CPHI Podcast Series: Fulfilling an unmet need for rare disease patients

Our April episode from the CPHI Podcast Series is looking into rare diseases, and more specifically how pharmaceutical companies can better support this smaller population of rare disease patients.

For over a decade, Dea Belazi has led the development and management of AscellaHealth, a global Healthcare & Specialty Pharmacy (SP) solutions organisation comprised of more than 200 employees and serving patients, life sciences manufacturers, payers and providers worldwide with innovative, customised solutions to enhance medication access and optimise patient outcomes of those with specialty conditions or rare diseases.

Based upon his experience as a successful business executive and industry visionary, as well as clinical training as a Registered Pharmacist, Belazi architects AscellaHealth’s comprehensive portfolio of uniquely tailored, tech-enabled services to support all industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers launching complex specialty or rare disease products, ensuring successful product commercialisation and improved clinical outcomes. Bringing a keen sensitivity to helping patients, coupled with a deep understanding of the complex specialty pharmacy industry, Belazi transitioned AscellaHealth from a US$1 million revenue Pharmacy Benefit Administrator to a worldwide SP solutions leader with a staggering 4-year revenue growth of 1556% achieved through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, as well as expansions into Ireland and the United Kingdom. 

In this episode Dea described how he is passionate about helping people who are often overlooked in the patient population, and that this is a key driver behind AscellaHealth's mission. He discusses the logistics companies have to consider to develop in this field, from R&D to distributing the medication to patients, and the time and trials in between. 

He also touches on aspects that will be shaping the future of rare disease R&D, such as the use of AI and machine learning models, and from looking deeper into cell and gene thereapy, concentrating on the large databases to see what solutions can be developed. Dea was optimistic about the future of the field, stating that he was looking forward to finding more solutions that are curative, not just helping people manage their conditions. 

Listen to the full episode here.