RealPharma: Conversations with Pharma Pathfinders RealPharma

In this episode, Dr. Na-Ri Oh and Ian Wendt discuss the 340B drug pricing program with guest William Sarraille, a healthcare law expert.
They explore the origins of the program and its intended purpose. However, the program has grown exponentially and is now the second largest drug program in the country. Bill raises concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the program, as well as the impact on patients. He argues that the program should focus on delivering value to patients and ensuring that they benefit from the discounts.
The conversation delves into the complexities and challenges of the 340B program, highlighting issues such as the patient definition, transparency, contract pharmacies, and the allocation of funds. The discussion considers the need for a more comprehensive and transparent system that ensures the benefits of the program flow to the patients. They also explore the possibility of implementing a claims data process that provides faster payment and greater certainty for both manufacturers and 340B entities.
The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of leadership and collaboration in finding solutions to the program's problems.

Resources:
William Sarraille on LinkedInHRSA 340B InformationAmerican Hospital Information (AHA) Fact Sheet340BHealth.org

Summary
Dr. Ron Shigeta, a pioneer in the biotech startup ecosystem, shares his insights and experiences in this episode. He discusses the success of IndieBio, a biotech accelerator that demonstrated the potential of modest investments in fueling biotech innovations.
Dr. Shigeta also highlights the importance of timing, luck, and having a clear vision in the biotech industry. He explains the differences between synthetic biology and pharma startups and the challenges and opportunities they present.
Additionally, he discusses the factors he considers when evaluating startup opportunities and the mindset of successful entrepreneurs. Finally, he shares his perspective on managing risk in biotech startups and the personal transition of becoming a startup CEO. In this conversation, Ron Shigeta discusses the landscape of venture capital funds and startup incubators, highlighting the importance of fund size and check-writing capabilities. He also explains his attraction to the food industry and the deep structural biology of food. The convergence of food and biotech is explored, with a focus on consumer applications and health-related applications. Ron shares different strategies for innovation and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He discusses promising areas for transformational impact, including the golden age of biology and the future of food and sustainability.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ron Shigeta
01:31 Dr. Shigeta's transition from scientist to biotech startup figure
05:19 The impact of IndieBio's small investment model
08:43 The economics of biotech startups
09:57 Different pathways in biotech: synthetic biology vs. pharma
13:42 Factors in evaluating startup opportunities
14:09 The mindset of successful entrepreneurs
19:35 The importance of company vision and team dynamics
22:23 Managing risk in biotech startups
27:28 The personal transition of becoming a startup CEO
31:23 The risk tolerance of entrepreneurs
32:36 Venture Capital Funds and Startup Incubators
37:15 The Attraction of the Food Industry
42:30 Convergence of Food and Biotech
46:12 Innovation in Biotech and Pharma
49:37 Different Strategies for Innovation
51:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
53:47 Promising Areas for Transformational Impact
01:01:26 The Golden Age of Biology
01:04:51 The Impact of Whole Foods Conference
01:08:49 The Future of Food and Sustainability

Resources:
Ron Shigeta on LinkedInRon Shigeta on X (Twitter)iAccelerate

In this enlightening episode of the RealPharma Podcast, hosts Ian Wendt and Dr. Nari Oh sit down with Dr. Steven King, a luminary in the field of ethnobotanical research and sustainable pharmaceutical development. Dr. King, currently serving as the Chief Sustainable Supply, Ethnobotanical Research, and IP Officer at Jaguar Health, shares his remarkable journey from a young adventurer in the Amazon rainforest to a pioneering figure in the integration of traditional botanical knowledge with modern medicine.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of ethnobotany, exploring how Dr. King's lifelong passion for plant-based healing has led to groundbreaking developments in the pharmaceutical industry. Discover the story behind the Croton lechleri tree, popularly known as the Dragon's Blood tree, and how its unique properties have been harnessed to create an FDA-approved medication derived from this Amazonian marvel.
Dr. King offers insights into his early experiences living with indigenous communities in South America, learning about their traditional uses of plants for medicine, and the ethical considerations involved in bringing these ancient practices into the global market. We discuss the importance of sustainability and respectful collaboration with local communities, emphasizing the crucial balance between conservation and commerce.
This episode also touches on the broader implications of Dr. King’s work, from his contributions to the Healing Forest Conservatory to the role of bioethics in the commercialization of traditional knowledge. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the exciting future of plant-based therapeutics and the potential for ethnobotanical research to address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
Tune in for a captivating discussion that spans decades of exploration, scientific discovery, and cultural exchange, highlighting how ancient wisdom can inform and transform modern healthcare.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ethnobotany
02:04 Biocultural Diversity and Pharmaceutical Development
13:20 The Croton lechleri Tree and its Medicinal Uses
15:59 Ethnobotanical Research vs. Traditional Drug Development
21:39 Intellectual Property and Benefit-Sharing
24:27 Ethical and Sustainable Practices in Working with Indigenous Communities
28:27 Respecting Indigenous Knowledge and Rights in Plant-Based Medicine Development
34:03 The Financial Benefits of Commercializing Plant-Based Drugs for Indigenous Communities
36:23 The Potential Therapeutic Applications of Psychedelic Research

Resources:
Dr. Steven King - LinkedInOne River: Explorations and Discoveries in the Amazon Rain ForestPlants, People, and Culture: The Science of Ethnobotany

Command the Room: Dr. Laura Sicola's Strategies for Executive Communication Excellence
Hosts: Dr. Na-Ri Oh and Ian WendtIn this episode of the Real Pharma Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of effective executive communication with Dr. Laura Sicola, a renowned expert in leadership communication and cognitive linguistics. Dr. Sicola has spent over two decades transforming top-level executives into confident, inspiring leaders. Her unique approach, grounded in cognitive linguistics, empowers professionals to communicate their passion and expertise effectively, ensuring they get the buy-in they need for the results they want.
Join us as we explore these topics and more, providing valuable insights for pharma professionals and anyone looking to enhance their executive communication skills. Dr. Sicola's expertise offers a roadmap to becoming a more effective and inspiring leader.

Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction to WIFM: What's In It For Me?
00:00:34 - Real Pharma Podcast Introduction
00:01:02 - Introducing Dr. Laura Sicola
00:02:37 - Welcome and TEDx Talk Discussion
00:03:51 - Defining Linguistics
00:04:41 - Importance of How You Say It
00:05:52 - The Myth of Content vs. Delivery
00:07:01 - The Linguistic Glass Ceiling
00:09:06 - Transitioning from Technical Expertise to Leadership
00:11:04 - Your Work Speaks for Itself, But Not for You
00:12:24 - Developing Leadership Skills
00:13:07 - The Challenge of Self-Awareness
00:15:33 - Recording Yourself for Self-Diagnosis
00:17:16 - Impact of COVID on Communication
00:18:48 - Basic Skills for Effective Communication
00:20:14 - Executive Presentations: What's In It For Them?
00:23:05 - Seeking Constructive Feedback
00:25:27 - Common Reasons for Seeking Coaching
00:27:05 - The Expert's Curse
00:29:37 - The Gift of Clear Feedback
00:30:39 - Proactively Seeking Feedback
00:32:14 - Questions to Ask for Constructive Feedback
00:35:01 - The Importance of Diverse Feedback
00:36:20 - Communicating Complex Data Effectively
00:37:04 - The Role of Slide Design in Communication
00:40:13 - The Value of Interpretation and Insights
00:41:17 - Two Versions of PowerPoint: Pre-Read and Presentation
00:43:08 - The $200 is $200 Rule
Resources
Find Dr. Laura Sicola on:
LinkedInTwitterlaurasicola.comSpeaking To InfluenceTEDx Talk

Summary
Ilisa Bernstein, a senior Vice President at the American Pharmacists Association, discusses the history and current landscape of drug importation policies with a focus on Florida's program.
Safety concerns, supply chain issues, and intellectual property rights are key considerations. The impact on the Canadian drug supply and the transparency of imported drugs for consumers are also discussed. Manufacturer concerns regarding rebates and discounts, as well as potential oversupply and export restrictions, are highlighted. The conversation explores the complexities and concerns surrounding drug importation programs. It discusses the mechanisms that manufacturers may use to control drug importation, such as restricting volume or increasing prices. The potential impact on the drug supply in Canada and the need for policies to protect it are also examined. The logistical challenges at the border and the vulnerabilities in the drug supply chain are highlighted. The importance of maintaining patient confidence in drug quality and the risks associated with personal drug importation are discussed. The conversation concludes by considering alternative solutions to lower drug prices and the inspiration drawn from historical figures.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction of Ilisa Bernstein
01:19 Background on Drug Importation
08:21 Safety Concerns
10:04 Supply Chain and Drug Source
14:58 Transparency and IP Issues
20:57 Consumer Transparency and NDC Numbers
21:10 Intellectual Property Concerns
22:59 Challenges and Points of Contention
25:12 Manufacturer Concerns: Rebates and Discounts
28:06 Oversupply and Export Restrictions
29:09 Mechanisms to Control Drug Importation
30:39 Policies to Protect Drug Supply in Canada
31:12 Logistical Challenges at the Border
33:07 Vulnerabilities in the Drug Supply Chain
35:03 Maintaining Patient Confidence in Drug Quality
36:31 Risks Before the Border
38:01 Complexities and Concerns for Community Pharmacists
41:31 The Future of Drug Importation Programs
44:00 The Motivation Behind Drug Importation Programs
46:01 Exploring Other Solutions to Lower Drug Prices
48:19 The Illegality of Personal Drug Importation
49:05 Balancing Cost Savings and Patient Safety
50:02 Inspiration from Historical Figures

Resources:
Ilisa Bernstein
American Pharmacists Association
The Partnership for Safe Medicines

Summary
In this episode, Kristiaan Rawlings discusses the 2024-2025 Commercial Market Update and Salary Guide produced by EPM Scientific. The life sciences sector remains resilient due to aging populations, scientific advances, and robust investment. Hiring practices and compensation are influenced by these factors across the Americas, Europe, and APAC regions. The hiring focus has shifted from life-threatening diseases to more common health issues, such as dermatology and respiratory diseases. The most in-demand roles include marketing, commercial operations (salesforce effectiveness, commercial analytics, and training), and sales. Market access roles have seen less demand. Despite the availability of talent, salaries have remained high or even increased. In this conversation, Kristiaan Rawlings discusses the current trends in the life sciences job market, specifically in the commercial operations field. He explains the increase in demand for talent, the impact of title deflation, and the rise in salaries. He also highlights the regional differences in job opportunities, with a shift towards the East Coast of the United States. Additionally, he touches on the importance of executive presence and the return of in-person networking events. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the life sciences job market.

Chapters
00:00 High Demand for Marketing Roles
04:26 Focus on Core Areas with Existing Blockbuster Products
05:53 Sought-After Skills for Commercial Operations and Product Launches
13:54 Challenges with LinkedIn Applications and Fake Job Postings
24:25 Selective Market Based on Therapy Area and Experience
24:51 The Three Pillars of Focus: Salesforce Effectiveness, Commercial Analytics, and Training
25:21 High Demand for Talent in Incentive Compensation, Analytics, and Competitive Intelligence
26:17 Sales Roles in High Demand During Product Launches
26:46 Quiet Market in the Field of Market Access
27:14 Salaries Holding Strong or Increasing Despite High Supply of Talent
32:30 Geography Becoming Less of a Factor in Salary and Opportunity
41:08 High Demand for Medical Affairs and Health Economics
44:01 The Importance of Executive Presence and Networking for Career Success

Resources
Kristiaan Rawlings - LinkedIn
2024/2025 EPM Commercial Update and Salary Guide