EPISODE 8

Leadership Companion Series – Episode 8

Topic: Opportunities in Pharma Industry.

Date: 24-1-2025          

Day: Friday

Time: 3.30 pm

Speaker - Dr. Manoj Nargund, Head-Medical affairs, Sapat Global Health Pvt. Ltd.

Attendees-

• Sanjeev Kumar Jha (Assistant Director, Placements)
• Sanjana Shilka (Placement Coordinator)
• Pooja Budhale (Dillikar) (Assistant – Placements)
• Priti Yadav (Host)
• Placement Committee Members
• Students (B Pharm MBA, M Pharm MBA)

On 24th January 2025, the Leadership Companion Series, Episode 8 of the 2024-25 academic year, featured a guest lecture on "Opportunities in the Pharma Industry" by Dr. Manoj Nargund. The session was hosted by Ms. Priti Yadav, a student placement member from M.Pharm MBA.

Dr. Manoj Nargund, a visionary leader in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, brings over two decades of expertise in Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, and Strategic Planning. Currently serving as the Head of Medical Affairs at Sapat Global Health Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Nargund is spearheading innovative patient-centric solutions in dermatology. His career exemplifies the dedication to bridging the gap between science and commercial strategy through groundbreaking initiatives.

• He has launched over 25 products and 8-line extensions across ten therapeutic areas, driving sustained growth and leadership.
• He has played a critical role in leading 16 regulatory affairs projects and conducting successful drug approvals in highly regulated markets.
• His international expertise spans Asia, Russia, Sri Lanka, and beyond, showcasing his robust leadership and innovative contributions to the field.

Dr. Nargund commenced the session by outlining the Indian pharmaceutical market, which is projected to grow at a rate of 12-13%, reaching $130 billion USD by 2030. He emphasized the industry's dynamic transformation, citing Novartis as an example of a company that has evolved from a pharmaceutical enterprise to a data-driven organization.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates with MBA:
• The session highlighted emerging roles in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs, alongside business-oriented opportunities in sales, marketing, and business development.
• Dr. Nargund encouraged attendees to recognize the symbiosis between technical expertise and managerial skills.
2. Career Paths in the Pharma Industry: Dr. Nargund elaborated on a variety of roles across multiple domains:
• Regulatory Affairs: Manager, Senior Manager, Head
• Clinical Research: Clinical Research Associate, Manager, Project Manager
• Medical Affairs: Manager, Medical Advisor
• Marketing & Sales: Product Manager, Marketing Manager, Regional Sales Manager
• Business Development & Project Management: Business Development Manager, Market Research Manager, Project Manager
3. Drug Development Lifecycle: He outlined the comprehensive cycle, from Drug Discovery ? Preclinical Research ? Regulatory Approval ? Clinical Trials ? Marketing ? Pharmacovigilance.
4. Future Skillsets:
• Recommended short-term certifications (6-month courses) for advanced knowledge in Clinical Research, Regulatory Affairs, and Project Management.
• Advised exploring other industries like MedTech, Digital Marketing, and Medical Communication, with additional certifications through platforms like upGrad.
5. Networking & Patient-Centric Approaches:
• Dr. Nargund emphasized the importance of networking through platforms like LinkedIn, urging students to maintain and update professional profiles.
• Insights on patient-centricity as the next major focus were shared (specifics not recalled).

The session concluded with a Q&A segment where Dr. Nargund addressed queries about industry trends, networking strategies, and skill enhancement. A vote of thanks was extended to Dr. Nargund for his enriching insights and motivation to the attendees.