Interview with Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi—Winner of the Pharmaceutics 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Pharmaceutics Outstanding Reviewer Award: Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi, Dr. Zhengwei Huang and Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović.

Name: Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi

Affiliation: Research Scientist Drug Product Design & Development, USA

Research interests: solid oral dosage forms; amorphous solid dispersions; solubility enhancement; hot melt extrusion; FDM 3D printing; twin-screw granulation; high-shear granulation; tableting; encapsulation; spray drying; roller compaction; lipid-based formulation

Below is a short interview with one of the winners, Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi.

1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers? What is your current research area?

I am Dinesh Nyavanandi, currently working as a research scientist in small molecule drug product development at AbbVie, with over four years of industrial experience. I earned my Ph.D. in pharmaceutics and drug delivery from the University of Mississippi, where my research focused on exploring novel applications of hot melt extrusion (HME)—both as a standalone technique, such as twin-screw granulation, and in combination with additive manufacturing methods like fused deposition modeling (FDM).

My research interests include advanced manufacturing platforms, continuous processing, solubility enhancement strategies, and tackling stability-related challenges to address unmet needs in oral drug delivery.

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

In the coming years, I believe the research community will place strong emphasis on advanced manufacturing technologies that enable precision, scalability, and sustainability in drug product development. Key areas of interest include:

• Continuous Manufacturing;
• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing);
• Solubility and Bioavailability Enhancement;
• Formulation for Emerging Modalities;
• Digital and AI-Driven Formulation Design;
• Green and Sustainable Pharma;
• Early Development Strategies for Speed-to-Clinic.

3. What factors motivate you to be a reviewer for Pharmaceutics?

As a formulation scientist with a strong academic foundation and industry experience in small molecule drug product development, I am deeply committed to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences. Serving as a reviewer for Pharmaceutics allows me to stay current with cutting-edge research, particularly in areas aligned with my expertise—such as hot melt extrusion, continuous manufacturing, and solubility enhancement strategies.

Reviewing also gives me an opportunity to contribute to the scientific community by supporting the publication of high-quality, rigorous research. It sharpens my critical thinking, fosters professional growth, and offers a meaningful way to give back by helping authors improve their work through constructive feedback.

Ultimately, I see peer review as both a responsibility and a privilege—one that helps uphold the integrity of scientific literature while reinforcing my own commitment to research excellence.

4. Could you please share with us your experience as a reviewer for Pharmaceutics?

Serving as a reviewer for Pharmaceutics has been a highly rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience. It has allowed me to critically engage with cutting-edge research in areas closely aligned with my expertise, including solid oral dosage forms, hot melt extrusion, additive manufacturing, and enabling technologies for poorly soluble drugs.

Through the peer review process, I have had the opportunity to evaluate manuscripts spanning a wide range of formulation and drug delivery strategies. I strive to provide detailed, constructive, and fair feedback that not only assesses scientific merit but also supports authors in improving the clarity, rigor, and impact of their work.

This role has also helped me stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field, sharpen my critical thinking skills, and contribute to maintaining the scientific quality and integrity of published literature. I view peer reviewing not just as a professional duty, but as an integral part of my contribution to the global pharmaceutical sciences community.

5. What are the key factors and aspects that you consider most when reviewing a manuscript?

When reviewing a manuscript, I focus on several critical aspects to ensure the work meets the standards of scientific rigor, novelty, and relevance:

• Scientific Merit and Originality;
• Relevance to the Journal and Field;
• Experimental Design and Methodology;
• Data Quality and Interpretation;
• Clarity and Organization;
• Ethical Standards and Transparency;
• Impact and Applicability.

6. What are your opinions about the scientific publication market, and what do you think about the open access model?

From my perspective, open access:

• Fosters greater visibility and impact of published work, often leading to wider readership and more citations;
• Promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing across regions and disciplines;
• Aligns with the mission of scientific advancement, ensuring that publicly funded research is accessible to the public and stakeholders.

7. As the winner of this award, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with our readers or express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in your research accomplishments?

I am truly honored and grateful to receive this recognition. This award is not only a validation of my research journey but also a reflection of the incredible support, mentorship, and collaboration I have been fortunate to experience.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael A. Repka, my Ph.D. advisor at the University of Mississippi, whose mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my scientific thinking and research direction. His unwavering support and encouragement allowed me to explore innovative approaches in drug delivery and advanced manufacturing, which continue to inspire my work today.

I also extend my thanks to my colleagues, collaborators, and peers—both in academia and industry—whose shared passion for pharmaceutical science has enriched my professional journey. Finally, I am deeply appreciative of my family and friends, whose constant support keeps me grounded and motivated.

This recognition energizes me to continue contributing to the field, and I hope to inspire future scientists the same way I have been inspired throughout my career.