Pharmacovigilance as a Career: Biotecnika Explores Opportunities, Challenges & Industry Insights
Date- 17/04/2025
Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
BioTecNika recently hosted an insightful live webinar titled “Pharmacovigilance as a Career – Opportunities, Challenges & Industry Insights”. The event, now available for replay on YouTube, provided attendees with a thorough overview of the rapidly evolving pharmacovigilance field, a crucial aspect of drug safety monitoring that ensures the well-being of patients worldwide.
Table of Contents
Exploring the Critical Role of Pharmacovigilance in Modern Healthcare
The session explored key areas, including the regulatory frameworks guiding drug safety, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug monitoring, and the current challenges faced by professionals in this field. The speakers shared valuable insights into the state of pharmacovigilance in India, the role of AI in improving safety monitoring, and career opportunities within the sector.
Key Highlights from the Webinar
- Comprehensive overview of pharmacovigilance, covering everything from ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction) reporting to post-marketing surveillance.
- Technological advancements like AI and natural language processing are improving the efficiency of safety monitoring and the detection of drug safety signals.
- Insights into the growing pharmacovigilance sector in India, including the anticipated market growth to $18.5 billion by 2032.
- Current trends and challenges include the need for effective pharmacovigilance in the face of complex patient populations and evolving drug safety issues.
- Career advice, emphasizing the importance of certifications and skills in drug safety monitoring for those interested in pursuing a career in pharmacovigilance.
Webinar Insights from Industry Leaders
Dr. Sagar offered an in-depth analysis of the global regulatory framework for pharmacovigilance and drug safety. He emphasized the importance of risk management and ADR reporting in ensuring patient safety. His key insight focused on the growing role of AI in automating adverse event detection and streamlining safety monitoring processes. Dr. Sagar also highlighted the increasing regulatory scrutiny on drug safety and the need for compliance with international guidelines such as those from the FDA and EMA.
Mr. Shah shared practical insights into the regulatory oversight that shapes pharmacovigilance practices in India. He discussed the challenges faced by regulators in managing a diverse range of drugs and medical devices. One of his key takeaways was the importance of collaboration between government bodies and industry players to ensure robust drug safety measures. He also highlighted the role of Indian regulatory bodies in ensuring public health safety and compliance with international standards.
Mr. Kumar provided valuable insights into the skills needed for a successful career in pharmacovigilance. He discussed the growing importance of AI-driven tools in enhancing signal detection and data mining for adverse event reports. Mr. Kumar also stressed the significance of certifications and training programs to stay competitive in the field. His key insight was the demand for qualified professionals as the pharmacovigilance industry continues to expand, particularly in emerging markets like India.
Expert speakers:
Dr. Vidya Sagar – Founder, CEO & MD of Salvation Global Pvt Ltd
Dr. Vidya Sagar, Founder, CEO & MD of Salvation Global Pvt Ltd., shared his 20+ years of experience in regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, and medical device safety. He highlighted the role of AI in drug safety monitoring and emphasized global regulatory compliance, sharing successful case studies in device approvals from DCGI, FDA, and the EU. With a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and an MBA in AI, Dr. Sagar is a leading expert in product development, clinical trials, and bio- compatibility studies.
Suraj Kumar Shah – Drugs Inspector & Medical Device Officer, Drugs Control Department, Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Suraj Kumar Shah, Drugs Inspector & Medical Device Officer at the Government of NCT of Delhi, discussed India’s regulatory framework and the integration of AI and bioinformatics in drug safety. With an MS in Medicinal Chemistry and a top rank in the UPSC Drugs Inspector Exam, he brings expertise in pharmacovigilance and regulatory sciences. Previously, he worked in academia and industry, contributing to pharmaceutical research and drug safety solutions.
Mr. Kowshik Kumar – Pharmacovigilance & Drug Safety Trainer
Mr. Kowshik Kumar, a dynamic professional with over seven years of experience in pharmacovigilance, specializes in quality and compliance, medical coding, drug safety, and audits. With a strong foundation in team coordination and expertise in pharmacovigilance regulations and coding dictionaries, Mr. Kowshik Kumar has excelled in various roles within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Starting as a Junior Data Analyst at Cognizant, Mr. Kowshik Kumar has since held key positions, including Drug Safety Associate at Bioclinica, Medical Service Analyst at Accenture, and Operations Specialist 1 at IQVIA, contributing significantly to drug safety, compliance, and process improvements.
About BioTecNika
BioTecNika is a leading biosciences platform dedicated to providing industry insights, training, and professional development opportunities in the life sciences sector. The platform empowers students, researchers, and professionals to stay ahead of industry trends and excel in rapidly evolving fields like pharmacovigilance, bioinformatics, and clinical research.
