Biosite Research is one of India’s leading mid-sized CROs in the late phase research. They work with pharmaceuticals companies and patients across India and now have recently expanded to UK. The company has over 100 years of collective expertise in designing, performing, and translating complex clinical studies starting from scientific protocol drafting to report submission in CDSCO. They offer customized end-to-end research services to fulfill the research and development and production needs of their clients with the highest standards of ethics and Good clinical practices.
Dr. Aditi Datta is the Founder and Managing Director of Biosite Research. She oversees the development and implementation of Biosite’s scientific and strategic direction. She helps in providing the focus to drive its growth and meet its goal to become the CRO of choice. In an exclusive interview, she tells us more about the company. Excerpts from an interview:
Q. Tell us about your company Biosite Research, and the services that your company offers?
Biosite Research started in 2015 in a room in Saket City Hospital, (now Max hospital Saket, New Delhi). At that time, I was responsible for conducting USFDA clinical research study for Teva. Once we successfully completed the study with clearance of the USFDA audit, we expanded our services to multiple hospitals including govt hospitals, and made a large team giving research services to various departments in those hospitals. We established a security framework, quality record, and compliance. We developed a strong supply chain and access to skilled scientists. Our approach enabled us to build customer relationships that extended beyond the standard service delivery model into truly enduring partnerships.
We moved our headquarters to Bengaluru. Initially, setting up the business was difficult but by 2017, we hired talented people who executed end-to-end clinical trials for some pharmaceutical companies and Biotech organizations. We started the company to give quality services at affordable prices. We believed that better clinical research services should be performed to give accurate results for medicines that are in the phase of development before marketing authorization. Today, the company has transformed into a multinational company and is doing projects worth 50 crores.
Q. How is your company different from your competitors?
As one of the leading Indian mid-size clinical CROs, Biosite has wide regional experience and infrastructure to conduct its clients’ clinical trials. We guide clients from clinical development planning to regulatory filing and approvals. We provide flexible solutions and ensure that budget and deadlines are met, thus reducing clients’ risks and delays. We have therapeutic expertise and scientific experts who ensure that the quality of services is not compromised.
Our team’s collaborative approach helps us understand our clients’ specific resourcing needs and then we provide a talented and experienced team for the program. We also provide collaborative technologies that help our clients to make informed decisions.
We also focus on team building and employee friendly atmosphere. We have a dedicated team that is committed to meet targets and work extra hours.
Q. What were the challenges faced by the company during the pandemic, and how did you overcome them?
During the pandemic, it was difficult for a mid-size company like ours to sustain, but our grit and determination made us sail through. Because of previous work experience we started getting Covid-19 projects. We were skeptical about taking such a huge risk, but we still took the chance. As it was a new and unknown disease, we did not know about the consequences. We maintained care and protection. Our team was on the ground in hospitals doing covid research and trying to find out the best possible cure for this deadly disease.We did an end-to-end study on IVIG use for Covid-19 patients.
Q. What is the goal of your company, and how are you planning to achieve it?Any other long term goals?
Our goal is to set a benchmark for clinical research standards and provide the best services to all our clients in countries like the US, the UK, and other European regions. We aim to increase business opportunities for the Indian clinical trial industry.
Regarding long term goals, We have already started a biotech company which will be coming up with its own biosimilar products and innovative technology based medical devices.
Q. What new technologies are you using in your company?
The best way to execute a project quickly is to introduce technology. We use electronic case report form (ECRF) platforms, where data is captured and can be further analyzedby statisticians and data analysts. eTMF is another interesting platform that is replacing conventional TMF. We are using these technologies to stay ahead of our competitors.
Q. What do you see when you hire talent in your organisation? How big is your team?
While hiring new employee, we look at his attitude and integrity towards work. We believe that a person with a positive attitude can easily become a part of the culture and achieve the desired goals for the organization. We believe that Any person who is passionate to learn new things can grow along with the company. In addition, we also look at his or her expertise in the field.
Regarding team size, we have a core team members of 25 people ranging from scientific experts from medical fraternity and KOL guiding on different indications of clinical trials to project managers, QA and data analysts and PHD research scientists , statisticians that work together to execute the project. We also have CRAs and experts that work project based. Overall the team is expandable to 50 -100 depending on project requirements.
Q.What gives you inspiration?
I get inspired from people working in scientific community and who have come a long way specially women entrepreneurs such as Ms Kiran Mazumdar shaw, chairperson Biocon group.
On personal level I would say parents have played an exceptional role in bringing out the best in me. My mother has given constant support .She always advised me to choose my own path instead of following other's footsteps.
Q. What is the best advice you can give to our readers?
The only way to succeed in life is to never give up on your dreams. Be consistent and passionate about your work, sky is the limit.
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