Medical Products: From Target to Market

As a part of the medical products and innovation series, The Kashmir Care Foundation (KCF) hosted an impactful and dynamic panel discussion on, “Medical Products: From Target to Market,” on Jan 26, 2025.  This session brought together global leaders in healthcare innovation to explore the complex journey of transforming scientific discoveries into life-changing medical solutions. The session honored the legacy of Dr. MK Bhan, a pioneering figure in India’s translational research landscape, whose vision for affordable and accessible healthcare continues to inspire future generations.

This discussion was more than just an exchange of ideas, it was a call to action. As Dr. Altaf Lal emphasized, “Dr. Bhan believed in institutional building, nurturing young minds, and advancing science with purpose. Our best tribute to him is to carry forward this vision with the same integrity and dedication.”

The event attracted a diverse audience of professionals, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world, eager to gain insights into the scientific, regulatory, and commercial pathways involved in bringing medical products to the market.

A Panel of Global Experts

Moderated by Dr. Mahrukh Banday, the discussion featured an esteemed panel of experts, each bringing unique expertise and firsthand experience in navigating the challenges of healthcare innovation. Dr. Riyaz Bashir, a leading interventional cardiologist, shared his journey in developing an FDA-approved vascular catheter to treat life-threatening blood clots. His story illustrated the power of mentorship, persistence, and strategic partnerships in overcoming technical and regulatory hurdles.

Dr. Hira Nakhasi, a molecular virology, vaccine development, and regulatory sciences expert, spoke about leveraging biomarkers and system biology tools to accelerate vaccine approvals and improve public health outcomes. Dr. Mudassir Andrabi, a trailblazer in veterinary biotechnology, highlighted his breakthrough work in creating a genetically engineered poultry vaccine and bioengineered burn-recovery bandages, addressing critical challenges in both human and animal health.

In the field of oncology, Dr. Aasim Amin discussed the future of targeted cancer therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and precision medicine approaches that are reshaping how aggressive cancers are treated. Dr. Arshad Khuroo, a leader in pharmaceutical innovation, explained how new modeling approaches and AI-driven pharmacokinetics revolutionizing drug development are by reducing timelines and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Key Takeaways

The discussion provided a comprehensive roadmap for transforming a medical concept into a market-ready product, covering five essential stages. Panelists emphasized that identifying unmet medical needs is critical in ensuring that innovations address real-world healthcare challenges. Research and development (R&D) processes are being increasingly optimized using AI, bioinformatics, and biomaterials, streamlining workflows and enhancing efficiency.

Regulatory navigation remains a crucial aspect of product development, with experts urging early engagement with global regulatory bodies to avoid delays in approvals. Clinical trials and validation processes must focus on data integrity and patient safety, ensuring that new medical products meet the highest standards of efficacy. Finally, the panelists discussed commercialization strategies, emphasizing the importance of scaling production, securing funding, and overcoming market entry challenges, particularly in resource-limited regions.

Lessons that Matter

Across all discussions, several core themes emerged as fundamental principles for success in medical innovation. Integrity and work ethic were repeatedly cited as essential for long-term success. As Dr. Bashir remarked, “Your heart is your true judge—lead with integrity.” Continuous learning was also highlighted, with an emphasis on mastering emerging technologies like AI-driven drug discovery, computational modeling, and personalized medicine.

Mentorship and collaboration were central to the discussion, with every panelist acknowledging the role of mentors in shaping their careers. Young professionals were encouraged not only to seek guidance but also to support others in their journeys. Taking calculated risks was also identified as a key factor in driving innovation. “Calculated risks pave the way for breakthroughs,” said Dr. Amin, reinforcing the importance of being bold yet strategic in problem-solving.

Above all, panelists agreed that healthcare innovation must always be patient centric. As Dr. Lal put it, “Advancements in healthcare should not just be about scientific achievement—they should be about making a tangible difference.”

What’s Next?

The Kashmir Care Foundation is committed to sustaining this conversation beyond the panel. List of initiatives includes:

• We held another session on February 23, 2025 – Webinar on Clinical Research Methodologies: A deep dive into regulatory pathways, clinical trials, and market access strategies with industry experts. (article 3 of this series)
• Future Sessions on AI in Healthcare & Biotech Entrepreneurship: Exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping drug discovery, diagnostics, and medical device development.
• Mentorship & Networking Opportunities: Connecting young professionals and students with industry leaders to foster meaningful career growth and innovation.
• Access Session Resources – A comprehensive guide on medical product development is available for attendees. Contact KCF for a copy.
• Stay Connected – Follow KCF on social media for event updates, insights, and networking opportunities.

For mentorship inquiries or upcoming event details, email: info@kashmircarefoundation.org

This panel discussion wasn’t just an event, it was a catalyst for future breakthroughs in healthcare. The key message was clear: success in medical innovation requires knowledge, collaboration, and a commitment to making a difference.

As we navigate the challenges of global healthcare, it is sessions like these that lay the foundation for transformative solutions. Whether you are a student, researcher, or entrepreneur, the time to act is now.

Join the movement. Drive innovation. Be the change. Visit us at kashmircarefoundation.org for details about the past and future programs and initiatives.

Mahrukh (Mahi) Banday, X-Therma, California, USA

Mudasir Andrabi, SKUAST, Srinagar, J&K.