SMi’s Exclusive Interview with Mark Albrecht just released

SMi Reports: An exclusive interview with Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) acting Chief Mark Albrecht has been released in the run-up to the 3rd annual Superbugs & Superdrugs USA Conference taking place in Iselin, New Jersey on November 12 - 13, 2018.

Mark provided us with some insightful content about his role in the field, his view on challenges within the field and his vision on the future of the development of novel anti-infectives. His presentation will focus on ‘Supporting Antibacterial Research and Development’, how BARDA partners with industry to stimulate innovation in AMR R&D and how CARB-X is refilling the preclinical AMR product pipeline.

He works closely with product sponsors to advance the development of their antibacterial candidates, towards consideration for regulatory approval for both public health and biodefense indications, coordinating efforts to advance the development of bio-defence medical countermeasures and ensure that Government agency portfolios are properly aligned.

By attending our 3rd annual Superbugs & Superdrugs USA event, not only would you benefit from the knowledge delivered through a range of thought-provoking presentations, by experts at the forefront of the field; but you would also receive the opportunity to interact with and exchange ideas with decision makers from all of the different facets of the industry – from research to commercial providers and regulatory bodies.

--SNAPSHOT OF INTERVIEW--

Q. What do you see as the greatest hurdle to developing novel and effective anti-infectives?

A. There are a variety of challenges affecting the antibacterial development industry including optimal pipeline composition to withstand attrition and the development of resistance, and clarity on the development/regulatory path for a single pathogen anti-infective; however, there has been far greater discussion regarding the lower commercial returns antibiotics generate compared to other therapeutic areas such as cancer or heart disease. Given that antibiotic development is financially challenging with an uncertain return on investment (ROI) it is clear that both push mechanisms (CARB-X, GARD-P, NIAID, Wellcome Trust, BARDA, etc.) and pull incentives are necessary. In particular, pull incentives will ensure companies have a predictable ROI for developing these drugs that society requires, but undervalues. Dozens of publications have described a variety of incentive structures, any of which would involve tradeoffs for all parties, including sponsors, non-profit organizations, and payers, therefore, there is work to be done to establish a consensus recommendation for policymakers.

Q. What do you hope to gain from this meeting?

A. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet all the attendees and speak with them about their products, challenges and the opportunities that CARB-X and BARDA offer.

At this year’s two-day conference, delegates will be able to hear from HHS/ASPR/BARDA and many more industry leaders, including Scynexis, Janssen, Octagon Therapeutics, Astellas and more.

- Download the full interview online -

2018 Conference Highlights:

* Gain Insight into Diagnostic Technologies being used in the field and the futuristic developments

* Learn about pathogen focused drug development

* Hear from the main regulatory bodies to advise on guidelines surrounding funding and development

* Explore new companies on developing novel approaches to circumvent antibacterial resistance

* Discover new approaches of anti-fungal development

* Case-study examples of rapid diagnostic methods currently being used in the field

* Network with key industry leaders and benefit from though provoking discussions

The conference’s last early bird saving of US$100 expires on September 28th and delegates are urged to book soon to join an unrivalled gathering of international expert speakers and industry professionals for 5+ hours of pure networking. Visit the website to download the full speaker interviews, see the agenda and keep up to date with the latest developments at www.superbugs-usa.com/pr7

SMi presents the 3^rd annual industry leading conference:

Superbugs & Superdrugs USA

Date: 12^th – 13^th November 2018

Location: Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin, New Jersey

Website: www.superbugs-usa.com/pr7

Contact Information:

For sponsorship bookings, contact Alia Malick Director on +44 (0)20 7827 6168 or email amalick@smi-online.co.uk

Book your place online at www.superbugs-usa.com/pr7

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About SMi Group

Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the world’s most forward-thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found at http://www.smi-online.co.uk