A pre- study site visit of the clinical study titled "Protocol MB12-C-02-24: Randomized, Multicenter, Multinational, Double-Blind Study to Compare the Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, Safety, and Immunogenicity of MB12 (Proposed Pembrolizumab Biosimilar) versus Keytruda® in Combination with Chemotherapy for Patients with Advanced Stage IV Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (BENITO Study)" was made by Team Lead (TL) and MCT CRO expert for the Middle East & Africa, Mr. Danish Hassan Khan, on 30 Oct 2024 at NUMS.

During the visit, the site facilities were evaluated to ensure suitability for the study. The pharmacy and laboratory designated for the trial were inspected for investigational product storage, sample analysis, and storage facilities. Equipment appropriateness was assessed, and site personnel involved in the study were identified, with roles and workload reviewed to confirm alignment with study requirements.

Key checks included confirming the study population, reviewing access to both paper and electronic medical records, and verifying that site policies and procedures met the standards outlined in the study protocol. Essential documents from the Site Recruitment packet were collected to enable a smooth activation process if the site is selected.

After the visit, an in-depth meeting was held at the NUMS Research Facilitation Centre (NRFC) at the PEMH campus. Following were the attendees:

The meeting agenda covered a thorough review of study objectives, design, and methodologies, with a particular focus on safety protocols, data management, and ethical compliance. Each participant contributed insights on their area of expertise to align on strategic elements and ensure collaborative adherence to regulatory and procedural requirements.

The pre-site visit and subsequent meeting were ended with satisfactory remarks by the representative of MCT CRO expert for the Middle East & Africa, Mr. Danish Hassan Khan.

A delegation from NUMS Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), comprising of Dr. Shahid Waseem, Director ORIC, and Mr. Aqeel Yunus, Assistant Director ORIC, visited the office of the President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Mr Usman Shaukat, on 18 Nov 2024.

During the visit, Director ORIC extended felicitation to the newly elected President of RCCI, and acknowledged his pivotal leadership role in driving industry innovation and growth. The delegation engaged in a productive discussion on potential ventures of mutual interest, focusing on initiatives that aim to benefit the community and promote sustainable development through academia and research.

The meeting highlighted the importance of bridging academic research with industry needs to address real-world challenges. This visit underscores NUMS ORIC’s commitment to expanding its network with industry leaders, fostering partnerships that leverage academic expertise for impactful outcomes. At the end of the meeting, the President RCCI was invited at NUMS for executing the DoU signing ceremony.

On 13th September 2024, the NUMS ORIC delegation, including Dr. Shahid Waseem, Director ORIC, and Mr. Aqeel Yunus, Assistant Director (Research & Support), ORIC, met with the team from Bahria University's Center of Excellence in AI, represented by Dr. Sumaira Kausar, Director CoE-AI & Head AI Applied Technologies, Dr. Samabia Tehseen, Associate Professor Head AI Applied Technologies, and Ms. Nadia Imran, Assistant Professor Robotics.

The meeting focused on exploring the use of AI for Smart Insulin Management. Key points discussed included the estimated cost and budget of the research, project timeline, regulatory requirements, the role of DRAP, clinical trials, and production capabilities within Pakistan. The team also discussed how end users, such as patients and healthcare providers, would benefit from the project.

Additionally, the team progressed with the discussion about developing a "Portable Heating Block." Moreover, the group discussed ways to reduce errors and considered using Computer-Aided Testing (CAT) models to improve accuracy.

The meeting ended positively, with both teams agreeing to continue working together on these promising projects.

On 25 July 2024, a delegation from NUMS ORIC visited Bahria University's Center of Excellence in AI. The primary objective of the visit was to discuss the development of AI-based tools and explore potential collaborative opportunities between the two institutions.

NUMS ORIC delegation included:

Representing Bahria University - Center of Excellence in AI Research Team were:

The meeting commenced with brief introductions from all attendees, followed by an outline of the meeting's objectives and expected outcomes. Bahria University - Center of Excellence in AI Research Team presented an overview of their current AI projects and research initiatives, highlighting key achievements and technological advancements.

Following this, the NUMS ORIC delegation provided an introduction to their office, detailing its role in fostering research, innovation, and commercialization within NUMS and expressed interest in contributing towards AI-based projects.

Director ORIC shared the idea to develop a "Portable Heating Block" through the mutual contribution of NUMS ORIC and Bahria University—Center of Excellence in AI. Bahria University—Center of Excellence in AI will share the material cost, prototype design, and estimated budget.

The visit was highly productive, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration between NUMS ORIC and Bahria University's Center of Excellence in AI. Both parties expressed not just enthusiasm, but a shared vision for the potential transformative impact of their joint efforts in advancing AI research and developing innovative tools beneficial across various sectors.

Reference to the announcement of 4^th round of call for proposal, under institution research fund (IRF) 2023-24 vide email dated 27 Oct 2023, the Grant Review Committee Meeting was held in NUMS-Research & Facilitation Center, NUMS Secretariat at 1000 hrs on 08 March 2024 under the chair of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academics), Maj Gen Farrukh Saeed, HI(M) (Retd). After welcome and introduction session by chair, 15 x shortlisted project proposals were presented to GRC. Finally, 10 x project proposals have been awarded to the researchers by the GRC. The details of the recommended projects are as follows:

The meeting concluded with the presentation of a shield to the subject expert, Dr. Ghazala Kaukab, followed by a vote of thanks from the Chair.

NUMS-ORIC facilitates faculty and researchers in research management/ operations, capacity building, and research commercialization and is a focal point for providing guidance and support to Constituent/ Affiliate Institutes in conducting high-impact research.

NUMS ORIC Steering Committee (NUMS ORIC-SC) is formally constituted at NUMS following the HEC policy for ORICs, as per notification No. 19/Registrar/NUMS, dated 1 April 2022. The committee's formation includes participation from the private sector (Pharmaceutical industry) and senior university officials, all with the shared purpose of strengthening the university's research and innovation culture.

NUMS ORIC-SC comprises 08 members, as well as the Chairman and Co-Chairman (from industry). The affiliation of the members is as follows: -

The 3rd meeting of the NUMS ORIC Steering Committee (OSC) was held at the NUMS-Research & Facilitation Center, NUMS Secretariat, at 1200 hrs on 10th June 2024. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor NUMS, Maj Gen Farrukh Saeed, HI(M) (Retd), welcomed the members of ORIC-SC. Director ORIC, Dr. Shahid Waseem, then apprised the house on the functioning and Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the ORIC Steering Committee. Following the welcome and orientation, Assistant Director ORIC Mr. Aqeel Yunus presented the agenda of the 3rd OSC meeting to the house, which included an ORIC update for FY 2022-23, a review of the progress of five previously awarded projects, a presentation of shortlisted projects to be funded by NUMS under the Technology Innovation Funds (TIF) 2023-24, and closing remarks by the Chair.

First, Director ORIC Dr. Shahid Waseem gave a presentation on ORIC achievements and performance for FY 2022-23. The house appreciated the ORIC performance, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Acad) also expressed pleasant remarks on the ORIC performance for FY 2022-23. Next, a presentation on the progress of the five already awarded projects under the Technology Innovation Funds was given. Additionally, two new projects, each worth 5 million, were awarded to the Department of Biological Sciences from the Technology Innovation Funds 2023-24.

Following this, the Co-Chair of OSC and President and CEO of Ferozsons Labs Ltd, Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed, suggested enhancing cross-academia collaboration and industry-academia relationships. He also suggested connecting with WHO regarding research projects. Then, Consultant Pharma Bureau, Mr. Nadeem Hussain Alamgir, offered to help seek approvals from DRAP/NBC for relevant projects and further suggested incorporating a commercialization plan in applied projects.

During the closing remarks, the Pro-VC Academics, Maj Gen Farrukh Saeed (Retd), reiterated the importance of incorporating clinical impact while designing research projects. Additionally, he agreed with the impactful suggestions and proposals of the Co-Chair OSC and President and CEO of Ferozsons Labs Ltd, Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed, regarding pitching research work at PPMA conferences to strengthen research sustainability and the ecosystem.

On 01 Aug 2024, a delegation of the NUMS Office of Research Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), along with a representative of the NUMS Department of Biological Sciences (NDBS), visited the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR). The visit aimed to explore avenues for collaboration, enhance research and innovation capabilities, and discuss potential partnerships in scientific and industrial research, with the promising prospect of mutual benefits and growth.

NUMS ORIC/DBS delegation included:

Representatives of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) were:

Both parties exchanged ideas on potential areas for collaboration. The discussion covered joint research projects, clinical studies, and opportunities for students and faculty. PCSIR, with its extensive experience and resources in research and product development, is keen to leverage NUMS's expertise in clinical trials.

The visit concluded with an enhancement of collaboration in research via product development to bridge with industry. NUMS ORIC will also share a draft of the Document of Understanding (DoU) with PCSIR, along with the key research expertise/areas at NUMS.