The April 2023 FOCM | GLSA Networking Event

Posted on September 9, 2023 by Chris Matheus - GLSA Networking Events

Philippines Clinical Trials Spotlight: April 19, 2023 GLSA Networking Event

Event Date: April 19, 2023

The Philippines clinical trials landscape was the focus of the April FOCM | GLSA Networking Event. The session opened with a warm welcome and an introduction of the featured presenter, Joseph Cheng of PiVOT, who immediately engaged attendees with a fun and interactive trivia questionnaire highlighting well-known Filipino figures.

Participants were asked to identify famous and notable individuals, including Manny Pacquiao, Lea Salonga, Erik Spoelstra, R’Bonney Gabriel, Dave Bautista, and Nicole Scherzinger. This interactive start set the tone for a deeper discussion on the Philippines as an emerging hub for clinical research.

Understanding the Philippines Clinical Trials Landscape

Following the trivia, Joseph shared key facts about the Philippines that are especially relevant to clinical research:

  • English is an official language

  • Driving laws mirror those of the United States

  • Approximately 4% of registered nurses in the U.S. are Filipino

  • Leading causes of non-communicable disease mortality include:

    • 38% cardiovascular

    • 18% cerebrovascular

    • 16% cancer

    • 12% diabetes

  • Population of approximately 113 million

  • About 1.5 million new births annually

  • Average population age of 25

These demographics highlight why the Philippines clinical trials environment continues to gain global attention.

Regulatory Advantages and PiVOT’s Clinical Trial Expertise

Joseph then outlined the country’s streamlined regulatory process. The Philippine FDA typically approves studies and product imports within 60 days, while ethics approvals are often completed within 45–90 days.

As the largest and leading CRO in the Philippines, PiVOT employs more than 100 professionals and has recruited over 40,000 patients across multiple therapeutic areas, including:

  • Cardiology

  • Pediatric vaccines

  • COVID-19 vaccines and interventions

  • Rheumatology

  • Gastroenterology

  • Pulmonology (Tuberculosis)

This capability positions PiVOT as a key player in advancing Philippines clinical trials for global sponsors.

Networking, Q&A, and Breakout Sessions

Joseph’s presentation concluded with an engaging Q&A session. Attendees then moved into small breakout groups for focused networking. These sessions were well received, allowing participants to exchange insights, learn from one another, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Meeting Guidelines and Ongoing Engagement

GLSA events follow a consistent format designed to encourage participation and flexibility:

  • Think of each session as an open house—join when you can and leave when needed

  • Presenters begin once a strong group has assembled, usually within 10–15 minutes

  • Presentations focus on clinical trial processes, not sales pitches

  • Attendees are encouraged to share LinkedIn profiles to support follow-up connections

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Attendees

  • Joseph Cheng, PiVOT (Presenter)

  • Stacey Richardson, FHI Clinical

  • Amy Lee, PharmD, Kaiser Permanente

  • Mike O’Gorman, Life Science Marketplace

  • Peter Payne, Consultant

  • Gabrielle DeBoer, Consultant

  • Michael Young, biomedwoRx

  • Andrew Mulchinski, Symbio Research

  • Rodmar Pulido, PiVOT

  • Susan Jalbert, Oracle

  • Amanda Pexa Weber, Merit CRO

  • Mike Minor, IMA Clinical Research

  • Carlos Martinez, America’s Health Foundation

  • Cherey Bigay, PiVOT

  • Ella Mae Ortegha, PiVOT

  • Kim Lupo, Portrett Pharmaceuticals

  • Mark Borndahl, Zymewire

  • Loretta Cipkus-Dubray, Global Clinical Connections

  • Arati Bhosale, Sieve Health

GLSA Attendees

  • Joe Buser

  • Chris Matheus

  • Denise McNerney

  • Hannah Lloyd

  • Timmina Williams

  • Charity Dube

  • Jordan Brown

  • Sally Haller

  • Ori Geshury

  • Liz Mirra

 

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.

 

A couple snapshots from the event are below:

April 2023 FOCM