In this role, he is instrumental in aligning R&D and commercial opportunities to accelerate innovation at Baxter and enhance care for patients globally.

Dr Schabacker holds an MD and a Doctorate in anesthesia from Medical University of Lübeck in Germany, and certifications in anesthesiology, disaster medicine and emergency medicine.

Excerpts:

Q: India has taken a beating in the area of clinical trials. Almost half of the clinical trials in India is halted. In such scenario, why do you think establishing a Baxter Global Research Center (BGRC) in India with Syngene would contribute to your R&D expansion strategy?

Dr Schabacker: Many R&D activities are required prior to the need for clinical trials, and Baxter's global research center in India is very focused on these R&D activities.

In the short term, clinical activities are not planned in BGRC, though we will continue to stay in tune with government directives for clinical activities in India for long-term consideration.

Q: What kind of R&D will be carried at BGRC?

Syngene's Baxter-dedicated global research center will conduct product and analytical development of parental nutrition and renal therapy solutions in the Baxter portfolio.

As this partnership evolves, we will continue to look for innovative models of product development and support that meet both global and local needs.

Q: What are your expectations from Syngene and vice-versa?

The Baxter-Syngene partnership has started off very well, and there is potential to grow and evolve this partnership into more product and scientific areas.

We believe there is great availability of world class talent in India, and this talent pool will augment and increase the productivity of Baxter's global R&D.