Nancy Dreyer is Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chief Scientific Advisor to Picnic Health, and a Trustee of Brandeis University. Prior to her switch from full-time employment to consultancy, she served as Chief Scientific Officer at IQVIA Real World Solutions, Global Chief of Scientific Affairs at Outcome Sciences Inc and Quintiles, and CEO of Epidemiology Resources Inc. She maintains an active career, teaching for the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE), participating in the ISPOR RWE leadership team, and publishing, and is a Fellow of both ISPE and the Drug Information Association.
One of her primary interests is advancing global use of real-world evidence by medical product regulators, clinicians and payers. Her current interests also include the role of patient-generated health data as well as data linkage and integration.
Kevin Provost is Managing Partner of Greenhouse Ventures, a portfolio of technology, education, and distribution businesses. Kevin also serves as CEO of MoreBetter Ltd., a software and data company providing contract research and data collection services for large cannabinoid, dietary supplement, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, as well as U.S. state Departments of Health and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since 2016, MoreBetter has established a research network of twelve universities (U.S., Israel, Australia) that study data collected by MoreBetter technologies, resulting in 15 published studies. For fun, Kevin is a wannabe musician-athlete, pickleball enthusiast, semi-pro foodie, and innovation nerd.
Rashmi Gurnani is the CEO of AKT Health Inc, where she spearheads strategic planning, business development, and oversees the company’s product and service portfolio. As a functional consultant, she plays a key role in Healthcare IT projects, while also contributing to the company’s operational management and decision-making processes. With her passion for tech in life sciences and healthcare, she is also a speaks about it at various events
With over a decade of experience in Clinical Research business analysis and client account management within the life sciences IT industry, Rashmi has a broad range of expertise working with pharmaceutical and healthcare clients. She has led numerous pharmaceutical and clinical research software projects, handled pre-sales, business development, and marketing. Rashmi is also a forerunner in the space of AI in Clinical Research and life sciences and is working towards promoting DCTs and RWE studies
Michael Sicilia is an RWE Data Scientist at Forian Inc where he designs and conducts Real World Evidence studies. Prior to joining Forian in June 2024, Michael was at EVERSANA where he implemented complex outcome, economic, burden of illness, and machine learning analyses on Rare Disease patient populations. In total he has over 5 years of experience in the Real World Data/Evidence space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
Reese Sy, Ph.D. is a Director within the Global Medical Epidemiology team at Pfizer. Reese has over a decade of experience in epidemiology and has expertise leading observational research to inform benefit-risk profiles and demonstrate effectiveness of therapies, such as long-term follow-up studies for gene therapy products, comparative effectiveness research, and risk contextualization studies. Methodological topics of interest include causal inference, mathematical modelling, genomic epidemiology, and artificial intelligence to inform drug safety. Reese holds an MS in Epidemiology from Columbia University and a PhD in Epidemiology from Boston University School of Public Health.
Jyotsna is passionate about solving real-world problems in healthcare, and strives to enable data-driven decision-making using complex and diverse data sources. She is currently the Head of Real World Evidence (RWE) Statistics at Teva Pharmaceuticals.
With over 14 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry across drug discovery, translational medicine and drug development, and an interdisciplinary educational background in Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Computer Science and Computational Biology, Jyotsna thrives in a cross-functional collaborative environment. She has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Penn State University, M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from SUNY at Buffalo, and an M.Stat. in Applied Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute. Over her career, Jyotsna’s research has included building novel statistical and data mining methodologies and software tools for functional genomics and biomarker identification, various applications across drug discovery, randomization for animal studies, nonclinical data standards, and use of RWE across the drug development continuum.
Proven Leader, Collaborator and Top Performer in Healthcare and Life Sciences Business Development, Strategy, Marketing and Sales. Diverse experiences achieving aggressive growth goals for Pharmaceutical and Biotech companies as well as Academic Medical Centers and Community Health Systems across Oncology, Cardiology, Infectious and Rare Diseases. Consistent record of effective Data Analysis, Strategy Development and Promotion Execution. Results-Oriented Team Leader and Influencer with an Innovative and Collaborative Mindset.
Conor Wyand currently is the Senior Director of Life Science Solutions at Truveta where he leads a team responsible for engaging with potential new Life Science customers. Prior to joining Truveta in 2021, Conor spent six years in various leadership positions at Optum Life Sciences, working with Pharmaceutical and Medical Device manufacturers across the value chain to generate Real World Evidence for therapeutics and devices. Conor graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics.
Anita Burrell is a dynamic, passionate and infectiously enthusiastic consultant focused on improving patient outcomes through pharmaceutical innovation. She is also an adjunct assistant professor at Rutgers University and a regular speaker on health economics, market access and mHealth.
Anita has 23 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in a wide variety of roles. She has been responsible for strategic commercial execution on the Sanofi diabetes portfolio, led Aubagio, the oral MS therapy through submission and approval in over 30 markets worldwide and been responsible for global pricing, reimbursement support and market access for launch products throughout her career.
Anita joined the pharmaceutical industry as a pioneer in the field of Health Economics for Burroughs Wellcome. After increasingly senior roles within the UK, she moved to New Jersey in 2001 where she has made her home apart from a sojourn for Sanofi to spend 4 years in Paris, France.
Anita holds a BA (Hons) in Economics from the University of Stirling, an M.A. in Economics from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada, and a Masters in Business Administration from Kingston University, Surrey UK.
In her spare time she is a Director at Large for the Mid Atlantic chapter of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, likes to read a wide variety of literature, ride horses and experience different cultures through travel.
Lou Brooks leads a team of individuals responsible for the development and deployment of health care data solutions that enable organizations to fuel their real-world evidence generation activities to support the development and commercialization of health care products and services. Over the past 25 years, he has led a variety of real-world data analytics teams, all focused on developing a better understanding of customer behavior across several industries, including telecommunications, pharmaceutical products and consumer packaged goods. Lou has worked in the pharmaceutical industry since 1997. During his tenure at Optum, Lou has been focused on continuing to drive real-world-based data analytics projects using primarily claims and EMR data sources, as well as developing technology solutions that enable analytics to be packaged and executed in a more efficient and effective manner by a range of users. Lou has experience across a wide variety of therapeutic categories, including autoimmune disorders, diabetes, respiratory, CNS, oncology and cardiovascular conditions.
Eric leads a diverse team of clinicians, analysts and data scientists, serving as frontline support for life sciences organizations employing Optum real world-data assets. Eric‘s entire professional career has been in health care, starting in clinical practice as an Osteopath in Australia, followed by a 15-year run with the Advisory Board Company, where he led a variety of research and analytic functions in support of care delivery at virtually every level of the health care system: major IDNs, community hospitals and independent group practices.
A serial entrepreneur, Dr. Mishra is also a co-founder of Precision BioPharma Inc. and Agility Pharmaceuticals. He also served as a founding investor/ advisor to Barcelona Ventures, is part of a few angel groups, and is an advisor to a few venture capital and private equity firms, including Legacy Health Capital, Elysium Ventures, and Global Health Impact Network and Funds. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Health Hub. He is an advisor to UCSF’s Catalyst Program, Innovation Ventures, and InVent Fund.
Dr. Ravi Iyer is a seasoned Health Economics and Outcomes Research professional with over 20 years of experience. He excels in developing robust scientific evidence that enhances market access and reimbursement for therapies throughout all product lifecycle phases. With extensive expertise in global product launches, Ravi possesses deep insights into the evolving regulatory and market access trends in the US and worldwide.
He has spearheaded numerous outcomes research projects, achieved optimal reimbursement, and has a substantial body of work published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at major scientific congresses. Ravi’s in-depth understanding of Real-World Evidence (RWE) and insights support internal stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring strategic alignment and successful outcomes.
Currently, Dr. Iyer heads the Real-World Evidence function at Teva Pharmaceuticals. There, he leverages his expertise in data and technology to drive value for internal and external stakeholders. He orchestrates data-backed and technology-driven engagement to enhance medical decision-making for physicians, payers, and patients. His leadership ensures that RWE is effectively utilized to maximize its impact, fostering innovation and improving healthcare outcomes.
At Alexion Pharmaceuticals, leadership in HEOR Neurology has been my focus, where I've steered evidence and strategic input for new and existing therapies. My team's dedication to health economics has enabled us to pioneer initiatives that address health equity challenges, particularly for underrepresented communities in rare disease treatment. Among our achievements are developing innovative diversity measures and tackling diagnostic and treatment barriers for people of color.
With a strong foundation in market access strategies from my previous role at EMD Serono, I've successfully shaped the launch and pipeline access for neurology products. The skills honed there, including communication and life sciences acumen, have proven integral to my current responsibilities. My approach is patient-centric, ensuring that the voices of those we serve are embedded in our research and outcomes, which not only advances the science but also aligns with our organizational values and mission.
Elizabeth Wu is a director of Health Economic Modeling & Real-World Evidence at Real Chemistry. She has extensive experience generating value evidence via health economic models and database analyses for novel therapies across multiple disease areas including oncology. Her strengths include liaising with cross-functional teams to develop economic analyses, explaining complicated HEOR studies in straightforward language to communicate with multiple stakeholders, communicating product value via publication support and conference attendance, and managing multiple projects to ensure timely submissions of high-quality deliverables within budget. Prior to joining Real Chemistry, Elizabeth was a senior research scientist at Precision Health Economics (PRECISIONheor). Elizabeth earned her MPH with a concentration in Biostatistics from Boston University and her BD in Human Biology and Economics from the University of Toronto. She is pursuing her PhD in Health Economics at the University of Toronto.
As an entrepreneur, researcher, consultant, and innovator, Jeff Trotter has been a pioneer in the evolving health economics and outcomes research community and is an industry leader in the design and implementation of patient registries, observational studies, and other RWE (real-world evidence) initiatives. Having founded, led, and sold two companies in the pharma services space and served as an executive with several global CROs, Jeff currently supports the scientific and strategic RWE initiatives of life-sciences and related organizations through his independent consultancy, J Trotter Research & Consulting.
Over a decade of experience in the sciences including epidemiology, data science, statistical programming, pharmacovigilance and drug safety, medical device research, infectious disease surveillance, immunology laboratory research, as well as direct patient care. Epidemiology experience in academia (University of Utah, University of Pittsburgh), county health department, multiple start-up companies, pharma/biotechnology companies (Amgen, Sanofi, Regeneron), medical devices (Johnson & Johnson), and consulting. Spent many years working and studying in Europe (Bamberg, Halle, Leipzig, and Munich). Member of the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE).
Naisargi is a data science researcher specializing in real-world evidence generation and outcomes research, with a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Currently, she is a Data Science Real-World Evidence Intern at Johnson & Johnson, where she conducts meta-analyses, systematic literature reviews, and evaluate clinical and patient-reported outcomes to inform data-driven healthcare decisions. With expertise in oncology, cardiovascular, and neuroscience research, Naisargi is committed to advancing evidence-based practices to enhance health outcomes.
Aditya Tallapragada is the CEO and Co-Founder of AKT Health Inc., a healthcare technology company focused on innovative solutions in the Lifescience space. With a strong background in engineering and business and about 20 years of being in the field, Aditya leads AKT Health in developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient care and healthcare efficiency. Under his leadership, the company has grown to address critical healthcare challenges through data-driven approaches, aiming to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery from its offices in US, Japan, India and MENA.
Pete Pancione is the VP of Life Sciences at Prognos Health, bringing over 20 years of experience to the role. He began his career at Accenture, followed by impactful tenures at IMS Health, IQVIA, and Lumanity. Pete's expertise lies in harnessing insights from laboratory and other data sources to address the complex challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in both commercial and RWE domains. He's passionate about supporting commercial strategy by leveraging data-driven insights. Pete resides in Nashville, TN with his wife and children.
Ramaa Nathan, VP of Data Science and RWE at EVERSANA®, is a data scientist and statistician with extensive programming, statistical and data analysis skills. She holds a PhD in computer and information science from the University of Pennsylvania and an MS in applied statistics from Penn State. She is a data enthusiast and has many years of experience working with different types of data, including healthcare and non-healthcare data. Ramaa has served in several roles in the financial and health care industries as a researcher, software developer, data analyst, project manager, client engagement specialist and data scientist.
With nearly 25 years in HEOR, RWE and market access across biopharma, consulting and CROs, Mr. Makin brings unique expertise in integrating rigorous scientific methodology with business rationale to develop, demonstrate & disseminate product value and effectiveness. Mr. Makin currently leads the RWE & Epidemiology team at Boehringer Ingelheim US, planning and executing holistic evidence generation for the entirety of its portfolio. Previously, he served in a dual role at Biogen, serving as both the Global Head of the HEOR, RWE & HTA team across the entirety of Biogen’s portfolio of pipeline and marketed products; and the Global Head of Value & Access for Biogen’s pipeline franchise. Mr. Makin pioneered the Integrated Evidence Generation Process for Biogen, turning multiple siloed workstreams into a unified, efficient, enterprise-wide process for the planning, execution and quality control of evidence generation across the organization. Before joining Biogen, Mr. Makin served as the General Manager/Vice President for ICON plc’s RWE & Late Phase Research unit, the world’s second-largest research group dedicated to prospective data collection; and led the team – comprised of several hundred medical affairs professionals, RWE scientists, biostatisticians, program managers and data management professionals based in >40 countries – to the 2018 Late-Phase CRO Leadership Award. Previously, he held leadership positions in major drug commercialization companies such as IQVIA and Optum; and earlier in his career worked at the large US payers Elevance Health and Humana, where he led RWE initiatives, economic evaluations and health outcomes research studies.
Mr. Makin has served as Principal Investigator on hundreds of retrospective database analyses, large global registries, economic models, PRO studies, patient/physician surveys, ITC/NMAs, SLRs and GVDs across every major therapeutic area; in addition to leading >25 value development plans and has published on health policy – resulting in >75 peer-reviewed manuscripts & scientific presentations, in addition to several invited speeches at HEOR and RWE conferences each year.
Mr. Makin holds a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Pune, an MS in Pharmacy Administration (major in outcomes research) from Purdue University, as well as an MBA (Marketing), summa cum laude, and a Master of Management, summa cum laude, both from Goldey-Beacom College. He also completed a Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes research Fellowship from Humana.
As a Senior Principal of Applied Research in PINC AI™ Applied Sciences, Dr. Cao has over 20 years of experience in health care service and outcomes research. Dr. Cao co-leads the Applied Research team consisting of research scientists, data analysts and biostatisticians. She has extensive experience in observational cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, cohort studies, and comprehensive studies involving retrospective and prospective research. Dr. Cao has consulted with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, as well as government agencies, covering clinical areas such as infectious diseases, maternal health, oncology, cardiovascular disease, pain management, critical care, surgeries, neurodegenerative diseases, and mental health. Dr. Cao has presented her research at national and international conferences and published scientific articles in peer-reviewed economics, medical, and health policy journals. Dr. Cao received a master’s degree in political economy and a doctorate degree in economics with focuses on health economics and applied econometrics from Boston University.
David A. Hall, MHA, MA, MIS/IT, PMP, is the Managing Director of AKT Health Inc., where he spearheads strategy, planning, and business development for the US market. With 30 years of experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, investments, and emerging technologies, David holds degrees from Harvard University, Indiana University Medical Center’s Healthcare Administration Program, and a Master’s in Information Systems/Information Technology. He has held management positions at Fortune 100 companies and co-founded 10 startups, achieving two successful exits. A recognized digital influencer, futurist, and sought-after speaker, David continues to shape the future of healthcare and technology.
