Translational Research: Phase I Clinical Trial Design “Academia – Industry Collaboration” at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagaruru
Introduction
BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagarur, Bengaluru, organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program titled “Translational Research: Academic–Industry Collaboration”, focusing on Phase I Clinical Trials and early drug development. The program was conducted with the objective of enhancing knowledge among postgraduate students and faculty members interested in drug development and clinical research. The CME aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and industry practices by providing insights into the early stages of drug discovery and clinical trial design.
Event Proceedings
The program commenced with registration and welcome of participants, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp, marking the formal inauguration of the CME.
The academic sessions began with an insightful talk by Dr. Y. S. Suhas, Head – Laboratory Animals & Preclinical Research Services at VAARUNYA Biolabs Private Limited. His session provided a comprehensive overview of preclinical research in drug discovery, highlighting the importance of pharmacology and toxicology data before entering human trials.
This was followed by a session by Dr. Vinay, M.Pharm., Ph.D., Consultant and Ex–Senior Lead Investigator at Biocon Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Center, Bangalore, who discussed Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) considerations in the conduct of Phase I studies. His lecture emphasized the role of pharmacokinetic evaluation in optimizing drug candidates for clinical development.
The third session was delivered by Dr. Srinivasan, Director, Anubis Pvt. Ltd., SMO/CRO, Chennai, who presented an overview of Phase I clinical trial designs, explaining the methodological approaches and safety considerations involved in first-in-human studies.
The academic sessions concluded with Dr. Suresh Kankanawadi from the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagarur, who spoke on recent advances in Phase I clinical trial design, highlighting modern strategies and innovative approaches used in early-phase clinical research.
The sessions were followed by an engaging panel discussion, where participants had the opportunity to interact with the experts, clarify queries, and discuss contemporary challenges in clinical research.
Key Highlights
• The CME focused on translational research and collaboration between academia and industry.
• Participants gained insights into interpretation of preclinical pharmacology and toxicology data.
• Discussions included Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) in early clinical development.
• Experts highlighted modern Phase I clinical trial designs and recent innovations in early-phase studies.
• The panel discussion fostered interactive learning and exchange of ideas among experts and participants.
Conclusion
The CME concluded with closing remarks and acknowledgements, appreciating the valuable contributions of the speakers and the active participation of the delegates. The program successfully provided a platform for knowledge exchange on Phase I clinical trials and translational research, reinforcing the importance of academic–industry collaboration in advancing drug development. The event concluded with informal interactions and networking over lunch, allowing participants to continue meaningful discussions initiated during the sessions.
