Shift focus from basic to applicative research, say pharmaceutical experts

Our Correspondent

Kharar, November 7

University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Rayat Bahra University organised an academia-industry interaction on the university campus. The interaction was aimed at building a strong relationship and bridging the gap between industry and academia.

Samuel Williams George, chief executive officer, Gesco Healthcare Private Limited; Sudipta Banerjee, vice-president, Gesco Healthcare Private Limited; Vijay Sonam, managing director, Mediconcept Healthcare Services, Chandigarh, and Aman Mukhi, managing director, Sysmed Solutuions, Chandigarh, participated in the programme.

Speaking on the occasion these pharmaceutical experts said for the development of new active pharmaceutical ingredient, collaboration of academic research work and pharmaceutical industries was needed.

New drug discovery and development was a long process and also based on basic understanding of biological mechanism and identification of therapeutic targets and hence this interaction was of crucial importance, they added.

The speakers underlined that pharmaceutical education was a foundation for its structure. Academic institutions should develop systems and procedures to ensure that industry expectations were met without any compromise on academic aspirations, they said.

Academia should tilt the focus of basic research to applicative research, they added Gurinder Singh Bahra, vice-president, Rayat Bahra Group of Institutions (RBGI), welcomed guests. Dr Gurfateh Singh, head, University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, discussed academia related gaps and problems faced by students.