In the last 10 years, I have spent considerable time thinking about how I could use my scientific knowledge and skills to help people in extreme need and contribute in a significant way to global health. Although I was aware that sufficient funds and efforts have not been directed towards the medical needs of the developing world, I wasn’t sure what I could do to change the situation. But then I learned about BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH). The organization’s mission to save lives by accelerating the development of novel biotechnology-based drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to address the unmet medical needs of the developing world really struck a chord with me. After getting to know more about BVGH and its programs, I realized that I really could make a difference in global health. I joined BVGH as Senior Director, Scientific Affairs, on June 1st of this year.

My interest in global health was preceded by a fascination for biomedical science that began at a young age. While in middle school, I realized that although I wanted a career that would allow me to find cures for diseases, I didn’t want to become a medical doctor. I was always curious about the world around me and wondered how the organs, tissues, and cells in our bodies work on a molecular level. So it seemed obvious to me that I should become a scientist, conduct research in a laboratory, and discover how a normal tissue becomes diseased. After earning a PhD in biomedical sciences and completing my post-doctoral research on the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells, I realized that identifying even small steps in the disease process was a huge undertaking. The quickest way to have a positive impact on disease was to direct my efforts towards the discovery of new therapies. Because of this epiphany, I’ve spent most of my career in research and development (R&D) at innovative biotechnology companies. In my new position at BVGH, I will be applying the expertise I gained in the biopharmaceutical industry to facilitate the discovery and development of new therapies and diagnostics for neglected diseases.

One of the programs that I am working on, the Pool for Open Innovation against Neglected Tropical Diseases, is particularly exciting for me as it draws on my knowledge of both the biotech industry and drug R&D. The Pool for Open Innovation provides favorable conditions for users to tap into the wealth of patents and know-how that have been generated by large pharma, biotechs, academics, and non-profits while eliminating the fear of patent infringement. This enables an acceleration of the creative research and drug development that is needed to produce new therapies for neglected diseases.

I am exhilarated to begin my journey with BVGH and work on the Pool for Open Innovation and other programs to meet the global health needs of people in the developing world.

Nadine Weich is Senior Director of Scientific Affairs at BVGH. Read her bio here.