Introduction of Multi Herbal Preparations in Australia- Scope and Regulations.

On January 2, 2024, L.J. Institute of Pharmacy hosted a PIILLS session on "Introduction of Multiherbal Preparations in Australia - Scope and Regulations", featuring Dr. Kanan Shah, Head of Innovation and Product Development at Alphamed Pty Ltd, Sydney. The session aimed to educate students on herbal formulation regulations in Australia.

Dr. Shah discussed the rising demand for herbal and Ayurvedic products in managing chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and mental illnesses. With high healthcare costs, many Australians turn to nutraceuticals, though self-medication risks highlight the need for regulation and public awareness.

She addressed standardization challenges, quality control, and drug interactions, sharing insights on regulatory hurdles for Indian herbs like holy basil, neem, and ashwagandha, which remain unapproved in Australia.

The session emphasized career opportunities for Indian pharmacists in natural healthcare, stressing the importance of education, regulation, and responsible usage to ensure safety and efficacy in herbal medicine.

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Pharma Research Orientation Program for Excellency & Learning

L.J. Institute of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Research Cell of L.J. University, organized a two-day hands-on training workshop, "Pharma Research Orientation Program for Excellency & Learning," on February 23-24, 2024. The workshop aimed to introduce research fundamentals to UG, PG students, and research scholars, fostering interest in pharmaceutical research.

Day 1 began with Dr. Nirali Mehta , Founder & CEO of PHARMA-STATS, discussing biostatistics in pharmacy, covering qualitative vs. quantitative data, hypothesis testing, P-values, and sample size determination. An interactive activity reinforced these concepts. Dr. Manju Misra , Associate Professor at GTU, highlighted research's societal impact, sharing her team’s work on a self-cleansing sanitizer during COVID-19. Dr. Shraddha Bhadada , a Freelance Medical Writer, guided participants on academic publishing, explaining manuscript structure (IMRAD format), grammar, and common mistakes.

Day 2 featured two globally recognized scientists from Stanford’s top 2% list. Dr. Mayur Patel, Associate Professor at Nirma University, emphasized research ethics, integrity, plagiarism, and securing research grants. Dr. Vivek Chawda , Assistant Professor at L.M. College of Pharmacy, introduced software tools like PubMed, ChatGPT, Scite, Latex, and Word Tune to enhance scientific writing, literature review, and citation analysis.

The workshop successfully cultivated a research-driven mindset, equipping participants with critical knowledge, ethical understanding, and practical tools to advance their research capabilities and contribute meaningfully to pharmaceutical science.

Insight of cleansing cosmetic products

On April 6, 2024, L.J. Institute of Pharmacy hosted a seminar titled "Insights on Cleansing Cosmetic Products" , led by Mr. Mihir Bhatt , Assistant Manager at Brillare Science Pvt. Ltd. The session explored cosmetics' definition, formulation, and industry trends, providing valuable insights for students and professionals.

Mr. Bhatt defined cosmetics as products enhancing appearance and cleanliness, highlighting their role in innovation across consumer goods. He categorized them based on surface application (hair care, skin care, body care, color cosmetics) and contact time (leave-on and rinse-off products), emphasizing their role in skincare by removing dirt, oil, and dead cells.

He explained cleansing mechanisms, including surfactants, emulsification, pH balance, exfoliation, towel rubbing, and steam cleansing, stressing their combined effectiveness for healthy skin. He classified rinse-off skincare (soaps, gels, scrubs, toners, masks, wipes) and haircare products (shampoos, conditioners, masks).

Discussing consumer expectations, he emphasized ease of application, pleasant textures, non-greasy formulas, hydration, and skin compatibility. The session concluded with an overview of key industry players like L’Oréal, Unilever, and P&G, driving innovation in cosmetics.

This seminar offered a comprehensive understanding of cleansing cosmetics, balancing formulation science and consumer needs, and highlighted the evolving nature of the industry.

Fundamentals of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

On July 12, 2024, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at LJ University organized a PIILLS session at the LJIP Auditorium, featuring Mr. Kamal Kardani , Manager of Analytical Development & Quality Control at Accuprec Research Labs, Ahmedabad. He delivered an insightful lecture on the “ Fundamentals of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)” to an audience of over 80 students.  

Mr. Kardani began with an introduction to HPLC, explaining its role in separating, identifying, and quantifying components in a mixture. He detailed the working principles, emphasizing the interaction between the mobile and stationary phases under high pressure. He then discussed key components of HPLC instrumentation, including the solvent reservoir, pump, injector, column, detector, and data processor, highlighting their functions and the advancements in ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC).  

The session also explored HPLC’s applications in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and food testing. Mr. Kardani provided insights into other chromatographic techniques, such as Gas Chromatography (GC) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), comparing their advantages and limitations.  

A QnA session allowed students to clarify their doubts, with many appreciating Mr. Kardani’s ability to simplify complex concepts. The event was well-received, offering valuable industry insights and reinforcing LJ University’s commitment to bridging academic learning with practical applications. The PIILLS session proved to be a significant learning experience, enhancing students’ knowledge and preparing them for future professional challenges.

Monitoring of Chemical reactions and Purification Techniques

On July 20, 2024, L.J. Institute of Pharmacy organized a PIILLS session on “Monitoring of Chemical Reactions and Purification Techniques” to educate students on essential methods in chemical synthesis and drug development.

Dr. Bharat Kumar Chaudhary, Senior Research Associate at Zydus Research Centre, served as the guest speaker. He emphasized the importance of reaction monitoring in understanding mechanisms, optimizing conditions, and ensuring efficiency and safety in pharmaceutical development. He elaborated on key purification techniques used by organic and medicinal chemists, including chromatography, recrystallization, and distillation.

A significant focus was placed on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). HPLC plays a crucial role in analyzing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), ensuring proper dosage, stability, and solubility, while TLC remains a fundamental tool for reaction monitoring by tracking starting materials and products.

Current Regulatory Challenges: What the Industry Wants from the New Workforce

On February 27, 2024, L.J. Institute of Pharmacy hosted a seminar titled "Renewed Human Intervention in Current Regulatory Challenges: What the Industry Wants from the New Workforce." Delivered by Mr. Anuj Shah , Associate Vice President of HR at Intas Pharmaceutical Ltd., the session focused on the evolving regulatory landscape and industry expectations from future professionals.

Mr. Shah highlighted the increasing global regulatory complexities and the crucial role of human intervention in navigating them. He emphasized the need for professionals to develop soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving alongside technical expertise. He also encouraged students to stay updated on regulatory trends, pursue certifications, and gain practical experience through internships.

A dynamic Q&A session allowed students to engage with Mr. Shah, gaining valuable industry insights. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Dilip Maheshwari. The seminar received positive feedback for its relevance in preparing students for regulatory careers.