-emetic prophylaxis
Prior to joining with high complete response rates
the OUP-Pakistan, for five days in cancer chemotherapy
Arshad served as the treated patients, having demonstrated
CEO of the mission, 90 per cent complete response rates
Aman Health Care through five days.
Services. Earlier,
Arshad served as the Bhutan, Thailand
managing director of Health Ministries sign MoU
Abbott Laboratories
Pakistan Limited, Bhutan Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk has recently signed a Memorandum
and was also of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation with Thailand’s Minister of
associated with Public Health, Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn.
Syngenta Pakistan
Limited as managing The signing represents an unprecedented renewal of the agreement that was
director and with PT signed in Bangkok on October 16, 1987, to continue the existing cooperation
Syngenta, Indonesia, and to promote new
as president areas of collaboration
director. between the two
He has also served countries.
in senior leadership
positions at With the signing
GlaxoSmithKline of the agreement,
Pakistan Limited both parties agreed to
and ICI Pakistan enhance cooperation
Limited. Arshad on disease control, food
has served as the safety, drug quality
president of the testing, traditional
American Business medicine, medical and
Council and as cosmetic products,
chairman of the laboratory quality assurance, human resource for health, health impact
Pharma Bureau in assessment, drug treatment and rehabilitation services, medical education and
Pakistan. research, and national regulatory system.

According to Wangchuk, the collaboration in health development between
the two kingdoms has immensely benefitted Bhutan’s health system, especially
in areas of medical education and the development of health professionals.

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l WORLD NEWS 19

Foundation Medicine DNDi, GSK to
launches cancer profiling test
identify drug
Foundation Medicine has commercially launched its comprehensive
genomic profiling (CGP) assay, FoundationOne CDx, for all advanced solid candidates for
tumours in the US. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), the assay test is designed to examine genomic alterations in 2 NTDs
324 genes that are associated with cancer growth. The information
The not-for-profit
obtained from the test can aid research and development
physicians in deciding which organization Drugs for
treatment course would be best Neglected Diseases initiative
for individual patients. The FDA (DNDi) will collaborate with
also approved the CGP assay as a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and
broad companion diagnostic for the University of Dundee
some non-small cell lung cancer, Drug Discovery Unit (DDU),
melanoma, colorectal, ovarian and in a bid to discover new
breast cancer forms. The platform pre-clinical drug candidates
also provides information of targeting two parasitic
genomic biomarkers such as neglected tropical diseases
microsatellite instability (MSI) (NTDs), leishmaniasis and
and tumour mutational burden Chagas disease. The focus
(TMB) that indicate the use of other targeted oncology therapies and of the collaboration by the
necessary clinical trial information. FoundationOne CDx is expected to teams of scientists at GSK,
guide personalised treatment decisions and at the same time minimise the DDU, and DNDi will be
duration and tissue required for biomarker testing. Biopharma companies on designing, making, and
will now be able to use the platform for clinical research and development testing new drug molecules,
of companion diagnostics for precision therapeutics. with a view to developing
new pre-clinical candidates
Pfizer to further suitable for possible further
develop cancer cell therapy development into safe,
effective, and affordable
Pfizer has signed an agreement Servier and Allogene aim treatments. As a part of
with Allogene Therapeutics, a to start mid-stage studies in the collaboration, the three
company formed by a consortium 2019 with Allogene having the organizations will pool their
in which the drugmaker will hold a exclusive rights to develop and knowledge, chemical starting
25 per cent stake, to further develop commercialize UCART19 in the points, and resources to
its allogenic CAR T cell therapy. United States. Servier will have more quickly identify the
The agreement will accelerate the the exclusive rights for all other most promising new drug
development of Pfizer’s chimeric countries. San Francisco-based candidates. Both Chagas
antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) Allogene specializes in cancer disease and leishmaniasis
therapy, an investigational immune treatment by developing CAR T are targeted for elimination
cell therapy for treating cancer. cell therapy for blood cancer and as public health problems
tumors. according to the 2020
Allogene will receive from Roadmap targets for
Pfizer rights to 16 pre-clinical the control, prevention,
CAR T assets which are licensed elimination, and eradication
from French cell therapy specialist of neglected tropical diseases
Cellectis SA and French drugmaker established by the World
Servier. Allogene will also get rights Health Organization. New,
to one clinical asset from Servier, patient-friendly, safe,
which is called UCART19, an off- and effective therapeutic
the-shelf cell therapy currently in breakthroughs would
early-stage study. provide considerable support
to achieving this target.

20 ANALYSIS BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“Blacklist the accused in
sexual harassment cases”
The recent allegations against Prof Atul Johri at
Jawaharlal Nehru University’s School of Life and in the worst of all cases- Suicide. Another fear that
Sciences has put the issue of treatment of women students have is the ‘Fear of Being Ostracized from the
in Indian science labs under the microscope. A similar Society’. Her/his character would be questioned, if a
case was reported in January when one of India’s top student would come up with a complaint against her/
researchers in immunology, Prof Kanury VS Rao, was his teacher. I feel that the current situation is a result of
served a termination letter from the Translational shutting up the thoughts and mouths of young people,
Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), who if would have spoken up for themselves, would
Faridabad, for allegedly sexually harassing a woman have brought about a change in the society for sure.”
colleague.
“Relatively PhD students are less in numbers than
As an attempt to control the situation, a petition was under graduate and post graduate students in any given
recently signed by over 165 scientists from the country’s campus. They are very vulnerable to harassment as they
leading science institutes highlighting the need for learn and interact in a closed circle. The stakes are really
blacklisting those accused of sexual harassment from high at PhD level as the instructor or mentor can directly
serving on scientific committees, receiving funding, influence the completion of the dissertation. Counsellors
awards and being elected to academies. should frequently interact with PhD students to bridge
the communication gap which will eventually help to
Are the patriarchal power structures of scientific curb such incidences at the very beginning. Students
research, the gender imbalance, close supervisor- should be fully aware of their rights in the campus and
student relationship and long hours making the should promptly let the person know that his or her
situation vulnerable to such incidents? Although there behaviour makes you uncomfortable”, explains Surekha
are no figures for sexual harassment in science labs, the Shetty, Director, Student Services, IFIM Institutions.
numbers could be more as no victim wants to file cases
against the faculty members. Academic institutes are supposed to be like a second
home for students bringing hope and encouragement.
“It is totally upon the supervisor to confirm whether Unfortunately, things have started moving in the
a student can be awarded a PhD degree or not. Thus, this opposite direction. Societal attitudes are making matters
sometimes leads to supervisor taking undue advantage worse for the students. The fact that India’s laboratories
of the student which in many cases shapes into sexual and research institutions are developing into dark zones
harassment. As PhD students, we have to discuss data is a matter of immediate concern.
and plan future experiments regularly, sometimes daily,
with the supervisor, requiring the student-supervisor The government has to take a serious note of the
relationship to be cordial at the very least. We look up to issue as such sexual harassment cases are reoccurring
our supervisor as a guide and a teacher to help shape our at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU),
future. It is very sad that nowadays a teacher-student which received the Visitor’s Award for Best University
relation is losing its meaning” shares Parijat Banerjee, in 2017 by the President of India, holds the sixth
a PhD student at the Indian Institute of Science, position according to the National Institutional Ranking
Bengaluru. Framework (NIRF) rankings for 2018 and is on the
verge of completing 50 glorious years.
At the same time, the impact of such episodes on the
mental health of the victims also needs consideration. Dr Manbeena Chawla
In a typical scientific environment, a PhD supervisor [email protected]
exercises significant power over a student in terms
of contributing to academic excellence and in other
matters such as recommendations for future jobs.

Bhavya Sharma, Counselor & Family Therapist,
points out, “The psychological stress and trauma a
victim suffers can be beyond his/her mental capacity
and it can have serious repercussions on his/her overall
well-being, causing disorders such as Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder, Depression, Personality Disorders

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 21

ADDRESSING
THE INDUSTRY
ACADEMIA GAP

India has been witnessing a good growth in economic and industrial development, which
leads to increasing needs on education and calls for a highly diversified human resource.
India is many paradigm shifts in the social, business and industrial environment. The onus
of making available the skilled human resource lies on system of higher education.

The evolving science in the biotech sector is leading to a demand for high-skilled jobs in
India. However, a wide gap currently exists between the quality of human capital available
and the needs of the industry. To address this talent deficit by developing Industry ready
human capital for the Biopharma sector and enable global competitiveness of the sector,
Dr Manbeena Chawla of BioSpectrum spoke to the captains and HR heads of few leading
companies on what the industry needs from the academia and how these companies are
addressing the gap of talent and skills sets.

Besides we will be covering the leading biotech, life sciences, and pharmaceutical
companies like Dr Reddy’s Labs, Biocon, Cadila Pharmaceucails, Reliance Life Sciences

who have set up academy, institutes with an aim to support the industry with skilled
manpower and workforce and bridge the gap between industry and academia.

Improve employment landscape by integrating skill and knowledge

The education scenario in India today speaks of over 1 million students passing out every
year in the science background into careers across scientists, engineers and technicians.
However only 10 per cent of this number is actually employable. While the responsibility lies
with the Industry to drive the economic growth of the country it also has a lot of expectations
from the academia to support that. As an HR practitioner, I think in order to keep pace with
the dynamic environment and also to bridge the gap, the employment landscape needs to be
improved by integrating skill and knowledge required with mainstream education.

- Dola Mukherjee, Associate VP, HR, Biocon Ltd.

22 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Academia lacks Offer industry oriented training
proper practical
training The Academia should provide an
industry oriented training to all students,
There is a and not a general training. Since
lack of proper Biotechnology is a broad field, a year-
practical training long project period should be mandatory
at the academic for the students in specific areas such
level. Students are as Fermentation, Genomics, Molecular
theoretically sound but due to lack of Biology and Vaccines. Industry prefers to hire those students who
practical knowledge, the fundamental have thorough knowledge of the specific area they wish to work
understanding is missing among the in. Apart from that, communication and soft skills are equally
students. When we interview around important. At times we encounter situations where a Master’s
10 students in our organization, only 1 student joins but leaves half-way in order to pursue further
of them seems fit. I think the teaching studies. It is expected that the student should have clarity about
level at the academic institutes should be his or her career.
improved. Also, the government should
take more initiatives in assuring proper - Dr Raja Mugasimangalam, Founder & CEO,
industry training of biotech and life Genotypic Technology
sciences students. Karnataka government
is doing a great job in that with the BiSEP Culture of industry-academia
programme. Through Biotech Consortium collaboration is missing
India Limited (BCIL), we also take up
students for training at our company but Biotechnology lies at the core of the
there is always a limitation of how many scientific and diagnostic technologies. In
students we can take. The industry cannot India, a lot of work is happening at the
afford to spend a lot of time in training universities. But unfortunately, we do
the students. In a year, we hire around not have a culture of industry-academia
25 candidates out which 20 per cent are collaboration. I hope that this gap can
freshers. We prefer students with MTech be bridged. The current government should take some steps
(manufacturing), while MSc for R&D and in this regard. As a result of this industry-academia gap, very
analytical segment). few products are coming out of India. Our company is more
- Sanjay Lodha, Asst. VP- Operations, than looking forward to collaborate with research institutes so
Kemwell BioPharma that we can bring the latest technologies into the market.
- Suresh Vazirani, Chairman & Managing Director,

Transasia Bio-Medicals

Colleges and Anthem Biosciences hires graduates from both the biotechnology
universities and pure life sciences streams. As our foray into biologics and biosimilar
should space moves from the R&D to the commercial phase, our requirement
make their for fresh talent is going to rise. When we do hire freshers from biotech/
students life sciences programmes it is always initially as interns, with a path to
employable permanent employment based on performance. In these situations the
criteria we look for are- Basic knowledge and ability to execute at least
one technology, Good communication skills, Thirst for knowledge with a
penchant for learning new skills/technologies, and Willingness to put in
the hours and go beyond the call of duty. Colleges and universities have
the responsibility to make their students employable, from the day they
walk out of their doors, with degrees in hand. However, the sad reality is
that often this isn’t the case. A multitude of serious and systemic issues
plague our education system. Talking from the perspective of a leading
employer, the industry has these minimum expectations of academia:
Modern syllabuses, State of the art labs and Well-rounded individuals.

- Ajay Bharadwaj, CEO & Founder, Anthem Biosciences

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 23

Provide basic knowledge Universities
about Compliance need to set
up CoE in
For fresh biotech hiring, we collaboration
prefer students with BTech / MTech with Industry
(Biotechnology) and MSc (Biotechnology).
For the Pharma Segment, we look for The Biotech
candidates with BPharm, MPharm or field has a lot to
MSc Chemistry /Analytical Chemistry. offer to the students
The academia has to follow certain agendas in the curriculum, but there is a gap that lies between
like To give basic knowledge about GMP, GLP, GDP and about the Academia and Industry. After the
Compliance; Knowledge on Recombinant DNA Technology, students complete their bachelors or
this is specifically for the Biotech Graduates; Knowledge of masters courses and enter into the any
Fermentation and its process; Basic knowledge of instruments company, it easily takes 6-8 months
like HPLC, GC; Strengthen the knowledge base in injectables, for them to get trained. The companies
anti-drug abuse technology and complex molecules. end up investing so much time in
- Prem Singh, President, Global HR Head, Wockhardt grooming the students. This can be taken
care at the academia side. It would be
Industry needs to take best if universities establish Centres
the lead and make way of Excellence (CoE) in collaboration
with the Industry in order to train the
The Industry has to pro-actively students. The Industry has to take
approach the Academia in order to bridge the lead in setting up funds for such
the gap. For this reason, Novozymes activities. The students will be able to
started the ‘Voice for BT’ public speaking get the right guidance and mentorship
contest. It made a big difference to the through this process. Hopefully, the
overall students committee, and we gave Industry- Academia gap can be bridged
through this.
them an opportunity to do an internship at Novozymes. - Vijayaraghavan Pisharody, General
Every year, our team goes around different biotech colleges Manager – HR & Communication,
and institutes to pick students for internships. We also Stempeutics Research
collaborate with universities on specific biotech projects
in order to provide a platform to students. So, I feel that
the Industry needs to take the lead and make way for the
biotechnology students.
- GS Krishnan, Regional President, Novozymes South Asia

The laboratory environment at various academic institutes is very Government
well equipped. All the necessary training is provided to the biotech is taking
students to make them technically sound. But that is not the only thing initiatives
required. The students should be aware of the downstream applications in providing
of their training and work as well. Very recently, we took in 12 students potential
for a training project at Reliance, through BCIL. It feels good to see opportunities
that the government is taking a lot of initiatives in providing potential
opportunities to students. So, as part of the training projects, we assign
a mentor or supervisor for the students who help them understand the
broader picture of biotechnology. We want students to understand the
product driven research and the market applications. This is something
which is missing in academia. The students learn the skills at the
institutes but the industry teaches them how to apply those skills. We
also train the students understand the regulatory aspects of research,
the importance of IPRs and so on. Students need training on all these
levels for them to be industry ready.

- Dr Santanu Dasgupta, Senior VP, Head of Biology, Reliance R&D

24 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Corporate supporting industry
with Academic Institutions

Biocon Academy Indrashil Institute of
Science & Technology (IIST) -
As the leading Biotech Company, Biocon is Life Sciences Finishing School (LSFS)
in a position to lead the way in providing the
Biotech industry, the best professionals with the Indrashil Institute of Science and Technology
right orientation and training. By collaborating (IIST), an education initiative of Cadila
with leading academic institutions globally Pharmaceuticals Ltd, is running a ‘Life Sciences
to bring world class training programmes for Finishing School’ at its Kadi campus in Gujarat.
biotech students in India, Biocon Academy aims The finishing school provides short term
to become the Centre of Excellence for Advanced courses to make graduates industry ready and
Learning in Biosciences that leads the way in assist in availing employment opportunity in
transforming the industry and the community. biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
The initiative is in alignment with the Skill India
Biocon Academy offers high quality innovative initiative of Government of India. The Finishing
programmes focused on the Business of School is a start-up venture supported by
Biosciences with the aim to empower experienced Gujarat CSR Authority and Gujarat University.
professionals from the field of Life sciences The courses are designed to impart much
and to develop fresh biotech graduates into needed practical hands on training, regulatory
Biosciences professionals. Industry focused compliance and knowledge to make a fresh
Certificate Programmes at Biocon Academy offer graduate employable with right kind of skills to
international course content from KGI which has meet the challenges of the life sciences industries.
been customized after assessing industry needs.
The curriculum of the flagship programme - the The main idea of a finishing school programme
Biocon-KGI Certificate Programme in Biosciences, is to enhance employability of the labour pool
is designed to bridge the gap between academic through a complementary education and training
knowledge and its application in the industry- framework that aims at supplementing, rather
scenarios. Exposure to the international course than substituting, formal education. It is also
material, mentored learning from experienced intended to bridge the gap between knowledge
faculty and interaction with domain experts from based conventional education and specific
the industry help shape the students for a global expertise that market/industry prefers for better
career in Biotech. output. The course is designed to have 3-months
Academic (lecture and practical) and one month
Biocon Academy has achieved 100% placement training in Industrial premises. Reputed faculties
for all students passed out so far from its Academy from industry and academia are inducted as the
in leading Pharma and Biopharma Companies. teaching faculties of the finishing school. Separate
faculties are assigned to assist in practical and
Programs hands-on training programs. The finishing
school is mentored by renowned scientist Prof
• Certificate Program in Biosciences J.S. Yadav, Ex. Director – Indian Institute of
• Certificate Program in Bioscience Management Chemical Technology, Hyderabad.
• BITS Biocon Certificate Program in Applied
Short term courses
Industrial Microbiology
• Certificate Program in Clinical Development • Certificate Courses in Industrial Microbiology
• Faculty Development Program • Quality Assurance & Quality Control

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 25

Academy for Clinical Dr Reddy’s Institute of Life Sciences (DRILS)
Excellence (ACE)
Dr Reddy’s Institute of Life Sciences (DRILS) is a not-
The Academy for Clinical for-profit institute that aims to conduct innovative research
Excellence (ACE) is a pioneering in unifying areas of chemistry, biology and chemical biology.
clinical research training institute The institute’s goal is to create and foster a research culture
in India established in February where chemists and biologists work together to generate
2002. ACE is an initiative of Pfizer original ideas, and generate experimental data which can lead
India Ltd. in partnership with to novel therapies for human disease and an improvement in
Suven Life Sciences Ltd. and Indian quality of life.
Pharmaceutical Association (IPA)
Maharashtra State Branch (IPAMSB). DRILS became functional as an autonomous entity in 2007
The academy is located in the Bombay as the result of a partnership between the Andhra Pradesh
College of Pharmacy premises. state government, private industry and the University of
Currently the academy is under the Hyderabad. The facilities are spread over an area of 130,000
sole supervision of IPA Maharashtra. square feet. The institute is located in the southeast corner of
the campus of the University of Hyderabad.
ACE has a Curriculum Panel
(CP) and an Executive Curriculum The biology department at DRILS is focused upon
Committee (ECC) comprised of achieving a comprehensive understanding of biological
dedicated experts drawn from various signaling mechanisms through innovative experimental
pharmaceutical companies, Contract approaches and novel hypotheses.
Research Organisations (CROs),
and academia to develop training The department of chemistry activities at DRILS
courses and to conduct courses. For spans basic and applied research. The institute partners in
each batch, there is a capacity of 30 collaboration with other disciplines within DRILS, academic
students. The academy ensures job and industrial partners across the globe. The institute offers
opportunities in a number of fields. PhD as well as Post-doctoral programmes. Scientific research
forms the foundation of DRILS achievements. The institute
has established a highly accomplished team to give new
dimensions to its scientific ambitions.

Reliance Institute of Life Sciences (RILS) Current Programmes

Reliance Institute of Life Sciences is a not-for-profit • Young Engineers’
organisation, focusing on competency development Programme (For engineering
in biotechnology, not only for Reliance Life Sciences graduates)
but also for the industry. It runs several competency • Young Manufacturing
development programmes for companies that form Professionals’ Programme (For engineering
the life sciences initiative. graduates and science postgraduates)
• Young Clinical Research Professionals’
The programmes typically involve two months Programme (For pharmacy, pharmacology and
of academics and ten months of practical training. It medical graduates)
has collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology, • Young Quality Management Professionals’
Mumbai and the University Institute of Chemical Programme (For science postgraduates)
Technology, Mumbai in academic content development • Young Scientists’ Programme (For engineering
and faculty support for these programmes. RILS also graduates, science postgraduates and fresh Ph.D.
runs two one-year advanced diploma programmes in degree holders)
Biotherapeutics and Clinical Research. Students earning • Young Medico-Marketing Professionals’
a diploma are hired by Reliance Life Sciences and other Programme (For engineering graduate,
organisations. Through the Institute, employees of the science postgraduates and for management
life sciences initiative have the opportunity, subject to postgraduates)
conditions and admission through competitive selection • Young Laboratory Technicians’ Programme (For
process, to pursue masters and doctoral programmes science graduates)
at the Mumbai University, and doctoral programme at
Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.

26 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

“BiSEP intends to train
360 fresh graduates a year”

« Industries claim that many fresh graduates from

Gaurav Gupta, the science sector are not technically sound
Principal Secretary,
Department of or up to the mark. How do you address this
Innovation and
Technology, concern?
Government of Department of Innovation and Technology
Karnataka in consultation with VGBT (Vision Group on
Biotechnology), having recognized this gap in industry
The Millennium Biotech Policy - II in readiness of fresh graduates, introduced a novel
2009 encouraged the establishment programme called BTFS (Biotechnology Finishing
of Biotechnology Finishing Schools School) about seven years ago. The programme is of
(BTFS) across Karnataka with one year duration with first semester in an academic
appropriate course content and environment focusing on a special domain of
duration to equip graduates and post- Biotechnology (Example: Protein Expression & Scale
graduates, with necessary employable Up) and the second semester gaining practical (hands-
skills to make them job-ready. Very on) BT experience as a student-intern in a company
recently, the Department of Innovation relevant to the same domain of Biotechnology. This
and Technology, Government of PG Diploma programme was done in collaboration
Karnataka renamed the BTFS as with host institutions, affiliated to various universities
Biotechnology Skill Enhancement across the state and also the Department of
Programme (BiSEP) with 50 per cent Biotechnology, Government of India for student
of the seats reserved for students fellowship support for the entire 12 months. The first
from Karnataka. cycle of five years has been completed by training
over 700 graduates and with 70 per cent plus job
Government of Karnataka has placement record. The second cycle of 5 years has been
granted approval for implementation renamed as BiSEP (Biotechnology Skill Enhancement
of BiSEP with a total budget of Rs Program), in 18 institutions in 8 cities across the
44.17 crore (including Government state. The programme intends to train a maximum
of India contribution) for five years capacity of 360 fresh graduates, with 20 students per
period with a contribution of Rs 31.21 institution.
crore by Government of Karnataka. In
this context, Dr Manbeena Chawla of How important it is for the government to
BioSpectrum had a brief interaction
with Gaurav Gupta, Principal Secretary, promote academic or research collaborations
Department of Innovation and
Technology, Government of Karnataka. with foreign universities?
This is very important indeed. It is the best way to
compare ourselves to the “best in class”, to generate

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 27

List of 18 institutions of Innovation and Technology, Government of
associated with BiSEP Karnataka], 5 recent PhD Scholars were identified
through a rigorous selection process, to be hosted by
» B.V.Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and 5 top laboratories in Harvard University to carry out
Technology (BVBCE), Vidyanagar, Hubballi Post- Doctoral Programme. This is now underway
with 4 out of 5 candidates already there in Boston,
» Basaveshwar Engineering College pursuing research in cutting edge areas of life
(Autonomous) (BEC), S Nijalingappa sciences. Likewise, institutions like IBAB (Institute
Vidyanagar, Bagalkot for Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology), CHG
(Centre for Human Genetics) - Bangalore and IABT
» Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (Institute for Agricultural Biotechnology) – Dharwad,
(DSI), Shavige Malleshwara Hills, supported by KBITS, Department of Innovation and
Kumaraswamy layout, Bengaluru Technology, GOK, are constantly interacting with
international experts to ensure we are with the best in
» Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology science and technology. In addition to the above, we
(IABT), University of Agricultural Sciences, continuously encourage international collaboration
Krishinagar Road, Dharwad via memorandum of agreements with clusters, cities,
or nations as necessary.
» JSS College of Arts, Commerce & Science
(JSS), Ooty Road, Mysore What criteria are maintained for evaluating

» Mount Carmel College (MCC), 58, Palace universities in Karnataka, to mark their
Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru
performance and growth?
» Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College In order for KBITS, Department of Innovation
(MLACW), 18th Cross, Malleswaram, and Technology, to enable universities / academic
Bengaluru institutions to flourish in the area of innovation and
entrepreneurship by providing grants, they must meet
» M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) several criteria such as
MSR College Road, MSR Nagar, Bengaluru
i) Well developed research & development facilities,
» PES University, 100 ft. Ring Road, ii) Examples of technologies invented,
Banashankari-III Stage, Hoskerehalli, Bengaluru iii) Infrastructure,
iv) Expert faculty,
» Padmashree Institute of Management & v) Sound administration and management and
Science (PIMS), #149, Padmashree Campus, good campus ecosystem.
Kommaghatta, Sulikere (Post), Kengeri, The progress of work is reviewed on a frequent
Bengaluru basis, as guided by memorandum of agreement(s).

» Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT),
B.H.Road, Tumakuru

» St. Aloysius College (SAC), PB 720, Light
House Hill Road, Mangaluru

» School of Life Sciences (MLSC), Planetarium
Complex, Manipal Academy of higher
education, Manipal

» SDM College Ujire (SDMU), Ujire
» SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital

(SDMD), Manjushree Nagar, Sattur, Dharwad
» The Oxford College of Science (TOCS), No.32,

17th B Main Sector IV, HSR Layout, Bengaluru
» University of Gulbarga (GU), Gulbarga

Kalburgi Jnana Ganga, Kalaburagi
» Yenepoya Deemed to be university (YU),

Mangaluru

new ideas that would be applicable to local challenges
and initiate convergence of various technologies
for mitigating challenges. For example, under a
programme called B4 (Bengaluru – Boston Biosciences
Beginnings), [a three-way collaborative programme
involving South Asia Institute @ Harvard University,
Boston, MASS, USA; Department of Biotechnology,
Government of India; and KBITS – Department

28 COVER STORY BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Producing biotech
industry-ready manpower

« demand, strong government initiatives and in-house
R&D activities. As per vision document of Department
Dr Suman Govil of Biotechnology, Indian Biotech industry is expected
Adviser, Department to be $100 billion by 2025 from $11.6 billion in 2016-
of Biotechnology, 17. For Indian industry to touch predicted $100
Ministry of Science billion figure by 2025, we need to ensure skilled
& Technology, manpower, supportive and transparent regulatory
Government of India framework, enhanced investment in R&D and better
manufacturing facilities.
The Government of India under
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has Government of India has been very proactive and
been running Biotech Industrial Training established Department of Biotechnology way back
Programme for biotech students for past in 1986 to provide a focal point in administrative
20 years or so. Thousands of students framework and to provide desired thrust to the area.
apply for this programme every year and In the last 30 years, Department of Biotechnology
around 150 biotech companies participate has initiated and supported integrated human
in the training. The training is for a period resource development programme, creation of
of six months during which every trainee is infrastructural facilities, support to R&D programmes
paid a stipend. The company is also paid in identified thrust areas, establishment of biotech
a bench fee to cover expenses towards parks/incubators, grants to industry through Small
training. The programme is mutually Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) and
beneficial to the students and companies Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
as it provides industrial exposure to the (BIRAC) to provide the desired fillip to the area.
students and an opportunity for industry
to select prospective manpower. This Post graduate teaching programmes in
programme is advantageous for the biotechnology were initiated by department to produce
companies as it gives them an opportunity high quality manpower to meet the needs of R&D and
to assess the performance of the trainees industry in the country. This led to mushrooming of
and subject to availability, suitable trainees biotech courses by a large number of public sector
could be considered for placement. and private sector universities, sometimes without
adequate in-house expertise and infrastructural
Biotechnology has tremendous potential facilities to provide the desired practical training.
applications in health care, agriculture, Moreover, expectations of biotech students are
industry, environment, energy and services. generally very high and they are not willing to take
Biotech industry can be broadly classified into 5 up routine jobs, which may not be academically
categories mainly biopharmaceuticals, agriculture, challenging. Biotech industry also did not grow at
industry, services and informatics. Indian biotech the predicted rates and is cautious in offering salaries
industry is among top 12 destinations in the world and and is willing to hire students with basic life science
ranks second in Asia after China. background such as microbiology, biochemistry at
lower salaries and attrition rates are also relatively
Indian biotech industry has witnessed robust lower. To circumvent this problem and to enhance
growth since last 10 years with an average growth the employability of biotech students, Department of
of approximate 20.33 per cent driven by growing Biotechnology conceived an innovative programme
namely Biotech Industrial Training Programme
(BITP) in 1993-94 to provide industrial exposure to
biotech students so as to make them industry ready.

The only other similar programme is industrial
apprenticeship offered by National Research Council
(NRC), Canada. Six months industrial training with
stipend paid by the department was particularly
welcomed by start-up and small scale companies as

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com COVER STORY 29

it provided them with an opportunity to assess the cent for QA/QC. Very few applicants opt for IPR and
performance of trainees for future employment. It also regulation as well as marketing management. Analysis
gave an idea about industry expectations to students of data in last few years shows that around 25 to 30
and helped them in making future career decisions. per cent trainees are absorbed by trainer companies or
To begin with, number of trainees requisitioned by companies in allied area. Students have been offered
industries were by far very low as compared to number salaries ranging from Rs 25,000 per month to Rs
of student applicants and therefore, to encourage 35,000 on successful completion of training.
companies to take up large number of students and to
provide good quality training, department introduced Fig 1
bench fee of Rs 50,000 per student from 2007-
08. Introduction of bench fee has led to increase in Year wise Statistics of BITP
number of trainees requested by the companies.
n No. of Applicants n Candidates selected n Candidates trained
In past 25 years, it has been observed that students
from top ranking universities and best students are 590
not opting for industrial training, as expected, as they
may be applying for higher studies. At times, students 534 532 596
from universities and colleges which did not impart 585
good practical training, opt for industrial training
as they perceive it as an alternate opportunity to 781
compensate for practical training.
701 778 780
Applications for industrial training programme 790
from students as well as biotech companies are sought
through an open advertisement. Eligible candidates 2524
are screened on the basis of online multiple choice
test conducted at 89 centres in different parts of the 2420 2501 2213
country. Duration of online test is 90 minutes and
question paper consists of 80 questions of 1 mark each. 1867
All questions are compulsory. Questions from general
aptitude, general knowledge, analytical techniques, 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
physics, chemistry, maths and different disciplines
of biotechnology are included in the question paper. Fig 2
An analysis of students who appeared for BITP test in No. of companies participating in Biotech
2016-17 showed that students from 198 universities Industrial Training Programme
appeared in the test. Highest marks obtained were 58
out of 80 and 76.7 per cent students obtained marks in 180
range of 26 to 30. Students who secured marks in the
range of 28 to 54 out of 80 were placed in companies 160 156 154
for training. Based on the combined merit of online
screening test and interview-cum-counselling session, 146
list of selected candidates is announced. 140 136

The profiles of selected candidates are matched 127 125
with company requisition, based on academic
qualification, field of interest, preference of student 120 114 121 109
and preferred location. Trainees and supervisors have 102
to submit monthly online feedback on their industrial
training experience and performance of students 100
respectively. Analysis of feedback shows that this
programme offers training in handling sophisticated 80
equipment, understanding work culture and ethos of
industry environment. Last several years have seen 60
increase in number of applicants (Fig 1). Number of
companies participating in training in last few years 40
is depicted in (Fig 2). Most of the students (around
70 per cent) opt for training in R&D, followed by 17 20
per cent for production and manufacturing, 12 per
0
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Companies and trainees feedback brings out clearly
that students learn to handle state-of-art equipment
and advanced techniques, their inter-personal skills,
language proficiency and confidence improved
tremendously. Few such initiatives by private sector
such as Biocon academy, Biozeen, collaborative DBT-
Karnataka State Biotech Finishing School programme
are also contributing to provide necessary hands-on
skills to biotech students and to address issues of
skill deficit by producing industry ready manpower.
The ultimate aim of this programme is to ensure
placement for most of the trainees, better salaries
and at the same time, meet the needs of industry for
skilled manpower.

30 BIO SPECIAL BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

70 million Indians suffering

FROM RARE DISEASES
According to a recent study published
Rare diseases, often referred to as orphan in the journal Intractable and Rare
diseases, occur rarely and do not affect Diseases Research, 80 per cent of
rare diseases are genetic and 35 per cent
a large number of people. However, there of deaths in patients with rare diseases
are around 350 million patients worldwide occur in infants with less than one year.
New diseases are discovered each year and
suffering from rare diseases, and the added to the databases such as Orphanet
majority of them are children. India has no database maintained by the European
standard definition for rare diseases as there Union. There is no universal definition of
is no comprehensive epidemiological data rare disease but the importance of having a
available, but the estimates put the number consistent definition across each country is
at 70 million. In terms of treatment options well acknowledged.
available, there has been limited research in
the field of rare disease drug development “Awareness, accessibility and
because they are not a public health priority. affordability are key needs of patients
suffering from rare disease and early
Moreover, due to lack of awareness and diagnosis is a critical challenge in the
knowledge about rare diseases even among management of rare diseases. The cost of
treatment for rare disorders is very high
healthcare professionals, there is a lack of and a lifelong expense running into tens
proper referral of patients to qualified doctors.

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIO SPECIAL 31

of lakhs of rupees each year. Most patients and their RARE DISEASES
families find this an enormous economic burden. SCENARIO IN INDIA
There exists an urgent need for clinical research
to ensure better and more affordable medicines Rare Genetic Incidence Births
for rare diseases so we can provide sustainable Disorders in India per year
care to patients. From a policy perspective, we
Metabolic disorders 1:201 22,477
need legislation that specifically
targets budgetary support, access, Congenital 1:50 678,000
innovation, and investment Malformations
for rare disease treatment
in India”, shares Prasanna Down Syndrome 1:801 34,000
Shirol, Founder Member,
Organisation for Rare Disease Congenital 1:2477 10,900
India (ORDI). Hypothyroidism
Very recently, Dystrophy Annihilation Research
Trust (DART), a parent run Ministry of Science and Duchenne Muscular 1:5000 2,700
Technology, Government of India (Department of Dystrophy
Scientific & industrial Research) certified research
lab, had organized a 2-day conference in Bengaluru Spinal muscular 1:10000 2,700
to create awareness on treatments and drug trials, atrophy
and to facilitate research into alleviating the scourge
of Muscular Dystrophy. DART is the first Research (Source- National Center for Biotechnology Information)
lab in India focusing on Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy (DMD). At the conference, the 180 OCCURRENCE OF RARE
delegates comprised of more than 50 patients and DISEASES IN INDIA AND
their families, researchers, clinicians and students. OTHER COUNTRIES
The affected ones were given a platform to share
their views and also given an opportunity to question Definition
researchers, industry experts and even policy makers Country of rare Patients
regarding their work in the field of rare diseases. disease
“Over the past decade huge strides and
innovations made in technology has opened up a vast US <0.75% 25-30
avenue of potential therapies and interventions for million
the management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
(DMD). But because it is termed as a rare disease, Australia <0.11% 1.2 million
there is not much awareness of the same. India with
its rapidly increasing population EU <0.5% 27-36
is touted to have more than one million
lakh boys suffering from DMD.
DART has taken up on itself to be India Not Defined >70 million
the nodal center for all information
concerning DMD”, points out Duchenne Muscular 1:5000 2,700
Ravdeep Singh Anand, Dystrophy
President, DART.
Until sometime, policy makers and public health Spinal muscular 1:10000 2,700
authorities had no or minimum awareness about atrophy
these conditions. However, today, we can see a
shift in public opinion, which has resulted in the (Source: Organization for Rare Diseases India)
execution of certain noteworthy actions. Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) has finalized “Last year, the Indian Council of Medical
the National Policy for Treatment of Rare Diseases, Research (ICMR) has launched ‘The Indian Rare
with an allocation of Rs 100 crore. A realistic policy Disease Registry’ which is aimed towards addressing
intervention is important to control the growing threat the unmet needs of patients with rare diseases
of rare diseases, but it is required for the states to be and also helping the country develop data and
equally involved in implementing the action plan. information to support research & development and
enhance innovation. The Registry is an organized
system that uses observational study methods to
collect uniform data to evaluate
specified outcomes for a
population defined by a particular
disease, condition, or exposure,
and that serves a predetermined
scientific, clinical, or policy
purposes”, mentions Dr Soumya
Swaminathan, Deputy
Director General for Programmes, World
Health Organisation (WHO).

32 BIO SPECIAL BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

What can be done Dr Vijay Chandru,
Chairman, Strand Life
» Mandatory prenatal testing in early Sciences, is currently
pregnancy spearheading a consortium of
doctors, researchers and biotech
» Setting up of special centres for diagnosis, companies that has drafted a Rare
treatment and genetic counseling Disease and Orphan Drug Policy
for the state of Karnataka.
» Provision of health insurance for families “Karnataka has always been a progressive state in
with rare diseases the use of science and technology for development.
The state stands out in bringing together stakeholders
» Investment in basic research on rare diseases in academia, industry and government to address
» Policy to guide data sharing and best challenges and devise solutions for various societal
issues. Karnataka is uniquely positioned to address
practices development for clinical trials of the difficult challenges faced by citizens who suffered
rare diseases from various rare diseases – it is estimated that
» Formulation of an orphan drug policy nearly 7.2 crore citizens of India fall in this category
» Special incentives to companies to develop and Karnataka has its fair share of perhaps 30 to 40
drugs for rare diseases lakh patients. A drafting committee was appointed to
formulate a policy for the state on rare diseases and
Recommendations of the orphan drugs. The recommendations made in the
Rare Disease and Orphan draft policy is towards developing rare disease centres
Drug Policy, Karnataka of excellence with high-quality expert care using
the existing infrastructure of hospitals and research
» Training of health care professionals and institutes like Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health,
genetic counsellors to work with patients and NIMHANS, Centre for Human Genetics and Kasturba
their families. Medical College, Mangalore.
The policy is undergoing some
» Development of state of the art diagnostic final edits before being taken up
centres for statewide adoption of early for discussion in the concerned
detection (including new born screening, secretariats”, shares Dr Ramesh
carrier screening and prenatal testing) for Hariharan, Chief Executive
appropriate interventions Officer, Strand Life Sciences.

» Incentives in the form of tax subsidies and Of the 7,000-odd rare diseases,
fast tracking in regulatory pathways for the only 500 have US FDA-approved drugs. The
indigenous development of orphan drugs, and remaining have to be managed by physiotherapy,
therapeutic strategies such as gene editing surgical intervention, or occupational therapy.
and regenerative therapies for rare disease Several multinational companies offer treatment
patients. protocols in India but the cost is prohibitive.

» Insurance and CSR endowment schemes for
public health funding for these patients and
their families to financially withstand the
challenge of caring for rare diseases.

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIO SPECIAL 33

N. Rajaram, Managing to acknowledge the support from the Biotechnology
Director, Sanofi India, Industry Research Association
explains, “Given the low burden Council (BIRAC), an initiative of
of rare diseases in the country, the Department of Biotechnology,
these patients are often invisible Government of India, for initial
to the public health system. They grant support for our work”, shares
incur very high diagnostic and Dr Aditya Kulkarni, Founder
treatment costs and do not receive the guidance and & Chief Scientific Officer,
support they need. Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty Oraxion Therapeutics, Inc.
care global business unit of Sanofi, is committed
to working with the community of patients, Dr Vijay Chandru, adds, “I feel that a quick and
physicians and researchers to enable effective cost-effective option for treatment of rare diseases
diagnosis, focused education and sustainable is for Indian companies to develop biosimilars of
access to treatment. Through our charitable access existing drugs. Enzyme Replacement Therapies
programme, known as INCAP (INdia Charitable can be easily manufactured here. Innovator
Access Program), Sanofi Genzyme is currently pharmaceutical companies should work out licensing
providing free Enzyme Replacement Therapy to agreements with Indian manufacturers”.
patients with Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs)
in India. INCAP has grown significantly since its Due to the rare incidence of these diseases,
inception in 1999 and is widely appreciated for its drug-makers find innovation and development
altruistic efforts to support the LSD community by of drugs for them unprofitable. This holds true
providing therapy to patients who lack sufficient worldwide, but more so in India where the lion’s
financial resources to avail of these therapies. share of the healthcare and medical research budget
Today, over a hundred patients are benefitting from goes towards more common diseases such as HIV,
the enzyme replacement therapies being provided tuberculosis and cancer.
under INCAP, for rare diseases like Gaucher
disease, Pompe disease, Fabry disease, and MPS I Dr Manbeena Chawla
(Mucopolysaccharidoses) disease.” [email protected]

“In India, drugs to treat rare diseases are largely
procured by the government and dispensed at
public hospitals. Currently, Shire sells 12 products
in the form of injectables in India, including those
treat blood disorder haemophilia. We have now
applied to the Drug Controller General of India
to introduce drugs to treat a category of genetic
disorders known as lysosomal
storage diseases. We have made
an application to launch the
drugs. The application is under
review and as of yet, we do not
know whether a clinical trial
will be needed in India”, shares
Vineet Singhal, Country
Head, Shire.

Recently, Oraxion Therapeutics, Inc., a spin-
off from Bengaluru based Aten Porus Lifesciences
entered into an Option Agreement with a US-based
Biopharmaceutical company, for licensing its lead
asset ORX-301 for the treatment of Niemann-
Pick Type C disorder (NPC) and Focal Segmental
Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). “We have confirmed
the therapeutic efficacy of our lead compound,
ORX-301, in the relevant preclinical models of these
diseases and now plan to transfer the asset to our
partner for clinical development. We would also like

34 TRENDS BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

8 things we know for sure
in life sciences & healthcare
We are living in uncertain times. Entire
industries can be disrupted by an app coded the products and services they buy. Innovators are
at home. Genomics, wearable technology, already making significant progress – for instance,
3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data invisible printing technology allows patients to use an
analytics and other trends and technologies are app or special lens to check medication authenticity.
impacting life sciences and healthcare today. Pharma companies are also advancing visibility and
security in the supply chain through serialization
To thrive through profound change, pharmaceutical
companies must formulate new strategies, adjust 6.using blockchain technology.
decision-making processes, and increase collaboration. Demand will grow for online ordering. Patients
Faced with so much uncertainty, a good place to start will want to order online. We already order
is by considering the certainties. items such as toys and shoes online, but not important
items that impact our health. Many countries’
Here is what we know for sure in the life regulations protect an outdated model; it is clear that
technology can reduce cost in the dispensing process
1.sciences and healthcare industry: while still ensuring patient safety. As demand for the
Patients will live in large population centres. convenience and privacy of online ordering grows,
Before the 18th century, economic prosperity
and populations were broadly aligned: larger 7.regulatory reform will become inevitable.
populations produced more, had bigger armies, and More healthcare will be at home. Many will
enjoyed larger economies. This changed with the want to have healthcare services in the privacy
industrial revolution, but we are seeing a shift back and comfort of their own home. Indeed, they may be
towards prosperity/population alignment. There is unable to leave due to their health and disabilities, or
significant certainty that most patients of the future
will be located in the world’s largest population 8.because of their family and work commitments.
Payers will push for industry optimization. In
2.centres. their ongoing quest for cost efficiency, payers
Companies will care more about individual will push for increased optimization, particularly
needs. Each patient will have different, specific through the use of technology. Pharmaceutical
needs. They might be old, frail and housebound – in companies will be able to provide better patient
Japan, 2 out of 3 people will be aged 65 or older by outcomes at lower cost by making use of all available
2035; in China, this will be 1 in 3. They may be obese and new technologies.
or chronically ill, for example with diabetes. This will
impact product portfolios and levels of home delivery; - Andrew Mitchell
companies must find ways to bring healthcare services Vice President, Life Sciences &
Healthcare Europe, Middle East & Africa and
3.closer to patients. - Matthias Vollmert, Partner, DHL Consulting
Medication will become more affordable. The
ability to afford pharmaceuticals will improve,
as wealth and healthcare spending are driven by
Gross domestic product (GDP). The most dramatic
GDP increases – and therefore the greatest increase
in medication affordability – will occur in the largest

4.population centres like China and India.
The cost of providing medicine will decline.
Currently, mature markets have higher supply
chain efficiency – for example, distribution in the
Netherlands makes up just 2 per cent of total costs
compared with 22 per cent in Kenya. This will move
towards a global norm as infrastructure improves,

5.increasing global accessibility to healthcare.
Security will become vital. Patients of the
future will want to feel safe and secure about

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOTALK 35

“Startups will
have a key
role to play
in addressing
the local last
mile needs”

« developing world is beset with issues like inadequate
access to basic healthcare, rising costs and increase
Srinivas Prasad in non-communicable diseases. To address these
challenges, we need to adapt both conventional and
CEO, Philips new approaches. While we need to invest in building
more hospitals, on the other hand, we need to make
Innovation Campus effective use of emerging technologies like Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Connected care enabled by IoT, in
Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) was established the field of healthcare.
in 1996 and for the last 20 years the center is
committed to developing healthcare solutions to AI can be a game changer. In India, there is
address the prevailing healthcare challenges in India paucity of infrastructure be it hospitals, beds, doctors
and across the world. A team of 2500+ people consisting or nurses. If AI can be applied to get more insights
of engineers, doctors, data scientists, researchers are on the usage of the Infrastructure, this will help in
among the best in the industry. It has domain experts making the existing infrastructure more efficient,
who have been working on different Philips products cost of care will come down and more patients can be
and solutions for the last 15~20 years. The repository treated. Second area where I see AI more prevalent
of knowledge and expertise built due to the innovation is in enabling doctors to be more productive. AI can
culture, has helped PIC establish itself as an innovation help the doctors through appropriate clinical insights
hub. It was started as an off-shore center and grew to derived from the use of trained AI based models. This
develop end-to-end healthcare products and healthcare would help them focus more on high risk patients and
solutions. These products and solutions (Ultrasound become more productive.
products, hand-held ECG, Tele ICU solution, AI-
based platforms etc.) are now being used across global The third effective use of AI would be in population
markets. Srinivas Prasad, CEO, Philips Innovation management. For example, if there is an outbreak of
Campus in an interaction with BioSpectrum talks about dengue, the population data can help us identify the
artificial intelligence in health sector. high risk area, catch the onset at an early stage (or even
prevent this) and intervention measures can be taken.
Excerpts of the interview The way AI is progressing globally is remarkable. It is
not looking at the data from one source but aggregating
Can you throw some light on the transformation data from multiple sources to make a better decision.
that healthcare sector has witnessed in India with
the introduction of Artificial Intelligence and how
it is going to change the sector in future?
The developed and the developing world, both are
reeling under various challenges in healthcare.
Countries like US are dealing with problems like costs,
efficiency and managing waste in the system, while the

36 BIOTALK BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

However, at present I think it is in a very nascent stage. I foresee Philips Innovation Campus coming up
Some hospitals have begun to use it. In the next three to with more end to end solutions like our Chest Pain
five years there will be a huge momentum and it will be Clinics and extending care into the homes of people.
a part of the system. We need to ride on this wave which The way we want to take things forward in India
has just started. While AI can never replace a doctor, it with AI, is through a very robust AI platform called
will certainly be a part of our lives. Healthsuite Insights. Philips HealthSuite Insights
gives data scientists, software developers, clinicians
To me success or failure of AI is based on and healthcare providers access to advanced analytic
two things: capabilities to curate and analyze healthcare data and
offers them tools and technologies to build, maintain,
1) Change in the mindset of clinicians deploy and scale AI-based solutions. AI-based solutions
2) Availability of clean data have great potential to improve patient outcomes and
In India, there is lot of data that exists in Government care efficiency. However, developing and deploying AI
hospitals but not all are in an electronic form. The solutions for healthcare use cases can be time consuming,
National Health Policy 2017, approved by the cabinet resource intensive and expensive. HealthSuite Insights
has proposed for health information exchange by 2025. eases the logistical challenges of deploying AI solutions
So this should be one of the driving forces to aggregate in research and clinical environments. It accelerates
data and create access irrespective of where the data is the development of analytics solutions, and reduces
located. One way of doing it is to move the data to a development and total cost of AI solutions.
central repository or moving it to personal health report
through cloud, after the consent of the patient. Another Developing a model is not a problem. The problem
way of doing it is in a distributed way through common is ingesting the raw data from the right source,
UID. Real time data from the hospitals is important. cleaning it up, then developing the right data model to
Seamless standardized data and connectivity is the enable extraction of correct information. Unlike many
key to extend the best clinical expertise into tier 3 city of the other existing platforms this will support the
or village in India. Interoperability standardization is end-to-end workflow for developing models.
important for this to become a reality.
We already see the many advancements in this area This model can be used by start-ups and hospitals
being applied across various fields in India. I believe too. We are working with hospitals in India and
that many of the AI solutions, if developed keeping the outside to co-create models.
local context in perspective, the vision of “anywhere,
anytime intelligent healthcare” will no longer be a Last year, we launched our Start-Up Engagement
utopian myth, but a reality in India! program - Philips HealthWorks at Bangalore and
accelerated the first cohort of 4 startups. Philips
What are the future plans of the company? Any HealthWorks startup program is a unique and
intensive 90-day tailored program built to help the
new products in the pipeline? start-ups build, test, de-risk and scale their idea. We
connect the start-ups with the expertise they need in
India as well as across the globe to break through in
the health tech world. Currently, there are only a few
such hubs across the globe for Philips and Bangalore
is an important hub given the broad domain expertise
we have, and our strength is software.

This year, we look forward to engage with those
healthcare startups with a high disruption potential who
have AI, machine learning, deep learning at the core of
their proposition. We are looking at startups focusing
on application of AI, ML in Radiology, Oncology,
Cardiology domains to improve clinical as well as
operational outcomes for patients & care providers.

Given the challenges that we have in India, and the
need for end-to-end solution, startups will have a key
role to play in addressing the local last mile needs and
working with us to create solutions relevant for India
which can then be scaled up to other geographies
across the world.

Kalyani Sharma
[email protected]

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOTALK 37

“India to become world’s leading nation

with highest chest/lung problems”

Medequip Healthcare Solutions, (From L-R)- Suhas Shubhakaran and Ankur Garg, Co-Founders of Medequip
a one of a kind company that Healthcare Solutions LLP with Oxygen Concentrators
deals with a wide range of
Surgical and Healthcare products based
in Bangalore. Started in 2015 with an
investment of Rs 2 crore by four people
with the intention of bringing quality
healthcare products with an emphasis
on accessibility. Now, after being in
the industry for over eight years and
seeing the lack of availability of quality
products and after-sales service, the
team decided to start a venture that
provided the very same. Currently the
company with a staff strength of 27
has 150 dealers/ distributors. It has
done a business worth Rs 5 crore for
2016-17 and targeting to close 2017-18
at Rs 11 crore. In an interaction with
BioSpectrum Ankur Garg and Suhas
Shubhakaran Co-founders, Medequip
Healthcare Solutions shared their views
about the market potential and future
plans of the company.

Excerpts of the interview

In December Medequip has launched a range of thought of launching the 3LPM machine which is
priced lower than the 5 LPM machines. We are also
Oxygen Concentrators in India. How do you see launching the 10 LPM machine as in some cases a
patient might need more than 5 LPM and since 90 %
the market potential for this in the coming year? of the machines are designed for 5 LPM output, they
Ankur Garg: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease might have to buy 2 machines. We are launching the
(COPD) is the third highest cause of death in the 10 LPM machines to help facilitate these patients and
world. India tops the world in Lung disease deaths, make it affordable to all.
approximately 1 in 20 people have COPD in India. The
market potential is quite huge, provided that the right What kind of competition do you foresee for
product reaches the right customer at the right price
with the right service back up. We have successfully these concentrators?
established the market with our Owgels Oxymed 5 Suhas Shubhakaran: The market is huge and the
Liter Per Minute (LPM) Oxygen Concentrator and competition is growing every day. We are aware of the
have received a marvellous response from across fact that several companies are looking at launching
India, due to its technology, features and the after sale these models. However, a company that launched the
service that the machine comes with. The machine has 3 LPM machine failed due to its technical issues and
unique features such as an Inbuilt Nebulizer, Dual lack of spares. There may be more than 10 brands
Filters, longer life of the Sieve Beds and a large digital which are circulating in the Indian Markets but only a
display. It is the only machine in this category to have handful which have been successful in providing post
so many features and comes at a very attractive price. sales service and backup support. Lack of spares is
another issue.
A 5LPM machine may not be needed by everyone
as their requirement could only be 1- 2 or 2- 3 LPM. Owgels Oxymed is very competitively priced; a best
To provide value (for money) to our customers, we

38 BIOTALK BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

in class product. In fact we would like to say, some of effective exhalation and inhalation using an intelligent
the features like the inbuilt nebulizer, dual filter, built algorithm. The efficient humidification technology
in Pulse oximeter and a digital timer is provided only brings an increase in relative humidity making every
by us. According to our partners, who have been in the breath warm, humid & comfortable. It also captures
industry for more than 15 years, we have attained a and records the patients sleeping data precisely for
reputation for providing the best after sales service in around two years. It comes at a very affordable price
the market. In the event of a machine requiring service, tag with a 2 years replacement guarantee. We are
we provide a stand by so as not to inconvenience the quite confident of getting great traction in the market
customer. We are also fully equipped with all the as people are now aware about the issues caused by
spares at any given point of time. Sleep apnea.

While there many companies who are trying to What kind of market potential do you see for
establish themselves in this segment, we are the
only ones setting up a manufacturing unit in India. these devices?
We intend to not only to offer quality products at Ankur Garg: Unfortunately statistics show that
reasonable prices, but also ensure a strong focus on India is going to surpass China and become the world’s
Quality and Aftersales Service. leading nation with the highest Chest/Lung problems.
The rate at which the pollution is growing in the Metro
Medequip also launched BiPAP Series of Sleep cities, it is believed that as early as 2021, one out of
every 8 Indians would be affected by a pulmonary
Apnea therapy devices recently. What kind disease.

of response that you have received for these India has always been a very attractive market
for the Healthcare Industry and it will be so for the
devices so far? upcoming decade. Many new players are entering the
Suhas Shubhakaran: Again, Sleep apnea is one Indian Marketspace looking at the opportunity.
of the most prevalent sleep disorders, often caused
by an obstruction in the respiratory tract, preventing What kind of business model do you have in
air from entering the lungs. People with untreated
sleep apnea choke in their sleep, which disrupts the place to reach out to people?
sleeping pattern. The disruption in supply of air Suhas Shubhakaran: We strictly focus on the dealer
deprives the brain and the rest of the body of enough distributor network, which is the most effective way to
oxygen leading to very serious consequences like high reach out to our customers. Some of the products are
blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. service driven and need immediate attention as they
Delivering a steady flow of air into the airway is an are lifesaving medical devices.
effective solution.
Hence we appoint a local service centre and a
We launched Hypnus Oxymed only 2 months ago. distributor who has a service engineer to attend to
So far the doctors and the dealers have given us an complaints immediately. We also provide all kinds of
excellent feedback. Hypnus Oxymed automatically spares and stand by machines to help the distributors
adjusts supply pressure to guarantee natural in case they are unable to solve the issue, if any.
breathing. It monitors the users breathing to ensure
Currently Medequip is importing these

equipment’s. Do you have plans of setting up

manufacturing unit? If yes are you looking at

raising funds to do that?
Suhas Shubhakaran: Yes. We have already
signed a joint venture to do so. We will be setting
up the manufacturing unit in Peenya industrial
estate, Bangalore to start manufacturing Oxygen
Concentrators and Nebulizers in Bangalore.

The target is to reduce the healthcare delivery
cost in the next 5-10 years to make it accessible to
all. Domestic manufacture of customized indigenous
medical devices will allow us to reduce end user costs.

It is a joint venture and our parent company will be
investing and partnering with us.

Narayan Kulkarni
[email protected]

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com BIOTALK 39

“Changes are sweeping through the
healthcare landscape in all countries”

« Asia operations, I will also be driving our investments in
Infrastructure like Warehouse rationalization leveraging
Pavan Mocherla GST roll-out in India; technology adoption for better
in-market sales visibility, Salesforce effectiveness. I will
Managing Director, also be responsible towards increasing our presence
in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
BD India and South (SAARC) countries of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka
and Maldives to name a few.
Asia operations
What are the major plans for the South Asian
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has recently
announced the appointment of Pavan Mocherla operations in the coming years?
as the new managing director for India and South The medical devices sector plays a critical role at
Asia operations. Pavan will be relocating to India from the each stage of the healthcare continuum and BD has a
US to be at the helm of affairs in the country. With more business footprint in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and
than 25 years of experience across various industries, Maldives. Every year we have been driving increase
Pavan has held multiple positions and managed several in our business in these important countries. We stay
projects in both emerging and developed markets. A committed to continue with our plans. As we launch
strong believer in living the BD values of continuously new products in India, we are making efforts to register
improving and innovating and doing it right, he has them for these markets and launch, thereby providing
been with BD for more than 14 years in business and an opportunity for innovation to be taken to the patients
strategic roles. In his last assignment in BD for Strategic and healthcare providers in these countries.
Innovation, he was instrumental in setting up an
Innovation System to accelerate growth opportunities for Some of our products that have been recently
the markets of China and South East Asia. In his current launched in India are BD Surepath Direct to Slide
role, Pavan will be driving patient safety initiatives like Technology for cervical cancer screening, BD Venflon
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Healthcare Associated I (IV cannula with BD Instaflash Needle Technology).
Infections (HAI) reduction etc. and spearhead projects to Additionally, Multi color flow cytometry (MCF) is
improve access to technology in the global health space a growing application segment where BD Horizon
(HIV, TB etc.) through engagement with stakeholders Brilliant portfolio from our BD Life Sciences-
across Government and multilateral agencies. In an Biosciences reagents business brings differentiated
exclusive interview with BioSpectrum, after taking offerings and unique advantages to its customers.
over as MD for India and South Asia operations, Pavan
Mocherla shared his plans for the company and the What changes do you foresee in the current
current trends in the market.
Excerpts of the interview healthcare trends in the South Asian countries?
Changes are sweeping through the healthcare landscape
Congratulations on your new appointment. What in all countries, more importantly in India. Ayushman
are the key projects you’ll be heading in your Bharat rolled out by the Indian Government, if
current role? implemented well could expand coverage to millions
Thank you. The key expectations from Management is of people for the first time. It can drive our healthcare
to help position BD to serve the patient better in India. market in size, reach newer levels. New Medical Devices
With a rapidly evolving Indian healthcare landscape, rules will enable businesses execute/introduce new
it is important to stay anchored with patient at the products that will bring greater value into the healthcare
centre and not be distracted by headwinds like National ecosystem. Healthcare costs being discussed amongst all
Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) price caps, stakeholders, be it Government, Healthcare Providers or
preference for local players, et al. In addition to giving a Patients. The medical device sector is highly innovative
strategic direction to the organisation’s India and South and I believe, it can address some of the growing
healthcare needs of India without compromising on
patient access to quality healthcare.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

40 SUPPLIER NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Samsung initiates Smart Philips introduces
advanced tele
Healthcare project in AP ultrasound solution

Samsung India has initiated Samsung Smart Healthcare Philips has unveiled a new and advanced tele-
programme at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam to ultrasound solution designed to provide real-
provide affordable and quality healthcare to financially and time connection between clinicians across
socially backward patients. the world through two-way audio-visual calls
with live ultrasound streaming.
As part of the program, Samsung has provided advanced
and innovative healthcare equipment such as digital The compatible, integrated tool is built on
ultrasound and digital x-ray manufactured by the company Philips’ Lumify portable ultrasound system
free to select government hospitals across the country. and backed by Reacts collaborative platform
from Canada-based Innovative Imaging
Samsung Smart Healthcare programme aims to Technologies (IIT). Reacts platform comprises
support the Government’s efforts to benefit communities interactive tools such as augmented reality
with limited access to quality healthcare. With innovative designed to meet the demands of various
products such as digital ultrasound, digital x-ray and healthcare professionals and patients.
accessories that facilitate healthcare intervention and
multiple medical examinations, since 2015 Samsung Apart from virtual guidance, the
has collaborated with 16 government hospitals across to solution can be used to teach and train
country for the Samsung Smart Healthcare programme. medical students and by emergency medical
personnel, disaster relief providers and
Until now, over 3.5 lakh patients from economically hospitals with satellite clinics.
and socially weaker sections of society have benefitted
from the Samsung Smart Healthcare programme. Doctors,
technicians and radiologists are also trained to handle
state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and software.

GE Healthcare to sell IT biz for $1.05B

General Electric Co’s healthcare unit would be selling its information
technology business to private equity firm Veritas Capital for $1.05
billion in cash as it sharpens its focus on smart diagnostics and connected
devices.

The information technology business houses its financial management,
ambulatory care and workforce management software assets. The
transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2018.

GE had a line of sight on the first $4 billion in asset sales under its
plans for $20 billion in disposals, as it tries to shore up its financial
performance. As part of the plan, the company is looking to sell its
transportation unit, which makes railway locomotives and the iconic
lighting division that makes bulbs for consumers.

Morgan Stanley and Keval Health are GE’s financial advisers, while
Goldman Sachs & Co. and William Blair & Co advised Veritas Capital.

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l PEOPLE NEWS 41

Dr Reddy’s Lab announces Parkway Pantai appoints
senior leadership changes Ajay Bakshi as CEO-Designate

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. has announced Parkway Pantai has appointed Dr Ajay Bakshi as the Chief
a change in the makeup of its senior Executive Officer – Designate for its India Operations
leadership team. Following a 15-year career Division. There will be a transition period over the month of
with the company, Abhijit Mukherjee, Chief April for current Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Krishnan
Operating Officer, will retire on March 31, to hand over to Dr Ajay Bakshi. Dr Bakshi will take on the
2018. Mukherjee will be succeeded by Erez full responsibilities and designation of Chief Executive
Israeli, former President & CEO of Enzymotec. effective from May 1, 2018 when Ramesh Krishnan steps
Israeli will join Dr Reddy’s on April 2, 2018, down. Dr Bakshi, a trained neurosurgeon from All India
as Chief Operating Officer and Global Head Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, comes
of Generics & PSAI, based out of Hyderabad. with rich experience in the healthcare sector. A former
He will report to Dr Reddy’s Co-Chairman & consultant with McKinsey, he has advised
CEO, G.V. Prasad. In a career spanning over large US healthcare and pharmaceutical
25 years, Israeli has held leadership positions corporations on their strategy and
that have contributed significantly to the operations as well as addressed the
performance of companies he worked for. effectiveness of healthcare systems in
Prior to Enzymotec, he completed 23 years with the Middle East and African countries.
Teva Pharmaceuticals Limited, where he held From 2011 to 2014, Dr Bakshi was
several positions of responsibility including with Max Healthcare as their Managing
Vice President Marketing & Sales for North Director & CEO where he led
America, Vice President Asia Operations, a successful launch of four
President Teva API, Group Executive Vice new hospitals as well as a
President, Head of Global Quality, and comprehensive turn-around
President & CEO Growth Markets. of the whole hospital network.

42 PEOPLE NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

Dr Renu Swarup takes Slayback
charge as DBT Secretary
Pharma
Dr Renu Swarup has been appointed as the Secretary, Department of
Biotechnology (DBT). She had been previously serving as the Senior appoints Abhijit
Adviser to DBT. She replaces Prof K VijayRaghavan who retired from the
post on February 2, 2018. After his retirement Mukherjee as
as DBT Secretary, Prof VijayRaghavan has been
appointed as the Principal Scientific Adviser to Senior Advisor
the Government of India.
Slayback Pharma, a privately
Dr Renu Swarup also holds charge of held pharma research and
Managing Director, Biotechnology Industry development company,
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) announced the appointment
incorporated by the Government of India to of Abhijit Mukherjee as
nurture and promote innovation research in a Senior Advisor to the
the Biotech Enterprise with special focus on Board and Management
Start-ups and SMEs. Through Biotechnology of Slayback, effective
translational research and industry academia immediately. In this role,
partnerships she has supported more than 1000 Start-ups and Abhijit will advise the
Entrepreneurs and nearly 500 small companies for innovation research company on strategic and
and product development. operational matters.

Recipient of Bio-Spectrum Person of the Year Award” in 2012, Dr Abhijit has a Bachelor
Renu Swarup was awarded with National Entrepreneurship Award, 2017 of Technology in Chemical
under Mentor (Government) category in the Recognition track. A PhD Engineering from the
in Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dr Renu Swarup completed her Post Indian Institute of
Doctoral at The John Innes Centre, Norwich UK, under Commonwealth Technology Kharagpur. He
Scholarship and returned to India to take up the assignment of a Science is a seasoned veteran in the
Manager in the DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology, in 1989. pharmaceutical industry
with a proven track record.
NATHEALTH brings in For more than 15 years,
Daljit Singh as President Abhijit held a number
of leadership roles at Dr
Healthcare federation NATHEALTH has elected Fortis Healthcare Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd,
president Daljit Singh as the president, who succeeds Brig. Dr Arvind Lal, most recently serving as
chairman & MD, Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd. Probir Das, MD, Terumo India Chief Operating Officer,
Private Ltd has become senior vice president-NATHEALTH and Dr H. leading operations of the
Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman, Manipal Hospitals has been elected as company’s businesses
vice president. Amit Mookim, general manager- South Asia, IQVIA and globally.
Rajit Mehta, MD and CEO of Max Healthcare Institute have
been elected as secretary and treasurer of the healthcare Headquartered in
federation respectively. Singh has been a pivotal Princeton, New Jersey,
member of the top team of Fortis that formulated Slayback Pharma
and implemented Fortis’ growth strategy to position conceptualizes and develops
it as India’s leading Healthcare delivery organization complex generic and
in a short span of 10 years. Singh is an acknowledged specialty pharmaceutical
expert and thought leader in the domain of Healthcare drugs and products.
Delivery. He is on the Steering Boards constituted by The company focuses
the World Economic Forum to guide two major Global on products that are
projects: “Scenarios for Sustainable Health Systems” complex to develop and/
and “The Healthy Living Charter”. He is also on or manufacture, such as
the Forum’s Advisory Board on “The Economic oil-in-water emulsions, a
Burden of Non Communicable Diseases in India”. sterile long acting injectable
using nano-spheres, sterile
suspensions with particle
physics, and hormonal
products with cross-
contamination issues.

BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com l PEOPLE NEWS 43

ICMR appoints AIIMS Prof K VijayRaghavan is
professor as new DG new Scientific Adviser to Govt

Dr Balram Bhargava, a senior consultant Distinguished Professor and former Director of the
cardiologist at the All India Institute of Medical National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS),
Science (AIIMS), has been appointed the new Krishnaswamy VijayRaghavan
Director General (DG) of the Indian Council has been appointed as the
of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary Principal Scientific Advisor
of the Department of Health Research. He to the Government of India.
will be succeeding former ICMR DG Soumya He will be succeeding R
Swaminathan, appointed the deputy director Chidamabaram who has been
general for the World Health Organisation in in the position for more than
October 2017. Bhargava will carry out this role 16 years. Prof VijayRaghavan
until 2021. Bhargava is a recipient of Padma has served as a Secretary of
Shri in 2014, for his contributions to the field Department of Biotechnology,
of medicine. Bhargava is reported as a leader in India since 28 January 2013,
the field of biomedical innovations in India. He replacing Dr Maharaj Kishan Bhan.
was the force in the establishment of the Stem
Cell Facility at AIIMS which was, reportedly, He was conferred the Padma Shri by the
the first centre in the world which initiated Government of India on January 26, 2013. He is also
treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy patients. a recipient of the Infosys Prize in the life sciences
The centre is now poised to develop into a category in 2009. The tasks of the Office of the
Centre for Excellence for Stem Cell Studies, with Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India
the assistance from the Government of India. (PSA’s Office), involves creation of missions and also
to undertake multi-departmental, multi-institutional
projects in strategic, technology and other areas of
economic/ social relevance.

44 ACADEMIC NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

IIT- Roorkee KIHT inks MoU with Medikabazaar

collaborates Medikabazaar, an online Kalam Institute of Health
marketplace for purchase of Technology has collaborated with
with AIIMS, medical products and medical Medikabazaar for the e-auction
supplies by hospitals and medical of technologies related to medical
Rishikesh establishments has announced that devices developed by members of
they have signed a Memorandum the cluster. In a major knowledge
The Indian Institute of of Understanding (MoU) with transfer boost, KIHT will assist
Technology Roorkee the prestigious Kalam Institute of members of Medikabazaar with
has collaborated with Health Technology (KIHT) based appropriate information on
All India Institute of in Vishakhapatnam, India. important domain expertise and
Medical Sciences (AIIMS), available facilities for focused
Rishikesh, on health The MoU states that R&D on medical devices.
education, research and Medikabazaar will showcase
service fields. The two innovative technologies ready
institutions have entered to be purchased for industrial
into a Memorandum of manufacturing by medical
Understanding (MOU) to products manufacturers. This will
support their respective be the first ever e-auction where
educational programs medical technology can be bought
in the field of the or auctioned. This partnership will
Professional Competencies, help support MedTech transfers
particularly in the areas and facilitate rapid industrial
of Communication Skills, promotion.
Ethics, Professionalism,
Self-Care and Self- Scientists back students protest
Awareness. The MoU would against sexual harassment
serve to stimulate contacts
between investigators in Very recently, another case of sexual harassment came into light when Prof
health science from the two Atul Johri, School of Life Sciences (SLS), Jawaharlal Nehru University
institutions and provide a (JNU), New Delhi, was arrested after eight JNU students filed sexual
benchmark for research that harassment complaints against him. The protests started soon after Prof
would lead to innovations Atul Johri was arrested and then granted bail by Delhi’s Patiala House
and changes in diagnostics, court within 80 minutes of his arrest. As a result of this, the entire science
treatment interventions and community is being asked to come forward on support of the students
effectiveness of treatment who claimed to have been a victim of sexual assault by Prof Johri. A joint
and procedures. Prof Ajit statement has been signed by scientists from Indian Institute of Science
K. Chaturvedi, Director, (IISc), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of
IIT Roorkee, signed the Technology (NITs), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), All
MoU with Prof Ravi India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), National Centre for Biological
Kant, Director, AIIMS Sciences (NCBS), Raman Research Institute and other higher education
Rishikesh. Both institutions and research institutions. IISc Professor Sandhya S Visweswariah;
will work to develop Ashmita Patil of AIIMS, Joyee Ghosh of IIT-Delhi, Shobhana Narasimhan
learning opportunities of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research; are among
through courses, the 165 scientists who have issued the joint statement.
seminars workshops, and
other means from both
institutions to pursue
activities related to scholars’
academic program,
particularly with respect
to the development of a
Professional Competencies
curriculum adapted for use
at respective institution.



46 SCIENCE NEWS l BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

IIT-G researchers use silk Indian scientist
scaffolds for bone regeneration
fabricates
A group of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT) Guwahati has developed a scaffold made of silk injectable bandage
composite functionalised with copper-doped bioactive
glass to facilitate faster bone regeneration. A team of scientists led by Dr Akhilesh K.
Gaharwar, at the Texas A&M University,
The scaffold seeded with stem cells was found to has successfully fabricated an injectable
differentiate into bone cells, facilitate growth of blood bandage to stop bleeding and promote
vessels and successfully integrate the newly formed bone wound healing. The team has used kappa-
cells with the native bone. carrageenan and nanosilicates to form
injectable hydrogels to promote hemostasis
The researchers were able to replicate the results in and facilitate wound healing via a controlled
rabbits using functionalised non-mulberry silk composite. release of therapeutics.
Rabbits with scaffolds implanted at the site of bone injury
showed successful growth of bone cells and integration When kappa-carrageenan is mixed with
with the native bone at the end of three months. clay-based nanoparticles, injectable gelatin
is obtained. The charged characteristics
The research team developed the silk composite by of clay-based nanoparticles provide
adding chopped silk fibre to liquid silk. Unlike pure silk, hemostatic ability to the hydrogels.
the silk composite has greater strength. The addition of Specifically, plasma protein and platelets
bioglass further enhanced the strength of the composite. form blood adsorption on the gel surface
The team plans to undertake trials on larger animals now, and trigger a blood clotting cascade.
and is hopeful to get regulatory clearance soon.
The team also found that these injectable
bandages can show a prolonged release
of therapeutics that can be used to heal
the wound. The negative surface charge
of nanoparticles enabled electrostatic
interactions with therapeutics thus resulting
in the slow release of therapeutics.

CSIR scientists to focus on malaria vaccine

Researchers at the Hyderabad- parasite development and disease for almost 90 per cent of total
based Centre for Cellular and pathogenesis, and could be a malaria toll. P. falciparum
Molecular Biology (CCMB) are treasure of potential targets for malaria is particularly fatal in
working towards developing a vaccine and drug development. children under five and pregnant
whole malarial parasite vaccine women.
that can be conditionally The team is also working to
attenuated when given to humans. understand the virulence of P. Despite number of efforts, a
falciparum that causes cerebral malaria vaccine is still awaited.
The team is investigating malaria and pregnancy related A candidate malaria vaccine
two important pathways in malaria. Most infections are developed by GSK in collaboration
malaria parasite - ubiquitin caused by P. falciparum and P. with Walter Reed Army Institute
proteasome and lysosomal vivax, but P. falciparum is the of Research is set to be tested in
pathways, which likely regulate most dangerous as it accounts Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.

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48 BIOEVENT BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

6TH FOUNDATION DAY

“BIRAC has played a critical role in
supporting entrepreneurial aspirations”

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology Grand Challenges India call on AMR
and Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests and Climate
Change, Government of India speaking at the BIRAC’s 6th The Department of Biotechnology and the Bill
Foundation Day in New Delhi. & Melinda Gates Foundation partnership Grand
Challenges India, announced a new initiative on
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The application
Council (BIRAC) celebrated its 6 th Foundation process will open shortly and will be managed by
Day recently in New Delhi. Themed as the Program Management Unit housed at BIRAC
‘Sustaining Innovation – A Market Driven Pathway’, (PMU-BIRAC). This call is run in alignment with
the event was attended by a large number of dignitaries Grand Challenges South Africa, Grand Challenges
from the scientific and industry sectors both from Africa and Grand Challenges Brazil and will fund
within the country and overseas. projects from across these geographies which will
be managed by the country partner.
Inaugurating the event, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union
Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences The mandate for the Grand Challenges India
and Environment, Forests and Climate Change, call is in the space of surveillance and analytical
Government of India said, ‘BIRAC has played a critical tools, products and technologies for infection
role in supporting the entrepreneurial aspirations of prevention and remove antibiotics from effluents.
brightest minds in the country through its programs AMR is a growing concern in India, with several
and mentor support networks in keeping with the government initiatives beginning to fund research
Government’s mandate. It is through these efforts in this space. Given the cross-disciplinary and
that we are able to develop affordable products and multi-faceted nature of AMR, it is and will likely
technologies that will better the lives of our people. I to remain as a grand challenge for India.
commend the work of BIRAC and am convinced that
this is only the beginning of success.’ “AMR is a growing threat to public health,
and in the last few years the Government of India
Dr Vinod Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, with its associated bodies has undertaken several
Government of India said, ‘The role that BIRAC programs to fund R&D in area of Anti-microbial
has played in bringing together healthcare, resistance. However, there are still areas, where
entrepreneurship and science has been pivotal. From research funding is lacking and will benefit from
affordable devices or diagnostics, to treatments, targeted funding, such as surveillance, prevention
BIRAC supported innovators and technologies are on of infections and environmental AMR. This
their way to changing healthcare in India and beyond.’ partnership initiative will catalyse scientific and
technological innovation syndicate to achieve
Through the course of six years, BIRAC has major breakthroughs in global health’’ said Dr
supported over 650 projects, more than 500 start-ups, Renu Swarup, Senior Adviser, DBT & Managing
& entrepreneurs, and 30 incubators across the country, Director, BIRAC (now secretary of DBT).
resulting in over 100 products and technologies and
“We are delighted to have the opportunity
to work with and support the leadership and
collaboration across the India, Brazil, South Africa
and Africa Grand Challenge programs as they seek
new innovations in this important challenge area,”
said, Dr Steven Buchsbaum, Deputy Director,
Discovery & Translational Sciences, Bill Melinda
Gates Foundation.

150 Intellectual property rights being generated.
‘A 6th Foundation Day is a testament to the

commitment of the organization to its mandate, in this



50 BIOEVENT BIOSPECTRUM | MAY 2018 | www.biospectrumindia.com

BIRAC, PerkinElmer to promote India-Led Startups & Innovations

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader
committed to innovating for a healthier world signed a Letter of Intent to work together on the identified
areas for a five-year partnership to promote India-led startups and innovators in the areas of biomedical,
biotechnology and public health. The LOI was signed by Dr Renu Swarup, Senior Adviser, DBT & Managing
Director, BIRAC (now secretary of DBT) and Dr Prahlad Singh, Senior Vice President, PerkinElmer.

“The goal of the collaboration is to promote the portfolio of Indian-led innovations and startups, which
aligns with PerkinElmer’s mission to innovate for a healthier world. Moving ahead, PerkinElmer will continue
to invest in India by lending support to government initiatives in technology innovations and advanced
solutions that help protect the environment, the safety of our food, and the health of mothers and their
newborn babies,” said Scott Palubiak, Vice President, Market Development, PerkinElmer.

Dr. Renu Swarup, said, “BIRAC supports entrepreneurs and startups at different stages of innovation
– from the ideation stage to managing intellectual property rights, and finally to the commercialization of
products. This collaboration with PerkinElmer exemplifies our focus to enable commercialization and ensure
the global competitiveness of Indian enterprises. This endeavor will also help to develop a complete ecosystem
from an innovative idea to employment creation and generation, to product commercialization in domestic
and global markets.”

“PerkinElmer is committed to developing innovative technologies to address the challenges of healthcare
in India, completing the ecosystem from preventive to advanced healthcare. The products and solutions
developed through this partnership will not only contribute to the national efforts of ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill
India and Entrepreneurship’, but also promotes ‘Go to Global’ market opportunities,” said Jayashree Thacker,
President PerkinElmer India.

case, bringing together innovators and entrepreneurs, Community Health) awards. This award is an
mentors and peer-networks with the goal to harness innovation challenge award which was launched on
the power of biotechnology to do good for society,’ the MyGov portal in September 2017.
said Dr Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of
Science and Technology. This challenge has two themes, platform
technologies for reducing disease burden
BIRAC implements its mandate through a wide (communicable and non-communicable diseases) and
range of high impact initiatives, providing access to sanitation and waste recycling. The winners will now
risk capital through targeted funding, facilitating have 6 months and Rs 15 lakhs to develop a minimal
technology transfer, and supporting intellectual viable prototype and will then compete for the larger
property management and handholding schemes for Rs 50 lakh award within their categories.
biotech firms to make them globally competitive.
‘BIRAC has over the years’ facilitated creation
BIRAC has over 10 flagship schemes that are of a vibrant start up ecosystem. We are pleased that
supported by funding from the Department of today on we are seeing the impact of this ecosystem
Biotechnology, and manages 7 collaboratively funded in not only providing affordable solutions for societal
programmes with international partners, such as the problems but also enhancing innovation competence.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Nesta, the Wellcome It is now important to develop robust pathways to
Trust and United States Agency for International sustain these innovations’ said Dr Renu Swarup,
Development (USAID), among others. BIRAC tries to Senior Adviser, Department of Biotechnology and
galvanize the social impact by piloting research and Managing Director, BIRAC (now secretary of DBT).
extension services within a series of thematic calls
and other global definite initiatives to improve public The BIRAC Foundation Day plenary talks and
health and beyond. panel discussions were aimed at building momentum
for health and development initiatives via innovations
The event also saw the felicitation of Prof and to foster scientific collaboration among national
G Padmanabhan, Former Director and current and international groups and researchers. The focus
Honorary Professor of the Indian Institute of Science, of this year’s event was on sustaining innovation and
Bengaluru, on the occasion of his 80th birthday and survival of start-ups in the market, once they are
the release of the second volume of his memoirs, titled launched. At the first panel, experts discussed the
‘Doing science in India: My second innings’. challenges start-ups face on the way to the market. At
the second panel they discussed on the sustainability
The event also saw the announcement of the issue for start-ups once they reach the market.
preliminary winners of the SoCH (Solutions for