Unblinded: A Clinical Trial Podcast

Veeva Systems
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  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Unblinded: A Clinical Trial Podcast (formerly The State of Digital Clinical Trials) is a Veeva podcast hosted by Manny Vazquez, Senior Director, Clinical Data Strategy. Manny will be speaking to a series of expert guests from across pharma, biotech, and CROs to discuss their experiences, challenges, and ideas for the future of clinical trials.

  1. A People-Focused Approach to a Risk-Based Future in Clinical Trials

    JAN 29

    A People-Focused Approach to a Risk-Based Future in Clinical Trials

    In this episode, host Manny Vazquez is joined by Noeleen Turner, head of clinical data management at UCB, and Anna Hayes, senior director of clinical data management at Veramed.   Using their breadth of experience and passion for a people-focused approach to clinical trial advancement, together they dive into hot topics like risk-based data management, the intricacies of change management in clinical data, and the growing importance of endpoint-driven design.

    34 min
  2. ICH E6(R3): Shifting the Paradigm from Process to Purpose

    JAN 15

    ICH E6(R3): Shifting the Paradigm from Process to Purpose

    In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the monumental effort required to reshape global clinical trial standards. Manny and guests Lisbeth Bregnhoj and Cheryl Grandinetti explore why ICH E6(R3) is the catalyst the industry has been waiting for. From the intense complexity of dialing in language across regional borders to the latest push for a truly risk-based approach to clinical trials, the discussion highlights: A shift in strategy: Why the industry is finally moving away from "one-size-fits-all" in favor of flexibility and high-level data governance Defining quality: Breaking down what Critical-to-Quality (CtQ) factors actually look like in practice and how to align that understanding between sponsors, service providers, and investigators The future of inspections: It’s not just a change for sponsors – regulators are also facing a major shift in how they harmonize inspection techniques in a risk-based world

    28 min
  3. The Unstuck Industry: A New Equitable Model for Pharma

    12/17/2025

    The Unstuck Industry: A New Equitable Model for Pharma

    Brian Johnson, former head of R&D technology at Takeda, now consultant, shares his unique perspective on a topic that’s top-of-mind for many: how do you introduce new technologies and processes without alienating the people who need them most?   He and Manny also tackle the critical issue of health equity, examining how technology can help diversify clinical trials and, in turn, create a more equitable future for all. Join us as we explore the business case for change and the crucial steps needed to unstick the industry from its current trajectory.

    32 min
  4. Innovation from the Inside: How Sites Are Redefining Clinical Research

    11/06/2025

    Innovation from the Inside: How Sites Are Redefining Clinical Research

    Manny is joined by co-host Denali Rose and MSKCC’s Joe Lengfellner, to discuss the shifting focus from a one-size-fits-all approach to redefine site centricity. They talk about how the role of a clinical trial coordinator is changing, the challenges of managing data and protocol amendments across different systems, and the promise of technologies like EHR-to-EDC to streamline workflows. They debate the potential of LLMs to revolutionize patient recruitment and widen access to clinical trials, addressing the critical issue of reaching more diverse patient populations.

    39 min
  5. Patient vs. Process: Bridging the Gap for a Better Trial Experience

    10/01/2025

    Patient vs. Process: Bridging the Gap for a Better Trial Experience

    Join host Manny Vazquez as he sits down with Joyce Moore, leading voice in patient recruitment with over 25 years of experience in the industry, most recently at Allucent. In a field often focused on the logistics of data collection and study processes, Joyce offers a crucial perspective: seeing patients not as subjects, but as collaborators. She and Manny discuss the delicate balance of collecting essential data for clinical endpoints without overwhelming patients. Joyce also highlights the critical role of technology in enhancing the patient experience and the importance of keeping participants informed about their progress and the purpose behind the data being collected. Recorded at R&D and Quality Summit 2025 in Madrid.

    26 min
  6. Biggest Risks (and Possible Rewards) of AI in Clinical Data

    09/15/2025

    Biggest Risks (and Possible Rewards) of AI in Clinical Data

    Are we any closer to working out the human-machine relationship needed to embed AI in clinical development? To discuss this and all things automation, Veeva’s Chief Technology Officer Drew Garty joins host Manny Vazquez as he kicks off the new season with two innovators in the industry: Doug Bain, founder and consulting partner at Clinflo, and Robert Bergann, clinical digital innovation leader at Bayer. Recorded at R&D and Quality Summit 2025 in Madrid.

    33 min
  7. The State of Patient Engagement: From a Patient Advocate

    12/03/2024

    The State of Patient Engagement: From a Patient Advocate

    Manny Vazquez (our new host) interviews Trishna Bharadia, a patient engagement consultant and advocate. Since receiving a life-changing diagnosis 15 years ago, Trishna has made it her mission to strive for patient-centered healthcare. This goal has recently taken on new urgency: the FDA and EMA are pushing sponsors for evidence that patient preferences are being accounted for in clinical research. Using real-life examples, Trishna and Manny discuss the benefits to sponsors of involving patients early in trial design and educating them on study findings. As Trishna explains, patients will think of things sponsors won’t from living every day with their conditions.

    38 min
  8. Is a Heavy Tech Burden the Price of Progress for Sites?

    10/31/2024

    Is a Heavy Tech Burden the Price of Progress for Sites?

    Richard Young passes the torch to Manny Vazquez, our new podcast host, and shares his reflections before turning off his mic for the final time. Later, Manny is joined by renowned industry thinker and site leader Brad Hightower, owner of clinical research center Hightower Clinical in Oklahoma. They discuss whether the growing tech burden is the price of progress for sites, plus tips on how sponsors can make sites’ lives easier. Brad also explains a few implications of the recent FDA draft guidance on DCTs and the upcoming site conference he helped to set up, ‘Save Our Sites’.

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Unblinded: A Clinical Trial Podcast (formerly The State of Digital Clinical Trials) is a Veeva podcast hosted by Manny Vazquez, Senior Director, Clinical Data Strategy. Manny will be speaking to a series of expert guests from across pharma, biotech, and CROs to discuss their experiences, challenges, and ideas for the future of clinical trials.

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