Dr. Shubhadeep Sinha

Navigating the Frontier of Healthcare

Dr. Shubhadeep Debabrata Sinha

Senior Vice President Development,

Hetero

The Indian healthcare sector stands poised at a transformative juncture, necessitating the guidance of adept leaders capable of navigating the intricate landscapes of innovation and progress. In this dynamic milieu, Dr. Shubhadeep Sinha stands as a stalwart, embodying the essence of healthcare leadership with unparalleled finesse and vision. Dr. Shubhadeep boasts an extensive career spanning over 24 years within the healthcare and pharmaceutical domains, currently holding the esteemed position of Senior Vice President, Medical Director, and Head (Global)~ Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Hetero since last 13 years. His multifaceted expertise encompasses a spectrum of specialties, including clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, medical affairs, and medico-regulatory affairs, underscoring his comprehensive grasp of the industry’s intricacies. At the helm of Hetero’s developmental endeavours since April 2011, Dr. Shubhadeep’s role as the Head of Global Clinical Development and Medical Affairs signifies his pivotal contributions to advancing drug discovery, biologics, and generics through phase I-IV clinical trials. Moreover, his stewardship of pharmacovigilance operations across diverse markets, including the USA, EU, UK, and emerging economies, underscores his global perspective and adeptness in regulatory compliance. Dr. Shubhadeep’s strategic prowess extends beyond operations. He has been instrumental in driving product ideation and development initiatives since the last decade. Additionally, the partnerships with plethora of contract research organisations (CROs) in preclinical research, clinical research, medical writing, medical monitoring, Pharmacovigilance. Dr. Shubhadeep also has a robust publication record, comprising about 40 peer reviewed, Pubmed indexed publications including original articles ( majorly), review articles, case studies, book chapters and authoring two books in medical pharmacology and AI usage in healthcare. Beyond his corporate endeavours, Dr. Shubhadeep’s dedication to nurturing future healthcare leaders is evident through his adjunct faculty positions at esteemed medical institutions, including the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna and Kasturba Medical College in Manipal. Through mentorship and education, he imparts invaluable insights and cultivates a culture of excellence among aspiring professionals, thereby contributing to the industry’s sustainable growth and evolution. As he continues to chart new territories and inspire future generations, TradeFlock interviews him.

What key milestones have shaped your career trajectory?

Over the past 24 years, my professional journey in the pharmaceutical industry has been characterised by significant growth and achievements. Starting as a medical advisor, I have gradually ascended to the role of Senior Vice President and Medical Director at one of India’s prominent pharmaceutical giants, where I oversee a diverse team of over 115+ medical, pharmacy and science professionals across various crucial verticals. Throughout my career, I have been instrumental in leading the clinical development of numerous biosimilars, generics, and new chemical entities, demonstrating my proficiency in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and successfully managing global clinical and pharmacovigilance efforts. My other contributions extend beyond development efforts; I have played a crucial role in presenting clinical development and Pharmacovigilance data to major regulatory strategies, conducting over 300 such presentations worldwide. My efforts in medical support includes training over 500 pharma sales and marketing professionals. Notably, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I have led initiatives in the clinical development of life-saving drugs and vaccines, contributing to the global fight against the virus. Furthermore, I have shared insights as a speaker and panellist at over 150 medical and pharmaceutical conferences globally. Complementing my primary medical qualifications (MBBS from KEM hospital mumbai & MD from BYL Nair hospital, Mumbai) I have taken up educational initiatives, which include fellowships in diabetes and public health from prestigious institutions in the UK, an MBA in hospital management (BITS Pilani) and an management program from IIM Calcutta, enriching my understanding of the business aspects of healthcare. My leadership philosophy revolves around leading by example, fostering diverse and motivated teams, and cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders. This approach has not only enhanced internal capabilities and productivity but has also facilitated industry alignment and significant cost savings.

What leadership strengths have propelled your success?

My greatest strength as a leader is my collaborative approach, serving as both a team player and mentor. By fostering trust and support, I empower colleagues to excel, ensuring collective success and productivity

What strategic initiatives have you implemented to drive industry growth?

Throughout my career, I’ve pioneered strategic initiatives transforming pharmaceutical operations. By establishing CRO-like teams within pharmaceutical companies, I’ve optimised efficiencies and reduced research costs. Moreover, I’ve cultivated expertise within CROs, enabling them to contribute strategically to drug development. Regionalizing clinical trial operations has yielded cost savings and operational efficiencies. Additionally, internalising pharmacovigilance functions has enhanced control and compliance while reducing reliance on external vendors. These initiatives have not only streamlined processes but also fostered innovation and collaboration, driving industry growth and advancement.

What pharmaceutical industry innovations excite you, and how are you preparing to leverage them?

I’m enthusiastic about targeted therapies and advanced biologics in the pharmaceutical industry’s future. Leveraging my experience in generics and biosimilars, I’m preparing for upcoming trends like decentralised trials and AI integration. By conducting training programmes and implementing new methods in real-time projects, I ensure readiness to meet challenges posed by “smart” processes and updates. This proactive approach allows me to stay at the forefront of innovation and contribute effectively to the industry’s growth.

What steps are you taking to reach your goal of becoming a board member in the next five years?

To secure a position on the Board of Directors within the next five years, I recognise the need for formal training in directorship, legal responsibilities, and corporate strategy. While most directors are typically cofounders or wellknown figures, I aim to become technically eligible as a non-executive and independent director through such training. This preparation will enhance my candidature and readiness for executive directorship roles. While success is not guaranteed, I view this endeavour as a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth, providing insight into toplevel decision-making processes.