In the pharmaceutical industry, excipients are increasingly being recognised as critical components of formulations and drug delivery, rather than merely inactive ingredients. Their role spans formulation performance, bioavailability, stability, patient acceptability and the development of advanced drug delivery systems. As the industry places greater emphasis on safety, patient-centric medicines and affordability, excipient science is emerging as an increasingly important part of pharmaceutical innovation.
Dr. Sunil Bambarkar, Managing Director, Gattefossé India, has spent close to four decades in the pharmaceutical industry, with a particular focus on pharmaceutical excipients and drug delivery.

His career reflects the evolution of excipients from being viewed largely as inactive additives to becoming critical components that influence the performance, safety and delivery of modern formulations.
As the pharmaceutical industry places greater emphasis on patient safety, affordability and sophisticated drug delivery systems, Dr. Bambarkar shares his perspective on the sector, entrepreneurship, leadership and the importance of maintaining balance beyond the workplace.

Q: You have had a long association with pharmaceutical research, particularly with excipients. What drew you to this field?

A: Pharmacy has always been a great interest of mine, but my particular focus has been excipients, the ingredients that make up a formulation. The active pharmaceutical ingredient in a formulation may account for a maximum of around 5%, while the remaining 95% comprises excipients. These components play a major role in drug delivery, and that has always fascinated me.

In the past, excipients were largely considered additives. Today, they are no longer viewed simply as additives; they have become key transformers of drug delivery across dosage forms, whether oral, topical, rectal, vaginal or through other drug delivery systems.

That has been my passion, and I have always wanted to explore the potential of excipients. This led me to work extensively in the field and eventually to establish Gattefossé in India in 2005. Today, Gattefossé is a major supplier of excipients to leading pharmaceutical businesses, not only in India but also in neighbouring countries.

Q: Pharmaceutical manufacturing is highly regulated and constantly evolving. What trends do you believe will shape the future of the industry?

A: The most important trend is safety in medicine and the safe delivery of medicines to the common man. This is the key factor driving the pharmaceutical industry today.
We have seen recent tragedies involving even simple formulations such as cough syrups. These incidents underline why everyone in the industry needs to recognise that safety must remain the highest priority.
Patient compliance and patient safety are fundamental. They enable the pharmaceutical industry to reach people across both rural and urban areas and, more importantly, allow us to touch human lives. Every life is important, whether rich or poor, whether in a developing country or a highly developed one.
We therefore need to constantly ask ourselves whether the formulations and drug delivery systems we provide are safe for patients.
At the same time, medicines need to be affordable. Every person has a right to access medicines to protect his or her life. Safety, accessibility and affordability will therefore remain central to the future of the pharmaceutical industry.

Q: You established Gattefossé India in 2005, around the time Informa Markets was establishing its presence in India. You have witnessed the growth of CPHI and the pharmaceutical industry over the years. How do you see Informa Markets and CPHI contributing to the industry?

A: Informa Markets and CPHI have played a very crucial role in the development of the pharmaceutical business, not only for my company but, I believe, for the pharmaceutical industry in India as a whole.
I was among the early industry representatives associated with Informa when it established its presence in India in 2006. My association with Informa goes back to that time and continues to this day, both in India and internationally through CPHI events around the world.
I have also had the privilege of being associated with Informa as a jury member for many years. I believe I am probably one of the longest-serving jury members associated with Informa.
The success story has continued for both the industry and Informa. Today, Informa provides a platform where people can meet, exchange ideas, explore business opportunities and, importantly, where the pharmaceutical fraternity can come together under one roof.
That has been a very significant contribution, not only in India but globally.

Q: You have close to four decades of leadership experience. What are some of the key lessons your entrepreneurial journey has taught you?

A: The most important lesson is not to be afraid of taking decisions.
Whatever decision you take is appropriate for that particular moment because it is based on the circumstances, information and understanding you have at that time. There is no point constantly looking back and wondering whether a decision was right or wrong.
Take the decision, move forward and implement it in a way that gives it the best chance of succeeding.
As you grow in business, you develop the acumen to recognise when the right moment has arrived to take an important decision. The major decisions taken by industry leaders often have one thing in common: they were not afraid to make them.
So, take the decision, move ahead and believe in yourself.

Q: You bring a tremendous amount of energy to your work. What keeps you motivated beyond business?

A: I have two major passions, and music is one of them. Music keeps me going because there is so much to learn from it, and it can influence your life in many ways.
I played the tabla professionally for many years. One of the things music has taught me is the importance of rhythm and continuity. A performance may finish, but you have to prepare yourself for the next one.
It also teaches you not to give up. Whatever mistake you make, there is always room for improvement and an opportunity to do better the next time.
For me, music has also been a great stress buster.

Q: What advice would you give young professionals who often become completely consumed by their careers and leave their other passions behind?

A: It is very important to maintain a balance. One simple thing I would recommend is going out in the morning, getting some fresh sunlight and air, and spending time walking.
Some of the most brilliant ideas and solutions I have had came during my early morning walks. Walking gives you a new perspective and triggers new thoughts. Being close to nature also helps you gain insight and look at problems differently.
My advice to young people is that hard work has no substitute. Work intelligently and diligently, but at the same time take care of your mind, body and soul.
Life should not become simply a race against time. To move forward successfully, you have to take care of all aspects of yourself.

Q: Finally, after nearly four decades in the industry, what would you say is the principle that has guided your journey?

A: Believe in yourself, take decisions when the moment demands it, and keep moving forward. At the same time, continue learning, maintain your passions and take care of yourself.
There is always another performance ahead, another opportunity to improve and another opportunity to make a difference.