Shows
Trials with Maya ZThe Value of Early Access Programs With Naomi LitchfieldNaomi Litchfield’s passion for Early Access Programs (EAPs) stems from a personal experience - her sister’s life was saved by an early access drug after being diagnosed with four rare cancers. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Naomi is now the Global Patient Advocacy Lead at Bionical EmasIn this episode, Naomi and Maya discuss: • What Early Access Programs are and how they work • How EAPs provide hope and open doors for patients in need • The challenges and considerations involved in setting up an EAPEarly Access Resources:https://bionicalemas...
2025-04-2229 min
Innovating Clinical TrialsICT Ep29: Feasibility is Broken: Maya Zlatanova on Redesigning FeasibilityWelcome to Innovating Clinical Trials, the podcast where Liam and Ted explore the evolving landscape of clinical research and challenge the assumptions holding it back. In this episode, we sit down with Maya Zlatanova — CEO of TrialHub and FindMeCure, and host of Trials with Maya Z — for a no-nonsense look at one of the most misunderstood concepts in research: feasibility.Episode Overview:Maya takes us deep into the hidden layers of clinical trial feasibility, arguing that what most of the industry calls "feasibility" is really just site contracting in disguise. Instead, she introduces a broader, pati...
2025-04-1646 minTrials with Maya ZThe Power of Innovative Trial Designs with Philip RaethClinical trials are evolving, but are we innovating fast enough? In this episode Maya sits down with Philip Raeth from Palleos Healthcare to explore how new trial designs can challenge the status quo. From adaptive methodologies to efficiency-driven models, we discuss how rethinking trial structure can help us tackle industry-wide hurdles—not just in patient recruitment and retention, but in trial execution, costs, and outcomes. What does the future of clinical trials look like? Tune in as we brainstorm new possibilities.Follow Philip Raeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-raeth-51911114/Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.co...
2025-03-1831 minTrials with Maya ZHow to get from Sick Care to Health Care and Rethinking Pharma’s Role with Paul SimmsPaul Simms is the CEO of Impatient Health and a trailblazing voice in the life sciences industry. Paul is on a mission to push the boundaries of pharma. He works with innovators and early adopters to inject “mutation pressure” into the status quo, ensuring bold ideas and creative solutions make their way into the market. Drawing on his experience as a speaker, event organizer, and consultant, Paul discusses how pharma can evolve to truly align with patients’ needs. Together, with Maya they explore the intersection of innovation, behavioral science, and systemic transformation in healthcare.What You’ll Learn:
2025-01-3136 min
Not Just PatientsDesigning Patient-Aligned Clinical Trials┃Maya ZlatanovaJoin us for an insightful conversation with Maya Zlatanova, CEO and Co-founder of FindMeCure and TrialHub, as we discuss patient-aligned clinical trials that consider both scientific rigour and patient needs. Maya is a health-tech entrepreneur and pharma industry speaker with over 15 years of experience in feasibility, operations, and patient recruitment and engagement. Guided by her strong sense of empathy and love of storytelling, Maya champions patient-aligned trial design and is passionate about improving the way clinical research is conducted. This episode highlights the barriers patients face in accessing trials, the importance of awareness and education...
2025-01-2759 minTrials with Maya ZPatient Engagement and Standard of Care in Rare Disease Trials with Orit RindnerIn this episode of Trials with Maya Z, Maya and patient expert and advocate Orit Rindner discuss the intersection of patient needs and clinical trials, highlighting real-world challenges and insights from rare disease research:The impact of standard of care on patient willingness to join clinical trialsChallenges in rare disease trials and patient recruitmentThe importance of aligning clinical trials with patient realitiesFollow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Orit Rindner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oritrindner/
(00:00) - Chapter 1
(00:00) - Introduction to Clinical Research and Patient Advocacy
(02:28) - The Intersection of...
2024-12-1018 minTrials with Maya ZEndometriosis: Why Standard Care Isn't Cutting It - Exploring the Gaps with Estelle Jobson"Only 1-4% of global healthcare R&D funding is dedicated to female-specific conditions beyond cancer, despite women representing 51% of the population.” Meet Estelle Jobson - an EUPATI Fellow and a patient advocate living with endometriosis. In this episode, Maya and Estelle discuss the limitations of standard care for this chronic condition and call for research that addresses its diverse symptoms. Why Standard care for endometriosis fails to address patient needs?What is wrong with the current definition of endometriosis?What are the current treatment gaps?Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Estelle Job...
2024-11-2639 minTrials with Maya ZRWD Data and Trust in Clinical Trials: Ritesh Patel’s TakeJoin Maya Zlatanova and Ritesh Patel from Finn Partners as they dive into the evolving world of real-world data in clinical trials. Discover the challenges of integrating diverse patient data, the role of social determinants in trial outcomes, and how emerging technologies like AI and digital biomarkers are set to revolutionize the industry. Packed with insights on collaboration and innovation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about transforming healthcare through data-driven strategies.Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Ritesh Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riteshpatel/
2024-11-1930 minTrials with Maya ZThe patient journey in US vs EU and how involving patients early on can help with Ella BalasaElla Balasa has experience on both sides of the research spectrum - as a patient with cystic fibrosis and as a scientist examining antibiotic-resistant bacteria. She is on a mission to amplify patient voices in drug development. In this episode Ella and Maya discuss:Ella’s journey and advising experienceThe difference in the patient journey in US vs. EuropeThe often overlooked challenges in patient access to careFollow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Ella Balasa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-balasa/
2024-11-1426 minTrials with Maya ZReal-world data: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly with Jan Poleszczuk from CliniNoteMeet Jan Poleszczuk, a mathematician turned healthcare innovator and a CTO of CliniNote. In this episode Maya and Jan talk about:- The top 3 challenges hindering the quality of RWD- How CliniNote is helping doctors generate quality data while simplifying their workflow- The potential of RWD in clinical trials Tune in to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of Real-World Data and how innovators like Jan Poleszczuk are working to unlock its full potential to improve patient care and drive healthcare innovation.Follow Maya on LinkedIn: h...
2024-10-2922 minTrials with Maya ZUnderstanding the Patient Journey is Our Duty as Researchers: Esther Howard's Insights from Two Decades in Clinical ResearchMeet Esther Howard, Mental Health Advocate, Researcher and CEO of Bezyl. In this conversation, Esther shares her unique perspective on the importance of understanding patient journey, not just as a scientific necessity, but as a fundamental human duty for researchers. Esther explores the three critical prongs of patient journey: standard of care, the specifics of the patient's disease, and the often-overlooked aspects of their daily lives. She emphasizes the need for researchers to look beyond the protocol and embrace a more holistic view of patients' experiences, arguing that by embracing our human duty to understand and empathize with patients...
2024-10-2233 minTrials with Maya ZConnecting the Dots in The Patient Journey - The Importance Of Patient Trust with Heidi FloydMeet Heidi Floyd, a breast cancer survivor, patient advocate, and champion for transforming clinical trials through authentic patient engagement. In this powerful episode, Heidi shares her remarkable journey of navigating cancer treatment while pregnant.Heidi emphasizes the critical importance of building meaningful relationships between patients, healthcare providers, and clinical trial teams. She discusses the common reasons patients may choose to quit clinical trials and the need for greater understanding and support of patient circumstances.Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Heidi Floyd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-floyd-b89b179/
2024-10-1520 minTrials with Maya ZBuilding the Batman Belt: Leveraging Data and Standard of Care in Trials with Travis CaudillMeet Travis Caudill, Vice President of Feasibility and Clinical Informatics at ICON, a seasoned expert in the world of clinical trial optimization. Discover how Travis and his team are navigating the complexities of trial feasibility—using data to optimize site selection, understanding local patient journeys, and anticipating changes in the standard of care. Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Travis Caudill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feasibility/
(00:00) - Introduction and Background
(04:34) - The Access to Data and Tools for Analysis
(08:57) - The Focus on Optimizing Clinical Trials
(13:01) - T...
2024-10-0841 minTrials with Maya ZHow To Prevent Clinical Trial Nightmares With Ilknur LechthalerIlknur Lechthaler is an expert in clinical operations, research, and startup investments. Ilknur discusses how the industry's awareness of the significance of country-specific standard of care has evolved over the past decade. Together with Maya they dive into the practical aspects of country selection and the factors that influence decision-making, such as regulatory requirements, timelines, and budget constraints. Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Ilknur Lechthaler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilknur-lechthaler/
2024-10-0122 minTrials with Maya ZMapping the Patient Journey: Roadmap to Successful Trial Design with Todd GeorgieffMeet Todd Georgieff - a veteran in drug development and clinical operations with expertise in optimizing global trials. In this episode, Todd and Maya explore the critical aspects of protocol optimization and patient burden quantification. How does understanding local standard of care impact trial success? What are the ethical implications of providing treatments in different healthcare systems? Todd shares insights on these questions and more.Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Todd Georgieff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddgeorgieff/
(00:00) - Introduction and Background
(03:12) - Understanding the Local Patient Pathway and...
2024-09-2442 minTrials with Maya ZHow Access to Treatments Impacts Trials: From Protocol Development, to Country and Site Selection with Kasia HarrisMeet Kasia Harris - an expert in clinical trial feasibility and planning with experience in both CRO and Pharma. bringing valuable insights into the complexities of global healthcare systems. In this episode, Kasia and Maya delve into the critical role of understanding local standard of care in clinical trial success. They explore feasibility assessments, protocol, country, and site-specific considerations. Kasia highlights how standard of care impacts patient enrollment, country and site selection, and overall trial efficiency. This episode is a must listen for anyone involved in planning or conducting international clinical trials.Follow Maya Zlatanova: h...
2024-09-1732 minTrials with Maya ZViagra's Hard Lessons: Why Understanding the Patient Journey is Non-Negotiable with Annabel de Maria BoschMeet Annabel de Maria Bosch - the Chief Patient Officer at Alira Health with nearly three decades of experience in patient engagement across the pharmaceutical industry. In this insightful conversation, Annabel shares her unique perspective on the critical importance of understanding the patient journey and its impact on clinical trial success. Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Annabel de Maria Bosch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabeldemaria/Annabel shares some very curious studies in the episode:1)Stergiopoulos et al., Measuring the Impact of Patient E...
2024-09-1033 minTrials with Maya ZFrom Carer to Catalyst: Joy Milne's Journey to Revolutionize Parkinson's ResearchMeet Joy Milne, a remarkable woman whose unique sense of smell is revolutionizing the world of Parkinson's research. In this episode, Joy shares her personal story of love, loss, and unwavering determination to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson's, from her groundbreaking work with researchers at the University of Manchester to her advocacy for greater awareness of the challenges faced by women with the disease. Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Learn more about Joy Milne and her work:https://www.n...
2024-09-0530 minTrials with Maya ZThe true cost of patient acquisition and the ever-rising site burden with Ted TraffordMeet Ted Trafford - a seasoned clinical research expert with nearly three decades of experience and a passion for driving innovation in the industry. As the Director of Business Development at Probity Medical Research, Ted brings unique insights into the challenges faced by sites, sponsors, and patients in the clinical trial landscape.Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Ted Trafford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtrafford/Check out Ted's post mentioned in the episode: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tedtrafford_clinical-trial-marathon-activity-7221841156958011392-tb1e
2024-09-0328 minTrials with Maya ZFail-Proofing Clinical Trials: Lessons in Smart Planning with Angie SchwabMeet Angie Schwab - founder of EZ Research Solutions and a passionate expert in clinical research with a focus on improving trial startup processes. In this episode, Angie and Maya dive deep into the challenges and solutions in clinical trial design and execution. Angie shares her insights on the critical importance of thorough planning, understanding local standards of care, and involving all stakeholders - including patients - in study design. They explore how poor initial planning can set trials up for failure and discuss innovative solutions, including the role of automation and AI in streamlining processes and reducing errors...
2024-08-2633 minTrials with Maya ZSmall Patients, Big Challenges: Obstacles in Paediatric Rare Disease Research with Begonya NafriaMeet Begonya Nafria - Head of the Patient Engagement in Research Department at Hospital Sant Juan de Déu Children’s Hospital, championing the cause of paediatric clinical research. In this eye-opening episode, Begonya and Maya delve into the unique challenges of conducting clinical trials for children, especially those with rare diseases. Begonya highlights the startling fact that 95% of rare diseases have no approved treatment, emphasizing the urgent need for increased research investment and improved access to cross-border clinical trials for children and young patients in Europe . This conversation underscores the importance of meaningful patient engagement in designing better tria...
2024-08-2234 minTrials with Maya ZRethinking The Role of Standard of Care in Clinical Trials With Dan SferaDan Sfera really needs no introduction - founder of the Clinical Trials Guru he has been publishing content in the clinical research space since 2010. In this episode, Dan and Maya talk about the challenges of patient recruitment and retention, explore the importance of considering clinical trials as a care option, and the implications of not prioritizing the patient perspective in trial design.Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Dan Sfera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansfera
(00:00) - Introduction and Background
(02:17) - Understanding the Patient Journey
(06:01) - Motivations and Expectations...
2024-08-2028 minTrials with Maya ZHow the Patient Voice Can Help Shape The Perfect Trial Design with Robert JoyceMeet Robert Joyce - a patient advocate living with multiple chronic illnesses who has turned his experiences into a powerful voice for change in healthcare. In this episode, Robert and Maya explore the complex journey of living with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, asthma, sarcoidosis, and chronic pain. They discuss the critical importance of including patient voices in clinical trial design, the impact of local standard of care on treatment decisions, and the need for improved communication and transparency in healthcare. Robert's insights shed light on the real-world implications of reimbursement rules, access to treatment, and the diversity of patient...
2024-08-1530 minTrials with Maya ZThe Importance of Patient Engagement on the Outcomes of Clinical Trials with Dr. Lorna PenderMeet Dr. Lorna Pender - a passionate patient advocate and engagement expert dedicated to amplifying patient voices in healthcare. In this episode, Lorna and Maya explore the vital role of patient engagement in shaping the clinical trial landscape. Lorna highlights how early patient engagement can drive the success of clinical trials and stresses the importance of industry creating accessible, tailored programs that optimize the patient journey.Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Dr. Lorna Pender: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lorna-pender-14a458107/
(00:00) - Introduction to Lorna Pender and Patient Engagement
(02:28...
2024-08-1317 minTrials with Maya ZHow Germany’s Standard of Care Influences Clinical Trial Participation with Martin KraussMeet Martin Krauss - the CEO of FGK Clinical Research, an expert in clinical research with a mission to advance medical treatments and improve patient outcomes. One year after their last episode together, Martin and Maya meet again to talk about the current challenges and developments in the clinical research landscape. Why is there a decline in biotechnology investments globally and how is that affecting the dynamics of the market? What are the challenges in implementing the Clinical Trial Information System (CTIS) in Europe? How is the new Medical Research Act in Germany going to increase efficiency and benefit...
2024-08-0836 min
Trials with Maya ZWhat It’s Like to Build a Patient-Friendly Pharmacological Unit with Oren Cohen In this episode, Maya meets Dr. Oren Cohen, who brings more than 30 years of healthcare, research, and clinical development experience to his role, including several senior medical and operational leadership positions at a biotechnology company and another global CRO.Oren is President at Fortrea Inc which has patient-friendly clinical research units in US and the UK. A hot topic is the unit in Leeds. It’s state of the art as Oren himself describes it. Created with patients in mind, this center is a true example in the industry. Would it resolve the...
2024-08-0632 min
Trials with Maya ZStandard of Care or Clinical Trials: How Do Patients Choose Between Their Options? Conversation with Carole ScraftonMeet Carole Scrafton, a passionate patient advocate and founder of Flutters and Stutters, a patient organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses and rare diseases. In this episode, Carole and Maya explore how Standard of Care shapes the patient journey and experience throughout healthcare, going beyond just access to treatment. Follow Maya Zlatanova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayazlatanova/Follow Carole Scrafton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fibroflutters-655756108/Flutters & Stutters: https://www.facebook.com/FibroFlutters https://www.linkedin.com/company/flutters-and-strutters/posts/?feedView=all
(00:00) - Introduction and Importance of S...
2024-07-3126 min
Trials with Maya ZHow to Ensure Data Integrity and Security in Clinical Research with Daniel Schwarz In this episode, Maya meets Daniel Schwarz, a co-founder and CIO at the Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses Ltd., a spin-off from Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. With a robust background in biomedical engineering, neuroimaging, and clinical data management, Daniel's work focuses on leveraging advanced data management systems to support significant healthcare projects.Maya and discuss the following topics:(1:04) Get to know Daniel Schwarz(4:34) What’s the secret sauce to a modern EDC(6:58) Why companies shouldn’t underestimate data management(8:58) What are t...
2024-06-1922 min
Trials with Maya ZDecentralized Trials After the Hype with Moe Alsumidaie In this episode, Maya meets Moe Alsumidaie, who is the Chief Editor of The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Moe holds two decades of experience in the clinical trials industry. The Clinical Trial Vanguard is an online platform that provides comprehensive information, analysis, and news related to clinical trials. It caters to a wide audience, including researchers, healthcare professionals, investors, and industry enthusiasts, aiming to keep them informed about the latest developments in clinical trials. Maya and Moe delve into the world of clinical trials, discussing decentralized clinical trials, the...
2024-06-0537 min
Trials with Maya ZHow to Adopt a Beginner’s Mindset in Trials with Leen Kawas In this episode, Maya meets Dr. Leen Kawas. Dr. Kawas is creating a biotech-focused fund to support life science innovations, utilizing her background as an inventor, scientist, and entrepreneur. She first led and co-founded Athira, a company for late-stage clinical programs. She took it public in 2020, raising over $400 million. Notably, she was the first woman in 20 years in Washington State, and one of only 22 female founders in the US, to take a company public.Maya and Leen discuss the critical role of patient-centric clinical trial design and the importance of engaging with pa...
2024-05-2243 min
Trials with Maya ZThe Future of AI-Powered Trials with Stefan SchröderHow can we harness the power of AI to create more patient-centric clinical trials? Can technology and empathy coexist in healthcare? In this episode, Maya meets Stefan to explore the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical trials. Stefan and his team at Enroll With assist clients in using AI to improve various aspects of clinical trials, from site selection to creating content and virtual patient simulations that can eliminate the need for placebo patients. Although it may seem contradictory, they believe that technology can make healthcare more human-centered, ultimately helping people recover faster. ...
2024-05-0835 min
Trials with Maya ZThe Big Shift in Cancer Treatment with Gretchen KnollIn this episode, Maya meets Gretchen Knoll. She has over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical clinical development, now she focuses on enhancing care for severely ill patients and reducing healthcare costs through strategic collaborations. Maya and Gretchen Knoll discuss the challenges and potential transformations in clinical research. They delve into the need for a shift from organ-based cancer treatment to tumor classification, the importance of patient empowerment and education, and the potential of AI and predictive analytics in advancing drug discovery and personalized medicine.(00:54) Getting to know Gret Knoll
2024-04-1735 min
Trials with Maya ZWhy Diversity in Trials Is Doomed Until We Fix Reimbursement with Sam WhitakerIn this episode of 'Trials with Maya Z', host Maya Z interviews Sam Whitaker from Mural Health, discussing the pressing issue of patient reimbursement in clinical trials. Sam Whitaker is a Founder and CEO of Mural Health, a tech company on a mission to make it easy to participate in clinical research. Mural Health was founded in 2022 as Sam’s effort to evolve the product he invented, the ClinCard, when he founded Greenphire in 2008.Maya and Sam explore how one-third of Americans are excluded from participating in clinical trials due...
2024-04-0241 min
Trials with Maya ZA Clinical Trials Odyssey with Ross JacksonIn this episode, Maya meets the author of two well-received books. Ross Jackson consults with and advises organizations within the clinical trials industry. He helps them improve patient recruitment and retention.Maya and Ross discuss the following topics:(0:51) What led Ross to write the books on patient recruitment(6:39) Patient recruitment in 1999 vs now(10:06) Doing country localization right(15:26) How to craft a solid patient recruitment strategy(14:58) Why DCT is the new norm now(24:11) Why aren’t satellite sites popular enough...
2024-03-2035 min
Trials with Maya ZHow to Market Clinical Trials to the Right Participants with Colin SholesIn this episode, Maya meets Colin Sholes. Colin is the founder of Cure Clinical Inc., a US-based software company building a comprehensive database for clinical research performance analysis.Maya and discuss the following topics:(4:29) Why is a direct-to-consumer business similar to patient recruitment(8:06) How to balance the pitch to patients with the site demands(11:23) How to achieve consistency in patient recruitment ads(14:40) Are sponsors and CROs reacting to clinical sites direct feedback(16:58) How does Cure Clinical make trials more scalable
2024-03-0726 min
Trials with Maya ZTackling Immigrant Bias in Clinical Trials with David RosenbaumIn this episode, Maya meets David Rosenbaum to talk about immigrants in clinical trials. David helps scatter the immigrant bias with clinical trials in Turkey and other Balkan countries. However, it’s an ongoing administrative effort. David is the Founder of Rosenbaum Group. It is a CRO operating since 2019 in the south-eastern Balkans and Turkey. The organization focuses on clinical trials in CNS, infectious diseases, and gastroenterology. It also supports BIOTECH research and medical devices with a patient-centric approach.Maya and David discuss the following topics:
2024-02-2126 min
Mission First - Entrepreneurs for future42. Using AI to help millions of patients find clinical trials, with Maya Zlatanova (FindMeCure)If you are into clinical research, life science, pivoting, founder sales or company culture. This episode is for you.If you could do just one thing that would impact the lives of one million people, what would it be?This question nudged Maya to find a solution to help people.Millions of patients around the world need treatment, but they do not know if it exists and how can they get it. At the same time new drugs and therapies are available...
2024-02-211h 03
Trials with Maya ZHow to Improve Integrity in Clinical Research with Leeza OsipenkoIn this episode, Maya meets Dr. Leeza Osipenko. She is the founder and the CEO of a non-profit organization Consilium Scientific. It is dedicated to improving the integrity of clinical research.Maya and Leeza discuss the following topics:(2:18) The role of NICE in developing clinical standards(6:23) Why did Leeza start Consilium Scientific(9:35) How to avoid suboptimal clinical trials(19:02) What are the mechanisms that improve clinical research integrity(25:30) The ultimate goal of Consilium Scientific(32:47) What is the biggest challenge in...
2024-02-0833 min
Trials with Maya ZThe New Generation of Leadership with Andreas BeustIn this episode, Maya meets Andreas, who is a part of the new generation of CRO leaders. He has new ideas and concepts of how to bring better clinical research services to the market and make trials more accessible.Maya and Andreas discuss the following topics:(2:55) Why aren’t more students pursuing careers in clinical trials?(6:35) What does the Association of International CROs do?(10:49) How to balance global trial coverage with local support?(8:32) Should big companies manage local teams as mini-companies?(18:38) Ho...
2024-01-2431 min
Trials with Maya ZHow to Make Clinical Trials More Transparent with Till BrucknerIn this episode, Maya meets Till, the founder of TranspariMED. Till is a political scientist by background, now focused on raising awareness about clinical trial transparency. Maya and Till discuss the following topics:(1:19) How to achieve transparency in clinical trials(3:37) Should all trials be fully transparent(5:26) The current state of clinical trial transparency(8:32) Who should enforce reporting clinical trial results(14:58) Who benefits from opacity in clinical trial results(20:35) How to foster better transparency in trials(29:54) What makes o...
2024-01-0331 min
Trials with Maya ZLeveraging Social Media for Patient Recruitment with Steve WimmerIn this episode, Maya meets Steve. Steve is the VP of partnerships for 1nHealth. He brings a wide-ranging scope of experience to his role, having worked previously in digital marketing, e-commerce, and education. He is primarily responsible for assessing digital recruitment feasibility and developing external partnerships.Maya and Steve discuss the following topics:(2:00) The common things between patient recruitment and e-commerce(4:48) The 3 e-commerce tactics that can be applied to patient recruitment(11:57) Are iterations of patient recruitment ads expensive(13:53) The #1 platform for patient recruitment
2023-11-2834 min
Trials with Maya ZPioneering Site-Centric Transformation with Raymond NomizuIn this episode, Maya and Raymond discuss the following topics:(2:09) What’s happening right now with clinical sites(5:23) Should sites choose their own tech stack(8:24) How to build better ePRO workflows(13:06) The 1 way to offer global solutions for sites(16:09) What is the future of sites(23:09) How can clinical trials get more collaborative Tune in today and start expanding your knowledge!Maya Zlatanova, CEO of TrialhubRaymond Nomizu, Co-Founder of CRIO...
2023-10-1826 min
Trials with Maya ZClinical Trials From a Patient’s Perspective with Carole ScraftonIn this episode, Maya sits with Carole Scrafton, Director and Co-Founder of a Patient Advocacy Organisation. They deep dive into the following topics:(4:00) How has access to clinical trials altered?(8:36) Do companies approach patients for clinical trials?(11:47) How to assess proposals from small companies?(16:13) Who should be more proactive: doctors or patients?(19:55) Carole’s first experience with a clinical trial(24:35) How to accelerate change in clinical trials?Tune in today and start expanding your knowledge!...
2023-10-0430 min
Trials with Maya ZHow to Speed Up Clinical Trials with Kimberly Tableman In this episode, Maya and Kimberly, Founder and CEO of ESPERO, discuss the following topics:(2:20) What does a Head of Digital Clinical Trials do?(4:36) How can we speed up clinical trials?(7:54) Top inefficient trial processes requiring a shift(12:00) The main challenge in clinical trials(15:38) Bridging the gap between companies and patients(20:00) How to improve protocol design(23:51) Why the industry is still not ready for AI and MLTune in today and start expanding your knowledge!
2023-09-2232 min
Trials with Maya ZGetting Transparent on Clinical Translations with Duncan ShawIn this episode, Maya and Duncan, president of DTS Language Services, shed light on translations involved in clinical trials. They discuss the following topics:(2:09) The mission and purpose behind informed consent(4:35) How to apply D&I to the informed consent (6:45) What problems arise in translating consent forms(10:37) AI and translations in clinical trials(12:47) Best practices in clinical research and translations(15:54) Duncan’s experience from working with sponsors(21:21) What makes or breaks a clinical trialTune in today and...
2023-09-0625 min
Trials with Maya ZHow Empathy Impacts the Pediatric Patient Experience with Aaron HorowitzIn this episode, Maya and Aaron Horowitz, CEO & Founder of Empath Labs, dive deeper into the role of empathy in clinical trials. They discuss the following topics:(2:43) Why did Aaron create Emapth Labs?(4:46) How does the teddy bear from Empath Labs work?(8:21) How does Aaron get inspired to create these products?(11:09) How can you engage pediatric patients and understand their experience?(14:46) How do companies feel toward the product?(16:43) At what stage do CROs need the Empath Labs products?(20:11) What is coming up...
2023-08-0222 min
Trials with Maya ZHow To Use AI To Accelerate Clinical Trials with Jennifer BittingerIn this episode, Maya and Jennifer discuss the benefits of AI in clinical research and how it can assist medical writers in their day-to-day tasks. They also dive deeper into the cons of AI and the importance of the human-in-the-loop approach.They thoroughly discuss the following topics:(4:01) What does Narrativa do?(6:21) How do people feel about AI entering clinical research?(9:23) Are people embracing the technology or is there technology fatigue?(13:25) What are the main challenges for AI?(19:32) Are people’s old ha...
2023-07-0529 min
Trials with Maya ZInnovation in Clinical Research with Michelle ShogrenIn this episode Maya and Michelle Shogren, CEO of Innovate in What You Do? LLC, are discussing the importance of innovation in clinical research. Michelle has been on both sides of clinical trials - as a patient and as part of the operations teams. She has almost 20 years of experience in different roles - caregiver, research coordinator, site and marketing director, CRA, and multiple roles in Pharma. Michelle is now running her own company with the same goal of helping people navigate and improve clinical trials.They dive deep into the following topics:
2023-06-2028 min
Trials with Maya ZThe Pros and Cons of CTIS with Martin KraussIn this episode, Maya is discussing the pros and cons of the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) with the Managing Director of FGK Clinical Research GmbH, Martin Krauss. By background, he is a trained statistician with more than 25 years of experience in the clinical research industry. They dive deep into the following topics:(1:01) Who is Martin Krauss?(3:34) Has the CTIS improved transparency and centralization in clinical trials?(5:40) What are the strengths of the CTIS?(7:19) What are the weaknesses of the CTIS?(11:12) H...
2023-06-0629 min
Trials with Maya ZThe Role of Mental Health Support in Clinical Trials with Esther HowardIn episode 7 Maya is talking to the founder and CEO of Bezyl Inc, Esther Howard. She has more than 20 years of experience in the health economics of developing countries and oncology clinical research operations. Her personal and professional experience inspired her to create her own company where she can focus on the mental health journey of every clinical trial patient. Maya and Esther deep dive into the following topics:(2:23) What is Bezyl Inc.?(4:16) What is the story of Bezyl Inc.?(10:36) Given your background, what would you change in c...
2023-05-2329 min
Trials with Maya ZWhat Makes or Breaks a Clinical Trial Event with Alex O’LearyIn this episode, Maya’s guest is Alexander O’Leary, Director of the PBC Group which hosts the Clinical Outsourcing Group (COG) event series with events in the UK, Europe, and the USA. He has close to 14 years of experience in organizing and running clinical research events. Maya and Alex discuss clinical research events both from the perspective of organizers and attendees. They deep dive into the biggest challenges and mistakes when planning and executing industry events Here are the key topics that they discuss:(2:1...
2023-05-0921 min
Trials with Maya ZNavigating Clinical Trials as a Small Biotech with Toni PerezIn this episode, Maya and Toni Perez discuss the challenges that small biotech companies face on a daily basis. Toni Perez has more than 36 years of experience in the clinical research industry. He has worked with both big and small pharmaceutical companies. Since 2007 he has been working as a consultant to smaller biotech companies with a headcount of 2 to 10.Maya and Toni dive deep into topics of leadership, trust, and teamwork when it comes to doing clinical research. Having the right expertise in your team is crucial for the successful completion of clinical trials.
2023-04-1926 min
Trials with Maya ZHow To Plan Better Clinical Trials with Dan SferaLooking to enhance your knowledge of planning clinical trials? Tune in to this insightful podcast episode with Maya and Dan as they discuss practical ways to plan better clinical trials.Discover the crucial roles that feasibility teams and CRAs play in clinical trials and how their involvement can significantly improve the success of the study. Additionally, learn about the importance of diversity in clinical trials and how we can make trials more accessible for a variety of populations. This can lead to better participant engagement and ultimately result in more accurate and reliable data.
2023-04-0524 min
Trials with Maya ZChallenges and Considerations in Pediatric Clinical Trials with Jacqui WhitewayIn this episode, Maya and Jacqui provide invaluable insights into the unique considerations that go into designing and executing pediatric clinical trials. From navigating ethical concerns to ensuring that children are properly represented in study populations, they cover all the key factors that can make or break a trial. But it's not just about the technical details – Maya and Jacqui also bring a human touch to the conversation. They discuss the impact that clinical trials can have on children and their families and share personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of putting the needs of...
2023-03-2241 min
Trials with Maya ZClinical Trials During War Times in Ukraine with Yurii LebidMaya Zlatanova speaks with the CEO of Pharmaxi LLC, Yurii Lebid. Pharmaxi is a clinical research organization based in Ukraine and operating in the Eastern European market. It was one of the first clinical organizations to restore clinical trials after the war began. Maya and Yurii examine the clinical trial process during the war in Ukraine and the challenges in patient recruitment. They dive deeper into success factors in clinical trials, patient and data safety, etc. Here are the key topics that they discussed:(2:34) How were clinical trials run prior to the war in Ukraine
2023-03-0822 min
Trials with Maya ZRecruitment Rates in Clinical Trials with Dana NiedzielskaMaya Zlatanova speaks with the CEO of August Research, Dana Niedzielska. August Research is a clinical research organization based in Europe that provides regulatory, monitoring and project management services for clinical trials. Maya and Dana examine the challenges in patient recruitment and the reliability of recruitment rates. They dive deeper into the planning of clinical trials and the importance of site selection. They also talk about the disparities between the expectations of the clinical investigators and the reality of conducting clinical trials.Here are the key topics that they discuss:(2:33) How much can we trust...
2023-02-2127 min
Transformation in TrialsMaya Zlatanova: Setting the clinical trial up for success by listening to the healthcare ecosystemSend us a textWe speak to Maya Zlatanova, the CEO and Founder of Trialhub and FindMeCure about trial strategy for clinical trials. We speak about the amount of information necessary to digest in order to answer the many complex questions during trial start-up, and how starting from the templates of previous trials can both be time-saving, but may also limit your perspective on what is possible with this specific trial. By asking the question of “what can go wrong” can help open the innovative power of clinical trial design. This...
2023-02-0935 min
The Recursive PodcastSeason 3 Recap: How to build a Product MindsetTo wrap up a season of awesome conversations, we invite you to take a peek at the playbooks for building great products of some of the most exciting companies from the SEE region.
From the fundamentals of value creation to having the audacity to shape the world around them in a positive way, these entrepreneurs talk about how they have learned:
To process negative feedback;
To ask their customers the right questions;
To innovate by anticipating what’s next for the market;
To pair up the right talents - th...
2022-03-1529 min
The Recursive PodcastSuccess is to be grateful for who you are right now with Maya Zlatanova from FindMeCureOur next guest found entrepreneurship driven by her mission to help people and create something meaningful.
While looking for a clinical trial for her sister diagnosed with a medical condition that lacked traditional treatment, Maya Zlatanova saw the need for a platform that helps patients look for alternative treatment.
This is how FindMeCure was born. The company is now bringing research closer to patients by developing tools for patients and providing analytics to the healthcare industry. Or as the founders call it - a Google for clinical trials.
Always a high achiever and...
2022-02-0153 min
Clinical Trial Podcast | Conversations with Clinical Research ExpertsSolving Patient Recruitment Challenges with Maya ZlatanovaI’m always excited to speak with software entrepreneurs in clinical research and this episode is no excpetion. Our guest on today’s show is Maya Zlatanova, CEO of FindMeCure. Maya and her team are creating a “google” for clinical trials. She is on a mission to make it easy for patients to find ongoing clinical trials She wants to solve patient recruitment challenges enabling patients and doctors to connect with each other She believes in the power of stories, not just facts, something unheard of (but much needed) in clinical research. FindMeCure is dedicat...
2020-08-2444 min