Off-Label With Altasciences

Altasciences

Off-Label presents candid conversations about the drug development industry from an insider perspective. We discuss trending topics and new developments alongside industry experts. Whether you’re drug development-curious or a seasoned veteran, enjoy as we peel back the label.

Episodes

  1. Jun 16

    EP4: The Science of "What If?": A Deep Dive Into MIDD ft. Certara

    Model-informed drug development (MIDD) capitalizes on past data points with predictive modeling to accelerate timelines and address challenges earlier. It also presents a slew of other potential advantages, such as shrinking the data-access gap between large pharma and small biotechs, and reducing study subjects in both nonclinical and clinical trials. So, what does this mean for the drug development industry as we know it? What separates "thoughtful acceleration" from "careless" acceleration? And why isn’t everyone using MIDD? Host Lisa Sanford is joined by Patrick Smith, former SVP, Translational Science, at Certara, as they unpack the innovation of MIDD, its ongoing potential, and resulting shifts in the industry. (00:00) - Introduction (00:55) - Meet Dr. Patrick Smith (03:30) - Bringing modeling and simulation to biotech (06:00) - What Is model-informed drug development? (10:15) - Transforming drug development decisions (15:45) - Regulatory adoption and industry acceptance (21:45) - From skepticism to standard practice (26:30) - Better data, faster development (32:15) - Optimizing clinical trials and dosing (37:45) - Reducing risk, cost, and trial burden (43:00) - The role of AI in drug development (48:45) - When is MIDD not a good Idea? (54:00) - Patient perspectives on AI (59:30) - Certara & Altasciences partnership (1:04:35) - Bold predictions for the future (1:06:20) - Closing remarks About Off-Label With Altasciences: Off-Label presents candid conversations about the drug development industry from an insider perspective. We discuss trending topics and new developments alongside industry experts. Whether you’re drug development-curious or a seasoned veteran, enjoy as we peel back the label. About Altasciences: Altasciences is a drug development organization dedicated to safely accelerating early-phase development for biotech, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical companies. By combining the scale and expertise of a large CRO/CDMO with the flexibility and personalized approach of a mid-size partner, Altasciences delivers unified solutions across nonclinical, clinical, bioanalytical, formulation, and manufacturing services. Through intentional integration and true collaboration, the company removes barriers from lead candidate selection to clinical proof of concept—helping sponsors save time, reduce complexity, and make confident, data-driven decisions that enable earlier returns on investment. Guided by over 30 years of experience and a commitment to quality, integrity, and partnership, Altasciences enables clients to reach critical milestones faster and with greater confidence. Altasciences… Drug Development, Reimagined.™

    EP4: The Science of "What If?": A Deep Dive Into MIDD ft. Certara
  2. Mar 30

    EP3: The Future of Sampling Is Here—Almost

    Host Lisa Sanford is joined by Neil Spooner (PCSIG), Katty Wan (Pfizer), Enaksha Wickremsinhe (Gates Medical Research Institute), and Jeff Plomley (Altasciences) to discuss microsampling and the role it plays in a patient-centric sampling approach. With reduced sample volume, as well as the ability to provide additional options and convenience to patients, this episode showcases the “big” potential and impact of this innovative “small” technique. From training, logistical, and implementation challenges, to regulations and device dependency, learn more about the building momentum in both bioanalytical and clinical applications. About Off-Label With Altasciences: Off-Label presents candid conversations about the drug development industry from an insider perspective. We discuss trending topics and new developments alongside industry experts. Whether you’re drug development-curious or a seasoned veteran, enjoy as we peel back the label. About Altasciences: Altasciences is a drug development organization dedicated to safely accelerating early-phase development for biotech, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical companies. By combining the scale and expertise of a large CRO/CDMO with the flexibility and personalized approach of a mid-size partner, Altasciences delivers unified solutions across nonclinical, clinical, bioanalytical, formulation, and manufacturing services. Through intentional integration and true collaboration, the company removes barriers from lead candidate selection to clinical proof of concept—helping sponsors save time, reduce complexity, and make confident, data-driven decisions that enable earlier returns on investment. Guided by over 30 years of experience and a commitment to quality, integrity, and partnership, Altasciences enables clients to reach critical milestones faster and with greater confidence. Altasciences… Drug Development, Reimagined.™

    EP3: The Future of Sampling Is Here—Almost
  3. 12/03/2025

    EP2: A Changing Drug Development Paradigm

    Automation? Personalized medicine? A shifting talent pool? Dive into the rapidly changing world of drug development and listen to experts give their boldest predictions for the future of CROs. Host Lisa Sanford is joined by colleagues from Altasciences, Marie-Hélène Raigneau, CEO; Steve Mason, Co-COO; and Dr. Gaetano Morelli, Executive Vice President Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer; as they take a wide-angle look at the forces reshaping drug development today and predict what’s coming next for CROs, sponsors, and patients. From emerging AI applications to organ-on-a-chip technology, shifting talent dynamics, changes in day-to-day operations, and the possible rise of personalized medicine, their discussion explores how innovation is unfolding across the industry. About Off-Label With Altasciences: Off-Label presents candid conversations about the drug development industry from an insider perspective. We discuss trending topics and new developments alongside industry experts. Whether you’re drug development-curious or a seasoned veteran, enjoy as we peel back the label. About Altasciences: Altasciences is a drug development organization dedicated to safely accelerating early-phase development for biotech, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical companies. By combining the scale and expertise of a large CRO/CDMO with the flexibility and personalized approach of a mid-size partner, Altasciences delivers unified solutions across nonclinical, clinical, bioanalytical, formulation, and manufacturing services. Through intentional integration and true collaboration, the company removes barriers from lead candidate selection to clinical proof of concept—helping sponsors save time, reduce complexity, and make confident, data-driven decisions that enable earlier returns on investment. Guided by over 30 years of experience and a commitment to quality, integrity, and partnership, Altasciences enables clients to reach critical milestones faster and with greater confidence. Altasciences… Drug Development, Reimagined.™

    EP2: A Changing Drug Development Paradigm
  4. 09/30/2025

    EP1: Multi-Site, Multi-Insight: Strategic Site Identification and Expanded Patient Access in Clinical Trials

    Learn about the multiple benefits that incorporating a multi-site approach can provide in early-phase clinical research, the “red and green flags” to look out for when working with a CRO, the importance of the “non-data stuff.” Host Lisa Sanford is joined by Kat Connors, Director, Multi-Site Clinical Trial and Strategic Operations at Altasciences, as they discuss the momentum growing behind using a multi-site strategy, with a notable uptick in demand in the last few years. With multi-site solutions enabling access to more robust trial data, access to an expanded patient network, the opportunity to simultaneously work with specialty and healthy population branches, as well as improved trial efficiency, there is certainly more than one reason to tune in to this episode and hear more from their conversation! About Off-Label With Altasciences: Off-Label presents candid conversations about the drug development industry from an insider perspective. We discuss trending topics and new developments alongside industry experts. Whether you’re drug development-curious or a seasoned veteran, enjoy as we peel back the label. About Altasciences: Altasciences is a drug development organization dedicated to safely accelerating early-phase development for biotech, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical companies. By combining the scale and expertise of a large CRO/CDMO with the flexibility and personalized approach of a mid-size partner, Altasciences delivers unified solutions across nonclinical, clinical, bioanalytical, formulation, and manufacturing services. Through intentional integration and true collaboration, the company removes barriers from lead candidate selection to clinical proof of concept—helping sponsors save time, reduce complexity, and make confident, data-driven decisions that enable earlier returns on investment. Guided by over 30 years of experience and a commitment to quality, integrity, and partnership, Altasciences enables clients to reach critical milestones faster and with greater confidence. Altasciences… Drug Development, Reimagined.™

    EP1: Multi-Site, Multi-Insight: Strategic Site Identification and Expanded Patient Access in Clinical Trials

About

Off-Label presents candid conversations about the drug development industry from an insider perspective. We discuss trending topics and new developments alongside industry experts. Whether you’re drug development-curious or a seasoned veteran, enjoy as we peel back the label.