In this enlightening episode of the RealPharma Podcast, hosts Ian Wendt and Dr. Nari Oh sit down with Dr. Steven King, a luminary in the field of ethnobotanical research and sustainable pharmaceutical development. Dr. King, currently serving as the Chief Sustainable Supply, Ethnobotanical Research, and IP Officer at Jaguar Health, shares his remarkable journey from a young adventurer in the Amazon rainforest to a pioneering figure in the integration of traditional botanical knowledge with modern medicine.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of ethnobotany, exploring how Dr. King's lifelong passion for plant-based healing has led to groundbreaking developments in the pharmaceutical industry. Discover the story behind the Croton lechleri tree, popularly known as the Dragon's Blood tree, and how its unique properties have been harnessed to create an FDA-approved medication derived from this Amazonian marvel.

Dr. King offers insights into his early experiences living with indigenous communities in South America, learning about their traditional uses of plants for medicine, and the ethical considerations involved in bringing these ancient practices into the global market. We discuss the importance of sustainability and respectful collaboration with local communities, emphasizing the crucial balance between conservation and commerce.

This episode also touches on the broader implications of Dr. King’s work, from his contributions to the Healing Forest Conservatory to the role of bioethics in the commercialization of traditional knowledge. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the exciting future of plant-based therapeutics and the potential for ethnobotanical research to address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Tune in for a captivating discussion that spans decades of exploration, scientific discovery, and cultural exchange, highlighting how ancient wisdom can inform and transform modern healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ethnobotany

02:04 Biocultural Diversity and Pharmaceutical Development

13:20 The Croton lechleri Tree and its Medicinal Uses

15:59 Ethnobotanical Research vs. Traditional Drug Development

21:39 Intellectual Property and Benefit-Sharing

24:27 Ethical and Sustainable Practices in Working with Indigenous Communities

28:27 Respecting Indigenous Knowledge and Rights in Plant-Based Medicine Development

34:03 The Financial Benefits of Commercializing Plant-Based Drugs for Indigenous Communities

36:23 The Potential Therapeutic Applications of Psychedelic Research

Resources:

• Dr. Steven King - LinkedIn
• One River: Explorations and Discoveries in the Amazon Rain Forest
• Plants, People, and Culture: The Science of Ethnobotany

In this episode of the Real Pharma Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of effective executive communication with Dr. Laura Sicola, a renowned expert in leadership communication and cognitive linguistics. Dr. Sicola has spent over two decades transforming top-level executives into confident, inspiring leaders. Her unique approach, grounded in cognitive linguistics, empowers professionals to communicate their passion and expertise effectively, ensuring they get the buy-in they need for the results they want.

Join us as we explore these topics and more, providing valuable insights for pharma professionals and anyone looking to enhance their executive communication skills. Dr. Sicola's expertise offers a roadmap to becoming a more effective and inspiring leader.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction to WIFM: What's In It For Me?

00:00:34 - Real Pharma Podcast Introduction

00:01:02 - Introducing Dr. Laura Sicola

00:02:37 - Welcome and TEDx Talk Discussion

00:03:51 - Defining Linguistics

00:04:41 - Importance of How You Say It

00:05:52 - The Myth of Content vs. Delivery

00:07:01 - The Linguistic Glass Ceiling

00:09:06 - Transitioning from Technical Expertise to Leadership

00:11:04 - Your Work Speaks for Itself, But Not for You

00:12:24 - Developing Leadership Skills

00:13:07 - The Challenge of Self-Awareness

00:15:33 - Recording Yourself for Self-Diagnosis

00:17:16 - Impact of COVID on Communication

00:18:48 - Basic Skills for Effective Communication

00:20:14 - Executive Presentations: What's In It For Them?

00:23:05 - Seeking Constructive Feedback

00:25:27 - Common Reasons for Seeking Coaching

00:27:05 - The Expert's Curse

00:29:37 - The Gift of Clear Feedback

00:30:39 - Proactively Seeking Feedback

00:32:14 - Questions to Ask for Constructive Feedback

00:35:01 - The Importance of Diverse Feedback

00:36:20 - Communicating Complex Data Effectively

00:37:04 - The Role of Slide Design in Communication

00:40:13 - The Value of Interpretation and Insights

00:41:17 - Two Versions of PowerPoint: Pre-Read and Presentation

00:43:08 - The $200 is $200 Rule

Resources

Find Dr. Laura Sicola on:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• laurasicola.com
• Speaking To Influence
• TEDx Talk

Summary

Ilisa Bernstein, a senior Vice President at the American Pharmacists Association, discusses the history and current landscape of drug importation policies with a focus on Florida's program.

Safety concerns, supply chain issues, and intellectual property rights are key considerations. The impact on the Canadian drug supply and the transparency of imported drugs for consumers are also discussed. Manufacturer concerns regarding rebates and discounts, as well as potential oversupply and export restrictions, are highlighted. The conversation explores the complexities and concerns surrounding drug importation programs. It discusses the mechanisms that manufacturers may use to control drug importation, such as restricting volume or increasing prices. The potential impact on the drug supply in Canada and the need for policies to protect it are also examined. The logistical challenges at the border and the vulnerabilities in the drug supply chain are highlighted. The importance of maintaining patient confidence in drug quality and the risks associated with personal drug importation are discussed. The conversation concludes by considering alternative solutions to lower drug prices and the inspiration drawn from historical figures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction of Ilisa Bernstein

01:19 Background on Drug Importation

08:21 Safety Concerns

10:04 Supply Chain and Drug Source

14:58 Transparency and IP Issues

20:57 Consumer Transparency and NDC Numbers

21:10 Intellectual Property Concerns

22:59 Challenges and Points of Contention

25:12 Manufacturer Concerns: Rebates and Discounts

28:06 Oversupply and Export Restrictions

29:09 Mechanisms to Control Drug Importation

30:39 Policies to Protect Drug Supply in Canada

31:12 Logistical Challenges at the Border

33:07 Vulnerabilities in the Drug Supply Chain

35:03 Maintaining Patient Confidence in Drug Quality

36:31 Risks Before the Border

38:01 Complexities and Concerns for Community Pharmacists

41:31 The Future of Drug Importation Programs

44:00 The Motivation Behind Drug Importation Programs

46:01 Exploring Other Solutions to Lower Drug Prices

48:19 The Illegality of Personal Drug Importation

49:05 Balancing Cost Savings and Patient Safety

50:02 Inspiration from Historical Figures

Resources:

• Ilisa Bernstein

• American Pharmacists Association

• The Partnership for Safe Medicines