Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Market Access in Rare Disease Marketing

Speakers

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  Chander Sehgal, MD, MB Head of Access, Sustainability and External Engagement (APEX), UCB
  

  Chander Sehgal, MD, MB

  Head of Access, Sustainability and External Engagement (APEX), UCB

  Chander Sehgal is an Oncologist with nearly 20 years of experience in both private and public bio-pharmaceutical sectors. He has spent 15 of those years in leadership roles, specifically in Pricing, Market Access and Government Affairs. Prior to joining UCB, he has worked with well-known companies like Pfizer, Merck, GSK, and Teva in Canada.

  In addition, Chander led the national Health Technology Assessment program, also known as the Common Drug Review, in Canada (previously CADTH, now CDA-AMC). He also spearheaded initiatives in Economic Footprint analyses, and Pricing policy and analytics at Innovative Medicines Canada, an association for the innovative pharmaceutical industry in Canada.

  In August 2023, Chander joined UCB Canada Inc as the Head of the APEX function. He has built a new team within the APEX team, promoting an integrated cross-functional approach with the business units and the PSP team.

  Chander enjoys learning new things and sees challenges as opportunities for growth in his professional and personal life. Outside of work, he has a passion for running marathons and practicing Yoga. He’s also a certified Yoga and Meditation instructor, sharing his knowledge and love for these practices with others.

• 

  Leigh Funston Director of Patient Advocacy, Alexion
  

  Leigh Funston

  Director of Patient Advocacy, Alexion

  Leigh is a seasoned senior patient & stakeholder engagement and communications professional. She joined AstraZeneca Canada in 2014 to build and lead the Patient Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement capability for the Canadian organization.

  With a career that started 20 years ago in a leading Public Relations firm, Leigh has held a series of progressive roles and special assignments, providing her with a wealth of experience and insight into the healthcare landscape.

  In her role as Manager, Corporate Relations at Roche Canada, Leigh work for almost 11 years planning and implementing strategic communications and stakeholder programs to enhance the reputation and profile of Roche Canada. In her decade there she gained extensive experience in patient relations, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, strategic planning, issues management, executive communications and marketing communications.

  Leigh is known as an energetic and enthusiastic leader who builds authentic partnerships with external stakeholders and great working relationships with internal colleagues across the Canadian business and within the global organization and other markets.

  Most importantly, Leigh is passionate about working for an organization that is devoted to co-creating solutions to drive better health outcomes for patients and their families.

• 

  Morgan McNaughton Patient Experience Lead, Neurology & Rare Disease, UCB
  

  Morgan McNaughton

  Patient Experience Lead, Neurology & Rare Disease, UCB

  Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceutical industry in both specialty care and rare disease. Skilled in Management, Business Strategy, Pharmaceutical Sales & Marketing, and Patient Value & Access. MBA from Schulich School of Business – York University, with specialization in Brand Management and Strategic Management.

• Tracy Porter Associate Director, Regulatory Strategy, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
  Tracy Porter

  Associate Director, Regulatory Strategy, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

  Tracy Porter is a regulatory affairs professional with over 20 years of experience spanning the generic, consulting, and innovative sectors. She is currently the Head of Regulatory Affairs at Vertex Pharmaceuticals Canada, where she is involved in the development, registration and compliance of Vertex products in Canada.

  Tracy holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations from Seneca College. She is certified in Canadian Regulatory Affairs by the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Regulatory Affairs.