Fabales - the monthly newsletter of FABA
Volume 03, no. 5
The past month has witnessed something extraordinary—a proof of concept that's reshaping how we think about biotechnology education. Our inaugural Finishing School program didn't just bridge the academia-industry gap; it obliterated it, creating 22 job-ready professionals who are already fielding interview calls from leading biotech companies.
This May edition of Fabales captures the remarkable success of our first batch while unveiling exciting opportunities for the next cohort of biotech professionals ready to transform their careers.
Fabales will keep you informed of all the events and activities happening at FABA and our International chapters.
Whether you're a researcher, a biotech entrepreneur, or simply interested in the field, FABA is dedicated to promoting and advancing the biotechnology industry in Asia.
Join us today to be a part of this exciting and dynamic community!
🎯 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: The Finishing School Success Story
The Real Story Behind 22 Biotech Professionals Becoming Job-Ready in Just 4 Weeks
Most training programs fail because they're just... programs. They lack the real-world immersion, the intensity, and the collective commitment needed to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Our Finishing School succeeded because it became an ecosystem—built on shared vision and "skin in the game" from every single contributor:
🏢 When Industry Leaders Invested Real Resources:
Indian Immunologicals Limited put substantial financial backing behind this vision
Agri Biotech Foundation opened their advanced labs and lent their faculty's expertise
Prof Reddanna's leadership guided the program's strategic vision and set academic excellence standards
👨🏫 When Faculty Committed to Excellence: Our dedicated FABA faculty team—Dr. Medicharla V Jagannadham, Mr. Srinivas Duvvada, and Mr. Subahan Mabu—committed to daily 9-hour sessions, making excellence non-negotiable.
20 students committed to 9 AM-7 PM days for 4 intense weeks, matching actual industry intensity
State-of-the-Art Industry Visits:
🔬 YMC India Pvt. Ltd. - Chromatography Excellence Students witnessed cutting-edge analytical and synthesis technologies including Shimadzu Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC), Agilent HPLC systems, and preparative chromatography setups. As a participant, Gowri Krishna, noted: "This visit bridged the gap between textbook knowledge and industrial applications, deepening my appreciation for the precision and complexity involved in bioprocessing."
🧬 Umed Pharma Lab - Advanced Chemical Analysis Students explored cutting-edge facilities featuring UV, IR, ICP-MS, LC-MS, AAS, GC-MS, XRD, and documentation cells. Their microbiology, biopharma, and cell biology divisions showcased advanced sterilization, DNA sequencing, virology QC, and bioinformatics—all operating under strict data integrity principles.
🧪 Huwel Life Sciences - Innovation in Diagnostics Students witnessed excellence in RT-PCR kit manufacturing, including the company's remarkable achievement of producing 52 million COVID test kits during the pandemic—recognized by NITI Aayog. Real-time demonstrations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection via RT-PCR provided invaluable practical insights.
🎓 University of Hyderabad & BioNEST Students explored the Life Science Department and learned about BioNEST, a thriving incubation hub supporting biotech startups. They interacted with innovative companies like BYCUS Therapeutics and UR Advanced Therapeutics, gaining exposure to:
Expression systems and protein purification
3D printing applications in biomedical sciences
Flow cytometry and FACS analysis
Proteomics and metabolomics (MALDI-TOF, ESI, GC-MS, LC-MS)
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) demonstrations
Student Testimonials: Real Impact, Real Results
Nikitha Gurram (St. Francis College for Women): "The program was a holistic transformation. From technical training to personal development, FABA truly lived up to its promise. I can confidently say I'm now job-ready and highly employable in the biotech industry."
Krishnna Priyaa Bala (Vignan's Foundation): "The workshop has been incredibly enriching—providing practical training in key laboratory methods, revisiting essential biological principles, and strengthening vital soft skills highly valued in both academic and industrial settings."
P Sanjana (Bhavans Vivekananda College): "This journey has been incredibly enriching—gaining hands-on experience with essential laboratory techniques, strengthening understanding of core biological concepts, and developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving."
Arijeet Patra (Biological E Limited): "Though my core focus is analytical quality assurance, this training allowed me to step into the world of cell culture. The program covered essential topics from aseptic techniques to advanced FACS and HPLC applications that resonated strongly with my analytical background."
🚀 OVERWHELMING RESPONSE: Second Batch Fully Enrolled
The remarkable success of our inaugural batch created unprecedented demand for the second cohort. All 20 seats for the June 16 - July 12, 2025 batch were filled, demonstrating the biotech community's recognition of this program's transformative impact.
Third Batch Announcement: July 2025
Due to continued overwhelming demand, we're pleased to announce that the third batch of our Finishing School program will commence in July 2025 (tentative dates to be announced soon).
Limited to 20 participants to maintain the intensive, personalized learning environment that has made this program so effective.
Register here on priority for Batch 3 →
🤝 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: FABA and SSSIHL Forge Alliance for Biotech Excellence
In a groundbreaking development that expands FABA's educational impact across India, we are proud to announce a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL). This strategic partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing India's biotech talent pipeline and establishing new standards for industry-academia collaboration.
Two-Pronged Mission:
Elevating skill sets of current biotech professionals
Facilitating seamless workforce entry for future graduates
Dedicated Finishing School at SSSIHL
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the establishment of a dedicated "finishing school" at SSSIHL's campus. This program will offer targeted, practical training in the most relevant areas of modern biotechnology:
Core Curriculum Areas:
Microbiology - Essential techniques for pharmaceutical and biotech applications
Cell Biology - Advanced cell culture and analytical methods
Molecular Techniques - DNA/RNA manipulation, protein analysis, and genetic engineering
In Silico Tools - Computational biology and bioinformatics applications
SSSIHL's Academic Excellence Foundation: The institute brings exceptional academic infrastructure to this partnership:
Undergraduate Programs: B.S. (Hons.) in Biosciences and Biotechnology, B.S. (Hons.) in AI and Computational Biology
Graduate Programs: M.Sc. in Biosciences
Specialized Research Facilities: Dedicated labs for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Disease Biology
Industry-Standard Equipment: State-of-the-art instrumentation for comprehensive training
This partnership represents more than an educational initiative—it's a proactive investment in India's biotechnology future, ensuring our nation remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and global competitiveness.
🧬 CUTTING-EDGE OPPORTUNITY: PROTAC ARCHITECT™ Masterclass
Starting June 28, 2025 | The Future of Drug Design
While 80% of disease-causing proteins have remained "undruggable" for decades, PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras) are changing everything. These revolutionary molecules don't just inhibit proteins—they completely eliminate them by hijacking the cell's own disposal system.
6 Weekends That Will Transform Your Career:
Week 1 (June 28-29): Foundation Building
Python & Jupyter basics for drug discovery with Mr. Neil Gogte
Molecular biology concepts for computational scientists
PROTAC mechanism overview: targets, E3 ligases, linker design
Week 2 (July 5-6): Drug Discovery Revolution
Traditional vs. modern approaches with Dr. Velarkad Viswanadhan
Fusing medicinal chemistry expertise and AI intuition with Dr. Riyaz Syed
Digital biology fundamentals with Dr. John Dibella
Week 3 (July 12-13): PROTAC Deep Dive
PROTAC fundamentals with Mr. Neil Gogte
Deep learning applications with Dr. Kolli Sarath
Traditional model limitations and AI solutions
Week 4 (July 19-20): Efficacy Prediction
Model architecture deep dive with Mr. Neil Gogte
Complete workflow implementation with Ms. Sanjana Gogte
Week 5 (July 26-27): Advanced Techniques
Diffusion models primer with Mr. Ajay Bhandari
Linker generation applications with Dr. Srilakshmi
Week 6 (August 2-3): De Novo Design
Generative models for molecule design with Mr. Ajay Bhandari
PROTAC-specific generation and next-gen modalities
🎯 COMING SOON: Pune-Mumbai Life Sciences Cluster Meet
August 23, 2025 | D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune
FABA is proud to host the Pune-Mumbai Life Sciences Cluster Meet in collaboration with D Y Patil International University, bringing together key stakeholders from India's vibrant life sciences corridor. This high-level gathering will focus on strengthening collaborations between Pune and Mumbai—two of India's most important biotech and pharmaceutical hubs.
Key Agenda Highlights:
International Ambassadors Roundtable - Global collaborations in life sciences
Innovation Cluster Development - Need for collaboration to promote innovation in the Pune/Mumbai corridor
CEO Panel - Academia's support for innovation and bringing innovative products to market
FABA Awards Ceremony - Celebrating life sciences excellence in India
Prestigious Awards to be Presented:
FABA Excellence Award
FABA Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow FABA Young Innovation Award - Rs. 5 Lakh Cash Award
Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow GEM Award for Doctoral Students - Rs. 2 Lakh Cash Award
Best Poster Awards - Cash prizes of Rs. 10,000 each (3X)
This strategic gathering represents FABA's commitment to fostering regional innovation ecosystems and creating meaningful connections between key stakeholders in India's life sciences landscape. Stay tuned for more details.
Drug Discovery & Development Workshop 2025
August 28-31, 2025 | School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad
The Complete Journey: From Laboratory to Market
FABA's most prestigious educational event returns in-person with an unprecedented lineup of 25+ speakers from 7+ countries, bringing together 100+ participants for four intensive days exploring the complete drug development ecosystem.
Organized in collaboration with Science Gurus (US-based nonprofit) and the University of Hyderabad, this comprehensive workshop covers every aspect of bringing life-saving treatments from laboratory bench to patient bedside.
Special Focus Areas:
Cell & Gene Therapy innovations
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) development
Bispecific Antibodies engineering
AI applications in drug discovery
Personalized medicine approaches
Distinguished Faculty & Industry Leaders:
Drug Discovery Pioneers:
Dr. Chakk Ramesha (CEO, Medhus Bio) - Target identification and validation
Dr. Pallu Reddanna (University of Hyderabad) - Case studies in anti-inflammatory drug development
Dr. Ramesh Sistla (Founder & CEO, thinkMolecular Technologies) - AI in hit and lead identification
Dr. Raghava Reddy Kethiri (Co-founder & CEO, Aryastha Life Sciences) - Lead optimization
Development & Clinical Experts:
Dr. Raghu Rangaswamy (CEO, Molecular Solutions) - In silico screening tools
Dr. PBN Prasad (Former Drugs Controller General of India) - Regulatory affairs
Dr. Raghunadha Rao (Professor, MNJ Cancer Hospital) - Clinical case studies
Commercialization Leaders:
Dr. Surya Sankuratri (CEO, EPOK Therapeutics) - Licensing and M&A strategies
Dr. Ajith Kamath (Ex-Head, External R&D Pfizer) - Personalized medicine
Dr. Shridhar Narayanan (CSO, Peptris Technologies) - Rare diseases and drug repurposing
Next-Generation Therapy Experts:
Dr. Suresh Poda (President, Laurus Labs) - Gene therapy innovations
Prof. Rahul Purwar (IIT Bombay, Founder ImmunoACT) - Cell therapy breakthroughs
Dr. Jagath Reddy Junutula (Board Chairman, Science Gurus; CEO, Aarvik Therapeutics) - ADC development
Dr. Murali Ramachandra (CEO, Aurigene Oncology) - Bispecific antibodies
Dr. Nitin Damle (EVP, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Center) - Industrial ADC development
Four-Day Program Structure:
Day 1 (August 28): Drug Discovery From target identification to pre-clinical safety studies, covering the foundational science of drug discovery including AI-powered approaches and case studies.
Day 2 (August 29): Drug Development In silico tools, formulation research, non-animal testing methods, clinical trial design, and regulatory affairs—the critical bridge from discovery to human testing.
Day 3 (August 30): IP and Commercialization Patents, manufacturing, licensing strategies, personalized medicine, biosimilars, and rare disease applications—transforming discoveries into market realities.
Day 4 (August 31): Next-Generation Therapies Deep dive into cell & gene therapy, ADCs, and bispecific antibodies with leading industry practitioners and concluding panel on challenges for Indian companies.
Your Gateway to Biotech Excellence
The success of our Finishing School proves that with the right ecosystem, intensive commitment, and industry-academia collaboration, we can transform careers in just weeks, not years.
Whether you're seeking hands-on laboratory skills, cutting-edge computational expertise, or direct industry connections, FABA offers the proven pathways to biotech success.
Join the professionals who've discovered that FABA programs don't just advance careers—they transform them.
Explore FABA membership and programs at www.biofaba.org.in
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