COG New England 2024 Meeting Review

April 2024 saw the PBC Group host the second annual Clinical Outsourcing Group New England meeting. The meeting took place at the Boston Marriott Burlington, Massachusetts. The 2-day meeting covered a range of topics related to clinical trials and outsourcing. Featuring keynote speeches from industry experts on trends in the CRO landscape, patient engagement, contracts, data management, quality, and much more. There was an emphasis on outsourcing models, with discussion around partnerships, funding models, and contract negotiation.

Erin Finot - Vice President, Immuno-Oncology & CAGT - IQVIA Biotech

The conference opened with L.E.K Consulting’s Matt Wheeler with a keynote on trends reshaping the outsourcing landscape globally. With following keynotes delivered by Benedict Hirth of Myonex, Stephanie Kelly of Esperion Therapeutics, and Erin Finot representing IQVIA Biotech.

Badge Scanning During Networking Break

After morning break we split into two streams; Clinical Outsourcing Confusion, and Sites, Patients & Supply. Both featured panels and interactive sessions; Navigating the complexities of clinical outsourcing, and improving patient engagement through effective patient advocacy. Chaired by Kalyan Obalampalli, and Joan Chambers.

Stephanie Kelly – Sr. Director, Clinical Development Operations - Esperion Therapeutics

One of the many highlights from COG New England was the C-Suite panel discussion on the challenges, and sourcing opportunities for biopharma funding. Chaired by Pete Bastedo of Zymewire, panellists included 8 CEOs from emerging biopharma in the New England region.

Fuelling the Future: CEO Perspectives on Funding Clinical-Stage Biotechs Session

The agenda truly delivered insights across the clinical trial lifecycle. From research contracts with Lynn Agata's keynote, to Fostering a culture of quality in clinical operations onstage interview - chaired by Leticia Tarilonte, featuring Sofia Zhidro, to navigating the outsourcing landscape for oncology trials with Phill Gallacher and Nicole Powell, the conference tackled critical areas for trial outsourcing, regulatory compliance, financing, and operations.

COG New England welcomed over 68% of attending companies from active trial sponsor, non-profits, or research organisations, with key international players such as Sanofi, Alexion represented, as well as representatives from the region's emerging biopharma sector.

Of those who attended, 75% were Director level or above, and 25% sitting in other Senior Management roles.

COG New England will return next year taking place 29th & 30th April 2025, in the Boston region, Massachusetts.