Conversations in Drug Development

In this special episode of Conversations in Drug Development, host Harriet Edwards sits down with Professor Alan Boyd, founder and CEO of Boyds, to reflect on the company’s remarkable 20-year journey in drug development.  Professor Boyd shares his experiences from pioneering work in gene therapy, the challenges of bringing innovative medicines forward, and the value of projects that helped pave the way for future innovation. He also highlights the importance of maintaining a patient-centric vision and the role this has played in Boyds’ success on a global scale.   With stories from Boyds' involvement in pivotal projects - from the early work on the first gene therapy developed for brain cancer to contributions to the Covid-19 vaccine - the conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how scientific innovation and evolving regulation have shaped modern medicine. Whether you’re closely involved in drug development or simply interested in how new medicines reach patients, this episode offers unique insights and reflections from someone who has spent a lifetime at the forefront of the industry.   00:00:13 – Introduction to Conversations in Drug Development 00:00:30 – Welcoming Professor Alan Boyd Back 00:01:43 – Reflecting on 20 Years of Boyds 00:02:49 – The Journey to Founding Boyds 00:06:05 – Early Challenges in Gene Therapy 00:07:26 – Manufacturing Gene Therapy Products 00:10:35 – Achievements in Cell and Gene Therapy 00:15:39 – Highlights from Two Decades 00:19:46 – Changes in Drug Development 00:23:32 – Evolution of Clinical Trials 00:28:17 – The Role of the Team at Boyds 00:31:43 – Personal Interests Beyond Medicine 00:38:12 – Future of Drug Development 00:38:42 – Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In the latest episode of Conversations in Drug Development, Dr Katherine Bowen and Dr Eric Hardter discuss the ever-changing US regulatory landscape under the new administration, including new leadership and staff turnover, and their impact on drug development. They examine the FDA's cautious approach to AI, efforts to reduce animal testing, and the new National Priority Voucher Program aimed at expediting drug approvals. Tune in for an in-depth discussion that offers timely updates and expert perspectives on what might be in store for drug development stakeholders.   EPISODE OUTLINE   00:00:14 – Welcome to Conversations in Drug Development 00:01:16 – US Regulatory Environment Update 00:02:35 – Changes in FDA Leadership 00:03:19 – The Impact of Staffing Changes 00:05:54 – New Perspectives with Vinay Prasad 00:07:50 – Future of Cell and Gene Therapy Approvals 00:10:03 – Market Reactions and Funding Concerns 00:11:45 – Implications of FDA Cuts 00:12:29 – Marty McCary’s Vision for the FDA 00:14:46 – Navigating Conflicting Perspectives 00:15:45 – FDA Workforce and Operational Changes 00:17:21 – Review Process and Efficiency Challenges 00:20:43 – ELSA: AI in FDA Operations 00:22:54 – Reducing Animal Testing in Drug Development 00:25:05 – National Priority Voucher Programme Insights 00:31:21 – Future Outlook and Next Steps

In this episode, Dr Neil Fish and Dr Ami Patel dive into the real-world challenges of drug development - from early-stage planning to regulatory hurdles and everything in between. Drawing on decades of experience, they share personal stories and expert insights that reveal why a solid strategy and the ability to pivot are essential for success. They explore the value of strategic flexibility, the importance of engaging with regulators early, and how to approach patent protection and manufacturing for advanced therapies. Whether you're preparing an IND or planning scale-up, this episode delivers clear, actionable guidance grounded in industry know-how. A must-listen for biotech teams, clinical leads, and anyone involved in the drug development process.   EPISODE OUTLINE   00:00:14 – Introduction to Drug Development 00:00:22 – The Importance of Having a Plan 00:04:27 – Insights from a Successful Company Journey 00:08:22 – Manufacturing Challenges in Drug Development 00:09:11 – Regulatory Strategies for Drug Approval 00:18:03 – The Role of Clinical Strategy in Development 00:26:25 – Conclusion and Future Insights

In this episode, Harriet Edwards from Boyds hosts a discussion on 2025 predictions in drug development and regulatory affairs. Joined by regulatory experts Dr. Katherine Bowen and Dr. Eric Hartder, the conversation covers the anticipated trends in the realm of cell and gene therapy, rare diseases, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI). As we look ahead to 2025, Boyds' regulatory experts discuss the evolving regulatory landscape, legislative changes in the US and EU, and the importance of patient-centric approaches. Join us for this insightful journey as we uncover what 2025 has in store for drug development and regulatory strategies. 

In this episode, Dr. Nick Meyers and Dr. Eric Hardter, discuss effective strategies for de-risking Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. Discover key insights on how to navigate the complexities of IND submissions, including the importance of pre-IND meetings, optimizing your non-clinical and CMC packages, and understanding FDA expectations. Gain valuable tips on engaging with regulatory agencies, addressing potential issues, and ensuring your IND is well-prepared to avoid clinical holds. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers practical advice to help streamline your drug development process.

In this episode, host Harriet Edwards is joined by Eamonn McGowran, an expert in medical device regulations, to explore the complex and rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for medical devices, particularly within the EU. Eamonn highlights the challenges of developing combination products that integrate devices and pharmaceuticals, the roles of notified bodies and competent authorities, and the importance of early stakeholder engagement. The episode also covers the integration of artificial intelligence in medical devices and the evolving UK regulatory framework post-Brexit.

In this episode, host Harriet Edwards and Senior Clinical Project Manager, Chris Moore, discuss the vital role of patient and public involvement in drug development, particularly within clinical trials. The conversation covers the increasing significance of patient engagement, highlighting how the industry is recognizing the invaluable contributions of patients in shaping clinical trials and exploring the concept of "patients as partners," which is gaining traction among sponsors, ethics committees, and regulatory bodies.

In this episode, host Dr Julie Warner is joined by experts from Decisive Consulting, Esther Nzenza, and Kevin Asher to discuss the upcoming joint clinical assessment (JCA) process set to begin in January 2025. The conversation covers the implications of the JCA for drug developers, particularly smaller companies, and emphasizes the importance of early planning and integrated evidence generation. Join us as we uncover the strategies and considerations essential for success in the ever-evolving world of health technology assessments.

In this episode, host Harriet Edwards is joined by Dr Katherine Bowen to explore the regulatory fundamentals for obtaining marketing authorization in Europe, focusing on the centralised procedure. Together, they unpack the intricacies of this pathway, comparing it to the FDA application process and emphasising the critical role of thorough dossier preparation and clear communication with regulatory authorities. Key topics include the importance of early engagement with regulators, navigating the challenges of Module 1, developing risk management plans, and addressing current regulatory issues.

In this episode, host Harriet Edwards is joined by Dr Katherine Bowen and Shalini Gupta to explore the transformative changes in the European Union's clinical trial landscape. The focus is on the transition from the Clinical Trials Directive (CTD) to the Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) and its significant impact on the regulatory environment. Join us for an insightful discussion on how the CTR is shaping the future of clinical research in Europe and the positive impact it aims to have on patients.

In this episode, host Harriet Edwards is joined by two regulatory experts from Boyds, Dr Patrick Ginty and Monica Pianella, to discuss cell-based immunotherapies, focusing on CAR-T cells and TCR-T cells. Patrick and Monica delve into these cutting-edge treatments, discussing their uses, the complexities of their production, and important safety considerations. They also highlight recent advancements and the exciting future prospects for these therapies in cancer treatment and other areas. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of cell-based immunotherapies, examining both the hurdles and the potential of these innovative treatments.

In this episode, Dr Katherine Bowen and Dr Julie Warner delve into the world of regulatory designations, providing clarity on what these designations offer, the products that qualify, and the pros and cons of each. They discuss the history of regulatory designations, starting with the Orphan Drug Act of 1983, and explore various designations such as Orphan Drug Designation (ODD), Fast Track Designation (FTD), Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD), and Regenerative Medicines Advanced Therapy Designation (RMAT). Tune in to gain valuable insights from their experience and advice and learn how to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.

In this episode, host Dr. Katherine Bowen, is joined by Harriet Edwards, Associate Director in Regulatory Affairs, to explore the fascinating world of genome editing technologies. Together, they delve into the ethical considerations of editing somatic versus germline cells and trace the historical progression of these technologies from agriculture to healthcare. Join us as we discuss the complexity of genome editing methods, the irreversible nature of genetic changes, and the associated risks.

Welcome to a special edition of Conversations in Drug Development, brought to you by the team at Boyds.  In this episode, our host Harriet Edwards hands over the mic to two of her colleagues to discuss a critical topic for early-stage biotech companies: funding challenges and how to overcome them. Dr Nick Myers and Dr Neil Fish, share their extensive experience and insights into navigating the complexities of funding and investment. They delve into what makes an effective pitch deck, the importance of presentation skills, and the role of a well-organized data room. Additionally, they offer valuable advice on matching fundraising activities to the right investors and the impact of market trends on investment strategies.

How can phase I studies with ATMPs address unmet needs in oncology and what are the challenges? In this episode of Conversations in Drug Development, Dr Katherine Bowen is joined by Pharmaceutical Physician, Dr Harriet Gray Stephens, to delve into the complexities of phase I oncology studies involving advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). Join us as we discuss the unique challenges of ATMPs, such as their different benefit-risk profiles compared to traditional therapies, and the need for innovative dose escalation and efficacy evaluation methods as well as the potential of ATMPs to meet unmet needs in cancer treatment.

In this episode of Conversations in Drug Development, our host Harriet Edwards, is joined by Director of Regulatory Affairs, Dr Sabine Ruehle, to discuss the challenges of navigating genetically modified organism (GMO) regulations in clinical trials within Europe. This discussion helps decipher the nuanced environment of GMOs and their associated risks unique within the European framework. Join us as we explore the outdated definition of GMOs, the complexities of their classification, and the impact of genome editing technologies.  

In this episode of Conversations in Drug Development, host Dr Harriet Edwards is joined by Katy Rudnick and Dr Julie Warner from Boyds to discuss US regulatory trends and initiatives at the FDA. This episode explores the FDA's recent organizational changes, pilot programs, and focus on innovative clinical trials, including the use of AI in drug discovery. Join us for another Conversation in Drug Development, exploring the dynamic landscape of regulatory trends expected in 2024 and beyond, with a key emphasis on the US scope.  

To celebrate Rare Disease Day, we are back with another Conversation in Drug Development, this time discussing the unique challenges of rare disease drug development. Dr Eric Hardter, Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs at Boyds, joins our host Harriet Edwards to explore the need for early stakeholder involvement, the complexities of pediatric clinical trials, including ethical considerations and regulatory requirements and to touch on FDA initiatives supporting rare disease therapeutics and the evolving landscape for cell and gene therapies. To discuss this episode of Conversations in Drug Development with a member of the team, visit www.boydconsultants.com.

We are kickstarting 2024 with a Conversation in Drug Development with CEO and Founder of Boyds, Professor Alan Boyd. In this podcast episode, our host Harriet Edwards, and Professor Alan Boyd discuss trends from 2023  in the drug development space and its potential evolution in 2024. Join us as we explore the financial downturn affecting early-stage investment, the rise of cell and gene therapy approvals, and the use of artificial intelligence in various areas of drug discovery and development.

In this episode of "Conversations in Drug Development", Harriet Edwards and Dr. Patrick Ginty discuss off-the-shelf cell therapies, explaining how these therapies are manufactured and their ability to treat multiple recipients. While these therapies offer scalability and the potential to treat larger patient populations, they also carry risks such as immune reactions. Dr. Ginty highlights the importance of addressing these risks and mentions techniques like gene editing to improve safety. Join us in this conversation as we discuss the regulatory challenges in developing these therapies, emphasizing the importance of early engagement with regulators and compliance with donor testing requirements.   To discuss this episode of Conversations in Drug Development with a member of the team, visit www.boydconsultants.com.