Akshata Ijantkar
Senior Principal Scientist, Analytical Development Lead Bristol Myers Squibb
Akshata Ijantkar is Senior Principal Scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she leads analytical development strategies for gene-edited cell therapy programs. Her expertise spans product characterization, assay development, quality control, and regulatory submissions, supporting both autologous and allogeneic therapies. Akshata has led analytical strategy for pre-IND, IND, IMPD and BLA filings, defined critical quality attributes, and overseen the development, qualification, and transfer of release and characterization assays. She also directs cross-functional teams and external partners to advance robust analytical frameworks that enable the clinical development of next-generation gene-edited therapies.
Seminars
- Building strategic relationships with blood banks, apheresis centers and cord blood banks to ensure consistent material availability and quality alignment
- Establishing clear communication of donor requirements, testing specifications and delivery expectations with external partners to prevent misalignment
- Auditing supplier capabilities, quality systems and regulatory compliance to qualify vendors that can support long-term commercial needs
- Comparing regional donor eligibility requirements and sourcing frameworks to reduce delays when expanding programs across global markets
- Establishing local donor and raw material supply strategies to mitigate cross-border logistics, tariff and importation constraints
- Designing adaptable manufacturing platforms using region-specific donors and serum to maintain consistent product quality globally
