Leveraging Technology to Advance Clinical Research Initiatives!

The journey from idea to cure is fraught with many challenges that demand scientific ingenuity and a strong concern for patient care. Motivated by the belief that clinical research serves as a bridge to hope for patients, Dr. Pramod Kashid has dedicated his career to expediting access to new therapies.

He has been passionate about improving lives through medicine and has navigated the complexities of clinical trials and regulatory frameworks to shape the future of healthcare, making it more accessible and effective for diverse populations.

Since the healthcare industry is ever-evolving, Pramod is playing a crucial role as the CEO of Expecto Health Science in shaping the industry’s future. With more than two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and Contract Research Organization sectors, he has developed a huge knowledge of clinical trial design and drug development methods. His academic credentials underscore his dedication to excellence in healthcare development.

His leadership is spearheaded by an idea to speed up clinical trial efficiency, especially for emerging economies of the Asia-Pacific region. These innovative approaches, aimed at delivering life-saving treatments, also strive towards making significant changes in healthcare access for underserved populations.

Let’s know more about his journey:

A Leader in Clinical Research and Drug Development

Pramod is a seasoned professional in the pharmaceutical and Contract Research Organization (CRO) sector, bringing over two decades of experience to his role. His career has been marked by a commitment to advancing clinical research and facilitating access to innovative therapies for patients. Throughout his journey, he has gained extensive knowledge of the diverse business environments and regulatory frameworks across the Asia-Pacific region.

Recognized as a subject matter expert in clinical trial design and drug development strategies, he has significantly contributed to global development teams, particularly in oncology, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. His work has had a profound impact on countless lives by delivering life-saving therapies.

His academic credentials include a Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from NMIMS University in Mumbai. He further enhanced his expertise with an MBA from the University of Oxford, which refined his strategic thinking and provided him with a global perspective on leadership and innovation.

Driven by the belief that clinical research is a bridge to hope for patients and their families, he is passionate about creating strategies that accelerate access to new therapies and improve trial outcomes. In July 2024, he assumed the role of CEO at Expecto Health Science, a full-service CRO founded in 2023 and based in Singapore. In this capacity, he aims to leverage his extensive experience to drive clinical research innovations in emerging economies, especially within the Asia-Pacific region.

Colleagues describe his leadership style as kind, adaptable, and supportive. He sets ambitious goals while ensuring that his team is well-supported through challenges. Emphasizing continuous learning and authenticity, he inspires trust and builds resilient teams dedicated to improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Transforming Clinical Trials in Asia-Pacific

Expecto Health Science is an innovative Contract Research Organization (CRO) headquartered in Singapore, established in 2023. The company was founded with a mission to enhance patient access to new therapies in emerging economies, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Phillipines and India. By focusing on the efficient execution of Phase I to IV clinical trials, Expecto aims to streamline the clinical trial process through rapid patient enrollment.

What distinguishes Expecto is its unique delivery framework called “EXLERATOR.” This approach emphasizes agility, flexibility, and a steadfast commitment to quality while maintaining cost-effectiveness. By integrating these elements, Expecto ensures that clinical trials are conducted swiftly without compromising precision or ethical standards, making it a reliable partner for global sponsors.

The leadership team at Expecto comprises experienced professionals from global CROs and pharmaceutical organizations, including alumni from prestigious institutions like the University of Oxford. This diverse expertise supports the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality clinical research services and driving advancements in healthcare for underserved populations. Ultimately, Expecto Health Science aspires to bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility in the clinical trial landscape across the Asia-Pacific region.

Vision for Expecto Health Science

Pramod’s vision is to position Expecto Health Science as the leading force in advancing healthcare innovation in Asia-Pacific, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and accessible treatments. By fostering collaboration, championing ethical standards, and leveraging technology, he and his team aim to redefine clinical research, empower patient diversity, and set new benchmarks in clinical research excellence.

The drug development and clinical research industry is evolving, and it is a top priority for him to make Expecto Health Science a future-ready organization. He aims to adapt the following strategies:

1. Build a Future-Ready Organization

• Embrace Digital Transformation: Invest in advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud-based solutions to streamline clinical trial operations.
• Develop Technology platform (EXTrack): Develop a technology platform (EXTrack) to improve trial monitoring, data management, and real-time analytics.
• Adopt Decentralized Trials (DCTs): Incorporate virtual and hybrid trial models to improve patient accessibility and reduce costs.

2. Expand into Emerging Therapeutic Areas

• Focus on Precision Medicine: Collaborate with biotech and genomics companies to support personalized treatment solutions.
• Diversify into Dermatology, Cosmetics, and Consumer Health Products: Build on existing initiatives in testing personal care and consumer products.
• Address Regional Health Challenges: Prioritize research on infectious diseases, oncology, and conditions prevalent in the Asia-Pacific.

3. Strengthen Patient-Centric Approaches

• Enhance Patient Diversity: Design trials that represent diverse populations, ensuring more inclusive research outcomes.
• Invest in Patient Engagement: Develop tools and platforms for better patient education, consent, and participation.
• Focus on Accessibility: Reduce barriers for patients by integrating community outreach and leveraging mobile health technologies.

4. Forge Strategic Partnerships

• Collaborate with Academia and Industry: Partner with universities, pharmaceutical companies, and tech startups for co-innovation.
• Engage Regulators Proactively: Maintain open communication with regulatory authorities to align with evolving compliance requirements.
• Leverage Regional Expertise: Form alliances with local CROs and hospitals in Asia-Pacific to build a strong network.

5. Maintain Operational Excellence

• Create Agile SOPs: Regularly update your clinical data management and biostatistics SOPs to reflect regulatory and industry changes.
• Invest in Talent Development: Build a team skilled in digital tools, data science, and patient-centric methodologies.
• Ensure Ethical Standards: Uphold the highest ethical practices in trials and volunteer testing.

6. Monitor Industry Trends

• Track Regulatory Changes: Stay ahead of evolving regulations in Asia-Pacific, such as data privacy and international trial guidelines.
• Adapt to Market Needs: Continuously assess trends in rare diseases, gene therapies, and advanced therapeutic approaches.
• Embrace ESG Goals: Align with environmental, social, and governance standards to meet stakeholder expectations.

7. Establish a Thought Leadership Position

• Share Expertise: Publish findings, participate in global conferences, and host events like the Clinical Trial Symposium in Singapore.
• Educate Stakeholders: Advocate for clinical research awareness and its societal impact in emerging markets.
• Leverage my Experience: Use my credibility as a leader with 20+ years in the industry to inspire trust and confidence.

Importance of Teamwork

Encouraging a culture of innovation and collaboration is one of Pramod’s top priorities as a leader. He believes that by setting the right tone and creating the right environment, He generally tries to inspire his team to think creatively, embrace challenges, and work together toward shared goals.

He begins by leading by example. He makes it a point to demonstrate openness to new ideas and actively participate in brainstorming sessions. By showing enthusiasm for creative problem-solving and collaboration, he aims to encourage his team to do the same. His goal is to create a culture where every voice is valued, and innovative thinking is celebrated.

Empowering his team is another critical element of Pramod’s approach. He ensures that individuals have the autonomy to take ownership of their work while providing them with the resources, tools, and training they need to succeed. He also creates a safe environment where experimentation is encouraged, and failures are seen as opportunities to learn and improve. Psychological safety is a key component of this environment, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable expressing their ideas, asking questions, and challenging the status quo without fear of negative consequences.

Building a diverse and inclusive team is central to fostering innovation. He recognizes that diverse perspectives often lead to breakthrough ideas, so he prioritizes assembling a team with varied backgrounds and experiences. He also strives to ensure that everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, knowing that their contributions are respected and valued.

To strengthen collaboration, he breaks down silos and encourages cross-functional teamwork. By facilitating opportunities for different departments to work together, he enables his team to tackle challenges from multiple angles. Additionally, he leverages technology to enhance communication and idea-sharing, particularly in hybrid or remote work setups.

Recognizing and celebrating success is equally important in his leadership approach. He makes it a point to acknowledge and reward innovative ideas and collaborative efforts, whether they immediately succeed. By doing so, he reinforces the importance of creativity and teamwork while aligning our efforts with the organization’s vision.

Prioritizing Employee Well-Being and Engagement

Prioritizing employee well-being and engagement is a cornerstone of Pramod’s leadership philosophy at Expecto Health Science. He firmly believes that a motivated, healthy, and engaged team is the foundation of innovation, collaboration, and long-term organizational success. By focusing on creating a supportive environment, promoting growth, and fostering inclusivity, he ensures that his team thrives both professionally and personally.

To begin, he emphasizes the importance of a supportive work environment. At the heart of this is psychological safety, ensuring that every team member feels comfortable expressing ideas, raising concerns, or seeking assistance without fear of judgment or repercussions.

Promoting work-life balance is another critical aspect of his approach. He understands the demands of the clinical research industry and actively encourages practices that help employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively. Flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid or remote options, and the encouragement to take time off to recharge are essential measures he takes to support the team’s mental and physical well-being.

Investing in professional growth is equally important. He believes that when employees see opportunities to advance their skills and careers, they feel more engaged and motivated. To this end, he provides access to training programs, industry conferences, and mentorship opportunities. Clear career development pathways ensure that employees feel supported in achieving their aspirations and advancing within the organization.

Engagement is further strengthened by actively involving employees in decision-making processes and ensuring their voices are heard. Regular feedback sessions, open forums, and team check-ins create opportunities for the team to share their perspectives and contribute to shaping the organization. Recognizing and celebrating individual and team successes further reinforces their sense of purpose and belonging.

Lastly, building a culture of inclusion is critical. Diversity and inclusion are not just values he upholds but essential drivers of engagement and creativity. By fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels valued and included, he ensures that employees are motivated to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table.

Integrating Stakeholder Feedback

At Expecto Health Science, integrating feedback from patients, investigators, and pharmaceutical/biotech companies is at the heart of our business strategy. Each stakeholder group brings unique perspectives and needs, which are critical for shaping an effective, patient-centric, and efficient clinical trial process. Recognizing these needs, Pramod and his team have developed the “EXCLERATOR” model – a pioneering project execution framework designed to address these requirements while delivering global clinical trials with competitive pricing, high quality, and flexibility.

Patient Feedback: Bridging the Access Gap

availability of new medicines in developed and emerging markets. Feedback from patients highlights the urgent need to close this gap. By prioritizing patient-centricity in our strategy, he aims to provide access to new therapies through clinical trials. The Exclerator model incorporates advanced systems and streamlined processes to make trials more accessible, ensuring that patients in emerging markets benefit from cutting-edge treatments on time.

Pharma/Biotech Feedback: Reducing Costs and Accelerating Timelines

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies consistently seek ways to reduce costs and expedite trial completion to bring products to market faster. Their feedback drives our focus on operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He addresses these needs by leveraging innovative resourcing strategies, optimized workflows, and technology-driven solutions that accelerate trial timelines without compromising quality. This approach not only reduces expenses but also enhances the likelihood of successful commercialization.

Investigator Feedback: Supporting Seamless Trial Execution

Investigators, often the backbone of clinical trials, need comprehensive support to conduct trials effectively. Feedback from investigators emphasizes the need for robust training, seamless communication, and efficient trial execution processes. He has integrated these elements by providing tailored training programs, dedicated communication channels, and operational systems that simplify trial management. This ensures that investigators can focus on delivering high-quality clinical data while feeling supported throughout the process.

The Exclerator Model: A Holistic Approach

Exclerator is the culmination of his commitment to addressing the diverse needs of stakeholders in clinical trials. It combines:

• Advanced Systems: Technology platforms for efficient trial monitoring and communication.
• Streamlined Processes: Optimized workflows to enhance trial execution speed and quality.
• Strategic Hiring: Recruitment of skilled professionals who align with our mission and values.
• Comprehensive Training: Programs that equip investigators and teams with the skills needed for success.
• Flexible Resourcing: Adaptive strategies to meet the varying demands of global trials.

By integrating feedback from patients, investigators, and pharma/biotech companies into this model, Expecto Health Science ensures that he and the team are not only meeting but exceeding stakeholder’s expectations. This feedback- driven approach strengthens our position as a trusted partner in delivering innovative and accessible healthcare solutions globally.

Building Strategic Partnerships with Healthcare Providers and Vendors

Establishing strong and sustainable partnerships with healthcare providers and vendors is a cornerstone of Pramod’s approach at Expecto Health Science. These collaborations are vital for driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing our mission to deliver accessible, high-quality clinical research solutions in emerging markets. By fostering mutually beneficial relationships, he aims to create a robust network that supports the growth of clinical research across the Asia- Pacific region.

A key focus of our partnership strategy is developing strategic collaborations with large multi-specialist hospitals in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and India. These partnerships are designed not only to strengthen their immediate clinical research capabilities but also to position these institutions as flagship research sites. By investing in their growth, training, and infrastructure, he helps these hospitals achieve international standards in clinical research, significantly improving their ability to deliver high-quality studies.

Capacity building in emerging markets is an essential component of this strategy. Through tailored training programs, the integration of advanced technology, and the sharing of expertise, he empowers healthcare providers to conduct clinical trials with greater efficiency and precision. This initiative not only strengthens the clinical research ecosystem in these regions but also ensures that patients gain timely access to innovative therapies. In doing so, he addresses the pressing healthcare disparities often seen in emerging markets.

Another critical aspect of our approach is fostering trust with our pharmaceutical and biotech sponsors. Establishing flagship research sites demonstrates our commitment to high standards and reliability, assuring sponsors that their trials are conducted with precision and integrity. This consistency and quality not only enhance our reputation as a trusted partner but also help sponsors accelerate their research and development processes, ultimately bringing new therapies to market more quickly.

In addition to collaborations with healthcare providers, partnerships with vendors are integral to our strategy. He prioritizes working with vendors who share a commitment to excellence, particularly those offering cutting-edge technology, specialized services, and operational support. These partnerships enable him to streamline clinical trial processes, improve efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of quality. Transparency, mutual respect, and a shared vision underpin these vendor relationships, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to our objectives.

His approach to building partnerships is guided by a long- term vision. He views these relationships not just as transactional engagements but as strategic alliances that contribute to mutual growth and innovation. By nurturing these partnerships, he laid the groundwork for a more efficient, inclusive, and impactful clinical research landscape that benefits stakeholders across the board.

Furthermore, this collaborative approach helps to address healthcare challenges unique to emerging markets, contributing to global advancements in healthcare.