Conversations in Drug Development

Conversations in Drug Development

Welcome to Conversations in Drug Development, brought to you by the team at Boyds for our fellow community of scientists and clinicians working in the wonderful world of cell and gene therapy and drug development. This podcast series features candid conversations from the expert team at Boyds, who are at the forefront of cutting-edge science and drug development in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector.

Episodes

October 23, 2025 26 mins

In this episode, Eric Hardter and guest Kelsey Lenoch discuss recent US FDA developments, including leadership changes at CBER and CDER, staffing impacts on orphan product reviews, and the new Rare Disease Evidence Principles aimed at accelerating approvals for rare and ultra-rare conditions.

They also explore evolving trial endpoints in oncology (including surrogate measures and ctDNA), transparency moves such as the public releas...

Mark as Played
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 a...
  • Mark as Played

    In the latest episode of Conversations in Drug Development, Dr Katherine Bowen and Dr Eric Hardter discuss the ever-changing US regulatory landscape under the new administration, including new leadership and staff turnover, and their impact on drug development. They examine the FDA's cautious approach to AI, efforts to reduce animal testing, and the new National Priority Voucher Program aimed at expediting drug approvals. Tune in f...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, Dr Neil Fish and Dr Ami Patel dive into the real-world challenges of drug development - from early-stage planning to regulatory hurdles and everything in between. Drawing on decades of experience, they share personal stories and expert insights that reveal why a solid strategy and the ability to pivot are essential for success.

    They explore the value of strategic flexibility, the importance of engaging with regulat...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, Harriet Edwards from Boyds hosts a discussion on 2025 predictions in drug development and regulatory affairs. Joined by regulatory experts Dr. Katherine Bowen and Dr. Eric Hartder, the conversation covers the anticipated trends in the realm of cell and gene therapy, rare diseases, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI).

    As we look ahead to 2025, Boyds' regulatory experts discuss the evolving regula...

    Mark as Played
    February 11, 2025 52 mins

    In this episode, Dr. Nick Meyers and Dr. Eric Hardter, discuss effective strategies for de-risking Investigational New Drug (IND) applications.

    Discover key insights on how to navigate the complexities of IND submissions, including the importance of pre-IND meetings, optimizing your non-clinical and CMC packages, and understanding FDA expectations. Gain valuable tips on engaging with regulatory agencies, addressing potential issues...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, host Harriet Edwards is joined by Eamonn McGowran, an expert in medical device regulations, to explore the complex and rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for medical devices, particularly within the EU.

    Eamonn highlights the challenges of developing combination products that integrate devices and pharmaceuticals, the roles of notified bodies and competent authorities, and the importance of early stakeholder enga...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, host Harriet Edwards and Senior Clinical Project Manager, Chris Moore, discuss the vital role of patient and public involvement in drug development, particularly within clinical trials.

    The conversation covers the increasing significance of patient engagement, highlighting how the industry is recognizing the invaluable contributions of patients in shaping clinical trials and exploring the concept of "patients as pa...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, host Dr Julie Warner is joined by experts from Decisive Consulting, Esther Nzenza, and Kevin Asher to discuss the upcoming joint clinical assessment (JCA) process set to begin in January 2025. The conversation covers the implications of the JCA for drug developers, particularly smaller companies, and emphasizes the importance of early planning and integrated evidence generation. Join us as we uncover the strategies...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, host Harriet Edwards is joined by Dr Katherine Bowen to explore the regulatory fundamentals for obtaining marketing authorization in Europe, focusing on the centralised procedure. Together, they unpack the intricacies of this pathway, comparing it to the FDA application process and emphasising the critical role of thorough dossier preparation and clear communication with regulatory authorities. Key topics include t...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, host Harriet Edwards is joined by Dr Katherine Bowen and Shalini Gupta to explore the transformative changes in the European Union's clinical trial landscape. The focus is on the transition from the Clinical Trials Directive (CTD) to the Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) and its significant impact on the regulatory environment.

    Join us for an insightful discussion on how the CTR is shaping the future of clinical res...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, host Harriet Edwards is joined by two regulatory experts from Boyds, Dr Patrick Ginty and Monica Pianella, to discuss cell-based immunotherapies, focusing on CAR-T cells and TCR-T cells.

    Patrick and Monica delve into these cutting-edge treatments, discussing their uses, the complexities of their production, and important safety considerations. They also highlight recent advancements and the exciting future prospect...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, Dr Katherine Bowen and Dr Julie Warner delve into the world of regulatory designations, providing clarity on what these designations offer, the products that qualify, and the pros and cons of each. They discuss the history of regulatory designations, starting with the Orphan Drug Act of 1983, and explore various designations such as Orphan Drug Designation (ODD), Fast Track Designation (FTD), Breakthrough Therapy D...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode, host Dr. Katherine Bowen, is joined by Harriet Edwards, Associate Director in Regulatory Affairs, to explore the fascinating world of genome editing technologies. Together, they delve into the ethical considerations of editing somatic versus germline cells and trace the historical progression of these technologies from agriculture to healthcare. Join us as we discuss the complexity of genome editing methods, the ir...

    Mark as Played

    Welcome to a special edition of Conversations in Drug Development, brought to you by the team at Boyds.  In this episode, our host Harriet Edwards hands over the mic to two of her colleagues to discuss a critical topic for early-stage biotech companies: funding challenges and how to overcome them.

    Dr Nick Myers and Dr Neil Fish, share their extensive experience and insights into navigating the complexities of funding and investment...

    Mark as Played

    How can phase I studies with ATMPs address unmet needs in oncology and what are the challenges? In this episode of Conversations in Drug Development, Dr Katherine Bowen is joined by Pharmaceutical Physician, Dr Harriet Gray Stephens, to delve into the complexities of phase I oncology studies involving advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). Join us as we discuss the unique challenges of ATMPs, such as their different benefit-r...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode of Conversations in Drug Development, our host Harriet Edwards, is joined by Director of Regulatory Affairs, Dr Sabine Ruehle, to discuss the challenges of navigating genetically modified organism (GMO) regulations in clinical trials within Europe. This discussion helps decipher the nuanced environment of GMOs and their associated risks unique within the European framework. Join us as we explore the outdated definit...

    Mark as Played

    In this episode of Conversations in Drug Development, host Dr Harriet Edwards is joined by Katy Rudnick and Dr Julie Warner from Boyds to discuss US regulatory trends and initiatives at the FDA. This episode explores the FDA's recent organizational changes, pilot programs, and focus on innovative clinical trials, including the use of AI in drug discovery. Join us for another Conversation in Drug Development, exploring the dynamic l...

    Mark as Played

    To celebrate Rare Disease Day, we are back with another Conversation in Drug Development, this time discussing the unique challenges of rare disease drug development. Dr Eric Hardter, Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs at Boyds, joins our host Harriet Edwards to explore the need for early stakeholder involvement, the complexities of pediatric clinical trials, including ethical considerations and regulatory requirements and to...

    Mark as Played

    We are kickstarting 2024 with a Conversation in Drug Development with CEO and Founder of Boyds, Professor Alan Boyd. In this podcast episode, our host Harriet Edwards, and Professor Alan Boyd discuss trends from 2023  in the drug development space and its potential evolution in 2024. Join us as we explore the financial downturn affecting early-stage investment, the rise of cell and gene therapy approvals, and the use of artificial ...

    Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

      Dateline NBC

      Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

      The Burden

      The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.

      SmartLess

      "SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

      The Breakfast Club

      The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    © 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.