ETPharma is set to host the second edition of the Next-Gen LabCon on July 26, 2024, at Le Meridien, Hyderabad. The conference, themed ‘Future-Ready Labs: Analog to Digital,’ will focus on the seamless progression of product life cycles, heightened competition, and the development of next-generation, future-ready labs. These labs are crucial for meeting the demand for innovative therapies, enhancing approval rates, minimizing expenses, accelerating time-to-market, and adhering to regulatory obligations.
Welcome Address and Chief Guest’s Insight
The conclave will commence with a welcome address by Vikas Dandekar, Editor of ETPharma. This will be followed by an address from the Chief Guest, Raja Bhanu, Director General of Pharmexcil, on the topic ‘Navigating the Future of Pharmaceutical Exports: Quality Imperatives and Global Compliance.’ This session will set the stage for discussions on the future of pharmaceutical exports and the quality imperatives necessary for global compliance.

Image Source ET Times
Panel Discussion: Indian Laboratories on a Global Scale
Following the Chief Guest’s address, the first panel discussion will focus on the theme ‘Indian Laboratories – What Does It Take to Go Global?’ The panel will feature industry leaders including Annaswamy Vaidheesh, Executive Chairperson of Suven Pharma; Dr. KVS Ram Rao, CEO & Joint Managing Director of Granules India; Akhil Ravi, Chief Executive Officer of Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services; and Dr. Sauri Gudlavalleti, Chief Operating Officer of Sai Lifesciences. Vikas Dandekar will moderate this session, exploring the strategies and challenges involved in scaling Indian laboratories to meet global standards.
Role of Technology in Enhancing R&D
The next panel discussion will delve into the ‘Role of Sensors, AI, ML, RPA in Enhancing R&D Experimentation.’ The panellists for this session include Dr. Mandar Ghatnekar, Global Head of IT & Digital Transformation at Biocon Biologics; Chitti Babu, Chief Information Officer at Aurobindo Pharma; Rithesh Phalaksha, Director of Leading Digital Innovation at Novartis; and Dr. Sujay Rajhans, President and Head of R&D at JB Pharma. This session, moderated by Chakravarthi AVPS, Chairman of the Federation of Entrepreneurs – Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, will examine how advanced technologies can revolutionize R&D in the industry.
Case Study: Generative AI
Following the discussion on technology, Tushar Zade, Chief Digital Officer & Chief Information Officer at Aurigene Pharmaceuticals Services Ltd., will present a case study on Generative AI. This case study will provide insights into the practical applications and benefits of generative AI in research and development.
Expert Insights: Upscaling to Electronic Batch Records
The conference will continue with a panel discussion titled ‘Ask the Experts – Upscaling to Electronic Batch Records: Lessons from a Pharmaceutical Manufacturer.’ Panellists for this session include Dr. Pavan Bhat, Executive Director of Natco Pharma, and Sandeep Raktate, President of India & Ireland Operations at Amneal Pharmaceuticals. Vikas Dandekar will moderate the discussion, focusing on the transition to electronic batch records and the lessons learned from this process.
Sustainable Digital Transformation in CDMO Operations
The final panel discussion of the day will be on ‘Implementing Sustainable Digital Transformation in CDMO Operations.’ This session will feature Dr. Vijayavitthal T Mathad, Chief Operating Officer of CRAMSN Research Park; Dr. Damodharan Muniyandi, Chief Quality Officer of Global Quality & Regulatory Affairs at Sai Life Sciences Ltd; and Dr. Rakeshwar Bandichhor, Vice President and Head of Chemistry, API Process R&D at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Ivy Louis, Board Member of Parenteral Drug Association (PDA Inc.) and Director of Vienni Training & Consulting LLP, will moderate this discussion, highlighting sustainable digital transformation strategies in contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMO).
Closing Remarks
The conference will conclude with closing remarks by Prabhat Prakash, Senior Digital Content Producer at ETPharma. His address will summarize the key takeaways from the discussions and emphasize the importance of future-ready labs in the industry.
ETPharma’s second edition of Next-Gen LabCon promises to be a significant event for the industry, providing valuable insights into the future of labs. The conference will bring together industry leaders to discuss crucial topics such as global compliance, the role of advanced technologies in R&D, and sustainable digital transformation. This event will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to build next-gen, future-ready labs, essential for meeting the growing demand for innovative therapies and maintaining competitive advantage in the global market.
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