October 18, 2023 Networking Event Recap
The October GLSA networking event brought together 23 industry professionals for an open discussion focused on current market conditions and the ongoing slowdown in clinical research.
As always, the session began with introductions and an invitation for attendees to share their LinkedIn profiles to encourage continued connection after the event. Before turning to the main topic, participants exchanged industry news and conference updates, including plans to attend OCT New England and the CNS Summit.
What’s Driving the Industry Slowdown?
The primary discussion centered on what many attendees are experiencing firsthand: a noticeable slowdown across clinical research services. Several perspectives were shared, including reports from CROs seeing fewer RFPs, delayed study start-up activities, and prolonged hiring timelines. Job seekers and recruiters alike noted that open roles are moving slowly or remaining unfilled.
The group identified several contributing factors, with uncertainty being the common thread:
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Unintended consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act, including Medicare price negotiations
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The 2024 U.S. presidential election
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Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine–Russia and Israel–Hamas
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Inflation and recession concerns
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Tight capital markets impacting investment and project timelines
A prepared presentation, enhanced with live discussion, was shared with attendees and is available here: {insert PDF link}.
Breakout Discussions and Looking Ahead
Following the main discussion, attendees participated in multiple short breakout sessions to exchange perspectives in smaller groups. The event concluded with a preview of the upcoming November 15 session, which would focus on patient recruitment, led by iEnroll Digital.
Attendees
Joseph Cheng (PiVOT)
Lauren Merante (UNC Graduate)
Steve Sisson (MLM Central Labs)
Matt Stumm & Gabrielle DeBoer (Stark/Raving)
Sarah Ebner (Investigator Support Services)
Mike O’Gorman (Life Science Marketplace)
Sara Tylosky (Farmacon)
Violet Votin (Machaon Diagnostics)
Lakshmi Ethirajan (smaBio)
Maggie Phipps (SUNY Graduate)
Viljena Trask (Syneos Health)
Joan Chambers (Greater Gift)
Gideon Adjorgenu, PharmD (Fresenius Kabi)
Brian Langin (Consultant)
Eliana Rivera-Burke (GreenLight Clinical)
Ira Snyder (Consultant)
GLSA Team:
Megan Hoffman
Jeff Sedgley
Denise McNerney
Charity Dube
Timmina Williams
Chris Matheus
Event Reminders
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Events are open-house style—join when you can, leave when needed
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Presenters begin once a strong group has assembled
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Topics are educational, not sales-driven
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Sign up for event notifications: http://bit.ly/3UTb8hL
For a related recap, read the May event summary here:
https://globallifesciencesalliance.com/the-may-focm-glsa-networking-event/
About GLSA
Global Life Sciences Alliance (GLSA) connects biotechs, pharma, CROs, and clinical research sites with the right experts, advisors, and solutions to accelerate development and reduce risk. With a network of more than 200 trusted partners spanning pre-clinical and clinical research, GLSA offers flexible, cost-effective access to specialized expertise and services that support early-stage biotechs, mid-size pharma, and global pharmaceutical companies.
When you need trusted, global resources to accelerate your research, GLSA helps you scale smarter and move you forward with confidence.
To learn how GLSA can support your organization, connect with Denise McNerney or Chris Matheus for a conversation about your goals and challenges.