Emerging Trends in Pharmaceutical Research
MVP College of Pharmacy, Nashik, hosted an insightful session on “Emerging Trends in Pharmaceutical Research,” organized by CPN Alumni Connect on Monday, August 10, in the Seminar Hall.
The session featured distinguished alumnus Dr. Prashant Kharkar, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Dean of Students and Alumni Affairs at ICT Mumbai.
Dr. Kharkar shared valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of pharmaceutical research, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in drug discovery, rational molecular design, and strengthening industry–academia collaborations.
The engaging session provided students and faculty with a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and their growing role in shaping the future of pharmaceutical research and innovation.
Connect with Dr. Prashant Kharkar on LinkedIn: Dr. Prashant S. Kharkar
CPN Alumni Connect Hosted Interactive Alumni Session: “From Nashik and Beyond”
MVP College of Pharmacy, Nashik (a constituent college of Maratha Vidya Prasarak Samaj, Nashik), successfully organized an alumni lecture session under the CPN Alumni Connect platform titled “From Nashik and Beyond: The Decisions, Detours, and Lessons That Shaped My Journey.”
Event Details
-
Topic: From Nashik and Beyond: The Decisions, Detours, and Lessons That Shaped My Journey
-
Date: Monday, 10th August
-
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
-
Venue: Seminar Hall, MVP Samaj’s College of Pharmacy, Nashik
Featured Guest Speakers
1. Mr. Prashant Nikam
-
Professional Leadership: Served as President & Representative Director, Oncology Business Unit at MSD Japan; VP Executive Officer, MSD Japan; Managing Director, MSD Australia & New Zealand; and VP, US Oncology Marketing (KEYTRUDA) at Merck & Co, USA. Held senior roles across GSK, Sanofi, and Novartis, overseeing 30+ product launches.
-
Experience: 23+ years in life sciences executive leadership, commercial strategy, and market access.
-
Education: B.Pharm (CPN); PhD in Health Economics & Outcomes Research (Ohio State University); MBA (Wharton School).
2. Mr. Sanjay Merchant
-
Professional Leadership: Served as Executive Director, Oncology Outcomes Research at MSD Merck & Co Inc., USA; Executive Director, Outcomes Research at Merck. Previously associated with Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) and Bayer focusing on Oncology & Market Access.
-
Experience: 25+ years of industry experience, including 10+ years at MSD, with core expertise in Market Access, Evidence Generation, Reimbursement, and Patient Access across Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Hospital & Acute Care, and Neuroscience.
-
Education: B.Pharm (CPN); MBA in Marketing (Healthcare Strategy & Commercialization); PhD in Health Economics & Outcomes Research.
Session Highlights
-
The speakers reflected on their professional transformation from CPN graduates to global biopharmaceutical executives.
-
Students and faculty gained first-hand guidance on commercial strategy, market access, outcomes research, and global career opportunities in pharma leadership.
Connect with Sanjay Merchant on LinkedIn: Sanjay Merchant
Interactive Session on “Enhancing Employability of M. Pharm Students in the Generic API Sector”
MVP Samaj’s College of Pharmacy, Nashik successfully organized an Interactive Session on the topic “Enhancing Employability of M. Pharm Students in the Generic API Sector” on 18th July 2026.
The session was conducted with the objective of providing M. Pharm students with valuable insights into the Generic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) sector, its career opportunities, industry expectations, and the skills required for professional success.
Resource Person
Dr. Girish Kavishwar
R&D Director & India Business Head
Delta Finochem Pvt. Ltd., Nashik, Maharashtra
CPN Alumnus, Batch of 1986
Dr. Kavishwar shared his extensive industry experience and practical insights into the API sector, with particular emphasis on the evolving requirements of the pharmaceutical industry and the competencies expected from postgraduate pharmacy students. The interactive format enabled students to engage with the resource person and gain a better understanding of career pathways, industry-oriented skills, R&D opportunities, and employability enhancement.
The session served as a valuable platform for bridging the gap between academic learning and industrial requirements, helping students understand how they can prepare themselves for rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical and API industry.
