August 26, 2025

At the forefront of innovation: Prof Alan Boyd reflects on the last 20 years in drug development

39 minutes

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