Join us for our panel discussion featuring pharmaceutical science experts from clinical development, market access, medical affairs, commercial, and regulatory sectors. We'll explore the unique challenges and strategic considerations of developing and bringing rare disease therapeutics to market. Through cross-functional perspectives and real-world examples, gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities in the rare disease landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders shaping the future of rare disease drug development.

This event can be attended in person or virtually.

Virtual Event Disclaimer: This event may be recorded. If so, there is a possibility your image and or voice may be a part of that recording. If you do not wish for your image to be included, please turn off your camera.

Program

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Networking/arrivals
6:30 p.m. – 6:40 p.m.  Opening remarks (begin virtual presentation)
6:40 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Panel
7:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.  Q&A
7:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Networking

Speaker Bios

Faith Eriks, Business Development Associate at Xentria

Faith Eriks is the Business Development Associate at Xentria, where she collaborates with the Medical Affairs and Strategic Portfolio Teams to expand early-stage clinical trial partnerships. She is responsible for shaping the company's branding and positioning, implementing digital and social strategies to enhance its industry presence. Dedicated to fostering collaborations, both within Chicago's life science ecosystem and on a global scale, Faith is committed to improving the lives of patients in need. Faith earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Purdue University. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women in STEM and advancing pediatric healthcare. As an active member of the Chicago Chapter of Women In Bio (WIB), Faith is excited to welcome new members and continue to grow the community. Her commitment extends to significant contributions in pediatric health through her leadership and mentorship roles with a nonprofit organization supporting Riley Hospital for Children.

Tom Matthews, Vice President, Clinical Development at Xentria

Tom has held various positions in clinical research in industry and academic settings. Prior joining Xentria, Tom served as a Senior Researcher at Olympus Corporation, focusing on interventional pulmonology solutions. His research career began at Northwestern University and Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, primarily focused on asthma and cystic fibrosis therapeutics. Previous to this, Tom practiced as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in adult and pediatric critical care settings at various hospitals in Chicago and Indianapolis. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care from Indiana University and a Master of Public Health, focused in epidemiology and healthcare management, from Benedictine University. His research interests are centered in pulmonology, inflammatory disorders, critical care medicine, and rare diseases. His professional interests are centered in building and supporting efficient clinical development programs to fulfill unmet needs for suffering patients.

Amit Pithadia, Director, CMC and Clinical Supply at Xentria

Amit Pithadia is the Director of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) and Clinical Supply. He is responsible for the development of global CMC regulatory strategy and provides guidance to cross-functional teams on CMC regulatory strategy and regional regulatory requirements. Additionally, he provides strategic direction for scale up and clinical supply management to successfully support early and late-stage clinical trials. Amit earned his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and his B.S. from Indiana University-Bloomington. After completing a post-doctoral fellowship at U of M, he transitioned to CMC medical and regulatory writing, where he worked at MMS Holdings before joining Xentria.

Noopur Singh, Vice President, Marketing & Patient Affairs at Xentria

Noopur Singh is the Vice President, Marketing & Patient Affairs, overseeing Xentria's advocacy efforts and fostering collaborative relationships with patient experts, key opinion leaders, and clinical investigators. Motivated to eliminate challenges to drug access, Noopur is focused on strategic patient-centered drug development that bridges scientific gaps and cuts through the red tape across the drug supply chain. Prior to joining Xentria, Noopur was the Research Director at the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research and played a key role in the development and execution of the organization's scientific research agenda. Before her time at FSR, Noopur was the clinical site manager at Synexus Clinical Research in Chicago, where she was responsible for the direction and execution of clinical trials. Prior to that, Noopur held various roles at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, where she managed over 25 industry-sponsored trials and was an active participant in the Therapeutics Development Network with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. With over 10 years of both lab and clinical research experience in genetic and autoimmune-related rare diseases, her research interests focus on patient-centered outcomes and integrating the patient journey into drug development. Noopur earned a BS in kinesiology from the University of Michigan.

Pricing Information (Ticket prices reflect in-person or virtual attendance.)

• Members: Free
• Non-Members*: $15

*Not a Member? Click here to learn about the benefits of a WIB Membership — access to our video library, mentorship groups, and more. 

Please read WIB's Code of Conduct, In-Person Event Waiver, and Refund Policy.

Note: The Zoom meeting link will be sent along with a confirmation email after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity (in-person)
100