Molecule to Market: Inside the outsourcing space

Doc to CEO - 40 years of reinvention in biopharma

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Stephen Dilly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at Codexis.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Stephen, covering:

• His journey of almost 40 years in the industry, including 20 years as a CEO.
• Leading two therapeutic companies to two, successful, $billion+ exits...
• Not making snap judgements and instant opinions early on in your role as a senior leader.
• Why he took on the challenge of leading Codexis at this phase of his career.
• The importance of values as guiding principles, and spending in-person time with your team.

As President & CEO of Codexis since August 2022, Stephen brings more than three decades of executive management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Sierra Oncology (NASDAQ: SRRA) through its recent sale to GlaxoSmithKline for $1.9 billion. 

Previously, Dr. Dilly served as CEO of Aimmune Therapeutics, acquired by Nestle Health Science for $2.6 billion. Dr. Dilly has served in executive roles at Genentech, Chiron and SmithKline Beecham and has been associated with the development, approval and launch of more than twenty marketed drugs across multiple therapeutic areas. He holds both an MBBS and a PhD in Cardiac Physiology from the University of London.

 

Molecule to Market is also sponsored by Bora Pharma (boracdmo.com) and Charles River (www.criver.com), and supported by ramarketing. 

 

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Meet the new boss of CPHI Europe

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Tara Dougal, Event Director - Pharma (CPHI Europe).

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Tara, covering:

• How CPHI has changed over the last decade of Tara being involved in the show.
• The challenge of dealing with the volume of over 60k people turning up for three days at a major European city.
• Being tasked with running one of Informa Markets' largest global shows.
• How to make the most of this year's CPHI Europe before, during and after the show.
• The hidden gems of opportunity that you might be missing out on at CPHI.

Tara brings over 12 years of extensive event management experience spanning roles in New York, London, and Amsterdam. She previously held the position of Content Director before advancing to her current leadership role.

Her expertise extends beyond event management to content production, where she has demonstrated exceptional skill in creating high-quality content and building strategic relationships with clients and partners.

At CPHI, Tara plays a crucial role in creating connections and inspiring partnerships across the global pharmaceutical community, championing innovation at the heart of pharma through both in-person and online events. Her international experience and industry insight contribute significantly to Informa Markets' position as the world's leading exhibitions organiser, delivering over 550 market-leading events annually.

 

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 also sponsored by Bora Pharma (boracdmo.com) and Charles River (www.criver.com), and supported by ramarketing.

30 years on the rollercoaster of clinical trials

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Claire Riches, Vice President, Clinical Solutions at Citeline.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Claire, covering:

• Being involved in the clinical development and commercial launch of a little mega-blockbuster, called... Viagra.
• Her first exposure to outsourcing at a small biotech, and the importance of partnerships in progressing the pipeline.
• Ignoring the pharma industry snobbery, and opting to move into the fast and varied world of CROs.
• Timeless sponsor and provider partnership tips, including the importance of aligned intentions, especially with biotechs.
• How are the tailwinds for rare diseases, meeting unmet patient needs, AI/data, and personalised medicines driving demand at Citeline?

With over 30 years' experience in the life science sector, Claire is a passionate advocate of bringing drug development to life. Having worked in large pharma, biotech and the CRO space, Claire uses her platform to raise awareness of the challenges the industry is facing, and how as a collective voice, we can solve big, challenging questions. She believes strongly in the need to ask questions of the industry to drive change, which in turn drives innovation and growth.

Claire speaks regularly through various forums on the topics of Women in Science, Impacts of Politics and Economics on Drug Development and Drug Access, and Evolution and Efficiency of Drug Development pathways. She is currently focused on levelling the playing field for the Biotech industry via her podcast Small Biotech, Big Decisions | Citeline

 

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The rain-making, 2X exit founder

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Andrea Wagner, CEO at PharmaPhixx.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Andrea, covering:

• Building a 'not very pretty' business, to an eventual exit after 10 years
• The reluctant founding of Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing (Now Sharp)...making new mistakes on her encore journey of growth and a second exit
• Why company leaders should think of decision-making like trees
• Pro business development tips from a seasoned entrepreneur with growth hard-wired into her
• Her views on the current market and what opportunities lie ahead for the brave

Dr. Andrea N. Wagner is a serial entrepreneur renowned for co-founding and advancing two contract sterile manufacturing companies, with her latest venture acquired by Sharp Services in October 2023. She passionately advocates for women in business, serving on the board of Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global (WEGG), co-founding Herizon Funding to support women-owned businesses, and contributing as an advisory board member at the Boston Museum of Science.

As CEO of PharmaPhixx and founder of the sweater brand LuxLined in 2024, Andrea continues to diversify her business interests. Additionally, she established the Andrea Wagner Scholarship Fund to support young women pursuing STEM degrees. Currently, she is writing a book, focusing on empowering women in STEM to ascend to leadership roles.

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 also sponsored by Bora Pharma (boracdmo.com) and Charles River (www.criver.com), and supported by ramarketing.

The Indian CEO driving change

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Ankit Gupta, CEO at Tenshi Kaizen.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Ankit, covering:

• His accidental journey into pharma, and then pharma manufacturing
• How his exposure to the pharma value chain via consulting led to numerous roles in the sector, including a critical one at Strides Pharma Sciences Limited and other group companies held by the founders
• The honour of being appointed CEO at Tenshi, and building out InstaPill(R) - its proprietary oral drug delivery technology - from incubation to growth
• Why India is poised for growth now that it's leading the 'D' as well as the 'M' of CDMO
• The lay of the land in India's biopharma and pharma ecosystem

Ankit Gupta is a seasoned finance and strategy leader with close to 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. At Tenshi Kaizen, he leads the development and global expansion of innovative pharmaceutical technology platforms, including the flagship InstaPill. He also serves as the Chief Corporate Strategy & Development Officer across all group entities promoted by the founders.

Ankit is known for his expertise in corporate strategy, growth acceleration, and business transformation. In his prior role as Vice President – Strategy and Corporate Development at Gland Pharma Limited and Strides Group, he played a pivotal role in long-range planning, financial forecasting, and strategic initiatives that contributed to the Strides Group turnaround in the financial year 2022-2023.

He brings deep experience in both organic and inorganic growth, asset optimization, and risk management. A gold medalist in MBA (Finance), Ankit also holds global certifications in corporate finance, private equity, valuations, business leadership, and strategy, bringing a rare blend of financial precision and strategic foresight to the group’s leadership.

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 also sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.

40 years, 6 exits - a CEO addict

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Adam Sherlock, CEO at Qinecsa.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Adam, covering:

• How he developed his professional CEO skills over the years to complement is entrepreneurial spirit
• The combination of micro and macro factors that help determine when the right time is to go to market, and sell
• The importance of your gut instinct when assessing M&A targets... and painting a picture of why the world is a better place when together
• Several attempts at failing to retire... and being tempted back into another pharma services CEO role
• How R&D services will be impacted by AI, and why we all need to be eating our own lunch

Adam is a serial entrepreneur and executive leader with nearly 40 years of experience in the international life sciences industry, particularly in bio/pharma, IVD, and medical device sectors. A scientist by training, he has led successful growth and M&A efforts, creating exceptional value in four private equity-backed businesses over the past decade. 

Adam is also a sought-after NED, Chair, and independent advisor. Currently, he serves as CEO of Qinecsa, a global provider of pharmacovigilance technology and services.

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 also sponsored by Bora Pharma (boracdmo.com) and Charles River (www.criver.com), and supported by ramarketing.

CDMO Live insights: Industry leaders on the future of pharma

In this special episode of Molecule to Market, recorded at this year’s CDMO Live in Rotterdam, industry leaders come together to assess the evolving state of the contract development and manufacturing sector. Raman is the panel moderator, joined by: 

• Gil Roth - PBOA
• Dr. Jim Li - BioDuro Sundia
• Kaan-Fabian Kekec - Simon-Kucher

They unpack cautious optimism in the face of lingering market uncertainties and geopolitical tension, you’ll hear:

• How CDMOs are adapting to early-stage funding strain and evolving pricing models
• The impact of rising interest rates, tariffs, and global trade policy on pharma outsourcing
• Capacity and talent constraints facing CDMOs in new therapeutic modalities
• Why integrated models and scenario planning are key to future-proofing operations

This episode offers timely insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the next phase of growth for CDMOs worldwide.

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 also sponsored by Bora Pharma (boracdmo.com) and Charles River (www.criver.com), and supported by ramarketing.

The learning curve of a biotech founder/CSO

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Hella Kohlhof, CSO at Immunic.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Hella, covering:

• How the 'waste of two molecules' led to the spin-out creation of Immunic Therapeutics.
• The perfect blend of a founding team willing to split responsibility, learn and have a go.
• Ending up as a Nasdaq-listed company via a reverse merger... and all the new challenges that came with it.
• Immunic's divide-and-conquer global outsourcing strategy, while retaining tight control.
• Examples of how geopolitical issues have impacted a biotech's growth.

Hella leads the Immunic's scientific strategy, including mode of action research, preclinical studies, and biomarker development.

Dr. Kohlhof brings deep expertise in immunology, oncology, and drug development, with previous roles at 4SC AG, where she led preclinical and clinical projects. She holds a doctorate in biology from Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich and completed her postdoc at the Helmholtz Centre, focusing on B cell development.

She holds several patents, has co-authored numerous publications, and is a regular speaker at scientific and industry events.

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 also sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.

The cancer Doc, driven by impact

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Tim Showalter, Radiation Oncologist, Founder and Chief Medical Officer at ArteraAI.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Tim, covering:

• The attraction of radiation oncology at med school and his fascination with clinical trials
• His frustration with tools for cervical cancer patients led to the creation of a medical device company
• How his bootstrapped side project ended in an exit... but why that was inspiring and motivational to move on to the next thing
• The proud experience of using his own product (BrachyGel) on cancer patients in the clinic, years after coming up with the idea
• How ArteraAI's technology is positively disrupting the prostate cancer space, as well as its potential to scale and expand into other disease areas

 

Tim Showalter, MD, MPH, is a radiation oncologist and cancer researcher who serves as Chief Medical Officer at Artera, where he leads research and medical strategy. Artera is working to improve cancer care by developing AI-enabled prognostic and predictive tests. The ArteraAI Prostate Test is the first of its kind to be recommended by national clinical guidelines for routine use. Tim maintains a part-time clinical practice at the University of Virginia, remaining connected to patient care, research and education.

He is the founder of Advaray and inventor of BrachyGel, a novel hydrogel-based medical device for cervical cancer radiation therapy, which is manufactured and marketed by CQ Medical. Tim serves on the board of CQ Medical and cohosts a podcast, HealthTech Remedy to explore the intricacies of innovative health technology companies. Tim is a noted speaker and advisor to start-up companies.

 

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 also sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.

The GM focused on inhaled & nasal drugs

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Gemma Budd, General Manager at Nanopharm.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Gemma, covering:

• Why being in an overly strategic, future-focused role led her to make the tough decision to move on
• Identifying the joy of solving problems for customers in service-based businesses
• Why her holistic experience led to the GM role...and the reality in becoming the leader
• The factors driving growth for inhalation delivery for nasal and pulmonary routes
• Being a niche player in a global market - why clients don't care where you are when you know what you're doing

With a background in biomedical science, Gemma has built her career over the past 15 years by leveraging and expanding that knowledge in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry. She has worked in companies providing analytical and formulation development services, materials science consultancy and manufacturing of drug delivery systems – primarily in commercial and technical roles. 

She is currently the General Manager of Nanopharm, a specialist CRO focusing on developing nasally administered and inhaled drug products for pharmaceutical companies worldwide, through her team of 75 employees in the UK. She is focused on ensuring the business continually delivers, innovates and evolves in their niche space to ensure their clients benefit from their expertise that is not widely available in the industry, developing both exceptional talent and unique technology platforms, and ensuring they combine to deliver high quality services to help get drugs to patients quickly, safely and effectively.

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 also sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.