Investigating the I-O clinical trial landscape: a focus on diverse patient enrolment

Abi Pinchbeck, Assistant Editor, Immuno-Oncology Insights, speaks to Cancer Research Institute’s (CRI) Samik Upadhaya, Assistant Director of Scientific Affairs and Jay Campbell, Managing Director of the Clinical Accelerator and Venture Fund

Samik Upadhaya, PhD is the assistant director of scientific affairs at CRI. He is passionate about harnessing the full potential of scientific advances in cancer immunotherapy to help patients live better, longer lives. Together with the Clinical Accelerator team, he leads the program’s scientific diligence efforts, including analyses of emerging trends and challenges in the global cancer immunotherapy landscape. He assists in the team’s collaborative ventures, clinical trial design, drug development plan, and maintenance of immuno-oncology landscape databases. He is also involved in all of CRI’s research programs, and closely follows the research done by CRI grantees, evaluating their potential contributions to the field as a whole. Prior to joining CRI, Samik completed his doctoral studies in Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Columbia University where he focused on investigating the spatiotemporal dynamics of blood and immune cell production. Following his PhD, he pursued a postdoctoral research fellowship at New York University School of Medicine where he developed new techniques to visualize and analyze in-vivo behaviors of stem cells of the immune system. He also received his MSc in Chemistry and a dual BSc, summa cum laude, in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences from Central Michigan University.

Jay Campbell is a proactive, results-oriented, life sciences, corporate development, and finance executive with a proven track record of cultivating relationships with strategic partners and the investment community. Demonstrated ability to leverage corporate finance knowledge and life sciences experience to formulate and execute value creating strategies and transactions. Over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 13 years focused on the life sciences as an investment banker working with private/ public companies on strategic/M&A and financing transactions. Eight years of biotechnology industry experience working at private/public companies with core responsibilities of alliance management, business/corporate development, capital raising, and investor relations. Established venture investing practice, including leading sourcing, due diligence, and investment process. Successfully worked on 36 strategic and financing transactions and investments representing over $13.4 billion.

This interview is about their work interrogating the I–O clinical trial landscape and their findings relating to the barriers to diverse patient enrolment in trials.

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