In this episode of Vistatec Life Sciences - In Focus podcast, Host María Mateos talks with Bre Grignano, a leader who brings her experience from the life sciences, sports, and philanthropic sectors to the forefront of the conversation. As the Associate Director of Business Development at HiRO (Harvest Integrated Research Organization), Bre helps advance clinical research while making an impact through her nonprofit, Greater Than Me, and her work with the Philadelphia Eagles' PR department.

In this episode, Dr. Constanza Kurman Petrozzelli, Senior Manager of US Medical Myeloid at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), shared her inspiring career journey in life sciences. With over a decade of experience spanning contract research organizations (CROs) and pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Kurman Petrozzelli is a passionate advocate for patient diversity in clinical trials and advancing health equity.

A Career Inspired by Loss

Dr. Kurman Petrozzelli's path was shaped by a personal loss—her grandfather's death from multiple myeloma. During her final year of high school, this event sparked her interest in medicine and her lifelong dedication to improving patient outcomes. Though initially trained as a physician, she transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where she discovered new ways to impact patient care. Now, she focuses on myeloid diseases, addressing educational gaps in the medical community, and advocating for diversity in clinical trials.

Championing Diversity in Clinical Trials

One of Dr. Kurman Petrozzelli's key roles at BMS involves leading initiatives that boost the participation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials. Her work with the Organization for Latino Achievement (OLA) focuses on involving Latino investigators and patients in research. Workshops that bring investigators together have been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment and promoting diversity in trials. What started with Latino communities has expanded to include other minority groups, such as the Asian population, reflecting broader efforts within the industry.

"We are working towards treatments that represent the real population," Dr. Kurman Petrozzelli said, emphasizing the need to empower investigators and provide tools to engage diverse populations.

Global Perspectives on Clinical Research

Having started her career in Argentina before moving to the U.S., Dr. Kurman Petrozzelli offers a unique global perspective. In the podcast, she compared the resource constraints faced by professionals in Latin America with the more specialized roles and infrastructure available in the U.S.

Advocacy for Women in Science

Dr. Kurman Petrozzelli is a strong advocate for gender equity in science. She believes that women must be better represented both as patients and professionals in clinical trials. Ensuring diverse representation in research benefits everyone by developing treatments tailored to the entire population. Her advocacy also extends to supporting women in the workforce, emphasizing the importance of fostering environments where women feel valued and supported.

Dr. Constanza Kurman Petrozzelli's work at Bristol Myers Squibb exemplifies how passion, creativity, and advocacy can drive progress in the life sciences. Through her leadership in increasing diversity in clinical trials and her commitment to health equity, she is helping shape the future of medical research.

About Life Sciences - In Focus

Life Sciences - In Focus Podcast by Visatatec, a fascinating conversation with global life sciences experts. The show has multiple hosts and topics Follow Life Sciences - In Focus on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on YouTube and Apple podcasts. Life Sciences - In Focus is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about the podcast, please visit https://vistatec.com/life-sciences-division.

About Vistatec

We have been helping some of the world’s most iconic brands to optimize their global commercial potential since 1997. Vistatec is one of the world’s leading global content solutions providers. HQ in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Mountain View, California, USA. To learn more about Vistatec, please visit https://www.vistatec.com

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Magdalena Daccord, CEO of FH Europe Foundation, leads the organization in advocating for individuals with familial hyperlipidaemias (FH). Under her leadership, FH Europe drives patient support, health policy improvements, and collaborations with European institutions.

Transforming Patient Advocacy

Since joining FH Europe in 2019, Magdalena has expanded the network’s reach and solidified its presence in European public health. A key achievement is relocating FH Europe's legal base to the Netherlands, aligning with its EU project goals.

Raising Awareness for Inherited Lipid Conditions

Magdalena's vision for FH Europe is to improve awareness and care for inherited lipid conditions, which predispose individuals to high cholesterol and heart disease. Although these conditions affect over 4 billion people worldwide, awareness remains low. FH Europe is working to improve health literacy and encourage preventative care, shifting focus from reactive treatments to better health outcomes.

The Work of FH Europe

The FH Europe Foundation advocates for individuals with both common and rare forms of familial hyperlipidemia. Established in 2016 as a charitable organization, it has grown significantly and become a leading voice in European public health. Its move to the Netherlands reflects its ambition to engage in broader EU cardiovascular health projects.

Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration is key to FH Europe's mission. By partnering with patient groups, medical communities, and the life sciences sector, FH Europe ensures its initiatives are science-based and widely supported. The creation of advisory committees and an industry roundtable highlights its commitment to innovative partnerships.

Challenges in Advocacy

Magdalena acknowledges the challenges of running a non-profit in the public health space, from securing funding to navigating communication barriers. Despite these hurdles, her team is committed to adapting strategies that meet community needs.

Impactful Patient Stories

Magdalena shared stories of lives transformed by FH Europe’s advocacy, such as an eight-year-old boy in Lebanon fighting for access to care. Involving people with lived experiences as ambassadors personalizes their advocacy efforts and strengthens the community.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Initiatives

FH Europe’s future focuses on personalized prevention and precision medicine. Magdalena stresses the importance of robust governance, a clear mission, and securing appropriate projects and funding to ensure long-term impact.

Join the Cause

Magdalena encouraged listeners to get involved by checking cholesterol, sharing awareness, or volunteering. With FH Awareness Day on September 24, now is the perfect time to join the cause. FH Europe is also hosting a logo competition as part of its awareness campaign.

Conclusion

Magdalena's leadership is shaping FH Europe’s critical work in patient advocacy. Their continued efforts promise to make a lasting impact on those affected by inherited lipid conditions. Learn more about their initiatives at FH Europe Foundation.

About Life Sciences - In Focus

Life Sciences - In Focus Podcast by Visatatec, a fascinating conversation with global life sciences experts. The show has multiple hosts and topics Follow Life Sciences - In Focus on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on YouTube and Apple podcasts. Life Sciences - In Focus is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about the podcast, please visit https://vistatec.com/life-sciences-division.

About Vistatec

We have been helping some of the world’s most iconic brands to optimize their global commercial potential since 1997. Vistatec is one of the world’s leading global content solutions providers. HQ in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Mountain View, California, USA. To learn more about Vistatec, please visit https://www.vistatec.com

Social Media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/vistatec-life-sciences