Dr. Avinash Khairnar is an accomplished clinical pharmacologist, knowledge management expert, and strategic leader with over 19 years of experience spanning clinical research, drug development, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory affairs. 

As Country Director for India at Project Yananai, Dr. Khairnar provides visionary leadership and operational excellence, guiding multifaceted programs at the intersection of healthcare innovation, business intelligence, and compliance.

Holding dual PhDs in Medical Pharmacology and Knowledge Management, alongside advanced degrees in statistics, pharmacology, and an MBA in HR, Dr. Khairnar brings unparalleled expertise to the Indian and global pharmaceutical landscape. He has held senior leadership roles at CDSCO and across leading pharmaceuticals, CROs, biotech companies, and hospitals, with a track record of successfully managing global and domestic clinical trials for drugs, devices, biologicals, and vaccines.

Dr. Khairnar’s expertise encompasses protocol development, drug safety monitoring, regulatory submissions, and project management, underpinned by deep knowledge of ICH GCP, CIOMS, FDA, EMA, and Indian regulatory frameworks. As a Zonal Pharmacovigilance Officer and Ethics Committee Member Secretary, he has championed patient safety, adverse event reporting, and compliance with national and international standards. His prolific contributions include authorship of over 21 research publications, development of 300+ clinical trial protocols, and mentoring the next generation of researchers and clinicians.

An influential knowledge management specialist, Dr. Khairnar has served as Chief Knowledge Officer and Knowledge Manager, designing and implementing systems that enhance organizational learning, process improvement, and strategic business growth. He is adept at data analysis, business development, medical writing, and leveraging advanced IT and statistical tools to drive informed decision-making and operational efficiency.

Dr. Khairnar’s leadership extends to academic and editorial spheres, including roles as Associate Professor, editorial board member, and trainer in clinical research and methodology for postgraduate and doctoral students. His multi-sector experience covers pharmaceuticals, biotech, regulatory, engineering, MSMEs, and academia, reflecting his versatility and commitment to excellence.

Fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, Danish, and German, Dr. Khairnar is recognized for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and unwavering dedication to quality and ethical standards. At Project Yananai, he is committed to advancing sustainable healthcare solutions, fostering innovation, and building resilient, knowledge-driven teams to deliver lasting impact in India’s dynamic health and development sector.