“I had people crying. Watching years of work collapse in a single interim analysis was devastating.”
In this episode, I talked with Dr. Bernhardt (Bernie) Zeiher, where he shares key lessons and personal insights from over 25 years in pharmaceutical drug development. Bernie discusses pivotal career moments, including the emotional impact of halting a promising Phase III trial for ARDS, as well as successes such as achieving six drug approvals at Astellas. He emphasizes the critical role of data-driven decision-making, thoughtful hiring, and proactive leadership in managing clinical programs.
Bernie also provides candid reflections on common organizational challenges, particularly the damaging effects of poorly executed reorganizations and layoffs. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the importance of fostering a strong, cohesive team culture, and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation in pharma leadership.
Here’s What You’re In For
- Managing the emotional and practical fallout from major clinical trial setbacks.
- How data shapes tough go/no-go decisions in drug development.
- Behind-the-scenes factors contributing to Astellas' record of six successful drug approvals.
- Understanding and avoiding common mistakes during organizational restructuring.
- Effective strategies for retaining top talent through times of uncertainty.
- Deciding the right moment to transition from part-time consultants to dedicated in-house expertise.
- Bernie’s approach to identifying genuine culture fit in hiring processes.
- Preparing for the inevitable scenario of losing key team members and mitigating its impact.
- The role passion plays in rebuilding and energizing a quality-focused team.
Timestamps
01:10 Career beginnings and transition from pulmonology to pharma
03:35 Emotional setbacks from clinical trial failures
09:00 Factors behind Astellas' multiple drug approvals
12:20 Common pitfalls organizations face during restructuring and reorganizations
16:10 Timing the shift from consultants to dedicated internal clinical leadership
19:40 How Bernie assesses culture fit and hiring red flags
26:00 Quick insights and personal reflections
About Bernie
- Dr. Bernhardt Zeiher is a Member of the board of directors for Entrada Therapeutics, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, and Abeona Therapeutics.
- Dr. Zeiher is a physician specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine with over 25 years of experience in drug development.
- He played a key role in securing approval for CRESEMBA (isavuconazole) for invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis.
- As Head of Development and later Chief Medical Officer at Astellas, led the organization through one of its most productive periods, overseeing six late-phase development products.
Connect with Bernie:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernhardtzeiher/
- Entrada Therapeutics: https://www.entradatx.com/
- Amylyx Pharmaceuticals: https://www.amylyx.com/
- Abeona Therapeutics: https://www.abeonatherapeutics.com/
Full episode here:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4w1LAH4z34BKeU4ZsopfiR?si=40d8a45598f341c5
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bernhardt-zeiher-m-d-member-of-the-board-of/id1736051162?i=1000715226141
About me
My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea),
and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.
In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.
Connect with me:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/
- Website: https://www.discera-search.com/
Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.
