Moving Medicine Forward

CTI Clinical Trials

CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services presents Moving Medicine Forward, a podcast centered on advancements in healthcare and elevating individual’s stories and expertise. CTI, a global Contract Research organization with associates in 60 countries, has contributed to 10,000+ projects, 200+ drug and device approvals, and 300+ pharmaceutical and emerging biotechnology partners. Our group of innovative thinkers work to change the lives of chronically and critically ill patients.

  1. Life After Transplant, Reimagined: Enduring Hearts & Pediatric Research

    1D AGO

    Life After Transplant, Reimagined: Enduring Hearts & Pediatric Research

    Lynda Lee Smith, CEO of Enduring Hearts, is featured on the Moving Medicine Forward Podcast to discuss the mission and impact of the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric heart transplant research. In this conversation, Lynda addresses the challenges transplant families face and how research is improving outcomes and quality of life. Listen now and consider donating to Enduring Hearts here. 00:00:55 The mission behind the only organization dedicated exclusively to pediatric heart transplant research. 01:19 How Lynda found Enduring Hearts and its mission-driven work. 02:45 The personal story that exposed a major research gap in pediatric heart transplantation. 03:50 Why heart transplants are lifesaving, but not a cure. 04:22 More on home blood tests and their role in reducing invasive biopsies and improving quality of life. 05:39 Why Enduring Hearts focuses on making one transplant last a lifetime. 07:06 How Enduring Hearts supports bold research ideas before larger funders step in. 09:40 The unique challenges teenagers face after transplant and how research helps. 12:05 Addressing the financial, emotional, and logistical burdens families face. 15:21 Programs that connect families navigating life after pediatric transplant. 15:49 Enduring Hearts’ innovative approach to engaging a new generation through gaming. 18:04 The move toward DNA informed, individualized treatment plans. 19:19 What real success looks like for pediatric heart transplant patients. 21:08 Stories of resilience, progress, and hope for the future.

    22 min
  2. Inside CTI’s Clinical Research Center: A Site‑Level Look at Trial Operations

    APR 2

    Inside CTI’s Clinical Research Center: A Site‑Level Look at Trial Operations

    What drives success at a clinical research site? Adam Roth, VP of Research Site Services, and Nick Finan, Director of Business Development and Client Management, share insights on site operations at CTI’s Clinical Research Center. They discuss feasibility, patient experience, trust based partnerships, and why operational realism is key to delivering high-quality clinical trials. Throughout the conversation, Adam and Nick also explain how strong collaboration among sites, sponsors, and CROs ultimately drives better outcomes for patients.     01:00 Adam Roth and Nick Finan share their roles supporting site operations and sponsor partnerships at CTI. 02:30 An overview of day-to-day site operations and resourcing throughout all phases of clinical trials. 04:00 How feasibility, therapeutic expertise, and operational readiness guide trial selection. 06:00 Why understanding patient and staff realities leads to better‑designed, better‑executed studies. 09:30 Building long‑term relationships through honest conversations about consistency and delivery. 11:00 How CTI preserves ethical boundaries while supporting productive collaboration. 13:00 Using site experience to improve CRA training and organizational best practices. 16:00 Why the strongest sponsor, CRO, and site relationships are built on shared goals. 20:45 Reflections on teamwork, trust, and moving medicine forward together.

    22 min
  3. Rarity PBC: Where Mission Meets Gene Therapy

    MAR 19

    Rarity PBC: Where Mission Meets Gene Therapy

    Paul Ayoub, co‑founder of Rarity PBC, joins this episode of Moving Medicine Forward to take us behind the scenes of developing sustainable, patient‑first gene therapies for rare genetic diseases. Paul explains how the guidance of influential mentors, combined with his experience in cell and gene therapy, shaped who he is and ultimately guided Rarity’s mission. This episode explores ADA‑SCID, the realities of protective isolation for families, and the potential for a one‑time gene therapy to transform children’s lives, while highlighting why resilience drives innovation in rare disease care. Rarity PBC is a mission-driven public benefit corporation focused on developing accessible and affordable gene therapies for rare diseases. Learn more by visiting their website: Rarity PBC | gene therapy   1:00 Paul introduces Rarity PBC and its mission to deliver gene therapies for rare diseases. 3:00 Challenging the misconception that rare disease therapies can’t be sustainable. 4:00 The scientific promise of gene therapy and the personal motivation behind the work. 6:30 Why rare disease innovation can (and must) balance purpose and viability. 8:00 What ADA-SCID is, why it’s urgent, and how early intervention saves lives. 9:40 The isolation, vigilance, and emotional toll of living in a protective bubble. 10:45 A story that highlights what “normal life” truly means for families. 12:00 A one-time, autologous gene therapy that addresses the root genetic cause. 13:45 Why gene therapy represents a shift toward curative, value-based care. 14:00 How Rarity’s structure embeds patient-first decision-making. 17:00 Why expertise, continuity, and culture matter in gene therapy development. 18:20 Long-term outcomes, manufacturing scale-up, and the path to FDA approval.

    21 min
  4. MMF Rewind | Inside the World's Busiest Kidney Transplant Center

    MAR 12

    MMF Rewind | Inside the World's Busiest Kidney Transplant Center

    In honor of World Kidney Day, we’re rereleasing this timely and insightful episode of Moving Medicine Forward. In this conversation, we sit down with Dr. Helio Tedesco, a globally recognized transplant nephrologist from São Paulo, Brazil, who leads one of the world’s largest kidney transplant programs and is now part of the CTI team. Joined by Dr. Christopher Boshkos, Senior Medical Director at CTI, and clinical scientist Erika Aldag, the discussion explores the challenges and innovations behind managing more than 15,000 transplant patients—from telehealth expansion and donor matching to cutting-edge immunosuppressive strategies and the future of surveillance tools such as cell-free DNA and the iBox model. This episode offers a rare look into the science, systems, and human dedication driving transplant care forward.   00:35 Dr. Helio Tedesco (São Paulo), Dr. Christopher Boshkos, and Clinical Scientist Erika Aldag join to discuss global kidney transplant practices.   01:13 Dr. Tedesco shares his background, highlighting nearly 40 years in nephrology, performing over 1,000 kidney transplants annually, and a strong foundation in research.   03:17 Managing large transplant populations involves strategic follow-up care, decentralized nephrology networks, and an expanding role for telehealth.   06:30 How patients are matched to regimens, minimizing rejection and addressing regional challenges.   11:49 Dr. Tedesco explains their one-dose thymoglobulin approach and its benefits over traditional multi-dose methods.   18:34 New tools for monitoring graft health include donor-derived cell-free DNA, advanced biopsy techniques, and an examination of barriers to widespread adoption.   24:25 Discussion on the potential of the iBox model as a predictive tool for clinical trials and long-term graft survival.   28:15 Transplant science is headed toward improved long-term therapies, innovative biologics, and more patient-friendly immunosuppression options.   32:15 Successes and learnings from scaling telehealth to support a large patient base.   37:41 Appreciation for the collaboration between CTI and global transplant centers.

    38 min
  5. LifeSciKY: How a Region Builds a Life Sciences Hub

    MAR 4

    LifeSciKY: How a Region Builds a Life Sciences Hub

    Christin Godale, Executive Director of LifeSciKY, and Savannah Doliboa, Chief Commercial Officer at CTI and LifeSciKY board member, explore how purpose built infrastructure can unlock the next generation of medical breakthroughs in our latest podcast episode. Together, they discuss why infrastructure is often the missing link in drug development, how regional collaboration fuels innovation, and what success looks like when companies outgrow the incubator and scale locally. The conversation also shows the human side of ecosystem building by focusing on investing in people, nurturing talent, and turning scientific breakthroughs into real world impact. LifeSciKY is a mission driven hub designed to lower barriers for startups, accelerate early research, and strengthen Northern Kentucky’s biotech ecosystem. Through affordable wet lab space, shared equipment, workforce development, STEM education, and community partnerships, it gives innovators the support they need to move discoveries from bench to patient. 00:30 An overview of LifeSciKY as a mission driven life sciences hub supporting early stage innovation. 01:45 Christin and Savannah share the vision behind LifeSciKY and how it benefits the region. 04:00 How the lack of wet lab space stalled regional growth and why infrastructure is essential to moving medicine forward. 06:45 Who LifeSciKY Is built for: startups, hybrid AI companies, and entrepreneurs looking to turn science into viable products. 08:25 What success looks like for biotech, including formation, fundraising, and scaling beyond the incubator. 10:15 How connecting academia, hospitals, industry, and government is building a regional life sciences ecosystem. 12:20 Affordable access, nonprofit mission, and hands on support sets LifeSciKY apart from other incubators. 14:20 How multiple years of state support and leadership brought LifeSciKY to its grand opening. 18:10 Workforce development and STEM outreach are building the next generation of life sciences talent. 22:00 The future of LifeSciKY and why Northern Kentucky could become a biotech hub. 23:10 Highlighting a LifeSciKY company developing more accessible CAR T therapies for children. 25:00 Ways founders, students, and community members can engage with LifeSciKY. 26:10 Reflections on momentum, mission, and future therapies. 28:05 In their closing thoughts, Christian and Savannah explore excellence and growth.

    30 min
  6. When Patients Become Partners: Inside Lyfebulb's Approach to Innovation

    FEB 26

    When Patients Become Partners: Inside Lyfebulb's Approach to Innovation

    What happens when patients become true partners in healthcare innovation? In this episode of Moving Medicine Forward, we speak with Dr. Karin Hehenberger, physician, scientist, transplant recipient, and Founder & President of Lyfebulb, about how lived experience can reshape chronic disease care. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager, Karin’s journey through medicine, biotech, and ultimately organ transplantation inspired Lyfebulb’s mission to empower patients through education, community, and innovation. We explore why patient voices must be included early in development, how patient entrepreneurs are driving real‑world solutions, and why reducing isolation is essential to better outcomes. 01:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction Meet Dr. Karin Hehenberger and the mission behind Lyfebulb. 02:10 Living With Chronic Illness Karin’s early diabetes diagnosis and how it shaped her path into medicine and research. 05:35 When Disease Progresses Anyway Facing kidney failure and vision loss despite careful disease management. 06:45 Transplant & New Perspective How kidney and pancreas transplants led to a renewed purpose. 07:55 Founding Lyfebulb Why patient education, connection, and innovation are central to empowerment. 10:45 Patients as Partners Moving beyond “patient‑centric” language to true collaboration. 12:20 Patient‑Driven Innovation Innovation challenges and real solutions created by patients for patients. 17:55 The Power of Community Reducing isolation to improve emotional health and daily disease management. 22:45 Industry & Research Collaboration Why patient insight must be integrated early—not as a checkbox. 27:15 Rethinking Chronic Disease A vision for managing chronic illness without constant mental burden. 31:15 Learn More How to get involved at LyfeBulb.com

    32 min
  7. Born Without Defenses: Advancing Care for Primary Immunodeficiency

    FEB 18

    Born Without Defenses: Advancing Care for Primary Immunodeficiency

    In honor of Rare Disease Day, we sat down with Tammy Black, Chief Communications Officer at the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF), to discuss primary immunodeficiency (PI): a rare, lifelong condition that affects thousands of people and is frequently misdiagnosed. Tammy shares how living with a chronic illness shapes daily life and why education, advocacy, and strong community support are essential for patients and families. Building on our ongoing conversations about rare diseases and patient access, this episode highlights the power of awareness and connection in improving outcomes for those living with PI. Tune in to learn more about how you can get involved and support IDF, CTI’s Q1 Charity of the Quarter. 01:00 Tammy Black explains the Immune Deficiency Foundation’s mission and primary immunodeficiency. 03:35 Why many patients go decades without answers and don’t appear ill despite serious health risks. 05:40 She connects PI experiences to pandemic‑era lessons and highlights how millions live in constant protection mode. 06:30 Barriers to adult diagnosis, lack of immune health conversations, and how IDF’s assessment tool helps patients advocate for themselves. 08:50 How IDF reduces isolation through support groups, peer matching, walk events, and national conferences. 10:30 Patient handbooks, webinars, school and clinician toolkits, and resources for newly diagnosed families. 13:55 Policy priorities including vaccines, healthcare access, and coverage challenges for immunoglobulin therapy. 15:40 How IDF partners with researchers and regulators to advance gene research and expand newborn screening for severe immune disorders. 18:10 Ways listeners can support IDF through donations, fundraising, volunteering, and plasma donation. 20:10 Tammy shares details about IDF’s documentary debuting publicly on YouTube for Rare Disease Day (Feb 28).

    22 min
4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services presents Moving Medicine Forward, a podcast centered on advancements in healthcare and elevating individual’s stories and expertise. CTI, a global Contract Research organization with associates in 60 countries, has contributed to 10,000+ projects, 200+ drug and device approvals, and 300+ pharmaceutical and emerging biotechnology partners. Our group of innovative thinkers work to change the lives of chronically and critically ill patients.

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