Evolving Expectations – BIA Chief Medical Officer Summit 2018

The BIA Chief Medical Officer Summit was a new event held in early March aimed at supporting the skills required to be a CMO in an SME. Here, Dr Penny Ward, CMO of Karus Therapeutics, and vice-Chair of the BIA Science and Innovation Advisory Committee, takes a look at some of the highlights from the day.

The CMO of a biotech is like no other job in the world. They are not only responsible for delivering on research and development activities, but also are a key player in the company's fundraising efforts. As a result, the skill base required is broad and demanding for aspiring physicians looking to make a move into this arena. To nurture the next generation of UK CMOs, the BIA held an inaugural CMO Summit at the Wellcome Collection on 5 March 2018.

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BIA CEO Steve Bates welcomes attendees to the Summit.

 

A mixed audience of present and future aspiring CMOs and clinical scientists attended the summit and the sessions were really brought to life by this lively group. Panellists shared their experience in various topics of interest through discussions and took the opportunity to extend their peer network over coffee, lunch and a welcome glass of wine at the close of the meeting. 

The agenda was wide ranging, addressing the expectations and skill requirements for a biotech CMO from various viewpoints - investors, regulators, prospective partners. The meeting was opened by a keynote presentation from Louise Wood, who reviewed the role of NIHR in supporting clinical research in the UK, challenging the companies represented by the attendees to partner with the organisation for the greater benefit of patients. 

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Louise Wood of the NIHR gives the opening keynote address.

 

Hamish Cameron, Operating Partner at SV Life Sciences, emphasised the evolving expectations of the Chief Medical Officer role in ensuring ethical and scientific rigor to decision making, program design and execution. The CMO makes the voice of the patient heard within the organisation and represents the company externally as its primary medical representative. While in larger organisations the responsibilities of this role may be diffused across several departments and individuals, within biotech a range of skills are needed to address the requirements of the role. These include high level competence in science and medicine as well as an understanding of the future marketplace.

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Hamish Cameron gives his presentation on the role of a CMO.

 

The Faculty attendees addressed the value of training available via the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, from its postgraduate speciality training program, Fellow and Member network as well as ongoing peer mentoring and revalidation support. It is very encouraging to see multiple opportunities for support and 'on the job' learning.

Representatives from the MHRA provided a plenary session discussing the many regulatory initiatives supporting accelerated development approaches and inviting early and effective dialogue with the agency to address potential scientific and regulatory questions.

The last panel of the day focussed on the benefits of partnering with other sector organisations to access expertise. This was lead by a selection of speakers with experience in this area, who gave their valuable insight into how to make the most of such partnerships.

Finally, the day was rounded off with networking drinks which were a great opportunity for delegates to build their networks.

Feedback from delegates was encouraging for offering an annual event for clinical development and medical staff within biotech companies, as well as considering support for peer forums within regional biotech hubs.

You can find the day’s full agenda here.

To get involved with the BIA Science and Innovation Advisory Committee (SIAC), please contact Annette England.

 

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