An Interactive Workshop

Innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries is built on discovery. Often, we focus on the finished products and success stories, but every breakthrough is shaped by challenges along the way. From unexpected experimental results to unsuccessful clinical trials and shifts in funding priorities, setbacks are an inevitable part of developing new therapies. The ability to learn from these experiences, adapt, and move forward is a hallmark of successful scientists and leaders.

This interactive workshop will explore how scientists at pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations transform setbacks into opportunities for growth. Through real-world case studies, engaging presentations, and facilitated discussions, participants will examine the factors that contribute to project setbacks and distinguish productive failures from preventable ones. Participants will also learn practical approaches for conducting root-cause analyses, strengthening resilience, and making more informed decisions. The program concludes with a networking reception, providing attendees the opportunity to connect with industry and biotechnology professionals, expand their networks, and continue the conversations.

Why Attend?

Whether you are considering a career in industry, preparing to make a transition from academia, or just interested in learning more about scientific resilience, this workshop will help you develop a realistic understanding of how innovation works and why setbacks are often catalysts for future success. You will:

• Gain insider perspectives from pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals who have navigated project setbacks and related challenges.
• Learn how industry evaluates setbacks differently from academia and why “pivoting productively” is critical to advancing innovation.
• Explore real-world case studies that reveal how teams identify root causes, adapt strategies, and move promising ideas forward.
• Discover practical tools for analyzing setbacks, building resilience, and making informed decisions in fast-paced, high-risk research environments.
• Expand your professional network during a dedicated reception with industry scientists, leaders, and other attendees.

Leave with practical strategies, a new perspective on navigating challenges, and a stronger understanding of the skills and mindset that drive innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Speakers

Pam Hornby, PhD

Adjunct Professor of Physiology & Pharmacology

Drexel University College Medicine

Dr. Hornby’s career is dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic diseases originating in the gut.   Her research at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans helped advance the emerging field of brain-gut communication, which is now widely recognized.  This led to her joining Johnson & Johnson (currently J&J Innovative Medicine) where her team discovered and contributed to the characterization of a gut-restricted therapeutic small molecule. This was launched in 2016 as Viberzi® for the treatment of patients with diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Subsequently she led entrepreneurial research, such as exploring the feasibility of oral delivery for therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies. More recently, she identified key metabolites produced by gut bacteria that are altered in patients with obesity - reinforcing the role of gut and microbiome health in overall wellness.

While this research was deeply rewarding, she left R&D to start Giv- Gastrointestinal Vitality, which can help clients make positive changes using Lifestyle Medicine. Her sustained publication record of ~100 senior-authored publications and ASPET leadership demonstrate the breadth of her contributions to pharmacology. She serves on Industry Advisory Boards and contributes to the educational mission at Drexel University College of Medicine as Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology.

Julie Lade, PhD

Scientific Director

Amgen

Julie Lade is a Scientific Director at Amgen in Research and Development within the department of Pharmacokinetics, Drug Metabolism & Bioanalytical. Julie obtained her PhD in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with a key focus on anti-HIV drug metabolism and thereafter joined Amgen in 2016. Julie has extensive experience in drug discovery and development across an array of therapeutic modalities, such as small molecules, biologics, and oligonucleotides, for the treatment of cardiometabolic disorders and obesity indications.

Vrushank Bhatt, PhD

Senior Scientist

Bristol Myers Squibb Company

Vrushank Bhatt is a Senior Scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he has worked in research and development for over four years. His work focuses on advancing the understanding of cancer biology through rigorous preclinical and nonclinical research, supporting BMS's commitment to discovering and developing transformative therapies.

Vrushank earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers University in October 2021, where his doctoral research centered on lung cancer metabolism — an area of growing importance in identifying novel therapeutic targets and vulnerabilities in tumor biology.

Beyond his industry contributions, Vrushank is an active and dedicated member of the scientific community. He has been a member of ASPET for over a decade, and currently serves on:

• Industry Science Committee
• Program Committee
• ASPET Mentoring Network

His multi-faceted involvement with ASPET reflects a strong commitment not only to advancing pharmacological science, but also to mentoring the next generation of researchers and fostering meaningful connections between academia and industry.

Nancy Rawson, PhD

Executive Vice President

Monell Chemical Senses Center

Nancy Rawson is Executive Vice President of the Monell Center, a research institute focused on the chemical senses of taste, smell and interoception. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Massachusetts and a doctorate in biology from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow of the Philadelphia College of Physicians. Her career spans academia and industry, including a faculty position at the Monell Center studying the effects of age and disease on taste and smell, and leadership roles in the human and pet nutrition industries. 

Since 2016, Dr. Rawson has led business development at Monell, catalyzing partnerships to support the Center’s growth and success. She serves on the Board of the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences and is a founding advisory Board member for the Smell and Taste Association of North America, which advocates for those with taste and smell disorders.  Dr. Rawson has authored over 100 publications, holds multiple patents, has been interviewed by print, audio and video outlets and speaks internationally on topics related to taste, smell, and nutrition.