Molecule to Market: Inside the outsourcing space

Old world solutions won’t work for new world problems

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Sara Lesina, Global Marketing Director of Pharma & Nutrition, Capsules and Health Ingredients at Lonza. A multilingual, international marketing leader, Sara oversees the global marketing and product line management team for the capsule business of Lonza, Capsugel^®.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with guest Sara Lesina, covering how diversity in her life and career has given her a much more open, flexible and balanced view of the world and how it has helped her as a leader in a global pharma industry. Sara also explains the value of learning from failure and how making mistakes is part of the journey in stretching yourself to become a bolder and more confident individual. Lastly, Raman and Sara discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on business and marketing efforts in the pharmaceutical and biotech space, making it clear that traditional solutions will not provide answers for the current and future challenges we face.

Please subscribe, and invite your industry colleagues to 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 content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed.

Looking towards the future: A continuous mindset

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Carl-Åke Carlsson CEO at Xellia Pharmaceuticals. Like celebrated “one-club” football stars like Leo Messi at Barcelona, Alessandro Del Piero at Juventus and Steven Gerrard at Liverpool… Carl-Åke has been with Xellia since 1988. A pharmaceutical leader known for his class and commercial acumen, Carl‑Åke started in a finance position. He was soon diversifying into other areas and running various divisions before rising to the top as global CEO of a business that employs 1,800 people.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Carl-Åke Carlsson, covering Xellia’s journey from an API supplier to a global specialty pharma company known for novel anti-infective, life-saving medicines. Carl‑Åke speaks about his journey from his position in finance to CEO and the transformation of Xellia as a company over the years, offering advice and insight from his experiences. He explains how he has created and scaled a world-class culture using internal, cross-functional “transformers” to assist in upholding values internally and externally. He speaks about the origins of the industry-renowned DCAT and CPhI Xellia parties. And lastly, he announces some exciting news about Xellia and their plans for expansion.

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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.

Life in a boutique, specialist CDMO

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Manuel Leal, Business Development Director at IDIFARMA. A student of law and business, Manuel has carved a very impressive career in the outsourcing space all despite having no formal pharma and science background! He has spent the last decade helping take a little known, local formulation development firm in Northern Spain into a global, specialist CDMO.

 

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Manuel, covering the transition from development and clinical manufacturing to commercial production. Manuel gives us the inside scoop on what it’s like being a boutique, niche CDMO with in-demand high potency and spray drying capabilities versus serving as a “one-stop-shop”. He discusses the value of curiosity, resilience, continuous learning and being humble in carving a career in pharma, and how he has found success without a science background. Lastly, Raman and Manuel speak on the reasons we may see geographically closer and more controlled supply chains in the post Covid-19 world.

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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.

Owning your authenticity

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Claire Thompson, CEO and Founder at Agility Life Sciences. Claire is an award winning pharmaceutical scientist with over 20 years of experience in developing pharma products, global companies, virtual biotechs and CROs. Today, Claire consults global health companies ranging from spin outs to multinational companies on how to fast track their technology to market. Claire has worked for Pfizer, GSK, Oxford, Pharma Science and The Royal Pharma Society to name a few. 

 

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Claire, covering the value of standing out in a crowd, being memorable and owning your authenticity, especially as a female in the pharma and biotech sector. Claire shares what she has learned from playing elite level football for many years and how she has been able to apply these lessons to business strategy, communications, winning and being a team. She and Raman also discuss a continued trend in outsourcing growth, with biotech companies opting for parallel manufacturing with CDMOs to mitigate risk in reaching key milestones. Lastly Claire champions several notable female causes and Raman makes a live donation on air!

 

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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.

Building robust and scalable systems

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Kevin Orfan, President at Sharp. Kevin has been in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry for over 30 years and has incredible experience in the contract manufacturing space. He began his pharma career at Abbott Laboratories before moving to Hospira and then Pfizer CentreOne. He joined Sharp as president in 2019 and now oversees its global operations.

 

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with guest Kevin Orfan speaking on the importance of building robust and scalable systems and processes in a fast growing contract packaging company, especially in the current climate of the pandemic. Kevin talks about the challenges in keeping up with the rapid, global demand of new, large molecule drug products and the increasing complexity they bring. He shares how he maintains a solid work ethic by always having a plan, knowing what he can control and focusing on the value-add factors in a business as a top priority. Lastly he speaks about the direct-to-patient trend he is seeing in the industry as pharmaceutical companies become more willing to carry out clinical trial work in patient's 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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.

Entrepreneurship in the life science space

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Jeffrey Kiplinger, Co-Founder of Cohere Business Strategies and advisor and coach for entrepreneurs in the life science space. Jeffrey Co-Founded Research Operations Group in 2000, founded Averica Discovery Services in 2007, and has over 35 academic publications and holds a PhD in organic chemistry. 

 

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with guest Jeffrey Kiplinger as he describes the benefit in making oneself vulnerable and putting your pride aside to seek the support of others. He advises young leaders to ask “stupid questions” and allow your mistakes to become a part of your success story. Jeffrey speaks about the changes he has seen in the sector over the years and the interesting shift towards a numbers-based system which in his opinion, has devalued the scientists at the core of operations. As a coach for entrepreneurs, Jeff covers the barriers many business professionals face when trying to start their own business in the life science sector. He offers advice and words of wisdom for those who are struggling in this difficult market. Lastly he stresses the value of the relationship with a client and explains how it can be the key to success in this industry.

 

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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing. An international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.

Advocating for the CDMO sector

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Gil Roth, Founder and President of the Pharma & Biopharma Outsourcing Association (PBOA). Previous to launching PBOA in 2014, Gil helped launch Contract Pharma in 1999 and served as the founding editor for 15 years. Contract Pharma has since grown to become one of the most respected magazines in the industry.

 

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with guest Gil Roth, speaking on the tremendous impact the PBOA has made with congress and the FDA on behalf of the contract manufacturing industry. Gil offers some insight on how the PBOA has found success in influencing representatives and senators in Washington to learn about the sector and advocate on its behalf. Gil reflects on the ways the industry has changed over the past couple of decades, such as the sophistication of acquisitions and the willingness to openly outsource from a reputation standpoint. Raman and Gil identify the trends and challenges they have noticed in a time where once common business practices have been stripped away as we all adapt to this new normal. Lastly Gil speaks about his own podcast, The Virtual Memories Show, and the impact and joy it has created over the years. 

 

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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing. An international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.

The benefits of postponement packaging

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Dexter Tjoa, CEO at Tjoapack. With a master's from Oxford University, Dexter joined Tjoapack about 5 years ago. His career has accelerated at an incredible speed since taking over the family business from his father, who founded Tjoapack over 30 years ago in the Netherlands.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with guest Dexter Tjoa as they speak on what it has been like to take the reins of the fast growing family business as one of the youngest CEOs in the sector. Dexter describes what the selection process has been like in trying to find a finance partner to help accelerate the company’s growth. Dexter also explains how surrounding yourself with smart people who you like and who can compliment your skills and weaknesses are essential in one’s success as a leader. Lastly, he speaks on the value of postponement packaging and how contract packaging organisations are of increasing importance, rather than an afterthought for drug developers.

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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing. An international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.

Taking the family-owned CDMO global

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Bobby Sheng, CEO and Chairman of Bora Pharmaceuticals.  A California native and an experienced leader in the pharmaceutical industry, Bobby is skilled in international business, management, mergers & acquisitions, finance, and marketing. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley and now resides in Taiwan.  

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with guest Bobby Sheng, speaking on Bobby’s time as a producer in the film industry and the lessons he gained from producing nine films. Bobby explains his key focus areas as a leader and how he tries to keep them top of mind as he progresses through his career. He also explains the importance of having the right people on your team and describes them as the best and strongest asset an organization can have. Lastly, Bobby speaks on the pharma production industry. He believes there is room to adopt efficiencies and technologies in order to move away from the archaic batch production system.  

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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing. An international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.

The increasing demand for HPAPI

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with John Ross, President at Mayne Pharma US. John Ross has spent 15 years in the pharma contract services space in senior roles following some time at Eli Lilly and PWC. He joined Mayne in 2013 as a VP and transitioned to President in 2017. Today, he oversees over 550+ people in North Carolina and has managed a huge injection of investment in the business.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with guest John Ross, covering the contrast from working in Big Pharma versus running high-growth contract service organisations. They also discuss the increasing demand for and challenge of handling, developing and manufacturing highly potent pharmaceutical products. Lastly they trade tips for leading a senior management team in a global business while also making time to learn and balance life outside of work. 

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 love a positive rating! Molecule to Market is sponsored and funded by ramarketing. An international content, design and digital agency that helps companies get noticed, raise profile and generate leads in life sciences.