Dr: Raksha Mhetre: Associate Professor at PES Modern College of Pharmacy (for Ladies), India

  • Title/Designation: Dr.

  • Name: Raksha Mhetre

  • Current Role/Designation: Associate Professor

  • Organization/Institution Details: PES Modern College of Pharmacy (for Ladies)

  • Country: India

  • Subject Track: Medicine

  • Award Categories: Female Researcher Award

  • Submitted: August 21, 2025

Dr. Raksha Laxman Mhetre is a dedicated pharmaceutical scientist and academician with over 15 years of teaching and research experience in the field of pharmaceutics. Currently serving as Associate Professor and College Examination Officer at Modern College of Pharmacy (For Ladies), Pune, she is known for her expertise in nanotechnology, novel drug delivery systems, and pharmaceutical formulation. Her work bridges the gap between innovative academic research and practical pharmaceutical application. She has mentored numerous postgraduate students, received significant research funding, authored impactful publications, and actively contributes to curriculum development for pharmacy education under Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Online Profiles

ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Mhetre earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from Modern College of Pharmacy for Ladies, Pune, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, in 2020. She completed her M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics from C. U. Shah College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, under SNDT Women’s University in 2009, achieving first class. She holds a B.Pharm degree with distinction from Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pune. She qualified national-level competitive exams like GATE with 98.3 percentile and secured an All India Rank of 205 in NIPER-JEE, demonstrating her academic excellence early in her career.

Research Focus

Her primary research interests lie in the design and development of advanced drug delivery systems with a special focus on nanotechnology, nanosuspensions, co-crystals, and sustained release formulations. She is deeply involved in improving the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs using techniques such as crystal engineering, nanosizing, and lipid-based drug delivery systems. Dr. Mhetre also explores the integration of herbal therapeutics in pharmaceutical dosage forms, merging traditional knowledge with modern delivery technologies.

Experience

Dr. Mhetre began her academic journey as an Assistant Professor at RJSPM’s College of Pharmacy, Alandi, Pune, where she worked from 2009 to 2019. Since August 2019, she has been working with Modern College of Pharmacy (For Ladies), Pune, where she now holds the position of Associate Professor. In addition to teaching core subjects like Pharmaceutics and Modern Dispensing Practices, she serves as the College Examination Officer and PG research guide. She also has valuable industry exposure from working in the Tech-Transfer department of Themis Medicare, Haridwar, enriching her academic teaching with real-world pharmaceutical insight.

Research Timeline & Activities

Over her academic career, Dr. Mhetre has led and participated in multiple research initiatives, including a BCUD-funded major research project worth ₹2.5 lakhs. Her doctoral research focused on nanoparticulate drug delivery, while her postgraduate work revolved around sustained release technologies. She has guided eight postgraduate dissertations, filed four patents, co-authored a textbook on Novel Drug Delivery Systems, and contributed a book chapter published by De Gruyter. She has actively presented at over 50 national and international conferences and plays a vital role in curriculum and syllabus development under SPPU.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Raksha Mhetre has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her academic and research excellence. She was awarded the prestigious Lila Poonawalla Fellowship in 2007 for securing the highest marks in B.Pharm. She also received the Sir Ratan Tata Scholarship and Bajaj Scholarship during her undergraduate studies. She was a university topper during her B.Pharm course and won second prize for oral presentation at the Indian Pharmaceutical Association Conference in 2009. Her dedication to academic excellence continues to earn her accolades within the academic and research community.

Top Noted Publication

Among her body of work, one of the most cited and appreciated publications is “Optimisation of Cilnidipine Nanoparticles using Box-Behnken Design: in vitro, toxicity, and biavailability assessment” published in Materials Technology (2021). This research demonstrates a successful application of statistical design of experiments in the formulation of antihypertensive nanoparticles, enhancing drug solubility and bioavailability. The study has been referenced in subsequent work on nanopharmaceuticals and has contributed to advancements in targeted and controlled drug delivery technologies.

  • Patent Review on Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery System
    Bulletin for Technology and History Journal, 2023
    Contributor: Dr. Raksha Mhetre
    A comprehensive review discussing recent patent trends, innovations, and formulation strategies in colon-specific drug delivery systems.

  • Recent Advancement in Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery
    International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 2023
    Contributor: Dr. Raksha Mhetre
    Focuses on modern approaches to colon-targeted drug delivery, highlighting carrier systems, mechanisms of targeting, and clinical applications.

  • Textbook of Novel Drug Delivery System
    Book, 2023
    Author: Dr. Raksha Mhetre
    An academic textbook covering fundamental and advanced concepts in novel drug delivery technologies, including nanocarriers, targeted delivery, and formulation strategies. ISBN: 978-93-92159-86-2

  • A Review on Fast-Dissolving Oral Film
    Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, Vol. 16(10), 2023
    DOI: 10.22159/ajpcr.2023.v16i10.48099
    Contributors: Komal A. Kawale, Neha B. Autade, Harshada S. Narhare, Dr. Raksha L. Mhetre
    A detailed analysis of formulation techniques, evaluation parameters, and applications of fast-dissolving oral films in drug delivery.

  • Nanonization-Based Solubility Enhancement by Loaded Porous Starch Foam: Nifedipine Tablet Formulation
    Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation, March 2023
    DOI: 10.1007/s12247-022-09622-4
    Contributors: Pratibha M. Chaudhari, Paul Johnson, Dr. Raksha L. Mhetre, Antoine Al-Achi
    This research presents a novel approach for solubility enhancement of nifedipine using porous starch foam carriers, supporting improved bioavailability in oral tablets.

Strengths for the Female Researcher Award

  1. Pioneering Contributions to Nanotechnology & Drug Delivery
    Dr. Mhetre has significantly advanced the field of pharmaceutics through her innovative research in nanoparticulate systems, co-crystals, and solubility enhancement techniques. Her work on cilnidipine nanoparticles and starch-based delivery systems has practical implications in improving drug bioavailability, making her a trailblazer in targeted and sustained-release formulations.

  2. Leadership in Academic Research and Mentorship
    With over 15 years of academic service, she has successfully mentored postgraduate students and guided them through advanced research methodologies. Her role as a postgraduate research guide and her involvement in curriculum development at Savitribai Phule Pune University demonstrate her strong commitment to shaping future scientists and educators.

  3. Patent Holder and Published Author
    Dr. Mhetre has authored four pharmaceutical patents, contributed to impactful scientific journals, and co-authored a textbook on Novel Drug Delivery Systems. These contributions reflect both her technical expertise and her ability to translate complex research into applied pharmaceutical innovations.

  4. Role Model in Women’s STEM Education
    Serving at an all-women’s pharmacy college, she not only leads by example in a male-dominated field but also actively empowers female students through mentorship, academic leadership, and engagement in women-centric educational foundations such as the Lila Poonawalla Foundation.

  5. Recognized Academic Excellence and Public Engagement
    Awarded prestigious fellowships and scholarships like the Lila Poonawalla Fellowship, Sir Ratan Tata Scholarship, and the Bajaj Scholarship, Dr. Mhetre’s excellence is widely acknowledged. Her consistent participation in over 50 national and international conferences and editorial roles further highlights her commitment to scientific outreach and public engagement.

Raksha Mhetre, Medicine, Female Researcher Award