Straight from the Bagpipes – Piping Up Faster Access to Biologics (Insights from Professor Richard Russell)

This week on THE pIBD DIGEST, we welcome Professor Richard Russell — outgoing Chair of the European society of paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition (ESPGHAN) IBD Porto Group, champion of paediatric IBD innovation, and proud bearer of both biologic expertise and bagpipes. Joined by hosts Dr Tracy Coelho and Dr Chris Bakewell, he explores the Porto Group’s pivotal work in international collaboration, guideline development, and advocacy for children with IBD. Together, they dive into the Group’s consensus response to the FDA’s draft guidance on paediatric IBD drug-approval trials — making a compelling case for faster access to advanced therapies by responsibly extrapolating adult IBD data to paediatric practice. And in a fitting homage to Professor Russell’s Scottish roots, the episode opens and closes with a Robbie Burns–inspired poetic tribute from Dr Coelho — a lyrical touch you won’t want to miss.