Jyoti Iyer is an independent consultant in the Biopharma industry sector. Before venturing into independent work, Dr. Iyer served as the Vice President for Product Development at Biofusion Therapeutics. She grew up in Mumbai, where she also completed her Bachelors in Pharmacy at the Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Mumbai University. She did her Masters in Technology in Bioprocess Technology and PhD at the Institute Of Chemical Technology Mumbai. Before joining Biocon R&D in 2005, she worked with German Remedies and Meyer Organics Thane. At Biofusion Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Biocon, she was responsible for CMC development for bispecific immuno-oncology molecules. Despite all her achievements, Jyoti is an empathetic leader who is passionate about uplifting society through science.
What’s your life’s story?
I joined Biocon in 2005, since then there have been multiple changes along the journey. I would like to emphasize that it was a huge learning process. I was hired to start a purification team called the Mammalian Downstream Lab/MDL, so I brought on board a group of young scientists and engineers and we started learning on the job. We were trained on verification, analytical sciences, scale-up and tech-transfer, value validation, and CNC. We developed the team together and developed a lot of biosimilar maps for Biocon. I got the opportunity to lead a couple of Biosimilars, the most important one being the Trastuzumab Biosimilar.
When I look back on what was different about my job, I realize that Biocon provided a work environment free from fear or insecurities; my team and I were able to build self-confidence. Taking care of the team and leading the Biosimilar projects gave me a lot of leadership experience.
“I like to think about myself as a leader with a humanitarian perspective.”
The highlight of my career is the Nimotuzumab project. We got this molecule from CIM and we modified the process and launched it in 2007. It is one of the biggest highlights of all I have achieved. Another major highlight was being a part of the ODAC team. I was a member of the bullpen at the FDA; which was an important event for me. I had the opportunity to not just discuss with the FDA, but also visit very interesting places like Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, and Malaysia where I presented the CNC section. This completely enriched my career. It’s been a wonderful journey!
How was your first experience at Biocon?
Before Biocon, I was not well trained in purification science. I was more of an upstream person trained in molecular biology techniques. My early days in Biocon were more of a learning phase, but I was able to cope with the support of my manager and other team members. In all, it was an enriching learning experience.
What are the special qualities you look for in people who apply to your team?
Firstly, it’s their passion for science. Their passion for the job has to resonate through their answers. Secondly, you should have a good knowledge of not just what you are doing, but also what the industry is doing. I generally try to make people comfortable when I’m talking to them. Their ability to freely express themselves shows a level of confidence, which is a plus.
How do you see India’s future as an innovator in the area of developing Biosimilars?
India is already there. Biocon as well as few other companies have stepped up for innovation in India. Biocon has a separate company—Biofusion—for developing novel drugs. It is not just about Biosimilar, but also novel drug development. Since we already have a very good understanding of biologics development the next path very clearly, seems to be developing novels. Also with the support provided by BIRAC and DBT, I am sure that this is our next journey. I don’t think there is any other option for Indian companies.
What are the challenges you faced with the regulatory authorities in other countries?
I believe we had a global entity because we partnered with Myelin. There was never a challenge with the FDA regulators besides working in different timezones; we had to work at crazy hours just to meet the timelines. However, the biggest challenge was getting everyone to understand the significance of answering questions at the right time and making sure that we presented the correct information. We also encountered technical difficulties like data collection because we were not well equipped. So far, Biocon has upscaled in this angle. Meanwhile, in our discussions with the regulators, being scientific and logical made convincing people quite easy.
What are the things that made you who you are today?
I would say it’s the success that we got with Trastuzumab; that feeling of achieving something after much effort. For me, it was a very spiritual experience. I often asked myself, how did this happen? The energy of so many people thinking collectively inspired a significant change in my thinking.
“It was an entire journey. There were a lot of obstacles along the way. And for some reason, I used to feel that the obstacles were getting sorted out by themselves.”
What are you doing next?
I’m taking a break. I’m going back home to Mumbai to rethink my priorities. I have a passion for science and leadership, but I’m equally very keen on contributing to the social sector. Notwithstanding, I would be taking part-time opportunities in academics and consulting, but mostly, I’ll devote a significant amount of time to the social sector.
How do you juggle work and volunteering?
Being single affords me the time to pursue my passion – spending time with kids (I don’t see it as volunteering). I used to take out time during the weekends, sometimes during the weekdays, to spend time with the kids.
So, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I was quite immature and impatient in my younger days, and I didn’t like the thought of it. Hence, I’d say be patient and learn to respect people. Don’t be quick to judge people. These are the things I would definitely want to change.
Written by: Patience Asanga
Edited by: Ritvi Shah
