#HOTCS: Cheryl Rogers, San Diego
“Before working for the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), I was a scientist studying molecular neurobiology, and the director of neuroscience and ophthalmology at an American biotech company. Because of this experience, I can speak the language of my Canadian clients in the biopharma space. I’ve been on the journey towards commercializing a drug, so I understand the business models and I know what they’re up against. And I have a solid network here in San Diego that can fulfill my clients’ needs. By having that boots-on-the-ground presence, the TCS has built longstanding relationships and trust with its network of international contacts, which makes such a difference."
“One success story that touches close to home, is how I was able to bring to Canada a novel drug delivery system that treats glioblastoma, the worst kind of brain cancer – it usually kills patients within a year. We care about all our Canadian citizens, and we want them to have the best treatment possible, and sometimes that’s only accessible through a clinical trial, as the drugs can become quite expensive once they come on the market. So when an American biotech company with whom I had built a relationship over 10 years, approached me, asking if Canada had a good ecosystem to run clinical trials on glioblastoma, I consulted with the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and other contacts I had in Canada to determine the best sites and the best surgeons to conduct phase two and three trials. So along with the many sites they were working with in the US, this company decided to create test sites in ten hospitals across Canada as a result of TCS connections. I was elated that Canadian patients would get access to this drug, especially having family members that have been through brain cancer, including glioblastoma. This is what makes me happy about my job. Knowing the impact this will have on Canadian patients, in addition to knowing that Canadian hospitals and service providers will benefit from the investment in this large-scale clinical trial. It’s really all about the client, that’s where my satisfaction comes from."
“One thing clients really need to think about is what is missing in their own business, and how they can leverage the TCS to help them bridge those gaps. Companies should take advantage of the experience and expertise of the TCS so they can make it across the finish line.”
