Editor's Note

Welcome to the fifth issue of Xtalks Clinical Edge — where innovation meets expertise!

As the life sciences industry continues to embrace complexity and innovation, this issue reaffirms our commitment to spotlighting next-generation clinical research.

From gene therapy and radiopharmaceuticals to digital trial tools and science-led approaches in rare and chronic diseases, we showcase the leaders and ideas reshaping how trials are designed, conducted and delivered.

This edition features in-depth conversations with innovators across the clinical development spectrum. Dr. Norman Putzki of Novartis shares how the company is advancing gene therapies for rare neurological diseases, while Dr. Marc Hedrick of Plus Therapeutics highlights the promise of precision radiotherapeutics for hard-to-treat CNS cancers. Dr. Shaharyar Khan of Rivus Pharmaceuticals explores a novel metabolic science platform to tackle obesity and MASH.

We also hear from Dr. Edwin Tucker at Jasper Therapeutics on the integration of translational models and digital tools to rethink clinical trial design, and from Amgen’s Dr. Sumita Bhatta on the unique challenges of developing treatments for rare diseases.

Innovation in oncology is another strong theme in this issue, with perspectives from RadioMedix’s Dr. Ebrahim Delpassand on the growing role of radiopharmaceuticals, and Diakonos Oncology’s Jay Hartenbach on dendritic cell therapy as a targeted approach to solid tumors.

In parallel, we explore the evolving interface of science and empathy. Dr. Laura Williams of Ardelyx outlines a vision for embedding equity and empathy in drug development, while Jennifer Goldsack of the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) challenges stakeholders to think beyond digital tools and toward truly patient-centered digital trials.

Additional interviews feature insights from Rocket Pharma’s Carlos Martin on commercialization for gene therapies, Vera Therapeutics’ Dr. Marshall Fordyce on redefining treatment for autoimmune kidney disease and AstraZeneca’s Andrew Menzies-Gow on what’s needed to move asthma management into the future.

At Xtalks Clinical Edge, our goal is to connect the dots between innovation, strategy and patient impact — and to bring you the voices that are shaping what’s next in clinical research.

We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to our next issue in October 2025.