Orphan drug development is a rapidly growing area addressing an urgent unmet need for patients with rare diseases. Yet despite significant progress, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies still face many inherent development challenges. From accurate patient diagnosis, to translational research studies, and finally to the clinic, there are many opportunities to explore novel approaches to overcome hurdles in each phase.
One approach is through the appropriate applications of genomics in the establishment of genotype-phenotype relationships, understanding the natural history of the disease, and selecting the appropriate therapeutic approach for drug development.
Join our webinar as we discuss the role of various genomic approaches and applications that can be integrated to accelerate progress in complex rare disease studies across the world. You’ll also hear more about the specific developments in the rare disease space and examples of case studies that highlight various genomic approaches.
Steven Anderson, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Anderson provides scientific direction for new technologies and applications such as biomarker development, genomics and companion diagnostics. He also manages strategies for genomics, oncology and anatomic pathology, serving as a key global contact for clients and Covance scientific teams. Dr. Anderson brings 25 years of experience to laboratory research and drug development.
Corey Braastad, PhD
Vice President and General Manager, Genomics
Dr. Braastad leads the scientific, operational and strategic direction of the global genomics organization at Covance to help clients develop new treatments, biomarkers and companion diagnostics, and to speed their market entry. As site lead for the Covance Genomics Laboratory, he provides consultation to clients on genomic research studies, assay design for retrospective and prospective studies, platform options, data analysis and results interpretation across all areas of genomics and disease states. Targets include DNA, RNA expression analysis and miRNA from a vast range of sample types. Dr. Braastad brings more than 20 years of experience leading the development, launch and operational management of genetic diagnostic products and services.
Franny Jewett
General Manager, Impact Genetics
As General Manager of Impact Genetics, one of LabCorp’s specialized molecular genetics laboratories, Franny provides leadership in targeting and developing new tests to optimize technology and services. She has spent the last 15 years building businesses and improving services in healthcare organizations. Franny is passionate about service excellence and transforming leading scientific knowledge into practical, high quality healthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a professional engineer.
- Understand the growing role of genomic technologies in the characterization of rare diseases
- Discover how to advance rare disease understanding with genomic solutions and translational biomarkers
- Learn more about specific advances in the rare disease and orphan drug space
- Head of Rare Disease Drug Development
- Head of Orphan Drug Development
- Director of Rare Disease & Orphan Drug Development
- Rare Disease Research
- Study Director
- Research Procurement
