EMJ GOLD: Pharma news, views and analysis

This week, Tanja Dowe, CEO, Debiopharm Innovation Fund, discusses her passion for digital health tools. Drawing on her experience of investing in health technologies, she explores what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, how these tools could improve life expectancies in cancer, and her highlights from a year of digital transformation for the pharmaceutical industry. 

This week, Isabel brings together three expert voices for an end-of-year round-up, reflecting on the moments that shaped healthcare and life sciences in 2025. Joined by Jonathan Sackier, Chairman, Medical Advisory Board, EMJ, Hanna Svanbäck, Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly, and omnichannel expert Yacin Marzouki, the conversation looks back on a year defined by both disruption and progress. Across the episode, the contributors share their perspectives on the biggest setbacks and standout successes of the past 12 months, from regulatory uncertainty and access challenges to collaboration, innovation and scientific momentum. They also reflect on the lessons 2025 has taught them, and what those insights mean for patients, industry and the year ahead. Speaker bios Hanna Svanbäck Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly With over 15 years at Eli Lilly, Hanna leads Neuroscience operations across the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, driving scientific innovation and patient-centred research. Jonathan Sackier Chairman, Medical Advisory Board, EMJ Jonathan is a surgeon by training and a founding partner of many start-ups in the medical technology space, as well as being the creator of the world's first operating room robot. Yacin Marzouki  Omnichannel expert Within the pharmaceutical sector, Yacin specialises in shaping seamless customer journeys, driving content activation and aligning global strategies with local execution.

  In Part 3, Carol Pitcher-Towner, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, explores how the pharmaceutical industry can become part of the solution. She highlights why leadership diversity matters, how trial design still excludes too many women and why embedding sex- and gender-aware science from day one could accelerate fairer, more effective care for everyone. Speaker bio Carol Pitcher-Towner is Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programs at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Since joining the company in 2014 as one of its first European regulatory leaders, she has gone on to oversee patient safety, risk management and Alnylam's global development portfolio. With more than 20 years of experience, including roles at AstraZeneca, Carol brings deep expertise across regulatory affairs and clinical development. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Warwick and was named an HBA Luminary in 2022 for her commitment to inclusive, patient-focused innovation. This content was reviewed by Alnylam UK Ltd for compliance with regulations applicable to the pharmaceutical industry only.

In Part 2, Carol Pitcher-Towner, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, breaks down the systemic forces driving inequity, from diagnostic bias to the lack of women in key specialties like cardiology, and explains how historical clinical trial exclusion continues to skew the science. Discover why representation isn't just a workforce issue: it's a scientific necessity, and the first barrier we must dismantle to ensure better care for everyone. Speaker bio Carol Pitcher-Towner is Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programs at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Since joining the company in 2014 as one of its first European regulatory leaders, she has gone on to oversee patient safety, risk management and Alnylam's global development portfolio. With more than 20 years of experience, including roles at AstraZeneca, Carol brings deep expertise across regulatory affairs and clinical development. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Warwick and was named an HBA Luminary in 2022 for her commitment to inclusive, patient-focused innovation. This content was reviewed by Alnylam UK Ltd for compliance with regulations applicable to the pharmaceutical industry only.

This week, Isabel sits down with Carol Pitcher-Towner, Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programmes, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, to unpack the gender inequities that continue to tarnish modern healthcare. Together, they explore the realities behind unequal outcomes and the steps needed to build a more inclusive future for patients. In Part 1, Carol eveals the personal experiences that made gender inequity impossible to ignore and uncovers where today's biggest gaps still exist. From disease areas where women are routinely misdiagnosed to the persistent blind spots shaping clinical practice, this episode exposes the uncomfortable truths that are still costing lives, and why fixing them can no longer be optional. Speaker bio Carol Pitcher-Towner is Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programs at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Since joining the company in 2014 as one of its first European regulatory leaders, she has gone on to oversee patient safety, risk management and Alnylam's global development portfolio. With more than 20 years of experience, including roles at AstraZeneca, Carol brings deep expertise across regulatory affairs and clinical development. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Warwick and was named an HBA Luminary in 2022 for her commitment to inclusive, patient-focused innovation. This content was reviewed by Alnylam UK Ltd for compliance with regulations applicable to the pharmaceutical industry only.

In Part 3, Hanna Svanbäck discusses the future of Alzheimer's care over the next five to 10 years, how trial design could be improved and reveals her opinion on the most exciting healthcare innovation on the horizon. Speaker bio Hanna Svanbäck is the Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly, overseeing operations in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries. Hanna has over 15 years of experience at Lilly and is proud to lead the Neurosciences function given Lilly's long-standing commitment to advancing scientific innovation in this field. Hanna's passion for science and her dedication to utilising innovative approaches to enhance patient care are underpinned by her academic studies in Engineering Genomics and Biotechnology from the University of Umeå, Sweden and University of Manchester. Follow us on Instagram: @emj.gold

In Part 2, Hanna Svanbäck discusses the latest and most significant innovations in Alzheimer's care. She also considers whether healthcare systems are prepared for the anticipated surge in cases, and shares some positive news about prevention.  Speaker bio Hanna Svanbäck is the Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly, overseeing operations in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries. Hanna has over 15 years of experience at Lilly and is proud to lead the Neurosciences function given Lilly's long-standing commitment to advancing scientific innovation in this field. Hanna's passion for science and her dedication to utilising innovative approaches to enhance patient care are underpinned by her academic studies in Engineering Genomics and Biotechnology from the University of Umeå, Sweden and University of Manchester.

This week, Isabel sits down with Hanna Svanbäck, Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of Alzheimer's research. Together, they explore the latest breakthroughs, the challenges ahead and the strategies shaping the future of treatment and prevention. In Part 1 of the conversation, find out about Hanna's journey into neuroscience, her work in Alzheimer's spanning three key markets and how her teams overcome the inevitable hurdles of brain-based drug discovery. Speaker bio Hanna Svanbäck is the Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly, overseeing operations in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries. Hanna has over 15 years of experience at Lilly and is proud to lead the Neurosciences function given Lilly's long-standing commitment to advancing scientific innovation in this field. Hanna's passion for science and her dedication to utilising innovative approaches to enhance patient care are underpinned by her academic studies in Engineering Genomics and Biotechnology from the University of Umeå, Sweden and University of Manchester.

In Part 3 of the conversation, Giuseppe Savoja, Western Europe Senior Business Director, Cardiac Surgery Business at Medtronic, talks about his outlook for the future of his field, his views on how the industry and clinicians can collaborate more effectively and the healthcare changes he is most excited about. Guest bio Giuseppe Savoja is Senior Business Director for Cardiac Surgery in Western Europe at Medtronic, where he leads the business with a focus on transformation, growth, and patient impact. With 20+ years in the medical device industry and leadership roles across Europe and Asia, he brings a blend of engineering expertise, commercial experience and a passion for developing high-performing teams. Born in Rome and having lived around the world, he's now back in the Italian capital with his family. Outside work, Giuseppe enjoys windsurfing, snowboarding, sailing and motorbiking. Follow us on Instagram: @emj.gold

This week, Isabel is joined by Giuseppe Savoja, Western Europe Senior Business Director, Cardiac Surgery Business at Medtronic, for a deep-dive into the evolution and future of ECMO, innovation in critical care and the realities of leading in the MedTech space. In Part 1 of the interview, Giuseppe talks about what attracted him to the medical device industry, what his day-to-day role involves and what advice he would give to anyone considering joining the MedTech sector. Guest bio Giuseppe Savoja is Senior Business Director for Cardiac Surgery in Western Europe at Medtronic, where he leads the business with a focus on transformation, growth, and patient impact. With 20+ years in the medical device industry and leadership roles across Europe and Asia, he brings a blend of engineering expertise, commercial experience and a passion for developing high-performing teams. Born in Rome and having lived around the world, he's now back in the Italian capital with his family. Outside work, Giuseppe enjoys windsurfing, snowboarding, sailing and motorbiking. Follow us on Instagram: @emj.gold

In Part 2 of this conversation, Robert Stewart, CEO, Theramex, explains how wider society can improve outcomes for women and reflects on the impact of decades of neglect in the field. Speaker bio Robert Stewart is CEO of Theramex, a global pharma company committed to supporting women's health across contraception, fertility, menopause and osteoporosis. With over 30 years of industry experience, he has held senior leadership roles at Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Allergan and Abbott Laboratories. A passionate advocate for improving representation and access in women's healthcare, Stewart is leading Theramex's mission to empower women through innovative solutions and meaningful change across the heathcare landscape. Follow us on Instagram: @emj.gold

The EMJ GOLD podcast returns. To launch the series, Isabel is joined by Robert Stewart, CEO, Theramex – a global pharmaceutical company solely dedicated to women's health. In Part 1 of this discussion, they unpack what inspired Rob's professional focus in this area and the role men can play in championing women's health. Speaker bio Robert Stewart is CEO of Theramex, a global pharma company committed to supporting women's health across contraception, fertility, menopause and osteoporosis. With over 30 years of industry experience, he has held senior leadership roles at Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Allergan and Abbott Laboratories. A passionate advocate for improving representation and access in women's healthcare, Stewart is leading Theramex's mission to empower women through innovative solutions and meaningful change across the heathcare landscape. Follow us on Instagram: @emj.gold

Tune in as Isabel and Jade analyse the standout moments from EMJ GOLD's guests this season, uncovering the challenges and opportunities shaping today's pharmaceutical industry. From self-advocacy at work and the future of personalised medicine to disease awareness, market access and making your marketing efforts stand out – they explore the season's core themes, all backed by the latest industry data. Watch our featured guest's full episodes: GSK's Dheepa Chari on the evolving sphere of scientific communication Yacin Marzouki on disrupting the traditional omnichannel model BMS' Anita Gandhi on a decade of change in hematology Pfizer's Richard Maughan on the future of access in the UK GSK's Matt Mortimer-Ryan on behaviour-led pharma marketing Chiesi's Shish Patel on COPD, the climate and improving care AbbVie's Dr Daejin Abidoye on community and compassion in cancer care Bayer's Dr Joana Reis on the promise of AI in breast cancer

How can industry close the screening gap in breast cancer? Find out in this episode, where Dr Joana Reis, Medical Affairs Breast Lead, Radiology, Bayer, explores some of the most significant challenges and opportunities in imaging today. Together, Jade and Joana discuss her initial interest in a career in radiology, the pivotal role of professional societies in accelerating innovation, how AI is shaping the future of the field and much more. A little more on EMJ GOLD's guest… Dr Joana Reis was appointed Medical Affairs Breast Lead for radiology at Bayer in January of 2025. Before this, she was the Medical Affairs Lead for digital radiology at the company, where she developed strategies focusing on AI applications in imaging. Before joining Bayer, Joana worked as a Senior Consultant Breast Radiologist at Akershus University Hospital in Oslo, Norway.

Tune in as Dr Daejin Adiboye, Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Solid Tumor Oncology, AbbVie, explores both the evolution of cancer care and his leadership style over the last two decades. Together, Daejin and Jade discuss the lessons from his time in the clinic that shaped who he is today, the move to precision medicine in oncology, his work with the Cancer Support Community in San Francisco and much more. A little more on EMJ GOLD's guest… Dr Daejin Abidoye serves as Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head for Solid Tumor Oncology at AbbVie. In this role, he is responsible for the clinical development of all assets in late oncology clinical development.  His career includes over 20 years of experience in oncology, cancer research and drug development. Prior to joining AbbVie, Daejin was the Therapeutic Area Lead for Oncology Development and Clinical Research at Gilead Sciences. He has also held various roles at Seattle Genetics and Roche-Genentech. Dr. Abidoye is a board-certified oncologist with a career in clinical practice at Scripps Health in Southern California. 

What is the environmental impact of respiratory illness? Find out in this episode of the EMJ GOLD podcast, where Shish Patel, Medical Director, Chiesi UK, joins Isabel to discuss the rising burden of COPD and the impact of respiratory care on the planet.  Together, the two explore the diagnostic gap in COPD, improving the experience of people living with the disease, balancing health innovation with climate concerns and much more.   A little more on EMJ GOLD's guest…  Shish Patel trained as a pharmacist and has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years. Currently, he serves as Medical Director at Chiesi UK and Ireland, and he has held senior positions within medical and scientific functions at both affiliate and global level throughout his career. In addition to his significant time at Chiesi, Shish has held positions at GSK and Sanofi. Shish also holds key industry board positions including at the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority and the ABPI.   

In this week's episode of the EMJ GOLD Podcast, Matt Mortimer Ryan, Senior Global Marketing Manager, Vaccines, GSK, shares his perspective on how understanding patients' emotional drivers can unlock more impactful, insight-led disease awareness campaigns.  Matt joins Isabel to discuss what true patient-centric marketing looks like in practice, how to translate behavioural insights into smarter strategies, the advice he'd give his younger self and much more.  A little more on EMJ GOLD's guest…  Matt is a global marketing leader at GSK, driven by a passion for human-centered innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. With more than 20 years of experience at GSK, Pfizer and Danone, he combines his scientific curiosity with strategic creativity to accelerate meaningful outcomes for patients. The views expressed in this interview are Matt Mortimer-Ryan's own and do not necessarily represent those of GSK.  

In this special edition of the EMJ GOLD podcast, Isabel and Jade dive into the latest insights from recent contributors and EMJ's own data to uncover what healthcare professionals really want from medical affairs. They explore the growing challenges of engaging HCPs, question whether there's a gap between what HCPs say they want and what actually captures their attention and look ahead to what the future may hold. Tune in for expert insights from guests including Dr Donatello Crocetta, Bora Erdemli, Cécile Janssenswillen, Dr Natalia Barkalina and Dheepa Chari.

This week, the team is joined by Richard Maughan, Senior Director and Head of UK Policy and Public Affairs, Pfizer, to explore how the UK is shaping access to medicine today, and what needs to change in the future. From healthy ageing to the economic cost of respiratory infections, they dive into what the UK is getting right, where it's falling short and why access to medicine matters now more than ever. A little more on EMJ GOLD's guest… Richard is Senior Director and Head of UK Policy and Public Affairs at Pfizer. His team works with public policymakers to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives, spanning Pfizer's broad medicines and vaccines portfolio, and deep science footprint. He is a member of Pfizer's UK Senior Leadership Team and Europe Policy & Public Affairs Leadership Team. Prior to Pfizer, Richard was Head of UK Government Affairs for Eli Lilly and Company. He has also worked at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK's leading business lobbying group. He studied Politics at the University of Edinburgh and the University of California Santa Cruz, and grew up in north-east England.

This National Blood Week, the team sit down with Anita Gandhi, Vice President, Translational Development, BMS, to explore the last decade of innovation in hematology and what lies ahead for the space. Together, Anita and Jade discuss Anita's route into the pharmaceutical industry, the current unmet needs of patients with blood cancer, what the future of innovation looks like in hematology and what Anita's HBA Rising Star Award means to her a decade on. A little more on EMJ GOLD's guest… Anita is currently the Vice President of Translational Development at BMS, leading not only hematology translational development at the company, but solid tumour, immunology, cardiology and neurology as well. She has over 20 years of industry experience including drug discovery and translational development, and she was the recipient of the HBA Rising Star Award in 2015.