Drug Development's Marathon Endurance Race: The CMO's Leadership in Patient-Centric Innovation

In this episode of PEP Talks, Emma interviews Dr. David Gillen, the Chief Medical Officer of Norgine, discussing the evolution and importance of patient engagement in the pharmaceutical industry. Reflecting on their first meeting 16 years ago, they explore how patient demands and advocacy have shaped industry practices. Dr. Gillen emphasises the critical role of patient engagement professionals in drug development, highlighting the shift from a physician-centric approach to a more patient-focused strategy. He acknowledges the challenges and benefits of integrating patient voices into clinical trials, regulatory frameworks, and medical affairs. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media and online communities in amplifying patient voices, the professionalisation of patient engagement, and the complexities of developing medicines for paediatric populations. Dr. Gillen shares insights on balancing safety, efficacy, and patient needs, and underscores the importance of teamwork and resilience in overcoming obstacles in medicine development.