Next in our series of conversations with experts at the recent Congress in Washington is an interview with Allucent’s Dr Bruce McClenathan, who joined us to present in the Clinical Trials track on “Bacterial vaccines: their role against antimicrobial resistance and the challenges for clinical development”. Dr McClenathan is an Executive Director of Medical Affairs, providing “medical and scientific oversight”. With 25 years of experience in clinical care, public health, vaccinology, and clinical research, Dr McClenathan joined Allucent from the Department of Defence.
Allucent: the A Team
As Allucent is a service provider, we asked about some examples of recent work.
“Allucent is a full-service CRO and we like to refer to ourselves as the ‘A Team’.”
Some of the solutions that this A Team of experts provide include regulatory strategy and drug development consulting. However, the one that is “nearest and dearest” to Dr McClenathan’s heart is “federal research solutions“. Within this, Dr McClenathan has worked with US Government organisations from “contracting to conducting and executing clinical trials across the globe”.
“We have a footprint in over 60 countries, more than 30 years of experience.”
Dr McClenathan shares a recent example of an award from BARDA: a large Phase IIb trial for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines.
Better than the rest or unmet need?
It’s interesting to understand how some of our experts view their work in a competitive and dynamic industry, so we asked about how Allucent is distinguishing themselves from competitors, or if they are meeting an unmet need.
“We like to say that we’re small enough to care about our partners’ product, but yet we’re big enough and diverse enough to meet their various needs.”
Dr McClenathan emphasises the importance of partnering to “solve” challenges for small to midsize biotechs.
The future
Looking ahead to the next steps for the team, Dr McClenathan is encouraged by the possibilities in store.
“Allucent has a very, very bright future.”
Thanks to the combined experience of the team across the board, the A Team has a “unique slant”. Expertise is drawn from specific individuals to “set ourselves apart”.
Why WVC?
Our final question, as always invites our interviewees to share their expectations or goals for the event. Dr McClenathan kindly describes it as a “highlight event”, bringing the “greatest minds” together. This confluence of great minds allows learning and networking opportunities.
“It’s a great a event!”
We’re grateful to Dr McClenathan for his time and insights and hope that you enjoy watching the conversation!
For more conversations with our experts from the Congress in April do make sure you subscribe for weekly updates here!
