Following your passion and making a difference

Our cover story this month features Ioana Parsons, newly appointed general manager of Ipsen UK and Ireland, as she talks about her career path and her experiences working in pharma. Ioana has worked in a number of different countries, starting her career in Romania and going on to work in Switzerland, Italy and Poland, and she is now settling in to her new role in the UK.

In the interview she talks about the importance of taking mindful risks, saying that “you can’t stay in your comfort zone if you want to keep learning” and her passion for helping patients and making a difference. Find out more on page 16.

Danny Buckland’s article this month looks at trial diversity and the importance of getting it right through a mix of culture change and practical mechanics.

As Danny says: “New clinical intelligence and understanding are propelling a marked increase in clinical trials this year – passing the 500,000 mark in April globally – yet many will fall short because they target a narrow band of patients selected or, more critically, available for their clinical trials.

“A lack of diversity is not just an economic misfire, it has become societally unacceptable and is now laden with the jeopardy of brand alienation that stretches way beyond niche condition areas and minorities.” Read more on page 36.

Looking at the future of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments, Terence Rooney, Vice President, Rheumatology, Immunology Disease Area Leader, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine talks about the need for novel treatments and new approaches, especially for those with moderate to severe RA, and whether targeting specific autoantibodies could be the way forward. Take a look at Terence’s article on page 20.

This issue also has a focus on comms excellence, as we explore the most important topics affecting the industry today, from AI to sustainability. This is an annual feature and this year we have 20 healthcare comms agencies sharing their views, starting from page 25. If you would like to have the opportunity to be included in this special feature next year, get in touch at sales@pmlive.com.

Enjoy the issue!

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