From Hypothesis to Impact: Navigating the Repurposing Pathway

Rick Thompson

Rick co-leads REMEDi4ALL’s work on both training and patient engagement, as well as heading up the UK rare disease charity Beacon. Rick has almost ten years’ experience in the rare disease repurposing space, having worked to support the development of new funding mechanisms, delivered multiple conferences and training events, and supported a number of repurposing projects. Rick holds a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Cambridge.

Prof. Julian Sampson

Prof. Sampson is a retired clinical geneticist, having held positions as the Head of the Institute of Medical Genetics, and the Director of the Division of Cancer and Genetics at Cardiff University. He led the development of the multidisciplinary tuberous sclerosis service in Cardiff and was instrumental in the development of a repurposed drug for the condition, which is now widely available for patients in the UK and beyond.

Alicia Soler Cantón

Alicia is integral to the operational and scientific management of the REMEDi4ALL platform, with a particular focus on the delivery of its portfolio of repurposing projects. Alicia has worked alongside Don Lo to spearhead the development of the REMEDi4ALL Repurposing Concierge, as well as leading the work on the consortium’s first projects beyond the original project grant. With a PhD in Nanomedicine and synthetic biology alongside direct experience of drug development in industry, Alicia brings a broad range of expertise to the Bootcamp.

Rosan Kreeftmeijer-Vegter

Rosan has over a decade of expertise in clinical research and regulatory affairs, which she uses to support researchers through EATRIS in maximising the impact and patient benefits of translational research projects. She is involved in developing and implement training strategies at EATRIS, and created the REPURPOLIS board game to enhance the understanding of drug development and drug repurposing.

Currently, she is also a Collaborating Expert at the EMA, focusing on training development for academia in scientific advice and ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) development, having previously served as an Academia Liaison at the EMA.

Phil Gribbon

Phil is a work package leader within REMEDi4ALL’s scientific work packages, Director General of EU-OPENSCREEN and Head of Discovery Research at the Fraunhofer Institute. He has extensive experience in candidate identification and development, including time within the pharmaceutical industry. A big advocate for FAIR data, and the ensuring reproducibility and transparency of research results and data, he has helped to coordinate and develop the consortiums processes and procedures to drive effective collaborative repurposing methodologies. Phil provides a wealth of experience on the development of compounds that have a real chance to deliver meaningful patient impact by reaching market.

Eve Hewitt

Within her role at Beacon, Eve works to bring patient insights and knowledge to the active research projects across both REMEDi4ALL and the LifeArc’s new Rare Disease Translational Research Centres. She supports the development and delivery of REMEDi4ALL’s patient engagement operating procedures and acts as the first interaction point between the patient community and the consortium. With a background in clinical trial delivery at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, as well as patient and public involvement in research, Eve brings a wealth of practical experience to REMEDi4ALL’s training team.

Heleen van der Meer

As work package leader in the EU-funded project REMEDi4ALL Heleen is leading the creation of a global funders network and ‘think tank’ for repurposing. This aims to discuss policy issues, share best funding practices, co-ordinate (new) funding streams, promote joint calls and develop innovative co-funding models for drug repurposing, ultimately enhancing the repurposing ecosystem for researchers across Europe. Involved in the research funding process on a daily basis, and with a background in academic pharmacy, Heleen brings detailed knowledge of the repurposing ecosystem to the bootcamp.

Dan O’Connor

Dan was the Deputy Director of the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)’s Innovation Accelerator with special interests in rare diseases, early access, health innovation, drug repurposing and patient-reported outcomes and engagement. Dan is currently Director, Regulatory Policy & Early Access at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

Dan is a Leicester medical graduate with a background in cancer research, histopathology and oncology. His PhD in the field of tumour suppressor genes was awarded from Imperial College London and he holds an MSc in Oncology from the Institute of Cancer Research. He completed higher medical training in the UK in Pharmaceutical Medicine.