The Syneos Health Podcast

AI is seemingly everywhere now in our lives, including healthcare and drug discovery and development. AI certainly has the potential to enable major advances than development of more effective and safe medical products. And in fact, GenAI has already been successfully used in drug discovery. 

But are we fully leveraging the current AI yet in practical ways? Are our trial designs informed appropriately by AI and data? From the mundane document generation and handling to the complex patient engagement, what is the here and now of how we can and should apply AI to support more informed, more effective drug development?

In this episode of the Syneos Health Podcast, Nick Kenny, Chief Scientific Officer at Syneos Health is joined by industry experts Nataraj Dasgupta, Vice President of Advanced Analytics at RxDataScience and Greg Christie, Chief Product Officer at StudyKIK to dive deep into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of drug development and clinical trials. The discussion explores the practical applications of AI—from improving patient recruitment and engagement to revolutionizing document generation and protocol design—and touches on the exciting promise of Generative AI (GenAI) in streamlining processes, enhancing patient experiences, and democratizing access to clinical trials. The panel also confronts the challenges, including data accuracy, regulatory concerns, and the ethical implications of AI-driven decisions.

Tune in to understand how AI is reshaping the future of healthcare and what lies ahead in this rapidly evolving field. 

For more AI insights from our experts:

Syneos Health Podcast | Can AI Help Get the Right Patients Into Alzheimer's Clinical Trials?

Artificial Intelligence and Alzheimer’s: Transforming Patient Screening with Predictive Models

Syneos Health Podcast | Turbo-Charging Clinical Trials

WEBINAR | How AI is Supercharging Clinical Trials

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

The World Economic Forum projects that by 2050, climate change could cause 14 million additional deaths and $12 trillion in global healthcare costs. And this will exacerbate global health inequities with our most vulnerable populations, including women, youth, elderly, lower-income groups, and hard-to-reach communities bearing the brunt of this change. We think we know the culprits…but do we really?

The fact is, the healthcare sector is responsible for almost 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and has a carbon footprint equivalent to 514 coal-fired power plants. And if the healthcare sector was a country, it would be the 5th largest polluter on Earth. (Source)

In this episode of the Syneos Health Podcast, Nick Kenny is joined by Syneos Health colleagues Sharon Gordon, leader of our Social Impact practice and Beth Anne McPheeters, head of ESG programming, to discuss the intersection of climate change, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and healthcare.

The conversation delves into the responsibilities of big industries versus collective action, the role of ESG in driving meaningful change, and the importance of integrating ESG into business goals to mitigate risks and create value, ultimately benefiting both business and patient outcomes—reinforcing that addressing climate change and promoting ESG is not just corporate responsibility but also essential for improving global health and equity.

For more on how Syneos Health is committed to making purposeful actions upholding our responsibility to create a more sustainable world for each other, read our 2023 ESG Report.

Check out more of our insights on the role of ESG in the healthcare industry:

BLOG | Pharma Reputation Slipping, Leaving Fewer Allies in Intense Environment

BLOG | 4 Reasons ESG Priorities are Becoming More Important in the Life Sciences Industry

Clinical Trials and Environmental, Social and Governance: Plans for Operations Leaders

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

Alzheimer's disease is a challenging and devastating diagnosis that affects memory and cognitive skills, with no known way to predict, track, treat, or cure it effectively. In 2024, around 90 million people over the age of 65 will be living with Alzheimer's. Clinical trials for new treatments have faced high failure rates, partly because it's difficult to identify the right patients at the right stage of the disease. The potential solution to this dilemma might lie in AI, which could help analyze vast amounts of clinical data and provide a practical prognostic tool.

Our host Nick Kenny, Chief Scientific Officer at Syneos Health, is joined by Dr. Claudine Brisard, Senior Vice President of Neurosciences at Syneos Health and Dr. Christian Dansereau, CEO of Perceiv AI, to explore how AI and prognostic models might solve the challenges of selecting the right patients for Alzheimer's clinical trials.

Check out these insights for more from our experts on Alzheimer’s Disease or the use of AI to accelerate clinical trials:

BLOG: Artificial Intelligence and Alzheimer’s: Transforming Patient Screening with Predictive Models

Syneos Health Podcast | Turbo-Charging Clinical Trials

Webinar | How AI is Supercharging Clinical Trials

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and a New Epoch for Clinical Trials

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide, and it can be treated with different modalities, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. However, even after the primary treatment, some cancer cells may remain in the body and cause recurrence or metastasis. This is where adjuvant therapies come in: they are additional treatments that aim to reduce the risk of cancer coming back or spreading to other parts of the body.

In this episode, Syneos Health colleagues Dr. Juan Manuel Carrera, Senior Medical Director and Lisamarie Burgio, Executive Director, Therapeutic Strategy and Innovation join the podcast to explore the role of adjuvant therapies in breast cancer, with a focus on the latest developments and challenges in this field. They share their extensive experiences and insights from both clinical and operational perspectives, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment approaches based on the latest genomic information and the evolving landscape of clinical trials, offering a comprehensive view of the strides being made and the challenges that remain. 

For the latest oncology insights from our experts, check out:

Bridging the Gap in Male Breast Cancer Research Through Inclusive Clinical Trial Strategy

Oncology and the Evolution of Master Clinical Trials | Lessons from the Beat AML Master Trial

Readiness Assessment: What Strategies Can You Deploy to Improve Diversity in Your Oncology Trials?

Syneos Health Podcast | The Case for Genetic Medicine

Is Your NSCLC Asset Ready to Create Value Post-FDA Approval? | 2024 Update

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

This is an exciting time in the development of new medicines to treat both rare and age-related eye diseases. But what is it like in the trenches to develop and deliver clinical trials that evaluate both the safety and efficacy of these potential new medicines for diseases of the eye?

In this episode, Nick Kenny, Syneos Health CSO and interim podcast host, is joined by Eileen Schramm, Senior Clinical Trial Manager, and Nicole Curry, Senior Project Manager, both in the Syneos Health Ophthalmology team, to discuss the challenges and realities of developing and delivering clinical trials for ophthalmology studies. They highlight the importance of finding and engaging clinical investigators who have the necessary equipment, training, and patient stream to conduct these complex trials; the need for proper site staffing, minimizing staff turnover, and investing in training for study coordinators; and the critical role of patient engagement and providing trial participants with clear expectations and tools to navigate the study journey.

For more from our ophthalmology experts, check out these insights:

Navigating Biometrics Challenges in Ophthalmology Clinical Trials: Lessons Learned
Syneos Health Podcast | Ophthalmology Clinical Trials: Low Vision and AMD Awareness Month

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

In March 2024, the FDA approved a groundbreaking gene therapy for children with a specific form of leukodystrophy, offering hope to those with no current care options. However, the approval came with a hefty price tag, making headlines as the most expensive medicine in the world at $3,500,000 per patient. With the cost of innovation so high, what can we do to de-risk development, ensure affordability and achieve equitable access to these potentially life-changing therapies for the long term?

Nick Kenny, CSO for Syneos Health and host for this episode, is joined by colleagues Abhi Gupta, Head of Genetic Medicine, and Dr. Prateet Minhas, Managing Director, Value & Access Consulting, to explore the evolution of genetic medicines, from the early days of clinical trials fraught with challenges to the recent surge in approvals and the promise of curative potential. Abhi and Prateet discuss the landscape for genetic medicines today, touching on topics such as manufacturing challenges, regulatory considerations, and the importance of demonstrating durability of response in clinical development.

As they navigate the complexities of the field, they address key questions surrounding the value proposition of genetic medicines, including their potential to transform patient outcomes and the challenges of reimbursement and access. They also examine the role of collaboration and innovation in driving progress in the field, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both scientific advancement and real-world impact.

For more from our cell & gene therapy experts, check out these insights:

BLOG: Three Lessons Learned in Adoptive Cell Therapy Trials: A Look at the Road Ahead for Immunology

BLOG: A Holistic Approach to Genetic Medicines is Next for the Life Science Industry

Exploring an Expedited Regulatory Pathway for Cell and Gene Therapies

BLOG: Cell and Gene Therapy Sponsors Must Overcome Unique Hurdles to Realize Promise to Patients 

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

After 7 years as the Syneos Health Podcast's founding and flagship host, Jeff Stewart is stepping down. Here, he reflects on his experience and bids farewell.

It doesn't end here - stay tuned for new episodes with new host(s), coming soon!

(Jeopardy! clip courtesy of Ken Jennings.)

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

Patient assistance programs can make a huge difference for patients who need expensive medicines but can't afford them.

In this episode, Jeff Stewart talks with Dave MacLeod, Managing Director, Value & Access at Syneos Health about the benefits and challenges of patient assistance programs, which provide free or low-cost medicines to eligible patients. They discuss how these programs can improve access, adherence, and outcomes, as well as the operational and regulatory issues involved in running them. Covering key topics such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the impact of technology and AI in patient services, and the challenges posed by copay accumulators and maximizers, Dave sheds light on the complexities of navigating copay assistance optimization and the strategies employed to mitigate the effects on patients and manufacturers alike.

For more from our Value & Access experts, check out these topics:

Syneos Health Podcast | Real Talk About the Inflation Reduction Act

BLOG: Industry Cheers “Co-Pay Accumulator” Ruling, Should Prep for What’s Next 

Potential Impact of European Pharma Legislation on Commercialization and Access of New Therapies 

BLOG: What Can We Learn From ICER's New Value Framework 

Syneos Health Podcast | Market Access for Weight Loss Drugs 

MM+M Podcast | Gaining Access and Delivering Pull-Through in IDNs and Key Accounts 

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, brings significant changes to the U.S. pharmaceutical market as it rolls out over the next 10 years.

Today we dive deep into the IRA with Tiffany McCaslin, Managing Director, Value, Access and Health Outcomes at Syneos Health. Drawing from her extensive background in healthcare policy and industry strategy, Tiffany offers invaluable insights into the practical implications of this landmark legislation for the pharmaceutical industry.

From dissecting the intricacies of price negotiation to unraveling the complexities of data collection requirements, this episode provides a clear roadmap for pharmaceutical companies and life sciences firms navigating the post-IRA era.

For more from our Value & Access experts, check out these insights:

BLOG: Industry Cheers “Co-Pay Accumulator” Ruling, Should Prep for What’s Next 

Potential Impact of European Pharma Legislation on Commercialization and Access of New Therapies 

BLOG: What Can We Learn From ICER's New Value Framework 

Syneos Health Podcast | Market Access for Weight Loss Drugs 

MM+M Podcast | Gaining Access and Delivering Pull-Through in IDNs and Key Accounts 

BLOG: What ICER’s Draft Sickle Cell Disease Report Means for CGT Pricing 

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].

For the first time, the technology behind Wall Street and Formula One racing is being used in pharmaceuticals—and it’s offering unparalleled potential for innovation in clinical trial execution and healthcare delivery.

In this episode, host Jeff Stewart is joined by Darren Coleman, the general manager of RxDataScience, a Syneos Health company, who discusses KX technology, the world’s fastest time series database and analytics engine, and how it is now being applied to improve clinical trial efficiency, reduce costs and speed time to market for life-changing therapies for patients. From current applications to optimize site selection, predict enrollment rates, and identify trial risks months in advance, to future use cases including patient selection and predicting drug efficacy, Coleman outlines exciting possibilities for the future of clinical trials and healthcare.

For more from Syneos Health on AI applications in biopharma, check out these insights:

WEBINAR | How AI is Supercharging Clinical Trials

Syneos Health Podcast | 2024 Health Trends: Managing the Healthcare Revolution

It’s Time We Got the Most Out of Medical Affairs Data

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and a New Epoch for Clinical Trials 

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at insightshub.health.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at [email protected].