On this special episode of the Pharma Podcast, we're honouring Rare Disease Month this February by delving into the personal and profound stories from the front lines of rare diseases in Canada. Our focus is on the unique challenges, healthcare experiences, and the resilience required to navigate life with a rare condition. In celebration of this important month, I’m thrilled to have Dr. Sonia Rehal with us. Sonia is not only courageously living with a rare disease but also actively participating in raising awareness and advocating for better support and research for rare diseases in Canada.

Sonia's journey offers us a window into the day-to-day realities faced by individuals with rare diseases, from the quest for diagnosis to access to specialised care, and underscores the importance of community support. Her insights are invaluable in dispelling misconceptions about rare diseases and highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those affected.

Join us as we explore Sonia's story, the broader landscape of rare diseases in Canada, and what hope and advancements lie on the horizon for patients and their families. 

Through this episode, we hope to convey a powerful message: while each rare disease may affect a small number of individuals, collectively, these conditions are not that rare at all. 

Lipodystrophy Canada Website:

https://lipodystrophy-canada-foundation.wiredwebsites.org/

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092509705779

Our Email address: 

[email protected]

On this episode of the PharmaPodcast, we will discuss Florida, and its plans to import Drugs from Canada.  Florida is making headlines for its bold move to import prescription drugs from Canada, a strategy aimed at reducing healthcare costs in that state. This shift could potentially transform the landscape of pharmaceutical importation in the US and set a precedent for other states.

To help us better understand this complex and fascinating topic, I’m thrilled to have DANI Peters with us.  Dani is President of Magnet Strategy Group Inc.  and Special Advisor at the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacy Canada. Dani is an expert in healthcare policy and has been closely following the developments in drug importation policies.

Contact Details for Dani Peters:
 www.buysaferx.pharmacy/canada
[email protected]

On this episode of the Pharma Podcast, my guest is Lois Brown, President of Health Partners International Canada, and on this episode of the Pharma Podcast, we discuss the transformative impact of global health initiatives, the critical role of pharmaceutical partnerships in advancing healthcare worldwide, and the inspiring achievements and future goals of HPIC in its mission to improve health and save lives.

HPIC is now working in 39 countries including our latest emergency response to support victims in Israel and Gaza.

https://hpicanada.ca/donate/

On this episode of the PharmaPodcast, my guest is Tara Cowling, President and Managing Principal at Medlior Health Outcomes Research. Tara is a leader in Real World Evidence, HTA (Health Technology Assessments) and Outcomes Research.

We delve into the pivotal role of Real World Evidence (RWE) in drug reimbursement and market access.  Join us as we explore the significance of peripheral services like Patient Support Programs and speciality pharmacies in generating crucial Real World Data and shaping healthcare decisions.

Tara shares invaluable insights on how we can bridge the gap between real-world experiences and compelling Real World Evidence.  Together, we'll tackle historical concerns, biases, and data quality issues, discovering innovative ways to overcome these challenges.

Contact Details:

Tara Cowling, MA (Oxon), MSc (she/her)

President and Managing Principal
https://www.medlior.com/

Suite 300 – 160 Quarry Park Blvd SE

Calgary, Alberta T2C 3G3

1-403-460-2616

[email protected]

On this episode of the PharmaPodcast, my guest is Greg Rutherford, Chief Commercial Officer at  Apex Labs, a Vancouver based patient driven pharmaceutical company that develops and commercialises clinically evaluated psilocybin-derived treatments to tackle the most critical unmet need in depression, anxiety, and PTSD among Veterans and the general public.

Greg and I will delve into the fascinating world of Psilocybin and its remarkable potential to aid patients with PTSD while promoting overall brain health. Join us as we explore the science behind Psilocybin, its effects on the brain, and the emerging research supporting its therapeutic benefits. Our expert guest will discuss the rationale for using Psilocybin in PTSD treatment, highlight key findings from clinical studies, and shed light on how Psilocybin therapy differs from traditional approaches. We'll also address the potential risks, legal considerations, and the importance of public and professional education. Tune in to learn about the promising possibilities of Psilocybin as we uncover its role in unlocking the mind for healing and well-being.

On this episode of the PharmaPodcast, I have an extra special guest. Artem Brytchenko is CEO at Platforce, a company based in Ukraine that he continues to run, in spite of all the adversity he is facing during a time of war.  I’m sure you will find this interview not just informative, but also Inspirational.

Contact Information:

Artem Brytchenko 

Chief Executive Officer | Platforce

E:  [email protected]

W: https://platforce.io/

On this episode of the Pharma Podcast, my extra-special guest is Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger,  President & CEO at Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders.

To mark Rare Disease Day, which we celebrate on the last day of February, I can think of no better guest than Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger to bring awareness to Rare Disease Day.

She also gives a great overview of CORD and its mission.

To learn more about CORD, upcoming events, or to make a donation, please visit: www.raredisorders.ca

You can also follow CORD on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/RareDisorders

https://twitter.com/raredisorders

https://www.youtube.com/user/CORDRareDisorders





 

On this episode of the Pharma Podcast, my guest is  Dr, Drew Taylor, founder and CEO of ACORN BIOLABS.

As an entrepreneur and regenerative medicine pioneer, Drew is making breakthrough medicine accessible for everyday people. After simultaneously earning a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto and playing professional baseball, Drew worked as part of Mount Sinai Hospital’s Bio-engineering of Skeletal Tissues Team, then as Chief Science Officer at Epic Capital Management. 

In 2017, Drew co-founded Acorn Biolabs, to help more people access the future of regenerative medicine by providing affordable, accessible, and non-invasive cell banking.

Drew and I discuss his journey to entrepreneurship, and the NEAR FUTURE of Regenerative medicine.

Contact Information:

Drew Taylor, MSc, PhD

Chief Executive Officer | Acorn Biolabs Inc.

E: [email protected]

W: acorn.me
Instagram: @drdrewtaylor

Save your cells from aging.
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Welcome to the Pharma Podcast, conversations with industry experts and business leaders about important and current topics in Canadian pharma, biotech and medtech.

On this episode of the PharmaPodcast, my guest is  Jesse Buckstein, Principle at CPoint Capital

Jesse and I discuss the Healthcare investment market in Canada - How a changing economy is affecting investor appetites.

Contact Information for Jesse:

CPOINT Capital
512-555 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 3B1
T: +1 905 881 4440 x 203 | M: +1 647 981 4293 | F: +1 647 847 9055
E: [email protected] | W: www.cpointcapital.com

Welcome to the Pharma Podcast, conversations with industry experts and business leaders about important and current topics in Canadian pharma, biotech and medtech.

On this episode of the PharmaPodcast, my guest is Brian Bloom, CEO, Bloom Burton

On the heels of the Bloom Burton Healthcare Investor Conference, which was held in Toronto on May 2-3, Brian and I will discuss the latest developments in Canadian healthcare companies.

Contact Information for Bloom Burton:
[email protected]
https://www.bloomburton.com/contact-us/