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Session 1: The Future of Medical Writing in India: Evolving GCC-CRO-Solution Providers Operating Models and Strategic Partnerships
Session Chair(s)
Sam Thomarayil Mathew, Ph.D
Director, Medical Delivery, AstraZeneca India Pvt Ltd, India
Sonia Philipose, Ph.D
Medical Communications and Content Solutions Lead- Vaccines, Pfizer Inc, India
Session Overview: Medical writing in India sits at an interesting crossroads in 2026. Pharma Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have expanded their remit and capability across the regulatory and medical communications spectrum. Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) and agency medical writing teams offer complementary strengths, therapeutic expertise, specialist submission know how, and scalable capacity that supports pharmaceutical programs. Historically, these models have operated in parallel. This session examines what it would take to align them more closely, focusing on ways of working, ownership of quality, ethical standards, AI governance, and talent engagement across both organizations. The future of pharma medical writing in India rests on a balanced co-existence model that leverages the distinct strengths of GCCs, CROs, and agencies. This session brings together leaders across these organizations to explore the collaboration framework- and invites professionals across the field to share their perspectives in a conversation that will shape how this profession evolves in India
Speaker(s)
Akshata Rao
Director- Global Medical Writing, India, Merck Group, India
Beyond cost arbitrage: How Medical Writing GCCs are delivering scientific and strategic value for Global Pharma
Swapnil Puranik
Head of Strategy - Enterprise Medical, Indegene, India
Roopa Basrur
Vice President, Global Safety Medical Writing Services, Parexel International, India
Panel Discussion
Shivanand Jigajinni
Director- Head of India MW Operations. Global Medical Writing - DSSM, IQVIA, India
Shwetha Shetty
Senior Director, HEOR, Clinical Development, Clinical Capabilities, Eli Lilly, India
Sheetal Pradhan
Director – Head, GCC Publications, Global Publications, GSK, India
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