Written by Farah Connor
Photo courtesy of Lakshdeep Singh
In the life sciences, the most remarkable leaders can close the gap between healthcare technology and patient care. IQVIA principal Lakshdeep Singh certainly fits the bill. His initiatives use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to reshape pharmaceutical strategies, healthcare systems, and patient outcomes.
His work instrumentally established data-driven frameworks that allow pharmaceutical and biotech companies to improve everything from sales force optimization to patient journey mapping. His efforts stem from a vision that merges technology and healthcare, which is reactive and predictive.
“In healthcare, the ability to predict and act before a patient’s condition worsens is where true value lies,” Lakshdeep Singh explains. “This needs both data and human prowess working in tandem.”
Building a Strong Foundation
Lakshdeep Singh’s career began with a solid foundation in engineering and business strategy. His bachelor’s degree in electronics and communication, culminating in an MBA in marketing and supply chain management, provided him with the technical and strategic tools to tackle the complexities of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
However, his unique advantage is his ability to apply these tools to create innovative and practical solutions. His early career saw him play essential roles in companies like Cognizant and Symphony Health, where he focused on integrating analytics and technology into healthcare systems. These experiences gave him a firsthand understanding of how data can be used to improve company decision-making processes.
Lakshdeep Singh’s leadership at IQVIA is a culmination of these years of experience. Appointed as senior principal in 2019, he leads a multi-million dollar business portfolio, driving customized consulting solutions for life science companies across the United States. His team delivers strategic insights that span the entire product lifecycle, including market assessment, launch optimization, and sales force effectiveness.
“Data must inform every decision we make,” he asserts. “It’s what allows us to stay ahead in a competitive and highly regulated industry.”
Data-Driven Innovation in Healthcare
One of Lakshdeep Singh’s most notable achievements has been the development of “Promotional Alerts,” a system designed to use patient-level data to predict when a patient may require specific treatments.
The system, he introduced at Symphony Health with his team and expanded at IQVIA, enables early intervention in patient care. This method improves outcomes and reduces costs for healthcare providers.
“Predictive analytics is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer for patient care,” he explains. “When we can anticipate a patient’s needs before they arise, we can establish timely intervention. It’s particularly critical in rare diseases, where early diagnosis can be the difference between life and death.”
The “Promotional Alerts” system is just one example of how Lakshdeep Singh has harnessed the influence of AI and ML to improve healthcare delivery. He and his team have developed sophisticated models that identify patients who are at risk but have yet to be diagnosed by integrating data from multiple sources—such as electronic medical records (EMRs), lab results, and genetic tests.
These models have been instrumental in helping life sciences companies identify previously undiagnosed populations. They have expanded their market reach while improving patient outcomes.
Transforming the Rare Disease Field
In the U.S., rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 people, but their challenges are immense for patients and healthcare providers. In a recent paper, “The Role and Impact of Rare Diseases in U.S. Life Sciences and Healthcare,” Lakshdeep Singh outlines the unique obstacles faced by patients with rare conditions. These include delayed diagnosis, limited treatment options, and emotional isolation.
Singh also highlights the role of advanced analytics and data integration in improving the care and treatment of rare disease patients.
“Rare diseases are a tough area because the patient populations are small, and diagnosis is often delayed by years,” he says. “But by making the most out of AI and ML, we can improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis. It allows healthcare providers to act sooner and provide the appropriate care, which greatly impacts patient outcomes.”
Lakshdeep Singh has developed systems that identify at-risk patients and link them to healthcare providers who can best treat them by integrating diverse data sources and applying advanced modeling techniques. This targeted perspective has proven highly effective, particularly in rare disease management, where timely intervention is crucial.
Shaping the Future of Life Sciences
The life sciences industry is transforming significantly and is mainly influenced by data and technology. According to industry projections, the global market for life science analytics will exceed $40 billion by 2025.
Sales force optimization, patient journey mapping, and brand strategy are just a few areas where Lakshdeep Singh’s influence is present.
His work has helped launch over eight pharmaceutical brands in the last four years, each using predictive analytics to optimize their market strategy. These brands have benefited from Singh’s aptitude in sales optimization and have seen improved patient outcomes due to his focus on patient-centric care models.
“It’s all about improving lives,” he says. “The pharmaceutical industry has an enormous responsibility to patients, and we must use every tool at our disposal to make sure that they get the care they need when they need it.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Integrating data from diverse sources—EMRs, genetic data, and patient registries—remains complex, requiring collaboration across sectors. As healthcare becomes increasingly data-driven, new challenges emerge. There is a pressing need for regulatory frameworks that can keep up with technological advancements.
“Data is only as good as our ability to interpret it,” Lakshdeep Singh notes. “We need to build systems that collect data and use it ethically, transparently, and effectively.”
Lakshdeep Singh sees enormous potential for AI and ML to further transform healthcare, particularly in personalized medicine and clinical trials. Companies can better target their R&D efforts by applying predictive models to patient data, leading to more effective treatments and faster time to market.
Using the influence of AI and machine learning to the hilt allows Lakshdeep Singh to improve patient outcomes and initiate significant advancements in how they approach their business.
“In the coming years, I believe we’ll see AI and machine learning become central to every aspect of healthcare, from diagnosis to treatment to patient engagement,” he says. “The future of healthcare is data-driven, and I’m committed to making certain that we use that data to improve lives.”
