“Proteins matter. Proteins matter more than any other molecule.” – Brad Ackermann, Eli Lilly and Company
Brad takes us on a tour of the importance of proteins for the understanding and treatment of disease – 99% of drug targets are proteins. The subtle differences in proteoforms and how they associate are not readily differentiated without the use of reliable platforms utilising liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Furthermore, in order to more fully understand biology we need to understand proteoforms in tissues, in addition to what is in circulation. Brad made it clear that the needs of the 3P’s (Patient, Physician and Payer) are paramount for the delivery of the healthcare of the future.
“How can we communicate better so that they (patients) can go on with their life.” – Darragh Murnane, University of Hertfordshire
Darragh discusses the importance of communication in the sciences and to non-experts. During the period of lockdown, Darragh noticed how difficult it is to navigate risk with disease, specifically how his parents were accessing health risks during the pandemic. Across the board, how do we improve communication and education for all patients? Darragh proposes education in communication skills early during a specialist career – ultimately helping the educate the patient, creating an improved situation, and creating a therapy, not just a treatment.
“Giving control back to the patient is going the change everything.” – Matthew Barfield, Roche
Matt Barfield discusses his passions that drive him everyday – in life and research. He looks to help his family, and everyone’s families, while advancing patient centric medicine, alleviating suffering and pain. Matt also wants to help deliver faster results for drug discovery – where sometimes the drug does not pass phase III. He understands clinical trials and looks to break through the mistrust of families, changing the paradigm of how we sample. Smaller samples are less uncomfortable and less painful, especially for children with diseases like Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. Instead of hiding behind barriers that don’t exist, why not use micro sampling now?
