Episode Details

Kayla Ellsworth explores why nearly 90% of drug candidates fail and how New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are transforming drug development. She explains how technologies like AI, omics, advanced in vitro models, and microphysiological systems better replicate human biology, improving research while reducing reliance on animal testing. The conversation also highlights the importance of innovation, women in leadership, and emerging technologies such as brain-on-a-chip that are shaping the future of healthcare.

Chapters:
00:00 The Drug Development Crisis
09:08 Introducing New Approach Methodologies (NAMS)
17:53 Exploring NAMS: In Silico to Microphysiological Systems
25:19 Dynamic Microphysiological Systems
26:39 Evidence of Effectiveness in Drug Development
28:48 Speeding Up Drug Development Processes
30:42 Integrating New Approaches in Drug Development
32:17 The Future of Animal Testing
34:21 Women in Leadership and Industry
39:43 Role of Speccro in Drug Development
42:35 Innovations on the Horizon

Guest Information:

Guest's Name: Kayla Ellsworth
Guest's Title/Position: Scientific Operations Coordinator
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-ellsworth-18a2841a0/
Company / Affiliation: SPECCRO https://speccro.com/
Guest's Bio: Kayla Ellsworth is the Scientific Operations Coordinator  at SPECCRO, where she helps connect biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with innovative preclinical research solutions. Passionate about advancing human-relevant drug development, she works with industry leaders to promote emerging technologies such as organ-on-chip models, iPSCs, and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Through her work, Kayla helps foster collaborations that are shaping the future of safer, more predictive drug discovery.

Takeaways:

• The drug development process is failing with a 90% failure rate.
• NAMS offer innovative solutions to improve drug development.
• Animal testing is outdated and needs to be replaced.
• In silico methods use computational modeling for predictions.
• Omics provides a system-wide insight into biological responses.
• Spheroids and organoids are advanced models for research.
• Microphysiological systems are engineered for precise interactions.
• Networking and taking risks can lead to career opportunities.
• Effective communication is key in scientific discussions.
• The future of drug development lies in innovative methodologies. 
• Microphysiological systems mimic blood flow and bodily fluids.
• These systems are widely used in early drug development.
• They can save time and money in drug development processes.
• Not all questions require a microphysiological system.
• Speccro helps companies incorporate NAMS into their drug development.
• The goal is to reduce animal studies in drug development.
• Women supporting women in the industry is crucial for the future.
• The role at Speccro is dynamic and evolving.
• Brain on chip devices have immense potential for research.
• The opportunities for NAMS are truly endless.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners  https://bullzeyeglobal.com/