STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) hosted a two-day Industry-Academia Meet (IAM-2026) in Jammu, bringing together scientists, industry leaders, and regulators to accelerate phytopharmaceutical research and strengthen lab-to-market linkages. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, the meet aims to transform traditional knowledge and natural product research into evidence-based, commercially viable drugs.
Padma Shri Prof. V.K. Singh, Institute Chair Professor at IIT Kanpur and Mentor of CSIR-IIIM, attended as Chief Guest, while Dr. C.K. Katiyar, former CEO of Emami, was the Guest of Honour. Also present were CSIR-IIIM Director Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist and Head of RMBD & IST, Organising Secretary Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed, CDSCO representatives, members of the Phytopharmaceutical Mission, industry delegates, and academicians. The inaugural session featured the release of the Institute Compendium and signing of MoUs with industry partners.
Prof. Singh emphasized that research institutions must demonstrate tangible value to attract industry collaboration, noting that partnerships depend on practical and economic relevance. Citing global successes like artemisinin, he highlighted the promise of natural products and the need to overcome regulatory and translational hurdles.
Dr. Katiyar described CSIR-IIIM as a heritage institution and stressed scientifically linking traditional knowledge with chemistry and pharmacology. He pointed to challenges in pharmacokinetics, clinical validation, regulatory clarity, and India’s reliance on imported APIs.
In his welcome address, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed said IAM-2026 seeks to build sustained engagement between researchers, industry, and regulators. He noted that Phase III of CSIR’s Phytopharmaceutical Mission involves ten laboratories, with three leads ready for clinical translation. He identified gaps in GMP manufacturing and clinical infrastructure and called for industry support. He also highlighted cannabis research potential, urging policy dialogue for regulated clinical studies.
Technical sessions addressed cultivation, authentication, validation, regulatory pathways, and market access. Experts including Prof. Ravinder Raina, Dr. Amit Chawla, Dr. Lal Hingorani, and Dr. Ajay Kumar shared insights. A high-level panel discussion examined clinical validation, claims substantiation, and compliance challenges.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Er. Abdul Rahim. Proceedings were conducted by Dr. Gurleen Kour.