S12 E01: The 2026 pharma forecast: Unknowns and personal goals
EMJ GOLD: Pharma news, views and analysis
Release Date: 02/19/2026
EMJ GOLD: Pharma news, views and analysis
In the final episode of this series, Leslie Cho focuses on prevention. From lifestyle interventions and pregnancy-related risk to menopause, brain health, and cholesterol management, she shares practical strategies clinicians can use today to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes for women.
info_outlineEMJ GOLD: Pharma news, views and analysis
Why does cardiovascular data so often fail women? In Part 2, Leslie Cho unpacks how trial design, symptom bias, and underdiagnosis of microvascular disease distort care for women, and what the evidence actually tells us about diagnosis, imaging, and treatment.
info_outlineEMJ GOLD: Pharma news, views and analysis
In Part 2 of the 2026 pharma forecast, the guests discuss the biggest unknowns for the year ahead and share a personal goal they’re working towards in 2026. Speaker bios Vice President and Head of Global Scientific Communications, GSK Dheepa leads strategy and execution across oncology, vaccines, specialty care and general medicine, driving innovation in how scientific narratives are delivered. Senior Vice President of European Markets, BMS Emma oversees Bristol Myers Squibb’s operations across 19 countries of Europe, bringing extensive global leadership experience spanning Europe, Asia,...
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As 2026 gets underway, healthcare and life sciences face a year of both promise and pressure, with investment, innovation and equity all in sharp focus. In Part 1 of this year’s pharma forecast, four leaders explore where real opportunity lies, from health investment to personalisation and women’s health, alongside the key threats that could slow progress. Speaker bios Vice President and Head of Global Scientific Communications, GSK Dheepa leads strategy and execution across oncology, vaccines, specialty care and general medicine, driving innovation in how scientific narratives are...
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This week, Isabel brings together three expert voices for an end-of-year round-up, reflecting on the moments that shaped healthcare and life sciences in 2025. Joined by Jonathan Sackier, Chairman, Medical Advisory Board, EMJ, Hanna Svanbäck, Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly, and omnichannel expert Yacin Marzouki, the conversation looks back on a year defined by both disruption and progress. Across the episode, the contributors share their perspectives on the biggest setbacks and standout successes of the past 12 months, from regulatory uncertainty and access challenges to...
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In Part 3, Carol Pitcher-Towner, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, explores how the pharmaceutical industry can become part of the solution. She highlights why leadership diversity matters, how trial design still excludes too many women and why embedding sex- and gender-aware science from day one could accelerate fairer, more effective care for everyone. Speaker bio Carol Pitcher-Towner is Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programs at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Since joining the company in 2014 as one of its first European regulatory leaders, she has gone on to oversee patient...
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In Part 2, Carol Pitcher-Towner, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, breaks down the systemic forces driving inequity, from diagnostic bias to the lack of women in key specialties like cardiology, and explains how historical clinical trial exclusion continues to skew the science. Discover why representation isn't just a workforce issue: it’s a scientific necessity, and the first barrier we must dismantle to ensure better care for everyone. Speaker bio Carol Pitcher-Towner is Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programs at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Since joining the company in 2014 as one...
info_outlineEMJ GOLD: Pharma news, views and analysis
This week, Isabel sits down with Carol Pitcher-Towner, Senior Vice President and Head of Development Programmes, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, to unpack the gender inequities that continue to tarnish modern healthcare. Together, they explore the realities behind unequal outcomes and the steps needed to build a more inclusive future for patients. In Part 1, Carol eveals the personal experiences that made gender inequity impossible to ignore and uncovers where today’s biggest gaps still exist. From disease areas where women are routinely misdiagnosed to the persistent blind spots shaping clinical...
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In Part 3, Hanna Svanbäck discusses the future of Alzheimer’s care over the next five to 10 years, how trial design could be improved and reveals her opinion on the most exciting healthcare innovation on the horizon. Speaker bio Hanna Svanbäck is the Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly, overseeing operations in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries. Hanna has over 15 years of experience at Lilly and is proud to lead the Neurosciences function given Lilly's long-standing commitment to advancing scientific innovation in this field. Hanna's passion for science and her dedication...
info_outlineEMJ GOLD: Pharma news, views and analysis
In Part 2, Hanna Svanbäck discusses the latest and most significant innovations in Alzheimer’s care. She also considers whether healthcare systems are prepared for the anticipated surge in cases, and shares some positive news about prevention. Speaker bio Hanna Svanbäck is the Executive Director for Neuroscience, Eli Lilly, overseeing operations in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries. Hanna has over 15 years of experience at Lilly and is proud to lead the Neurosciences function given Lilly’s long-standing commitment to advancing scientific innovation in this field. Hanna’s...
info_outlineIn Part 2 of the 2026 pharma forecast, the guests discuss the biggest unknowns for the year ahead and share a personal goal they’re working towards in 2026.
Speaker bios
Vice President and Head of Global Scientific Communications, GSK
Dheepa leads strategy and execution across oncology, vaccines, specialty care and general medicine, driving innovation in how scientific narratives are delivered.
Senior Vice President of European Markets, BMS
Emma oversees Bristol Myers Squibb’s operations across 19 countries of Europe, bringing extensive global leadership experience spanning Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Omnichannel expert
Within the pharmaceutical sector, Yacin specialises in shaping seamless customer journeys, driving content activation and aligning global strategies with local execution.
CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association
Mary leads a global organisation that advances representative leadership, strengthens the talent pipeline for healthcare and life sciences, and fuels business growth across the sector.