Episode 01 - Pharma Journey of Pravin Virkud | Humans of Pharma

In this Episode 1 of the Pharma Journey Series, we talk to Pravin Virkud and listen to his pharma journey.

The “Humans of Pharma” series, hosted by PharmaState Academy, features an insightful conversation with Pravin Virkud, who shares his extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry despite not having a traditional pharma background.

Pravin Virkud, with over 40 years in the industry, has played a pivotal role in brand and product management. He began his career at the Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB), working there for nearly a decade before transitioning to C-Mark, a prescription research initiative funded by Glaxo. Under the mentorship of Professor Chitta Mitra, Pravin moved from fieldwork to client servicing, honing his skills in data analysis and prescription research.

He discusses the evolution of C-Mark from an exclusive service for Glaxo to a syndicated service for multiple pharma companies. This shift underscored the importance of prescription research in transforming companies from being sales-oriented to marketing-oriented, thus aiding products in maintaining and growing their market presence.

Pravin emphasizes understanding the life cycle of pharmaceutical products and the necessity for product managers to delve deeply into data analysis rather than relying on superficial metrics. He highlights the strategic importance of prescription research and its role in long-term product success.

For newcomers to the pharmaceutical industry, Pravin advises a thorough understanding of their products, continuous learning, and developing a deep analytical mindset. He stresses building strong relationships with doctors and leveraging data insights to enhance product perception and performance.

In conclusion, Pravin reflects on the critical role of marketing in the pharmaceutical industry, advocating for a strategic approach that shifts from mere sales tactics to practices that create lasting value.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗔 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 >

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This episode is brought to you by Humans of PHARMA Platform by PharmaState Academy.