Sneak Preview of PDA Universe of Pre-Filled Syringes and Injection Devices Conference

Shirish Ingawale, PhD, Director of Device Development Leadership at Takeda, has two decades of expertise in the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of medical devices, drug delivery technologies and drug/device combination products. Before joining Takeda in May 2023, Shirish worked at Amgen for a decade, where he was accountable for the development, launch and life-cycle management of combination products, including reconstitution kits, pre-filled syringes, mechanical autoinjectors and electro-mechanical autoinjectors and platforms.

Shirish holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in instrumentation engineering from the University of Mumbai, India, and earned his Master of Science and PhD in biomedical engineering from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, which qualifies him to share his perspectives on the value of this event for biomedical professionals and engineers like himself. Shirish stated, “I am passionate about continuous learning, which has helped me gain diverse strengths from these experiences in my professional and personal life.”

There are many professional conferences for inspiration, education and meeting potential partners. Shirish elaborated on the PDA annual conference, now in its 21st year, regarding its uniqueness because of its global perspective and because it offers a tightly focused network of experience with collegial professionals. He shares that one of his top reasons for attending is to experience the different expo booths (more than 145 this year) to see products, technologies and manufacturing equipment that will improve his job. "It's all under one roof, and we can touch and feel these solutions dedicated to the field of drug delivery and devices," Shirish says. This conference is very invaluable to his work.

The Value of the PDA Universe of Pre-Filled Syringes and Injection Devices Conference

The largest global conference on pre-filled syringes and injection devices bringing together key industry experts to discuss the breakthroughs that are propelling the industry forward. This platform delivers world-class content and knowledge exchanges with peer experts and contributes to enhancing global health within the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. Before and after the conference, specialized training courses and the Combination Products Workshop provide highly interactive, hands-on learning opportunities.

Shirish says that the content offered across the conference, training courses and workshop focus on fact-based problem solving; he states, “The sessions identify the shared challenges and hurdles collectively faced by the industry. The content also drives alignment on pragmatic solutions to bring therapies to the patients (e.g., it deconstructs the ambiguity or absence of clear regulatory expectations and approaches in certain areas, such as human factors, identifying the shared challenges faced by the industry).” The takeaway, he adds, is to “encourage the players in the industry – medical device and biotech/pharma – to share lessons (as much as practically possible) and create avenues for meaningful exchange.”

The speakers go beyond theory to tackle practical solutions with actionable learning about new trends, challenges, solutions and opportunities in the drug delivery space.

The agenda is developed by peers for peers and covers critical topics, including sustainability, large-volume injections, digital health and regulatory compliance. Shirish adds that the conference, training courses and workshop create a “one-stop shop for curious and innovative scientists, engineers, business leaders and literally anyone interested in prefilled syringes, drug delivery devices and combination products.” He adds that he is looking forward to moderating the plenary session on Platforms – Device and Pharma Industry Perspective on Use of Device Platforms in Accelerating Development as well as a concurrent session on Integrated Approaches for Drug-Device Combination Products on October 23rd during the conference.

Why Attend?

Shirish shares that the downside risk of skipping this conference is to “miss the unique opportunity to interact in person with a global community that is the best in the world!” Meeting and working in person with scientists, engineers and business leaders at the top of their game is essential to career growth and gaining a deeper understanding of key industry issues. The high interactivity with poster presentations and networking is essential for every professional to become a more valuable asset to their organizations. He adds that he is “looking forward to presentations and discussions on several key areas of drug delivery devices and combination products – from formulation, container and devices through development, launch and lifecycle management of combination products… and networking with the experts.”

Shirish urges PDA members to get involved. He believes volunteering for planning committees is a meaningful experience, and members can make a significant difference in the industry and for their peers by shaping the content and strengthening the opportunity to make connections and develop partnerships.

As a final note to anyone sitting on the fence about attending, Shirish says, “If you’re interested in learning more about drug delivery technologies and combination products from the best in the business or simply networking with the key players across the globe, do not miss this event!”

Visit here to learn more about the conference, training courses and workshop.