EMJ GOLD: Pharma news, views and analysis

Season 8 is almost over, but before we release our finale episode, why not take a listen to some of our favourite moments from the last couple of months? From an insight into why Gen Z might be turning their sails towards the pharmaceutical industry, to a call for a better understanding of HIV stigma, there's plenty to discover in this season's GOLD Medal Moments.

In this episode of the EMJ GOLD podcast, Jade and Isabel explore one of the most urgent global health issues: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As part of World AMR Awareness Week, they are highlighting this year's theme 'Educate. Advocate. Act now'. Joining the conversation is Elias Revonta, Founder and CEO, Orcason Medical, who shares his vision for tackling AMR through groundbreaking medical technology. Orcason Medical is pioneering point-of-care devices for ear, nose and throat conditions to address the overprescription of antibiotics—a vital measure in the fight against AMR. A little more on GOLD's guest… Elias Revonta is the Founder and CEO, Orcason Medical, where he is supported by a strong background in the medical device industry – spanning over 20 years in various leadership roles from sales to product development. He is passionate about transforming and democratising healthcare with modern and easy-to-use diagnostic tools that serve all demographics. With a mission to combat the rise of AMR, his goal is to protect the power of antibiotics and improve the lives of millions of patients by enabling smarter, safer healthcare solutions.

In this episode, Isabel welcomes Patrick Oliver, General Manager for the UK and Ireland at Alfasigma, to explore the company's exciting entry into the UK market and the evolving landscape of healthcare in the country. In the conversation, Patrick brings his wealth of industry experience to share his vision for Alfasigma's future, the potential he sees in the UK healthcare market and the unique challenges ahead. They also delve into Lord Darzi's report on the NHS, examining its implications for healthcare reform and innovation. A little more on GOLD's guest… Patrick Oliver is Alfasigma's General Manager for the UK & Ireland, a role he's held since the company's launch in the UK in early 2024. He has 36 years' experience in the industry, with 16 years specifically in market access. Prior to joining Alfasigma, Patrick worked in market access for a number of large pharmaceutical companies including Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie and Abbott.

As 2024 draws to a close, what should pharma teams be focusing their budgets on for the final quarter of the year? Join Jade and Isabel as they explore the critical trends that have shaped the industry in 2024. As teams finalise their budgets and plan for the final quarter and year ahead, this conversation brings insights into how strategies like personalised engagement, thought leadership and interactive, on-demand content are making an impact. With real-life examples, learn about the tools you can invest in to end the year on a high.

In this new episode, the team welcomes Jennifer Schranz, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Rare Diseases, Ipsen, to investigate the burden faced by women with rare diseases. Together, Jennifer and Jade discuss how the industry can address challenging rare diseases and making a meaningful impact on patients' lives, the double jeopardy that women with rare diseases face, recent breakthroughs in the space and much more.

In the latest episode of our podcast, we welcome Richard Lowenthal, CEO, ARS Pharmaceuticals, to explore the company's mission to address unmet needs in allergy care. During the conversation, Richard shares insights into his early career at the FDA and the regulatory challenges he faced in bringing ARS's new nasal spray to treat severe allergic reactions to market. He also discusses the future direction of the company and much more. A little more on EMJ GOLD's guest… Richard Lowenthal is the co-founder, President, and CEO, ARS Pharmaceuticals, with a leadership role since the company's inception in 2015. Before ARS, he founded Pacific-Link Regulatory Consulting, where he contributed to the development of their diazepam nasal spray. Richard's extensive background includes senior roles at Cadence Pharmaceuticals, Maxim Pharmaceuticals and Janssen Research Foundation, as well as work as a chemist at the FDA. He holds an M.Sc. in organic chemistry and an MSEL and has chaired the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

In the latest episode, Jade sits down with Martina Dempsey, Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Operations at Astellas Europe, to discuss empowering women in the pharmaceutical industry. They explore how pharma meets the needs and values of young graduates, the ongoing challenges women face in securing leadership roles, the critical impact of mentorship on career development and much more.

In this episode, Isabel is joined by Nedim Pipic, Senior Vice President and Global Therapeutic Area Head for Mental Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2024. Their conversation dives into the unique challenges faced by those living with serious mental illnesses, the impact of media representation and the role pharma can play in transforming treatment and quality of life for these patients. Central to their discussion is the importance of amplifying lived experiences, a key focus of Boehringer's new campaign, Schizophrenia in Real Life: Stories of Challenges, Resilience, and Hope. The campaign aims to build greater understanding and acceptance of the condition by highlighting the strength and resilience of those living with it.

This week, Jean-Bernard Simeon, Senior Vice President and Head, ViiV Healthcare Europe, sits down with the EMJ GOLD team to share his thoughts on the current landscape for patients with HIV in Europe. Together, JB and Jade explore the UNAIDS roadmap to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, the barriers faced by people living with HIV in Europe, stigmas still surrounding the condition and much more.

The EMJ GOLD podcast is back! In the first episode of season 8, Jade sits down with Chantal Friebertshäuser, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMEAC, Moderna, to discuss how Europe can combat the recent erosion of trust in vaccines. Together, the two explore the role of governments in addressing vaccine hesitancy, improving vaccine education amongst various groups, how a culture of collaboration can improve the current vaccine landscape and much more.