Professor Sanjay Garg

PIDG: Your Partner in Translational Pharmaceutical Research

Recent Media Releases

3D Printing of Oesophageal stents for anticancer drug delivery: UniSA and 7News

US FDA Approval and commercial launch of a Vaginal Contraceptive: UniSA and 7News

Improved Bioavailability of Curcumin: UniSA and 7News

Introduction

Professor Sanjay Garg is a pharmaceutical scientist with a wealth of experience and expertise in translational drug discovery, development, and delivery. With a PhD in pharmaceutical science and a passion for research and teaching, he is a  true visionary when it comes to making a positive impact on patients' lives. As Co-Director of the Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI) and the head of the Pharmaceutical Innovation and Development Group (PIDG), he is committed to advancing the field through cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. Several of his patented formulations have reached clinical stages and market in the USA, India, New Zealand, UK, and Australia, e.g., Acidform (USA Patent 6706276) has been approved by US FDA as a non-hormonal contraceptive (Phexxi) and is marketed in the USA. During his tenure at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, he established a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliant analytical laboratory and played a key role in establishing research and post-graduate programs at the Auckland Pharmacy School.

Research Focus

Prof. Garg's current research focuses on several critical areas of importance, including:

• Anti-cancer Drug Targeting: His team is exploring both local and systemic delivery of drugs, with a focus on 3D printing for localized drug targeting.
• Infections: In collaboration with several leading researchers, Prof. Garg is working on the development of novel antimicrobial compounds and formulations for both human and veterinary applications, resulting in successful patents and products for treating bacterial, protozoal, and fungal infections.
• Veterinary Delivery Systems: Professor Garg has been working in the veterinary pharmaceutical sector for over two decades. Over time, he has consistently bolstered the abilities of his teams to develop cutting-edge drug delivery technologies, optimize dosage protocols, and ensure compliance, safety, and efficacy of veterinary preparations. These endeavours are driven by a commitment to advancing animal health and well-being, as well as driving innovation in the field of animal health products. Our team provides bespoke Research and Development solutions that effectively resolve the most intricate and demanding veterinary pharmaceutical challenges, whilst ensuring full adherence to current legislative and regulatory requirements. Our proven track record encompasses the successful development of innovative formulations for a broad range of animal species, including dogs, cats, fish, cows, pigs, and horses.
• Other Patient-centric Projects: Prof. Garg continues to work on projects that directly benefit patients, such as extemporaneous compounding and analysis of drugs in human milk.

Research Outputs and Awards

Throughout his career, Professor Garg has made significant contributions to the field of pharmaceutical science. With his team, he has published 257 peer-reviewed papers, forty-four patents, twenty-four book chapters, edited four books, and successfully transferred technology for twelve products. With an h-index of fifty-nine (Google Scholar), he is a highly cited researcher and a true leader in the field. He has supervised 232 research scholars at all levels, including nine current PhD students. 

In recognition of his contributions to the field, Professor Garg has received numerous awards, including the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association Medal, the Research Impact Awards finalist at UniSA, the President's Medal from the South Australian Indian Medical Association, the Butland Award for Excellence in Research Supervision, and the Fellowship of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association.

Collaborations

A passionate advocate of international engagement, Professor Garg serves as Co-Director of the China-Australia Centre for Health Science Research in collaboration with Shandong University, China and holds adjunct appointments with the International Medical University in Malaysia and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India. He collaborates with a broad range of human and animal pharmaceutical, biotechnological, nutrition, and complementary medicine companies, as well as government agencies and foundations, to support his research initiatives. His collaborations extend across multiple countries, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, India, Malaysia, and China, and he continues to seek new opportunities for research collaboration and exchange.

Capabilities and Facilities

Professor Garg has access to a range of state-of-the-art analytical and pharmaceutical laboratories, innovative technology and equipment, and a supportive and highly skilled team of researchers and students. With a focus on innovation, engagement, translation, and impact, he is well-positioned to continue making a significant and meaningful impact on the field of pharmaceutical science. 

• Scientific Advisory Committee Member, Australasian Pharmaceutical Sciences Association (APSA);  Executive Committee Member 2009-2014
• Director, Board Member and Chair, Students Affairs Committee, International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), Australasia (2008-2014)
• Controlled Release Society (CRS)
• Life member and ex-secretary, Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), India
• Project Management Institute, USA

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy National Institute of immunology, India

• Master of Pharmacy University of Delhi, India

• Master of Management University of Auckland, New Zealand

Work history

Jan 2012 to present: Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Director, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics (CCDT), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. Director, China Australia Centre for Health Science Research; Adjunct Professor, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Malaysia;  JSS college of Pharmacy and Manipal College of Pharmacy, India.

Jun 2003­ to Dec 2011: Associate Professor and Deputy Head, School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland; Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, AnQual GLP Laboratories.

Jul 2002 to May 2003 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, India; Assistant Professor from May 1998 to June 2002.

Apr 1995 to Apr 1998 Product Development Research Scientist and Assistant Professor, The Program for Topical Prevention of Conception and Disease (TOPCAD), Section of Ob/Gyn. Research, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Centre, Rush University, Chicago, USA.

Jul 1994 to Mar 1995 Research Associate, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India.

Jul 1989 to Jul 1990 Product Executive with a Pharmaceutical Company, New Delhi, India.