The Syneos Health Podcast: Conversations on Commercialization

Syneos Health

Commercialization is becoming more tightly connected to decisions across the biopharma journey, from value and access to launch strategy, deployment and patient, provider and advocacy engagement. Conversations on Commercialization is the latest addition to the Syneos Health Podcast family, featuring leaders and experts from across the industry discussing the strategies, challenges and shifts shaping commercial success in today’s market.  Each episode explores how companies are approaching the issues that matter most in commercialization and what it takes to compete more effectively in today’s market.  Subscribe to The Syneos Health Podcast: Conversations on Commercialization  for new episodes.  If there’s a topic you’d like us to explore, send us a message at podcasts@syneoshealth.com.  For more actionable, future-focused life sciences insights, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. 

  1. Aug 6

    Everybody Wins: Elevating the Patient Voice

    In this episode of The Syneos Health Podcast: Conversations on Commercialization, Tyler Cowan, VP, Commercial is joined by colleagues from our team in the UK, Dr. Natalia Barkalina, Medical Director and Gareth Powell, Clinical Recruitment and Retention Strategist, to discuss why patient-centered communication is essential to improving clinical trial awareness, recruitment and engagement, particularly for small and mid-size biotech companies competing for patient and investigator attention.    Listen and gain a clear understanding of how integrated, patient-centered communications can help clinical trials cut through the noise, build trust with key audiences and create stronger foundations for commercialization.    The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

  2. Jul 28

    AI With Accountability: How Small Biopharma Can Scale Smarter

    In this episode, recorded on the ground at Asembia's AXS26 Summit, host Chris Van Denburg sits down with George Jones, Chief Commercial Officer at Biofrontera, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is helping smaller biopharmaceutical companies operate more efficiently while maintaining quality, oversight and accountability. George shares how Biofrontera is leveraging AI to streamline commercial operations, automate workflows and generate actionable insights that support smarter, faster decision-making.  The conversation explores practical applications of AI across commercial analytics, territory planning, reimbursement analysis and customer service, highlighting how lean organizations can create greater scale without adding headcount. George explains why AI should be viewed as an assistant that enhances human expertise rather than replaces it, enabling teams to focus on higher-value work while improving operational efficiency and patient access. The episode also examines why responsible AI adoption requires strong governance. George discusses the importance of keeping a "human in the loop" to validate AI-generated insights, mitigate risks such as hallucinations and confirmation bias, and ensure technology supports sound business decisions that ultimately benefit healthcare providers and the patients they serve. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

  3. Jul 9

    Reducing Friction in CAR T Care: Patient Support for Speed, Scale and Better Outcomes

    At the Asembia 2026 Summit, Syneos Health host Chris Van Denburg sits down with Dale Lippert, Executive Director, CAR T Patient Support and Services at Autolus Therapeutics, to explore the operational realities behind CAR T patient support programs for relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Drawing on decades of experience launching CAR T therapies, Dale shares practical insights into how organizations can design patient support models that reduce delays, improve coordination and strengthen the patient and caregiver experience. The conversation examines the trade-offs between outside hub models and internal hub-and-spoke approaches, including considerations around scalability, governance, flexibility, data visibility and operational readiness. Dale also outlines why many organizations are moving toward hybrid models that balance outsourced administrative support with in-house management of high-risk escalations, site relationships and cross-functional coordination. Also hear how effective CAR T patient support programs are built around urgency, transparency and continuous communication. From benefits verification and scheduling coordination to manufacturing logistics and caregiver readiness, Dale explains why reducing friction across every step of the patient journey can have a meaningful impact on treatment timelines and patient outcomes. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

  4. Jun 11

    Beyond the Traditional Commercial Model: Insights from Asembia 2026

    Recorded from the floor of Asembia 2026, this episode explores how biopharma leaders are rethinking reimbursement, patient access and commercial strategy in an increasingly complex market. Host Kim Plesnarski is joined by Brian Siemak, VP of Portfolio Strategy at MannKind, and Terry Milton, AVP Field Reimbursement at Eli Lilly, to continue their on-stage panel discussion on the mounting pressure across gross-to-net, patient support and market access models.    The conversation examines how evolving payer structures, consumer-driven healthcare decisions and new distribution models are reshaping the patient journey. The group also discusses the growing role of AI and emerging technologies, emphasizing the need to use innovation as an efficiency driver rather than a replacement for human expertise.    Throughout the episode, the panel challenges traditional partnership and launch models, advocating for more collaborative, outcomes-focused approaches built around speed, flexibility and shared accountability. From designing for real-world market conditions to preparing teams to pivot quickly, the discussion offers practical insights for organizations looking to modernize commercialization strategies and improve patient access in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

  5. May 28

    Connected Care, Better Outcomes: Rethinking the Future of Patient Support

    Recorded on the ground at the Asembia Summit 2026, this episode explores how stronger collaboration, connected care models and patient-centered listening can improve access, affordability and outcomes in oncology care. Host Chris Van Denburg sits down with Micaila Ruiz, PharmD, MPH, Vice President, Clinical Operations, Pharmacy Care Services at Optum, to discuss the evolving role of specialty pharmacy and the growing need for more coordinated, holistic support for patients navigating increasingly complex treatment journeys.  From integrating pharmacy services to improving communication across providers, manufacturers and specialty pharmacy partners, the conversation highlights the opportunities to reduce friction and create a more seamless patient experience. Together, Chris and Micaila discuss what it will take to strengthen the foundation of the healthcare ecosystem as new therapies, biomarker-driven treatments and chronic cancer management continue to reshape patient expectations and outcomes. The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

  6. Feb 19

    Navigating Dermatology’s New Access Landscape with Paul Rittman of Almirall US

    In this episode, Tyler Cowan, VP, Commercial speaks with Paul Rittman, President and General Manager of Almirall US, about how payer consolidation and PBM influence are reshaping dermatology commercialization.    They discuss how pharmaceutical companies must adapt launch strategy, market access planning and clinical differentiation to succeed in today’s competitive specialty landscape. The conversation explores the growing role of digital engagement, direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy, telehealth and cash-pay models in improving patient access.    Listeners will gain practical insights into how innovation, payer strategy and patient-centric commercialization drive success in dermatology and specialty pharma.     The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.  The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

Trailer

About

Commercialization is becoming more tightly connected to decisions across the biopharma journey, from value and access to launch strategy, deployment and patient, provider and advocacy engagement. Conversations on Commercialization is the latest addition to the Syneos Health Podcast family, featuring leaders and experts from across the industry discussing the strategies, challenges and shifts shaping commercial success in today’s market.  Each episode explores how companies are approaching the issues that matter most in commercialization and what it takes to compete more effectively in today’s market.  Subscribe to The Syneos Health Podcast: Conversations on Commercialization  for new episodes.  If there’s a topic you’d like us to explore, send us a message at podcasts@syneoshealth.com.  For more actionable, future-focused life sciences insights, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. 

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