Let's Combinate - Drugs + Devices

• 184 - Program Management in Pharma & Devices: Phase Gates, Risk Planning, and Project FMEAs Explained

  In this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh welcomes back Skip Creveling, a global expert in program management and Six Sigma methodologies.Skip shares his extensive experience helping Fortune 500 companies optimize design processes, reduce risks, and drive innovation—especially in highly regulated industries like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.The discussion explores Skip’s career transition from Eastman Kodak to the medical device sector, the importance of structured program management, phase gate processes, and the balance between going fast and ensuring thorough planning.Skip also delves into the differences between simple and complex projects and the necessity of having tailored project management templates for various project scales.The episode concludes with insights into how to manage risks effectively through tools like project and portfolio FMEAs, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in project execution.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome00:19 – Skip's Background and Experience01:10 – Transition to Medical Devices and Pharma03:35 – Program and Project Management Insights06:03 – Phases and Gates in Product Development08:59 – Challenges and Strategies in Project Management10:51 – Examples of Project Management in Action13:28 – Importance of Planning and Risk Management18:10 – Templates and Tools for Effective Project Management29:49 – Final Thoughts and Contact InformationAbout the Host:Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations, and R&D, he has worked in large Medical Device and Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of hardware devices, disposable devices, and combination products for vaccines, generics, and biologics.Subhi currently serves as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition (CPC), is a member of ASTM Committee E55, and has served on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries, or suggestions, please visit letscombinate.com or connect on the show's LinkedIn page.

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• 183 - GxP Explained: A Complete Guide to Good Manufacturing, Clinical, Laboratory, and Distribution Practices for Regulated Products

  Understanding GXPs: Essential Good Practices for Bioengineering ProfessionalsIn this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh, a seasoned bioengineer with ten years of experience in the pharma and medical device industries, provides an in-depth exploration of good practice guidelines (GXPs). Subhi covers various GXPs including GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), GLP (Good Laboratory Practice), GCP (Good Clinical Practice), and GDP (Good Distribution Practice), explaining their roles, regulations, and importance in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. He discusses how these frameworks integrate to form a comprehensive approach that governs the lifecycle of medical products from preclinical research to post-market surveillance. Additionally, Subhi delves into GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice) and GVP (Good Pharmacovigilance Practice), emphasizing their significance in maintaining data integrity and patient safety. This extended episode aims to provide early professionals with a robust understanding of these critical regulatory standards and their real-world applications in industry.00:00 Introduction to GXP02:22 Understanding GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice09:21 Exploring GLP: Good Laboratory Practices17:57 Diving into GCP: Good Clinical Practices24:00 Ensuring Quality with GDP: Good Distribution Practices29:32 Overview of GVP and GAMP33:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.

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• 182 - 7 Powerful Ways to Find Amazing Mentors in Medical Devices and Pharma

  In this episode of Let's Combinate, Subhi Saadeh shares personal insights and seven crucial lessons on finding the right mentors in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors. Subhi emphasizes the transformative impact mentors have had on his life and career, breaking down the types of mentors one can have, such as teachers, sponsors, and peer mentors. He provides practical advice on lowering your expectations, focusing on value and repetition, being mentor-able, and leveraging non-traditional forms of mentorship, like books and advanced tools. Subbi concludes that mentorship is about being open, curious, and willing to learn from various sources.00:00 Introduction: The Power of Mentorship02:06 Lesson 1: Different Types of Mentors05:04 Lesson 2: Lower Your Bar for Mentors07:51 Lesson 3: Focus on Value and Repetition09:37 Lesson 4: Be Mentor-able11:37 Lesson 5: Look Sideways, Not Just Up12:58 Lesson 6: Don't Wait for a Formal Title15:01 Lesson 7: Mentors Can Be Dead16:41 Conclusion: Recap and Final ThoughtsSubhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.

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• 181 - Can Ampoule Drug Delivery Systems REVOLUTIONIZE the Industry?

  Discover how ampoule(ampule) drug delivery systems could revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry in this eye-opening video. Learn about the potential impact of this innovative technology on drug administration and patient care.In this episode of 'Let's Combinate Drugs and Devices,' host Subhi Saadeh is joined by Eric Suglalski, Founder and CTO of Archimedic, to discuss the often-overlooked role of ampules in drug delivery. Eric highlights the stability and contamination resistance benefits of ampules, despite the industry's shift towards vials and pre-filled syringes. He elaborates on the time and cost factors that make transitioning to pre-filled syringes challenging for pharmaceutical companies. The discussion also covers Eric's work on the Ampule Filled Syringe (AFS) system, which aims to combine the usability of pre-filled syringes with the stability of ampules. They delve into the historical context of ampules, global usage patterns, and the hurdles faced in implementing ampule-based technologies. Eric invites interested pharma companies to explore potential collaborations with Ampulous.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:17 The Overlooked Potential of Ampoules02:11 Challenges with Vials and Prefilled Syringes05:01 The Cost and Time Barrier to Prefilled Syringes08:29 Introducing Ampulous: A New Solution10:36 Technical Details of Ampule Filled Syringes14:39 Historical Context and Global Use of Ampoules16:38 Addressing Concerns and Resistance18:01 Human Factors and Usability19:44 Conclusion and Contact InformationEric Sugalski is the Founder and CTO of Archimedic, a contract design and development organization (CDMO) specializing in drug delivery devices and combination products. With over 25 years of experience in medical device development, he has worked extensively on early-stage concept development, human factors engineering, and commercialization strategies. His work spans life-support systems, remote monitoring technologies, and drug delivery devices, with a focus on balancing technical innovation with market viability. In addition to leading Archimedic, he teaches courses on product development, regulatory strategy, and entrepreneurship at institutions like MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, and West Chester University, helping to bridge the gap between engineering education and industry application. Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.

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• 180 - MIT Leadership Expert Reveals Management Secrets for Scientists!

  🚀 Stay ahead in combination products, pharma, and medical devices 👉 https://www.letscombinate.com🎙️ Listen to more expert discussions on regulations, drug delivery, and quality 👉 https://www.letscombinate.com/Get expert insights on FDA regulations, risk management, quality systems, and the latest trends in drug-device combination products. In this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh interviews Gwen Acton, author of Leadership for Scientists and Engineers. Acton, an MIT Ph.D. turned leadership coach, discusses her book's key topics, including effective hiring, delegation, transitioning from individual contributor to team manager, and managing different personalities. They delve into the challenge of balancing technical work and leadership, the importance of defining leadership, and practical tips for delegation. Acton emphasizes that leadership skills can be learned and provides strategies for managing team goals and career development.Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Scientists-Engineers-Transforming-Brilliant-ebook/dp/B0DYWCDVRV?ref_=ast_author_dpBarnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/leadership-for-scientists-and-engineers-gwen-acton/1147071445?ean=979899239330900:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:56 Gwen Acton's Leadership Journey04:30 Defining Leadership08:18 Optimizing Group Output09:30 Challenges in Leadership Transition12:35 Leadership vs. Technical Skills13:05 Transitioning from Technical to Leadership Roles14:18 Challenges of Dual Roles15:42 The Art of Delegation16:53 Motivating Your Team21:21 Balancing Trust and Oversight24:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDr. Gwen Acton is a leadership expert specializing in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. With a PhD in biology from MIT and years of experience guiding scientists and technical professionals into leadership roles, she helps individuals transition from expert contributors to effective managers. As a sought-after speaker, consultant, and author, Gwen provides practical strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership in highly regulated, innovation-driven environments.Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.

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