Syed raza

With a Background of clinical medicine, molecular biology & Naturopathy; formulation development, new product development, process development, scale up from lab to CGMP compliant full scale commercial / industrial manufacturing natural ingredients based products with scientific knowledge for safety & evidenced based clinical efficacy has been my major involvement & core interest.

With more than 15 years’ experience in developing products to deliver actives in solid dosage forms (powders, hard gelatin and soft gels) with special interest in:

    a. Enhancing bioavailibity of hydrophobic actives such as curcumin, resveratrol and the likes through microencapsulation and bio availability enhancers of natural origin.

    b. improving stability of actives in solid dosage delivery forms by incorporating functional excipients  with properties as antioxidant and bulking aids etc.

I have in depth knowledge and experience related to various aspects of nutraceutical/ cosmaceutical / ingredients /functional food/ herbal industry such as formulation development (NPD and re-formulation), posology management, Purchase management and commercial / industrial scale manufacturing management with cGMP , HACCP application/compliance has been my major professional engagement.

I have adequate knowledge of conventional and latest laboratory equipment and testing methods needed in development and Q/C of NPD and manufacturing process

Also I have developed numerous standardized extract (process and products as well as processing units. Involved in Industrial process development & manufacturing  (From process development, installation & validation to manufacturing management) of Nutraceutical/Cosmacetical Active ingredients, standardized herbal extracts, Oleoresins, essential oils, Natural food colors & flavors. 

1. Jobs, Achievements & Experiences: 

# CEO at Arshad Herbal Laboratories ( Herbal Pharmaceuticals)

January 2004 - Present 

AHL Herbal pharmaceuticals is a R&D based concern engaged in manufacturing pharmacologically active Bio Available standardized herbal Extracts. The Key activity of AHL Herbal Pharmaceuticals is to Research & Development of state of the art Herbal extracts essential oils and oleoresins etc. 

My Responsibilities at AHL In:

-  Identification,  evaluation and process development to manufacture standardized extracts from Concept to final product manufacturing i.e.

• Selection of the Active ingredients,
•  Process development to manufacture the active ingredient,
• Supplier validation and management to resource  the raw materials for extraction & final manufacturing. 
• Currently developing activity guided extracts with employing various cutting edge technologies such as fermentation, ultrasonic extraction, pressurized hot water extraction etc.
•  Also developing and employing  microencapsulated and liposomal delivery techniques for the delivery of extracts.
• Consultation to B2B clients for business development, vertically integrated and formulation, NPD development projects.    

# Technical Director  R & D at Botnika Nutracosmaceuticals

January 2012 - Present 

Research & Development and designed state of the art CBD based skin care and oral  formulation from Concept to final product manufacturing i.e.

-  Selection of the Active ingredients,

-  Process development to manufacture the active ingredient (such as distillates,  

   hydrosols essential oils and extracts),

 - Resourcing of raw materials of skin care products both Actives & non actives), - - ----  Packaging development.

- Manufacturing management and Total quality management.

- To continuously get updated from industry about skin care / Hair care actives and 

   non-actives to formulate quality skincare/hair care products.

- Currently employing liposomal delivery techniques to stabilize and improve bio-

   availability of actives.

# Lead Technical Consultant/ director at PHYTOMEDIX NUTRACEUTICALS

January 2007 – March 2022

My responsibilities include, Research & Development of state of the art Nutraceutical formulations from with safety and published efficacy from Concept to final product manufacturing ie. 

- Selection of the Active ingredients based on published scenically evaluated and 

  proven preclinical or clinically efficacy, Toxicological evaluation, any potential 

 interaction.

- Formulation development, posology and dosage with special emphasis on Process 

  development to ensure delivery,  stability and bio-availability actives by employing 

 latest cutting edge technologies and strategies such as  incorporation of functional 

 ingredients, micro-encapsulations etc.

-To oversee resourcing & manufacturing management of the actives.

- Packaging and labeling development.

- Manufacturing & Total quality management.

- Also developed processes, SOPs, perform R&D to incorporate ingredients and 

 Standardized herbal extracts for commercial as well as scale up industrial size 

  Production batches, for various dosage forms. 

- Major dosage forms include hard gelatin two piece capsules, soft gels and powders.

. To finalize Business strategy and develop and finalize brand strategy.

- To oversee communication strategy, promotional literature development for 

 Ethical promotion.

- To finalize digital branding strategy and oversee development of digital marketing/ 

   branding content, social media content, website content etc.

# Technical Consultant Alfarid Corporation

June 2013 – July 2013

Worked as technical consultant at leading licorice root exporter from Pakistan to standardized their licorice root export, evaluate the raw materials, develop COA evaluate the possibilities of installation of extraction unit.

Working as Health care consultant ever since year 2002.

3. Turnkey Projects:

Developed following projects as key leading role in R&D, formulation, process development Total quality managemenet etc.

# Lead formulation developer for Formulations and product development of CBD formulations project  at Arshad Herbal Laboratories: 

(June 2019- ongoing)

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds present in cannabis plants as well as present naturally in the body , have diversified effect on whole body. Some key cannabinoids present in hemp / cannabis plants are THC (< than 0.3 % in hemp), Cannabidiol (CBD), CBDA, CBDV, CBG, CBN, CBC and terpenes are other minor constituents. 

CBD is devoid of psychoactive effects and have broad clinical potential for a wide spectrum of ailments such as Neuroprotective, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant. Arthritis cancer, Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, cognitive dysfunction  &  Psychosis.

Oral bio-availability of  CBD is poor, which can be addressed by formulating water soluble powders through nano-emulsions, micro-emulsions or liposomes, thereby improving Bio-availability. Further augmentation of hemp CBD can be attained by adapting novel synergistic blends considering molecular mechanism along with interactions of resultant synergistic cumulative effects. Furthermore more stability is attained by using functional excipients to improve stability and bio-availability.

Oral as well as topical dosage delivery forms are developed by Arshad herbal Laboratories to utilize the benefits of CBD synergistic blends. 

For details please see following presentation:

# Chili & spice Oleoresin Extraction Project by USAID  (CNFA-AMD): 

(  May 2018 – June 2019):

Worked as lead technical & R&D   consultant at Arshad herbal laboratories for CNFA-AMD oleoresin extraction project in order to develop, design and procure chili/spice oleoresin pilot plant for 2 Grantees of food and spices sector from Karachi Pakistan.

My responsibilities include to identify, evaluate and validate potential suppliers around the globe having technical capabilities to provide turnkey solutions for value addition of chili & other spice ingredients.

Evaluation, understanding and comparison and final recommendations of various technologies used in manufacturing of extraction and concentration of raw materials such as but not limited to 

• Conventional solvent extraction with various solvent.
• High pressure solvent extraction.
• Supercritical fluid extraction.
• Sub-critical fluid extraction. 
• Distillation and concentration with various methods and technologies.

-Identification and finalization of process parameters and develop process plant specifications for various technologies.

-Identification and evaluation of key components of particular technology,   comparative analysis of various suppliers for optimization of plant specifications and customized innovation by preferred supplier.

   -Evaluation and assessment of grantees for their current status and improving the understanding and commitment to the project.

Generate final specifications for the tender and technical assessment of submitted tenders.

To oversee post tender activities with respect to tender specifications compliance by supplier and local representatives.

To oversee post tender activities with respect to validation of tendered specs and overall installation of plant by the supplier.

To develop strategic R&D plan to develop process parameters and SOPS in order to initiate trial manufacturing of oleoresins and oleo extracts by grantees.

To identify key raw materials and develop R&D protocols for process development, Process optimization, process and product standardization and quality control and assurance.

To research and develop final product specifications as per global and local market requirements and develop SOPs and protocols for processing optimization, packing development, and protocols for quality control and assurance as Per standards of TQM( Total quality management).

Identification of key areas of research & development for total value chain and as well as innovation and improvement in products quality and timely delivery for products as per international standards.

To evaluate and understand and formulate cost business analysis.

# Licorice extracts and derivatives by Arshad Herbal Laboratories based on Afghan Licorice:

 (March 2011- july 2016):

Engaged in Evaluation of licorice roots from various origin in Afghanistan (  Badakhshan & Herat) for GA  content by HPLC. Development and manufacturing of various grade of licorice extracts and intermediates such as

Licorice Extract Paste GA 6-9 %
Licorice Extract Block GA 5-15%
DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) < 3%
Glycyrrhizic Acid 28%~30%,98%
MAG  (Monoammonium Glycyrrhizinate )65%,73%,98%
Enoxolone (18-β Glycyrrhetinic Acid) 97%
Licorice Extract Glabridin 4-40%.

Development and manufacturing of products as per specifications and international requirements for various clients for around the world.

# Cannabis/Industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa) cultivation & value addition Project by AHL: (February 2018 – Present): 

Engaged in promotion of Industrial and medicinal hemp cultivation and value addition and assisted Govt. of Pakistan on the cultivation, legalization, licensing and Value addition for cannabis / industrial hemp for its various medicinal, industrial uses. It include facilitation for legalization of hemp, selection of appropriate species for cultivation (as per intended application such as seed, cannabidiol, fiber etc), assistance in cultivation to farmers, Value added products from hemp plant specially for medicinal purposes . 

• Process development for extraction of cannabinoids through various techniques and process such as solvent extraction (preferably ethanol), SCFE & Subcritical etc.
• Plant design considering various process parameters. 
• Product development of various types of products from plant Cannabis Sativa specially hemp type. Standardization of active compound (mainly cannabidiol) and product development based on Active components such as cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid  CBDA and cannabinolic acid (CBNA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and cannabinodiolic acid (CBNDA). 
• Evaluation of local natural habitat in northern areas of Pakistan for THC and cannabidiol content.

# Development and manufacturing of standardized extraction Project at AHL:

September (2009 – On going):

AHL Herbal Pharmaceuticals

Researched and developed SOPs & Protocols for Total quality management of manufacturing of more than 50 standardized herbal extracts indigenous to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Identification, evaluation and process development to manufacture standardized extracts from Concept to final product manufacturing ie.  Selection of the Active ingredients, Process development to manufacture the active ingredient, resourcing the raw materials for extraction & final manufacturing.

 Total quality management and HACCP cGMP implementation etc. Important ingredients such as Licorice, seaweed (fucoidan), Sea- buckthorn, Guggul and   etc.

# Moringa Intensive Cultivation Project: 

(January 2018 – April) Bukhari farms

Working as a Value addition expert, designed and develop process and plant for construction & processing of moringa based value added products to be used as foliar spray as crop bio-stimulant at Bukhari farms Lahore.

# Licorice Extraction Project Afghanistan:USAID
( July 2020 – 2021):
As lead technical & R&D at AHL, assisting the clients in Afghanistan to install the
procured extraction equipment to be used in extraction of licorice of Afghan origin.

# Herbal  Extraction Project KPK & Gilgit Baltistan: 

(  July 2020 – Ongoing):

Working as   technical & R&D   director to develop, design, procure, install & run a commercial extraction plant to extract and value add naturally available and cultivated resources in the region. My responsibilities include to 

• Design, procure and install the plant.
• Identification and finalization of process parameters considering various raw materials and finished products to be manufactured and develop process plant specifications for various technologies.
• Install fully equipped lab to ensure quality control operation.
• Identify key raw materials for various types of extracts ie. Standardized extracts, ratio extracts, essential oils and active Nutraceutical ingredients.
• Develop R&D protocols for process development, Process optimization, process and product standardization and quality control and assurance.
• Establish procedure and SOPs for total quality managements and vertical integration and traceability.
•  To develop strategic R&D plan to develop process parameters and SOPS in order to initiate trial manufacturing of extract and essential oils.
•  To evaluate and formulate cost business analysis.

# Medicinal mushroom Cultivation Project at Arshad Herbal Laboratories:

(Feb 2021- Ongoing):

Cultivation of medicinal mushrooms for varieties such as for manufacturing of standardized extracts and Nutraceutical supplements. Following are the key varieties to be cultivated.

1. OYSTER MUSHROOM.
2. SHITAKE MUSHROOM
3. CORDYCEPS 
4. LION'S MANE MUSHROOM

Working as lead technical person to design facility for mushroom cultivation and harvesting and post harvesting facility. Designing protocols and developing of process to manufacture high end standardized extracts and nutraceuticals from mushrooms.

# Cultivation and value addition of Aloe-Vera based value added products by Arshad herbal laboratories: 

(July 2018 – Sep 2019): 

Manufacturing of value added products from aloe Vera gel especially for drinking and cosmetic use. Aloe Vera Juice based nutritional Drink Confectionary, Food and Herbal with Mod herb Karachi.

# Development and manufacturing of oleo-extracts and oleoresin extraction Project:

September (2011 – 2014):

AHL Herbal Pharmaceuticals

Researched and developed SOPs & Protocols for Total quality management of manufacturing of oleoresins and oleo- extracts of spice ingredients form Pakistan. Key ingredients included Chili, turmeric, and fenugreek.  Identification, evaluation and process development to manufacture standardized extracts from Concept to final product manufacturing ie.  Selection of the Active ingredients, Process development to manufacture the active ingredient, resourcing the raw materials for extraction & final manufacturing.

# Design, Development and manufacturing of pilot scale Nano/ Micro encapsulation & liposomal plant Project:

September (2019 – On going):

AHL Herbal Pharmaceuticals

Researched and developed SOPs & Protocols for Total quality management of manufacturing of oleoresins and oleo- extracts of spice ingredients form Pakistan. Key ingredients included Chili, turmeric, and fenugreek.  Identification, evaluation and process development to manufacture standardized extracts from Concept to final product manufacturing ie.  Selection of the Active ingredients, Process development to manufacture the active ingredient, resourcing the raw materials for extraction & final manufacturing.

# Development and manufacturing of essential oil distillation Project:

September (2009 – On going):

AHL Herbal Pharmaceuticals

Researched and developed SOPs & Protocols for Total quality management of manufacturing of aromatic distillates for key raw materials available in the region such as rose petals, Lavender, sage, Fennel etc, indigenous to Pakistan and Afghanistan. It also include cultivation management of economically important raw materials such as Lavendar, rosemary, basil etc in various regions such as 100 Acres of agricultural farming land in Sindh for rose petals, 100 Acres of agricultural farming land for Organic farming in northern areas e  Pakistan Patan valley, kohistan and Ghizar valley district Gilgit Baltistan.

. Education & Training:

 - Bachelor of  Eastern(Integrated 5 year) medicine and surgery   Hamdard University Karachi (2001).

- Training course on molecular medicine and drug research conducted by Dr Panjwani Center for molecular medicine and drug research (2017).

- Training workshop on Business development and management for innovation grant challenge fund conducted by SMEA Pakistan for USAID (2018).

- Certificate in training course digital marketing conducted by Digiskills Govt of Pakistan (.2021).