Behind the Headlines Episode 31: Optimism, Opportunity, Optimization of COGs & Organizational Streamlining

Behind the Headlines examines the ongoing trends, factors, and fashions that cause pharmaceutical news to happen. Panelists are a mix of consultants, venture capitalists, scientists, patient advocates, journalists, and editors. Each episode dissects the current headlines of the preceding weeks that are on everyone’s lips but seeks to highlight the more enduring lessons that hide behind these headlines.

In Episode 31, industry veteran Deborah Dunsire discusses the current state of medical innovation and the evolving landscape of drug development. Dunsire, a physician originally from Southern Africa, possesses over 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served as the CEO of several prominent firms, including Millennium and Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals, and currently lends her expertise to corporate boards at Blackstone Life Sciences and other public institutions.

Dunsire characterizes the present as a "golden era of the biological sciences," in which the industry has successfully transitioned from broad treatments to highly targeted therapies. She highlights the transformative nature of GLP-1s and the promise of future technologies like AI and quantum computing to streamline drug discovery. Reflecting on the core mission of her field, Dunsire explains, "Making science into medicine—that's really what the pharmaceutical industry does."

The conversation explores the balance between rapid scientific advancement and the growing skepticism of the general public. Dunsire emphasizes the importance of clear, fact-based communication to rebuild trust, particularly as life-saving technologies like mRNA and CAR-T therapies continue to evolve. Looking forward, she expresses optimism about the 2026 investment landscape and a more efficient regulatory framework under the FDA. Regarding future breakthroughs, she advocates for increased resources in neuroscience and chronic kidney disease, areas with significant unmet demographic needs.

Finally, Dunsire underscores the necessity of maintaining a robust talent pipeline by engaging young people in STEM from an early age. As she notes, "Without the people, those technologies don't come into being." This episode provides a comprehensive look at how leadership, investment, and scientific brilliance converge to shape the future of global health.