With investment in India’s stem cell research industry having crossed Rs.1,000 crore, there’s exploding demand for research and product development professionals  Indra Gidwani

Stem cell research and therapy is a promising new career option for bright youth with appetite for science and innovation. It is centred around advanced biological research conducted by scholars from diverse science backgrounds to discover new treatments for chronic ailments.  Those who might benefit from stem cell therapies include people with spinal cord injuries, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, burns, cancer and osteoarthritis. Stem cells also have the potential to be grown into new nerve and muscle tissues for use in transplant and regenerative medicine.

Since the dawn of the new millennium, India has emerged as a key biotech player in the Asia Pacific region, second only to Japan and South Korea. A growing number of pharmaceutical and biotech companies led by Bangalore-based Biocon Ltd have successfully developed a range of biologics, biosimilars, differentiated molecules and recombinant human insulin which are being marketed under company brand names. It is estimated that investment in stem cell research in India has crossed over Rs.1,000 crore. Therefore there’s a huge and growing demand for trained research and product development professionals.

STUDY PROGRAMMES

There’s a common misconception that only individuals with medical or para-medic education backgrounds are eligible for entry into this fast-track industry. Science graduates with at least one subject in the biological sciences, MBBS or B.Pharma or BDS or B.VSc or BE (biotechnology) are thriving in this field.

The more ambitious should ideally pursue a Masters in biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, zoology, life science or regenerative medicine (available only at the Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore) to qualify for top-level positions in this newgen industry.

Moreover, qualifications can be boosted with a diploma or other certification in specialised stem cell study programmes offered by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore; National Centre for Cell Science, Pune; National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai; Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore; Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad; Michigan-In-Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Chennai; Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; MS University, Baroda and Sri Chitra Tirumal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum.

PAY & PROGRESSION

“There’s exploding demand for professionally trained manpower in this evolving branch of biomedicine especially for postgraduates in the sciences for whom there are careers in quality control, R&D, production, clinical research, supply chain and human resource development. Remuneration packages tend to be higher than in other industries. At entry level, a postgrad with a Masters is likely to be inducted as a research associate at Rs.4 lakh-plus and a Ph D at Rs.6 lakh plus per annum,” says Vijayaraghavan Pisharody, general manager (human resources and corporate communication) of the Bangalore-based Stempeutics Research Pvt. Ltd (estb.2006), a pioneer stem cell company jointly promoted by the Manipal Education and Medical Group and Cipla Ltd. Stempeutics is the first company in the world to be granted a US process patent for a stem cell drug based on pooling technology.

CORPORATE PROFILE

“We develop stem cells-based medicinal products at our facilities in Bangalore and Manipal. The company has already launched its first cosmetic product — the anti-ageing skin care cream Cutisera™ — and is on the threshold of launching its first medical product Stempeucel for treating critical limb ischemia. We have forged a partnership with the Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore for fundamental research and also with various agencies and eminent scientists around the world, to ensure that the very latest research output and technology is available to our products and processes developers. My job is to provide an environment that enhances their knowledge and creativity,” says Pisharody.

According to Pisharody, there are huge and multiplying opportunities in this sunrise industry and with Stempeutics. “In the next 10 years, this industry will become as important as the IT, energy and traditional healthcare industry. For millions of people around the world suffering from ailments for which known realms of medicine cannot provide relief, stem cell research and products offer hope for a new beginning. Our effort is to ensure that hope doesn’t remain a distant dream, but an accessible reality for one and all,” he says.