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Our Team

BioPharma’s Management and Medical teams are uniquely positioned to advance your next drug development program

Our Executive Team

Anna Taylor BioPharma Services
ANNA TAYLOR
Managing Director
Anna Taylor is the current Managing Director at BioPharma Services. Anna became Managing Director of BioPharma following increasingly responsible roles since joining BioPharma in 2007. Together with her extensive knowledge of clinical trial research and strong acumen for client service and relationship management, she previously has successfully led BioPharma’s Global Commercial Operations unit. With over 15 years of experience in the Contract Research Organization industry, Anna has held management positions in both Business Development and Project management, assisting pharmaceutical clients with their Phase I, Bioequivalence and Bioanalytical needs.
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Dr. John Oldenhof BioPharma Services
DR. JOHN OLDENHOF
Executive VP of Scientific Affairs
Dr. John Oldenhof is the Executive VP Scientific Affairs at BioPharma Services. John joined the BioPharma team in 2018 and brings with him 18 years of senior management experience in Phase I clinical pharmacology, product development, biostatistics, data management and regulatory and scientific affairs. His published work and experience includes the development of novel methodologies, innovative study designs and direct collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to advance human abuse potential studies and pharmacometrics analyses. Over his tenure in Clinical Pharmacology, Dr. Oldenhof has provided scientific and regulatory guidance to biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors on over 300 clinical pharmacology studies including FIM, SAD/MAD, DDI and TQT studies to support pre-IND, NDA, ANDA and product launches. Dr. Oldenhof holds an Adjunct Lecturer position in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Toronto and is a parent member of the Genetic Epilepsy STXBP1 Disorder Scientific Advisory Board.
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Renee John Biopharma Services Headshot image May 2023.
RENEE JOHN
Executive VP of Clinical Operations
Renee John joined BioPharma Services as Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations in 2021. With 20+ years of experience in clinical operations, strategic planning and execution, Renee has a track record at propelling and aligning diverse portfolios in ever-evolving healthcare environments. A critical-thinking operational leader, Renee has proven abilities in the oversight of diverse services from pain management to medical cannabis and home health care products, with a focus on maximizing profitability and growth.
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Dr. Nicki Hughes BioPharma Services
DR. NICKI HUGHES
VP of Lab Operations
Dr. Nicki Hughes is the Vice President of Bioanalytical Operations at BioPharma Services. Nicki joined the BioPharma team in 2016 after facilitating an acquisition that would have her former team at Bioanalytical Laboratory Services (BLS), a division of LifeLabs, and founded by Nicki in 2013, merge with BioPharma’s existing bioanalytical operations. This acquisition reinforced BioPharma’s footprint in delivering best in class bioanalytical services, making it a global leader in clinical research. Nicki has over 20 years of research experience and proven leadership skills. Her mandate starts with R&D, to develop robust and reliable methods to drive efficiency, expedite analysis and deliver accurate and time-critical results.
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Tom Willoughby Headshot Image - BioPharma Services
THOMAS WILLOUGHBY
VP of Business Development
Thomas Willoughby joined BioPharma Services in 2022 as the Vice President of Business Development. Thomas has been in the CRO industry for over 20 years, having held positions of increasing responsibility within Project Management and Business Development, with a focus on Phase 1 services. Based on his experience and thorough understanding of the drug development process, Thomas looks forward to collaborating with you to achieve your Phase 1 drug development needs.
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Our Medical Team

DR. JANICE FAULKNOR, MD
Medical Director & Principal Investigator
Dr. Janice Faulknor is a 15-year veteran in clinical research on CNS products, Human Abuse Potential (HAP) and Abuse Deterrent Assessment programs. Having conducted over 100+ Phase1/HAL trials over her 8-year tenure as PI/Sub-I with BioPharma Services, Dr. Faulknor is an industry leader, and a key member of the BPSI medical team. Dr. Faulknor gained her medical degree from the McMaster University in 1996 with a specialty in Family Medicine and continues to practise today.
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Dr. Isabella Szeto BioPharma Services
DR. ISABELLA SZETO, MD
CCFP & Principal Investigator

With over 15 years of experience in Phase I and Human Abuse Potential studies, Dr. Szeto has been Principal or Sub-investigator for 150+ studies. Dr. Szeto gained her medical degree from the University of Western Ontario (2001) and has been an Emergency physician in the Toronto Area since 2003. Dr. Szeto has also practised family medicine in a remote First Nation community in Northern Ontario.
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    What are early phase clinical trials?

    Clinical Trials are divided into 4 phases.  Phase 1 and 2 trials constitute early phase trials, Phase 3 and 4 research studies are late-phase trials.

    The primary objective of Phase 1 studies is to determine the correct drug dosage by evaluating drug safety and determining if there are any side effects.  Phase 1 trials are conducted in healthy volunteers.

    Phase 2 studies also study the safety of a drug but focus on evaluating its effectiveness. These studies can be conducted in healthy volunteers or in individuals who have a certain disease or condition.

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    What is a clinical trial?

    A Clinical trial is a process which is performed to determine whether an investigational drug, device or therapy is safe and effective.   In early phase research (i.e. Phases 1 and 2), the safety and effectiveness of the drug will be evaluated in healthy volunteers.

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    What is an investigational drug?

    An investigational drug can also be called an experimental drug and is being studied to see if your disease or medical condition improves while taking it. Scientists are trying to prove in clinical trials:

    • If the drug is safe and effective.
    • How the drug might be used in that disease.
    • How much of the drug is needed.
    • Information about the potential benefits and risks of taking the drug.
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    Why do you need to take blood draws and how many blood draws will be required?

    In order to evaluate the drug profile, we need to understand its pharmacokinetics. This is essentially how the body reacts to a drug after its administration through the mechanisms of absorption, distribution, as well as the metabolic changes. Therefore, blood draws are collected at various time points to better understand this mechanism. Each study requires a specific number of blood draws and total blood volume. These values will be provided to you and clearly stipulated in the informed consent form (ICF). The amount of blood that will be taken is outlined in the ICF.

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    Should I expect to experience any side-effects while doing studies?

    As every study is testing an investigational product, there may be side effects. You will be provided with a list of side effects that have been reported in previous trials (if any), so you can make an informed decision whether or not to participate in the trial. During the trial you will be required to immediately inform clinic study staff of any adverse effects that you are experiencing. These side effects usually resolve upon discontinuation of the study drug.

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    Will I be compensated for doing a clinical study?

    Volunteers are compensated and the amount varies depending on the length of the clinical trial, length of stay and number of follow-up visits. The compensation is not specifically related to the risks or type of drug involved in the trials or studies. Every study is different and therefore, the compensation will vary. Study volunteers may receive between $1000 to $4000 for a trial (based on the factors listed above).

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    Are food and accommodation provided over the course of the trial?

    Food – Clinical trials are conducted in a controlled setting which means that all food is provided and  trial volunteers receive standardised meals.  Individual meal plans or meal preferences cannot be provided.  If you have any food allergies or hypersensitivity to food product(s) that are clinically significant or life-threatening you may not be able to participate in a trial.    Please contact us to discuss any food issues.

    Accommodation – During your in-clinic stay you will share sleeping areas with other volunteers who are of the same gender.  Similar to a hospital setting, supervision will be provided to ensure that your health and safety are being monitored.

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    What is the length of a study and do I have to complete all the visits?

    Details of the duration of a study can be found on the Volunteer Hub.

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    Can I bring my own device?

    Yes, we encourage you to bring items that will help to pass the time while you are in the clinic. You can use the time to study or work or catch up on the movies you’ve been meaning to watch.

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    What do I need to pack?

    Wondering what to pack before your site visit? Visit our Packing List page to learn more.

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    When do I receive compensation for taking part in a study?

    You will receive compensation as outlined during the Informed Consent process. Typically, you will receive compensation once all study visits have been completed. If, for any reason, you do not complete all study visits, your compensation will be on a pro-rated basis (i.e. for the time that you have participated in the trial)

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    Where will I sleep during the clinical study?

    We provide a clean, safe socially distance sleeping environment, in a dormitory of hotel room style. Watch video

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    Can I bring my own food?

    All aspects of clinical trials are closely monitored including the food and drink consumed by participants. While you are in the clinic, you will be provided with all meals as per the study guidelines. You will need to eat all the food provided to ensure the guidelines are met. Watch video

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    Privacy

    We respect and value the privacy of our volunteers. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy here.