Chandigarh, June 10, 2025-The inaugural Syn-Pharma Roundtable, a landmark initiative under PI-RAHI – Northern Region Science & Technology Cluster – in collaboration with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), concluded today at Panjab University, Chandigarh. More than 80 pharmaceutical companies and 20 academic and R&D institutions from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh participated in the Roundtable to catalyse strategic convergence across the pharmaceutical ecosystem.

The Roundtable was chaired by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, and co-chaired by Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali. It was conceptualised to foster robust linkages between industry and academic institutions and to encourage innovation-led pharmaceutical growth in Northern India. Lead institutional partners included the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, and the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali. The discussions were moderated by Prof. Indu Pal Kaur (UIPS), Prof. Arvind K. Bansal (NIPER), Prof. Rajat Sandhir (Director, PI-RAHI), and Prof. Anil Kumar (Chairperson, UIPS).

The event featured vibrant deliberations and case studies. In a session showcasing successful models of industry–academia collaboration, Mr. Jaspreet Gulati of Hitech Formulations shared how UIPS-led nano-formulation projects improved drug stability and led to licensing revenues. Mr. Vinay Lohariwala of Innova Captab spoke on UIPS’s support in addressing regulatory issues and called for urgent attention to antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Deepti from Curetech highlighted the potential of academic-led nano-delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and reduce the pressure to discover new active pharmaceutical ingredients.

The industry-needs segment brought forth pressing challenges and solutions. Ms. Vaishali Aggarwal of Scott Edil Ltd. underscored the importance of transparency in the drug approval process and highlighted CDSCO’s positive regulatory interventions. Mr. Viral Shah of Acme Generics proposed a revamped pharma curriculum integrating practical exposure—a year in hospitals and another in industry—to produce workforce-ready graduates. Mr. Parag Bhatia of Laborate Pharmaceuticals addressed the need to balance affordability with innovation through collaborative platforms involving CROs and startups.

Prof. Arvind Bansal and Prof. Indu Pal Kaur outlined how NIPER and UIPS are actively addressing industrial pain points through collaborative technology development, including conventional and differentiated dosage forms, sterile preparations, and value-added formulations. They emphasized joint capabilities in new molecular entity (NME) research, computer-aided drug design (CADD), and regulatory lifecycle management.

An open forum session allowed for cross-stakeholder engagement on joint R&D frameworks, academic–industry integration, and leveraging PhD scholars for innovation. Participants recommended deeper collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, rationalisation of quality assurance costs, and stronger S&T interventions to accelerate industry responsiveness.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi urged that Syn-Pharma should evolve into a rolling initiative under PI-RAHI focused on persistent quality issues. He emphasized that industry and academia must remain “mobile, adaptive, and collaborative” to address society’s evolving healthcare needs and improve product quality through innovation. “The quality of the products should increase. Innovations can be used to correct the issues of quality,” he said.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Rajat Sandhir, Director, PI-RAHI, who extended gratitude to Dr. Raghuvanshi, Panjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig, and all participating institutions and industry representatives. He reaffirmed PI-RAHI’s commitment to translate these insights into sustained action and inclusive progress.

The evening ended with a networking dinner, fostering trust and continued dialogue among key players across the pharma value chain. With its success, Syn-Pharma has laid the foundation for a dynamic, future-ready pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem in Northern India.