Dr. Ashwath H V, a distinguished professional whose career bridges dentistry, Data management, and education. He is the first dental surgeon in India to be awarded the Certified Clinical Data Manager credential by the Society of Clinical Data Management, USA.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ashwath has successfully completed more than 350 clinical studies and has trained over 600 students in clinical research and data management, assisted more than 200 postgraduate students with their theses and publications, and co-authored numerous scientific papers.
His professional journey includes leadership and advisory roles at organizations such as Smartdesq Solutions, Synergy Pharma Solutions, CREMA Pvt. Ltd., and BISEP (Biotechnology Skill Enhancement Programme). He has designed and delivered workshops on clinical trial databases, CDASH and SDTM standards, electronic data capture systems, and regulatory-compliant data management. Beyond academia and consulting, he has contributed to the development of hospital management systems, cloud-based medical records, and SAP process validation.
Dr. Ashwath is not only a clinician and researcher but also an educator and mentor, known for blending scientific rigor with practical training. His work continues to shape the future of clinical research and inspire the next generation of professionals.
Lakshmi is a seasoned business development leader with close to two decades of experience shaping strategic partnerships and driving commercial growth in the pharmaceutical and biotech sector. Her career spans leadership roles at Primetrics in Singapore, Biocon, Advinus Therapeutics (a TATA Enterprise), and Aurigene Discovery Technologies, where she built deep expertise in early drug discovery, Clinical Trails, GLP and GCP services, market research, proposal development, and cross-border business growth. She has represented organizations at key global partnering conferences including BioEurope and the BIO International Convention, strengthening networks across the US, EU, and Asian markets. Lakshmi holds a B.Tech in Industrial Biotechnology, an MBA in Marketing from IMT Ghaziabad, and a postgraduate certification in Clinical Trial Management from the National University of Singapore. She is recognized for her ability to bridge scientific understanding with commercial strategy, enabling sustainable business expansion in a competitive global market.
Highlights
Dr. Shankar has built a distinguished career in clinical research and medical affairs, spanning multiple therapy areas and leading organizations. At Bangalore Clinical Services, Bengaluru, he contributed across diabetology, Oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology, radiology, and nutraceuticals, where he authored protocols, investigator brochures, and ethics committee documents for global clinical trials, DCGI studies, and post‑marketing research. He played a pivotal role in Medical monitoring and coordinating clinical trials, provided regulatory support, and was frequently invited as a core speaker in Continuing Medical Education programs.
At Datar Cancer Genetics, Dr. Shankar specialized in oncology, conducting comparative data analyses of targeted therapies across various cancers. He coordinated Phase III and IV clinical trials and enriched the scientific community through medical writing, including publications and case studies.
His tenure at Roche Pharmaceuticals India, Bengaluru further deepened his oncology expertise. He managed Phase IV clinical studies on monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab (HERCLON), pertuzumab (PERJETA), trastuzumab emtansine (KADCYLA), and the anticancer drug capecitabine (XELODA). In addition to overseeing clinical research, he provided medical training to managers and representatives, supported studies on new molecules and concepts, and authored manuscripts and clinical publications.
At GSK Pharmaceuticals India, Dr. Shankar focused on dermatology, offering medical support for glucocorticoids and antifungal products. He oversaw Phase IV clinical trials and contributed to the scientific literature through medical writing and publications.
Finally, at Zydus Cadila, Bengaluru, Dr. Shankar played a pivotal role in the cardio‑diabetic domain, spearheading the launch of India’s first New Chemical Entity, Saroglitazar (Lipaglyn)—the world’s first glitazar approved for diabetic dyslipidemia. He coordinated Phase IV clinical trials and patient registry programs, facilitated focused group discussions with key stakeholders, and provided scientific support to clinical operations. His responsibilities included trial design, protocol development, preparation of clinical trial documents, and regulatory submissions to DCGI. He also reviewed and approved scientific documents and contributed manuscripts for publication, ensuring both scientific rigor and regulatory alignment.
Ms. Bhagyashree Shendage , a specialized regulatory affairs serving pharma and bioscience companies across India. With over eight years of experience spanning CDSCO/DCGI dossier submissions, clinical trial oversight, and formulation science, she combines regulatory insider knowledge—having previously served as a Technical Data Associate at CDSCO—with strong scientific expertise. Her leadership has guided numerous ND, SND, FDC, and biologics submissions under the NDCT Rules 2019, enabling clients to achieve faster and fully compliant market approvals. Drawing on her background in regulatory compliance, she has played a pivotal role in ensuring drug approvals meet stringent standards, while her work as a formulation scientist has advanced pharmaceutical product design and development.
Dr. Ranjita Gowda is an immunologist and biotech entrepreneur with expertise in biotechnology and translational research. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and completed postdoctoral training at the Penn State University College of Medicine (Hershey Medical Center) and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA.
She has authored nine peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized with national and international fellowships and awards for her scientific contributions.
As Chief of Medical Writing, Dr. Gowda oversees the development of scientifically rigorous documentation that supports regulatory submissions and clinical trial transparency. In her role as Co-founder of Novaspire Biosciences, she is committed to building a globally competitive clinical research organization (CRO) that delivers operationally efficient and patient-focused drug development solutions.
Key Highlights
Dr. Megha Goyal is a seasoned drug discovery and translational medicine scientist with more than a decade of experience advancing pharmaceutical innovation from target ideation through candidate selection and development-stage programs. She earned her Ph.D. from IIT Delhi and brings global research experience from leading institutions, including NCL, Pune and IMS-NINS, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan.
Dr. Goyal has led multidisciplinary drug discovery programs spanning target validation, assay development, hit identification, lead optimization, pharmacology, and translational strategy. Her expertise lies in translating complex biological insights into robust, reproducible data that accelerate development timelines, de-risk programs, and enable informed strategic decision-making.
During her tenure at Aurigene Oncology, she successfully led and contributed to multiple discovery programs from target ideation through regulatory submissions. She has collaborated extensively with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners across the United States, Europe, and Japan, supporting the advancement of multiple clinical and development candidates. Her work reflects a proven ability to bridge scientific innovation with translational execution, delivering high-impact drug discovery outcomes.
Her scientific contributions across academia and industry have earned her 15 publications, a patent, prestigious research fellowships and scholarships (CSIR-India, GATE-India, and SOKENDAI-Japan), multiple international travel grants (from IIT Delhi, DST-India, and DBT-India), and more than ten honours & awards.
As Co-founder & Chief of Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Medicine, at Novaspire Biosciences, Dr. Goyal provides strategic leadership across biomarker discovery, translational research, clinical pharmacology, and lifecycle management programs for pharmaceutical and biotechnology products. She integrates non-clinical, biomarker, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, genomic, and clinical data to enable evidence-based decision-making throughout the drug development continuum, advancing precision medicine and improving clinical development outcomes.
A collaborative scientific leader, Dr. Goyal works closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, and external stakeholders, including key opinion leaders, investigators, CROs, and strategic partners, to accelerate innovation and program execution. She also supports business development through scientific due diligence, portfolio assessment, and partnership evaluation while mentoring multidisciplinary teams and fostering a culture of scientific excellence. Beyond scientific leadership, she contributes to organizational planning, resource allocation, and departmental budgeting to ensure the efficient execution of strategic programs and sustainable organizational growth.
Madhavi Mulay is an accomplished pharmacologist, translational researcher, and operations leader with over 15 years of experience spanning pharmaceutical research and development, strategic program management, and healthcare innovation. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Mumbai in collaboration with IIT Bombay, ACTREC, and NIRRH, with a specialization in oncology research, and completed her postdoctoral training at the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Immunohematology (ICMR-NIIH), focusing on immunology and haematogenetics.
Throughout her career, Madhavi has built extensive expertise in leading multidisciplinary programs across drug discovery, translational research, and clinical development. During her tenure at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, she played a pivotal role in advancing programs in immuno-oncology, dermatology, respiratory diseases, and inflammation, successfully driving projects from target identification through clinical candidate nomination and IND-enabling studies. Her contributions have supported the progression of three clinical candidates and multiple preclinical assets.
Beyond scientific leadership, Madhavi has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in strategic planning, operational excellence, and stakeholder management. She has led cross-functional teams, managed complex collaborations with global CROs, academic institutions, and research organizations including NIH, ACTREC, and IITs, and established robust governance frameworks for project execution, resource planning, legal coordination, and budget management.
As the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Novaspire Biosciences, Madhavi is responsible for driving the company’s operational strategy and execution. She oversees clinical operations, strategic partnerships, business processes, and organizational growth initiatives, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and patient-centric clinical research solutions. Her leadership is instrumental in building Novaspire’s vision of becoming a trusted and agile partner for global clinical development programs.
Highlights
Dr. Nagaraj Gowda is an internationally recognized immunologist, biotech entrepreneur, and R&D leader with more than 20 years of experience across pharmaceutical innovation, biotechnology, and translational research. He has led multidisciplinary teams from target discovery through early clinical development, combining scientific excellence with strategic business leadership.
He earned his Ph.D. in Immunology and completed postdoctoral research at the Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University College of Medicine, and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions at Aurigene Oncology (a Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories company), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and most recently as Vice President and Head of R&D at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, where he was part of the executive leadership team and built high-performing drug discovery organizations.
Dr. Nagaraj is a co-inventor of multiple clinical-stage drug candidates and has contributed extensively to oncology, immunology, and translational medicine. He holds multiple patents, has authored 30+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, and has received 25+ national and international awards recognizing his scientific and leadership contributions.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Dr. Nagaraj serves on the Board of Directors of PNB Vesper Life Science and the Board of Directors of Worth Willion Group, where he provides strategic guidance on pharmaceutical innovation, business growth, and long-term value creation.
As Managing Director & Co-founder of Novaspire Biosciences, he is focused on building a globally competitive clinical research organization that delivers scientifically rigorous, operationally efficient, and patient-centric drug development solutions for innovators worldwide.
Highlights
Suraj Nandakumar is the Co‑Founder & Chief of Marketing, BD & IT at Novaspire Biosciences, where he leads sponsor‑ready solutions in Clinical Trials, Medical Writing, Regulatory Services, and GxP training. With a background in Biotechnology (VIT University) and Marketing (Birla Institute of Management Technology), he blends expertise with strategic branding to deliver high‑impact outcomes for pharma, biotech, and medical device sponsors.
Suraj’s career is defined by his strength in marketing strategy and business development. He has successfully launched products, scaled enterprise solutions, and built sponsor‑facing frameworks that drive growth and credibility. His leadership spans brand positioning, investor engagement, and global partnerships, ensuring Novaspire’s services resonate with both scientific and commercial stakeholders. By combining market insight with operational discipline, he has consistently delivered value‑driven outcomes.
His Vision is to expand Novaspire’s global footprint with branded service lines and sponsor‑facing frameworks that reinforce trust, compliance, and innovation.
Dr. Vasundhara Shivanna is a highly respected academic leader and clinician with over 45 years of experience in dentistry. She earned her BDS degree from Government Medical College, Bangalore, and went on to complete her MDS at Bapuji Dental College, Davangere. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has served as Principal of the College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, and currently holds the position of Director at the same institution, where she continues to shape the future of dental education and research.
Her scholarly contributions include numerous national and international publications in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, reflecting her commitment to advancing evidence-based practice and clinical innovation. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to the field, she was honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
With her extensive academic leadership, research contributions, and decades of clinical expertise, Dr. Shivanna brings invaluable perspective to Novaspire’s mission of integrating clinical excellence with research-driven innovation in dental sciences.
Dr. Saranya Ravi is a consultant obstetrician, gynecologist, and laparoscopic surgeon with advanced training and a strong commitment to evidence-based practice. She completed her MBBS at Asaripallam Government Medical College, Nagerkoil, and went on to earn her MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology from SAT Trivandrum Government Medical College. She further strengthened her global credentials by attaining MRCOG and FIGE, reflecting her integration of international standards into clinical practice.
With her dual expertise in obstetrics and minimally invasive gynecological surgery, Dr. Ravi has contributed extensively to therapeutic advancements in women’s health. Her clinical practice is complemented by active engagement in research and clinical trials, particularly in the areas of reproductive health and laparoscopic innovation. She has consistently aligned her work with translational research, ensuring that patient care benefits from the latest scientific evidence and procedural advancements.
Dr. Ravi’s dedication to combining clinical excellence with research-driven innovation positions her as a valuable advisor to Novaspire. Her experience strengthens the organization’s mission to bridge frontline patient care with rigorous clinical research, advancing outcomes in obstetrics, gynecology, and minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. M. Govindaraj brings over four decades of distinguished clinical experience in Pediatrics, with specialized expertise in infectious diseases. He earned his MBBS degree from JMMC, Belgaum in 1974 and completed his MD in Pediatrics at BMC in 1982. Over the course of his career spanning 43+ years, he has managed more than 10,000 pediatric cases, contributing significantly to the advancement of therapeutic practices in infectious disease management.
A respected figure in the pediatric community, Dr. Govindaraj is an active member of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) – Karnataka and IAP – Bangalore. His commitment to continuous learning and knowledge dissemination is reflected in his participation in more than 600 national and international conferences, where he has engaged with evolving research and clinical innovations.
With his vast clinical acumen, academic involvement, and dedication to advancing pediatric care, Dr. Govindaraj serves as a valuable advisor to Novaspire, strengthening its mission to integrate clinical excellence with research-driven innovation.
Dr. K. R. Shivanna is a veteran ophthalmologist with over 42 years of distinguished clinical practice and academic contribution. He earned his MBBS from JNMC, Belgaum in 1979, followed by his MS in Ophthalmology from JJM Medical College in 1990, and further advanced his expertise through a Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FPRS). Over the course of his career, he has managed more than 100,000 ophthalmic cases and performed approximately 20,000 surgeries, establishing himself as a trusted authority in advanced eye care.
His therapeutic expertise spans cataract, glaucoma, and complex anterior segment surgeries, with notable scientific contributions including innovations in small incision cataract surgery, modified reservoir trabeculectomy, reverse peeling of the head of pterygium with conjunctival limbal autograft, and micro-incision phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation.
Dr. Shivanna is an active member of the All India Ophthalmological Society and Karnataka Medical Council, and is also an esteemed alumnus of Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. He has consistently participated in state and national conferences, presenting scientific papers and engaging with evolving research in ophthalmology. With his vast clinical experience, pioneering surgical techniques, and commitment to advancing ophthalmic research, Dr. Shivanna brings invaluable expertise to Novaspire’s mission of integrating clinical excellence with research-driven innovation.
Dr. Preethi Ravi holds MBBS degree from Vinayaka Mission Medical College under TN Dr. MGR Medical University, Salem (2010) and completed her MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Annamalai University, Rajah Muthiah Medical College (2013). She is a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG) and a Fellow in Reproductive Medicine (FRM). With over 15 years of clinical practice, she has developed deep expertise in infertility and assisted reproductive technologies, particularly IVF. Her clinical contributions include managing more than 500 infertility and IVF cases, conducting over 5,000 deliveries, and performed more than 500 advanced gynecological laparoscopic procedures.
Dr. Preethi Ravi is an active member of professional societies including ATNRCOG and OGSSI, and has consistently engaged with national and international conferences to stay at the forefront of reproductive medicine and clinical research. Her extensive experience and commitment to advancing therapeutic outcomes in infertility and IVF makes her a valuable advisor to Novaspire Bioscience’s mission of driving innovation and excellence in clinical research.
Dr. Pavan is a highly accomplished urologist with over 11 years of post-M.S. clinical experience, specializing in urology, andrology, and uro-oncology. He completed his MBBS in 2008, followed by his M.S. in 2014, and went on to earn advanced qualifications including MCh (Urology), DrNB (Urology), and an MBA in Hospital and Health Systems Management. His extensive surgical expertise is reflected in the more than 3,000 to 4,000 procedures he has performed post-MCh, covering a wide spectrum of complex urological and oncological interventions.
Dr. Pavan is an active member of several leading professional societies, including the Urological Society of India, the Association of Surgeons of India, the Indian Medical Association, and the Andrology Society. His dual focus on clinical excellence and healthcare management positions him uniquely at the intersection of advanced surgical practice and strategic healthcare leadership.
With his strong academic foundation, surgical volume, and commitment to advancing therapeutic outcomes in urology and andrology, Dr. Pavan contributes invaluable expertise to Novaspire’s mission of integrating clinical practice with research-driven innovation.
