V C Nannapaneni, president of Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA) for the year 2005, shares his views on the conference theme and the role of pharmacists in future, with Chronicle Pharmabiz in this exclusive interview with Joe C Mathew.

How appropriate is the conference theme 'Pharmacist's role in drug discovery research' in today's context? Why is it so?

The health systems will be redesigned as a result of the developments in communication, medical technology, our ability to read genomic sequences and identifying sites associated with the inheritance and predisposition to disease. There is an unmet need to treat diseases, which have eluded treatments like AIDS, cancer, diabetes etc. Since pharmacy profession is connected with every aspect of the drug discovery to its end use, pharmacist by virtue of his strategic position can play a vital role in the drug discovery research. Pharmacist can not only contribute in the drug discovery, but also play an important role in its formulation aspects also, and this makes all the difference when it comes to optimisation of therapy.

As president of the umbrella body of all professional organisations in the area of pharmacy practices in the country, what will be your advice to each segment of pharmacy profession?
Pharmacy Education: What all we need today is an educational philosophy and methodology and an updated curriculum which is need based to impart practical knowledge, technical skills, and latest developments in pharma industry.

Pharmacy Practice: Today's pharmacist should involve more in to community pharmacy related work. Worldwide the scenario is changing and there is huge potential for Indian pharmaceutical industry globally, which means a lot of opportunities for qualified pharmacists.

Regulatory Pharma: We have one of the best regulations in drug industry. What we need is a continuous dialogue between the regulatory agencies and industries on the implementation of the regulations in a way that improves the proper understanding and interpretation of the spirit of regulatory compliance. Our regulatory authorities also shall acquaint themselves on how the US and European regulatory agencies implement their acts.

Pharmaceutical industry: Coming to pharmaceutical industry, today's trend is to strengthen the Quality Management Systems to match the global standards, invest in R & D and aim for at least 10 NME's by 2010 for commercialisation.

How do you see the advent of patent product era and the amended legislations? Is it going to strengthen India as a global supplier of quality drugs at affordable prices?

The product patent legislation, as enacted, will bring a sea change in our attitude. It says 'without R & D, you are nowhere'. Very exciting potential awaits companies which are into the R & D area. As there will be an exponential growth in research and developmental activities around the globe, this is a better time for the Indian companies to enter collaborative research. With the investments in R & D significantly going up in both domestic and global front, there is more emphasis on tie-ups in discovery research, clinical research and formulation development. India can compete globally with its potential for drug discovery due to its large talented technical pool. Most of the MNC's will be setting up their research facilities and there will be boost for the clinical research activities. India has the potential to match the world class R&D and not only can invent the NCE's at the same time set the example for bringing more affordable drugs to the society.

How does the 57th IPC at Hyderabad stand apart from the previous IPCs in your view?

57th IPC has a unique distinction of being the first IPC after we have entered the Product Patent era, one can see that this is a shot in the arm for most of the domestic industries and also the universities and institutions which are engaged in the research related activities. It is being held at the appropriate time with a theme that has tremendous futuristic potential. Hyderabad is already there with a large number of globally regulatory certified units and it is emerging as the single window for drug discovery to drug delivery.

What would be your advice to the delegates who are attending the conference?

Pharmacy practice, regulation and education are undergoing unprecedented change. Societal needs and expectations are major drivers of this change. The role of pharmacists is evolving transitioning from 'passive' through 're-active' to 'pro-active', to deliver the patient-centered care, one can ponder on some thoughts for discussion to look into the future for Drug discovery research and stepping up research related activities.