Ask The Expert - Peptide Workflow
Synthetic peptides have emerged as a significant class of therapeutic agents, particularly in the management of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Among these, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have gained prominence due to their multifaceted role in glucose regulation and weight management. Over the past decade, we have witnessed a rise in approvals for these molecules, and the generics market is gearing up as some of these drugs approach patent expiration.
Due to the diverse amino acid sequences and structural complexities, synthetic peptides require robust and precise analytical methods to ensure their quality, efficacy, and safety. However, the lack of harmonized regulatory guidelines for peptide characterization presents significant challenges. Certain critical quality attributes (CQAs) are widely accepted among the peptide community, necessitating sophisticated analytical techniques.
Given the ongoing speculation in the market regarding the best analytical techniques for synthetic peptides, we are hosting this event to provide a platform for analytical users and chemists working with peptides to ask their queries directly to experts like yourself.
Don’t let workflow challenges slow you down. Join us to unlock the full potential of your workflows, enhance your technical skills, and take a significant step in your professional development.
Presenter: Dr. Vasanthakumar G. Ramu (Vice President – Head R&D, Peptides and Complex API’s, Alembic Pharmaceutical Ltd.)
Dr. Vasanthakumar Ramu, is one of the pragmatic scientists in the pharma industry working around complex API’s. He studied chemical biology from Bangalore University and Indian Institute of Science. In early 2007, hemoved to Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology to work on peptide decorated supramolecular architectures as modulators to study cell protein interactions. Continued further studies as research scientist in Ruhr Universität Bochum, Germany, with the objective to work on backbone modified peptides of HIV protease inhibitors. In 2011 spring, moved to Spain, where he was working as Marie Curie Experienced Researcher to develop Kyotorphin derived peptides, antimicrobial peptides, and other small molecules for neurodegeneration. Returned to India in 2012 and led the startup company called Omgene Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. Before joining Alembic, was heading peptide process development groups in Biocon Ltd., and Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Transferred the technologies, successfully validated and filed various DMF’s and involved in commercialization of API’s.
Presenter: Dr. Rakesh Shekhawat (Founder/Owner, Proantek Research Labs Pvt. Ltd)
Dr. Rakesh Shekhawat is a distinguished scientist with over 20 years of industrial research experience in the fields of synthetic peptides, biosimilars, and oligonucleotide characterization. Holding a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, Dr. Shekhawat has led analytical research teams at prominent companies such as Intas and USV, contributed significantly to securing various regulatory approvals for biosimilars and synthetic peptides. Recently, he founded Proantek Research Labs Pvt. Ltd., a company dedicated to the advanced characterization of biosimilars, synthetic peptides, and oligonucleotides.
Presenter: Dr. Vadi Bhat (Sales Development Manager - Biopharma, Agilent Technologies)
Vadi Bhat, Ph.D., is a seasoned biopharma business development manager at Agilent Technologies in India, bringing extensive expertise in biopharmaceutical research and development. He holds a Ph.D. in chemical biology from JNCASR/IISc and completed postdoctoral research at MIT. Dr. Bhat's career includes experience in mass spectrometry core facility management at Baylor Scott & White Hospital/Texas A&M University.
Since joining Agilent in 2008, he has played a key role in developing innovative LC-MS workflows for proteomics and biopharma applications, initially at Agilent's Little Falls Center of Excellence in Delaware. From 2015 to 2017, he served as a proteomics market specialist within Agilent's North America Field Team, driving customer collaborations and business development. Transitioning to his current role in India in 2017, he focuses on fostering collaborations and driving business growth in the biopharma sector. Dr. Bhat's contributions to the field are reflected in numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences. In 2023, he was appointed adjunct professor at the Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research (MCBR), MAHE, further demonstrating his dedication to advancing biopharma research.
Presenter: Dr. Ashish Pargaonkar (Biopharma Workflow Commercialization Lead, Agilent Technologies)
Dr. Ashish Pargaonkar is a Lead for Biopharma Workflow Commercialization team for India and also Manager for Centre of Excellences at Bangalore. A Microbiologist by education with a Ph.D, he holds more than 20 years of experience for Biopharma market applications on Hi Resolution Mass Spectrometry. He has a long record of successful demonstrations and customer engagements on workflows for CQA’s, Intact mass, peptide mapping, HCP and Glycans using Agilent state-of-the art solutions. He has authored ASMS posters on media components and therapeutic peptides. Dr. Ashish has been invited speaker at several conferences and workshops at Biosimilar Congress, ADC 2018, IIT (Mumbai, Delhi), ICT (Mumbai), PSI events.
Presenter: Dr. Sunil B Lakhmapure (Technical Support Specialist, Agilent Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.)
Sunil holds 19 year plus experience in the analytical field with major exposure to LC/GC with Single Quad, Triple Quad and high resolution (QToF) mass spectroscopy. Started career in Pharma R&D as a scientist with hands on experience on high end instruments like LC/MS, XRD & NMR. Developed & published application notes using Chromatographic techniques on real world samples/issues at various levels.
