Dr. Ram Mishra is a BITS Pilani (Pilani, ‘08) postgraduate in M.Pharm followed by a Ph.D. from BITS Pilani, (Hyderabad, ’15). He is dedicated to advancing Real World Evidence and Health Economics Outcomes Research. With extensive experience in his role in consultancy firms like TCS, ICON, and Capita, along with international exposure, he co-founded Indence Health and served as its Chief Scientific Officer. With his extensive knowledge of the Indian pharmaceutical industry, he addresses its challenges and opportunities in becoming a global player, focusing on innovation and research investments. His journey reflects a commitment to enhancing patient care through innovative solutions in the healthcare sector.

What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a PhD in this field? 

My initial interest in Pharmacology was not sparked by a single moment but rather by a series of experiences at BITS Pilani. The research-oriented culture was a stark contrast to my previous college, and witnessing students involved in research projects ignited a curiosity within me. I connected with PhD scholars working in Pharmacology, which further fuelled my passion. They offered me the opportunity to learn animal handling techniques, an experience I actively pursued. This practical exposure, alongside theoretical knowledge from an optional course in computational chemistry, solidified my interest in the field. During my Master's, I participated in a research project that yielded promising results and even led to a patent application. This experience bolstered my confidence in my abilities and the potential of the research. Realizing the value of the knowledge I had gained, I decided to pursue a PhD in Pharmacology. However, as I neared the completion of my doctoral studies, I realized that the opportunities in computational chemistry at that time did not quite align with my specific interests and aspirations. This realization led me to explore other paths, eventually landing in health economics, where I have been working for the past decade.

Can you elaborate on your work at TCS and the role of IT in the healthcare sector?

The healthcare and IT sectors are increasingly intertwined, with IT playing a crucial role in supporting various aspects of healthcare delivery and research. During my time at TCS, I witnessed first-hand how IT solutions can revolutionize the way healthcare is practiced. One of the key areas where IT intersects with healthcare is in clinical trials. IT platforms enable the efficient collection, management, and analysis of large datasets generated during these trials. This streamlines the process of evaluating new drugs and medical devices, ultimately accelerating drug development, and improving patient outcomes. Beyond clinical trials, IT also supports areas such as electronic health records, medical imaging, and healthcare analytics. For instance, electronic health records digitize patient information, making it accessible to healthcare providers and facilitating better care coordination. Medical imaging software enables the visualization and analysis of medical images, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning is transforming healthcare. IT-powered solutions can analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns, predict disease outcomes, and personalize treatment plans. This has the potential to improve patient care, reduce costs, and accelerate drug discovery.

What career opportunities are emerging for Life Sciences graduates? 

The intersection of healthcare and IT presents promising career opportunities for Life Sciences graduates. Clinical trial data management, healthcare analytics, and electronic health records require strong IT skills. To enhance their employability, students can identify and acquire skills in emerging areas, enroll in relevant courses, gain experience through internships, and network with professionals in the field. By doing so, they can position themselves to excel in the dynamic healthcare landscape, where IT plays a pivotal role in research, treatment, and patient care.

Starting a company involves various legal and commercial aspects. How did you navigate these challenges, especially given your limited prior knowledge? What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Starting a company was a steep learning curve, requiring me to navigate legal and commercial complexities. While I initially lacked expertise in these areas, I learned through experience and sought guidance when needed. I recommend seeking legal advice early on to ensure your company is established on a solid foundation. A legal professional can help draft necessary agreements and navigate regulatory requirements. Additionally, building a strong network of mentors and advisors can provide invaluable support and guidance. Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges and setbacks. It is essential to maintain resilience, learn from mistakes, and stay passionate about your vision. With the right mindset and support, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your entrepreneurial goals.

Given India's global pharmaceutical outsourcing hub role, how does the domestic pharma industry compare to international standards? What are the challenges and opportunities for the Indian pharma sector?

While India has made significant strides as a global pharmaceutical outsourcing destination, it still faces challenges in matching international standards. One key area is innovation; Indian companies often focus on generic drugs rather than developing novel therapies. However, this is gradually changing, with increasing investments in research and development. Another challenge is pricing. India's price-sensitive market makes it difficult for companies to charge premium prices for innovative drugs, hindering their profitability. This can limit their ability to invest in further research and development. Despite these challenges, the Indian pharma industry offers significant opportunities. The country's large population and growing middle class provide a vast market for healthcare products. Additionally, government initiatives like the National Health Mission drive increased healthcare spending. To compete globally, Indian pharma companies should focus on developing innovative drugs, improving quality control, and investing in research and development. By addressing these challenges, the Indian pharma industry can position itself as a major player in the global healthcare market.

With the rise of AI, how do you envision the future of the pharmaceutical industry? What are the potential benefits and challenges of AI in drug discovery and development?

While AI offers significant potential in the pharmaceutical industry, its impact will be tempered by the sector's unique characteristics. AI can accelerate drug discovery by analyzing vast datasets and identifying promising drug candidates. It can also optimize clinical trials and improve supply chain management. However, the highly regulated nature of the pharmaceutical industry requires careful consideration of AI's limitations. AI models can be biased, and their predictions may not always be accurate. Therefore, human oversight remains crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of AI-driven drug development. Ultimately, AI is likely to complement rather than replace human expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. By leveraging AI's capabilities while maintaining rigorous quality control, the industry can accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes.