Jumping into CDMO after a lifetime as a sponsor

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Helen Shaw and Dan Henley, co-founders of VCTC. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Helen and Dan, covering: Exposing your team to everything, letting them feel the pressure... but always being there to help and guide The founding story of VCTC... and the fun and games of dividing responsibilities as co-founders How the frustrations of being a patient with an orphan disease shaped the ethos of VCTC The uptake of patient recruitment and retention in virtual and decentralized clinical trials Finding a powerful niche in the life sciences space to enable you to grow, globally Helen and Dan are co-founders of the VCTC, a UK clinical trial site that specializes in delivering virtual and decentralized clinical trials. Helen has fourteen years of clinical research experience spanning academia, clinical trial sites, biotech and CRO, with exposure across study management, medical writing, clinical science, and commercial roles. Dan is a senior executive bringing 15 plus years of comprehensive achievements in predominantly commercial roles supporting biotechnology, pharma and life sciences companies, through their non-clinical, clinical and commercial journeys. The VCTC is a UK-based clinical trial site that specializes in running patient-centric clinical trials. We bring virtual and decentralized clinical trials to participants in their own homes. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Bill Humphries, CEO at Alcami. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Bill, covering: The role managers, leaders, and mentors have played in shaping his illustrious career in dermatology The importance of ‘force multiply’ in getting results and accelerating growth Why, after a career spent on the drug sponsor side... he decided to switch to the CDMO services side How do the shifting sands in the sector provide a treasure trove of opportunities? Bill Humphries, Alcami CEO, is an experienced leader in the life sciences industry, previously serving as CEO at Isosceles Pharmaceuticals, President and Group Company Chairman of Ortho-Dermatologics, CEO of Merz North America, President of Stiefel, a GSK Company and Vice President of US Skincare at Allergan Pharmaceuticals.  Bill also served as Chairman of the Board at Clearside Biomedical, Executive Chairman of Strata Skin Sciences, and a member of the Board of Directors at Aclaris Therapeutics, PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals, SKNV, and Bryn Pharmaceuticals. Humphries’ academic credentials include a B.A. from Bucknell University and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues, and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital, and content agency that helps companies differentiate, get noticed, and grow in the life sciences.

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector for part 2 of our conversation with Thomas Eldered, Executive Chairman at Flerie. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Thomas, covering: The story behind Recipharm’s decision to divest Cobra Biologics that led Thomas to become owner How ‘big faith’ and the gene therapy revolution changed the fortunes of the loss-making biologics CDMO After the third exit, why did he choose ‘passion rather than pension’? To fuel his love for creating things and building companies Flerie’s mission and its patient-centric investment strategy in life sciences. The story behind Thomas’ signature bowtie look… Thomas Eldered was co-founder of Recipharm AB in 1995, where he served as CEO from 2008 to 2021, growing Recipharm from a local Swedish pharmaceutical contract manufacturer to an international CDMO with more than 9000 employees in 10 countries. He was also the founder of Flerie Invest AB in 2011, where he is currently the executive chairman. Thomas is presently chairman of the board and a member of the board of several life science companies. He holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping University. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues, and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.  

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with part 1 of our episode with Thomas Eldered, Executive Chairman at Flerie. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Thomas, covering: Where his entrepreneurial spark originated, and how they created a CMO (before that was even a thing) after several failed plans How did the timing of his first exit and having ‘cash during the crash’ fuel M&A to grow Recipharm into an international powerhouse? Why did he decide to go public? No one else in Sweden or in the CDMO space was getting an IPO A lifetime with Lars (his business partner) and the benefit of a partnership with aligned common interest Why he decided to sell Recipharm after 26 years and why leaving the company was the most difficult mental decision Thomas Eldered was co-founder of Recipharm AB in 1995, where he served as CEO from 2008 to 2021, growing Recipharm from a local Swedish pharmaceutical contract manufacturer to an international CDMO with more than 9000 employees in 10 countries. He also founded Flerie Invest AB in 2011, where he is currently Executive Chairman. Thomas is currently chairman of the board and a member of the board of several life science companies.  He holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping University. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues, and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Dan Mamelak, Founder & President at Custom Biologics. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Dan, covering: How reading The Billion-dollar Molecule book inspired him to explore a pathway into cutting-edge drug development The founding story of his company and some timeless advice not to burn bridges How the Canadian conveyor belt of intelligent, talented young science graduates has helped fuel the company’s growth Why being privately owned has contributed to the company’s unique culture Dan is responsible for the company's strategic direction. From the outset of his career, Dan recognized the need for solid bioanalytical expertise to support the drug discovery programs of both developing and established biopharmaceutical companies. In 2004, Dan established Custom Biologics, a large-molecule bioanalytical CRO that designs and validates assays to measure the potency of biotherapeutic drugs, including therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and genetic therapies. Recently, the Genomics division of Custom Biologics has developed novel isothermal nucleic acid molecular diagnostic tests to rapidly identify human and food-borne pathogens. Before founding Custom Biologics, Dan was a Senior Scientist at Affinium Pharmaceuticals, an established company that accelerates the development of small molecules into new medicines. Dan holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Toronto.   Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues, and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.  

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with:  Denise Bowser from Onyx Scientific Audrey Greenberg from SK Pharmteco Kendalle Burlin O’Connell from MassBio Elisabeth Stampa from Medicines For Europe  Sabina Ouimet-Storrs from GHO Capital In this episode, we feature highlights from recent interviews with some of the most inspiring women in the life sciences industry. These women sat down with host, Raman Sehgal, to share their unique perspectives on topics including career progression, COVID-19, M&A, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Listen to the full episodes:  Dealing with downturns… and the menopause with Denise Bowser From banking to biotech with Audrey Greenberg  From MassBio… to the world with Kendalle Burlin O’Connell  Transforming a family pharma firm with Elisabeth Stampa  M&A Roundtable and 2024 Predictions with Sabina Ouimet-Storrs Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues, and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.  

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Alastair Hay, Vice President of Peptides at Almac Sciences. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Alastair, covering: The story behind Almac’s early bet of getting into the peptide game Behind the scenes of the incredible growth journey of Almac from a few hundred to 7000+ people... and some insight into the secret sauce behind the success Rising demand for peptides and what makes them so attractive and valuable for various emerging therapeutic areas Some of the challenges in developing and manufacturing peptide-based therapeutics include environmental impact Alastair graduated with a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of Edinburgh in 1998, following his first degree in Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde. He spent 12 years on the operational side of Almac’s peptide business, heading up the non-GMP custom synthesis group and then the GMP process development group. In 2015, Alastair moved on from an operational role to provide technical support on peptide projects for Almac’s global business development team. In 2020, Alastair took on operational responsibilities, first re-assuming leadership of the Process Development department and then ultimately being appointed Vice President, Peptides in 2021. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues, and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital, and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed, and grow in the life sciences.  

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Brett Alderson, President and Site Leader of Novacina. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Brett, covering: The complexities of being on the inside of big pharma looking to carve out your site... then transitioning into a customer-facing CDMO Leaning into the freedom and liberation of having the shackles off as an independent business Pairing world-class, complex commercial capabilities (100 million+ units) with a small scaler clinical offering The uncertainty and capacity concerns on the market after that market-shaking deal And just why Australia is a hub for global for clinical trials... Brett Alderson is a seasoned veteran in the pharmaceutical industry predominantly working with the manufacturing of sterile injectables. Brett is a determined and thoughtful leader adept at driving business success and leading through change. He is a champion for customers, instilling a customer-centric culture with transparency and helpfulness.  He enjoys mentoring and nurturing a diverse workforce with a clear imperative of open and honest communication. Brett has a reputation as an energetic problem solver, acting with integrity and care, and always encourages solutions for a brighter tomorrow by empowering people. Brett’s career includes more than 25 years at Pfizer, before becoming President and Site Leader of Novacina in April 2023 where he oversaw a 500-member team and the production of more than 300 Oncology products plus several additional sterile injectable medicines for local and global markets. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Arvid Söderhall, CEO at Empros Pharma. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Arvid, covering: The personal story of a pediatrician treating an obese child that led to the creation of Empros Pharma and its lead asset The 10-year journey from an idea to a successful Phase IIb trial... and what it felt like to reach the magic milestone Critical characteristics required for a small pharma leader, and why CEOs stand and fall with their data The ins and outs of a CDMO selection process for Phase 3 trials and the commercial launch for a global drug to complement GLP-1 products How the investor climate has changed in the last 1-2 years... and how it has it turned upside down in the hot obesity space Arvid joined Empros as a project manager in 2013, during the company’s foundational phase, before the EMP16 project was named. He quickly ascended to CEO, steering Empros to prioritize its founders and inventors while leveraging a strong network of contacts and leading Empros to a phase 3-ready project that surpassed initial expectations. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry with a specialization in Computational Chemistry. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Berlin, marking his first engagement with the pharma industry and filing a first patent, introducing a foray into biotech entrepreneurship. Subsequently, Arvid worked at Stockholm-based biotech ‘Sidec,’ focusing on cryo-electron microscopy of proteins. Despite the premature technology leading to Sidec’s closure, the foundational concept later earned a Nobel Prize, underscoring the importance of timing in innovation. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues, and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital, and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed, and grow in life sciences.

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with: Sabina Ouimet-Storrs, Principal at GHO Capital Partners James West, Managing Director at Lincoln International Derek Hennecke, investor and board member in biopharma and cell therapy manufacturing Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology ecosystem with his guests, covering: The year of the failed process in 2023... Which sub-segments of the pharma services ecosystem are hot right now? A myriad of buys and builds, carve-outs, and platform deals An optimistic outlook for the year ahead... despite some significant market headwinds Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues, and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.