Top Biopharmaceutical Experts 2025

Dr. Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at North Dakota State University, internationally recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of digital epidemiology, pharmacovigilance, and artificial intelligence. His research harnesses advanced statistical modeling and AI to track and predict health behaviors, medication safety, and disease patterns in real time—bridging traditional epidemiology with next-generation digital health analytics. Dr. Bhagavathula has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Annals of Epidemiology, JAMA Network Open, and Lancet Digital Health. His work has been widely cited and featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, where he discussed the real-world safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro). Recognized among the Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% of Scientists (2019–2024) and elected as a Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, Dr. Bhagavathula is known for translating complex data into actionable insights that shape public health policy and clinical practice. His ongoing projects include NIH- and NSF-aligned initiatives on AI-powered overdose forecasting, digital twins for public health, and real-world drug safety surveillance using explainable machine learning. With a decade of experience spanning more than two dozen countries and collaborations with organizations such as WHO, USAID, and UNICEF, Dr. Bhagavathula brings a global, data-driven, and human-centered approach to solving modern health crises.

I am a third-generation pharmacist with certifications in pharmacogenetics and antepartum doula care, specializing in maternal health and medication safety. After earning my PharmD from Creighton University and a BS in Hospitality from UNLV, I built a career spanning hospital and retail pharmacy, consulting, entrepreneurship, telemedicine, and medical affairs. Currently, I work as a medical science liaison while continuing to consult and practice as a hospital pharmacist. My expertise is grounded in both research and lived experience. After enduring three pregnancies complicated by Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), I founded HG Pharmacist® and Obstet-Rx to provide personalized medication guidance, integrate pharmacogenetics into maternal care, and advocate for women worldwide. My research includes genetic predictors of ondansetron effectiveness and recurrence risk for HG, and I have published extensively on maternal health. I also served on the HER Foundation board from 2019 to 2021 and frequently present at professional conferences. As host of the MaternalRx podcast on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, I highlight the pharmacist’s role in maternal outcomes, drawing from my background in specialty diagnostics such as preeclampsia biomarkers, iron deficiency anemia, and oncology supportive therapies. This blend of patient advocacy, clinical expertise, and medical affairs experience positions me as a trusted voice on maternal health, medication management, and the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare. When I’m not speaking or consulting, I enjoy yoga, ice skating, and time outdoors with my dog. I welcome opportunities to collaborate with media to shed light on maternal health challenges, the importance of personalized medicine, and strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Started my career at Sagentia Innovation, I helped global consumer and industrial companies such as P&G to identify and evaluate market opportunities of new technologies and products. I joined Oxford University Innovation in 2016, focusing on commercialising Oxford University's research outcomes through licensing and creating spin-out ventures. I am passionate about cleantech innovation, currently leading a Climate Tech initiative at OUI, launched the Oxford Climate Tech and Sustainability Innovation Challenge 2021 this summer to engage Oxford researchers and local innovation eco-system to tackle climate crisis together. I am always eager and self-motivated to learn new knowledge and develop new skills, enjoying the challenges of stepping out of comfort zone while keeping the focus. I am passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, and how to bring these together to create real impact to the society. I am a great team player, sociable and optimistic. I enjoy leading, coaching and mentoring, in particular when I can support and make others succeed in their endeavours

Skilled, highly knowledgeable, and analytical professional with over fourteen years experience in the healthcare sector. Primary expertise in providing strategic insights and actionable information to life science companies. Proficient in molecular diagnostics, point of care diagnostics, genomics, immunoassays, oncology diagnostics, cardiology diagnostics, infectious disease diagnostics and personalized medicine. Strong ability in capturing customer insights, performing technical analysis, sizing niche segments, financial modeling, evaluating market dynamics, identify/evaluate new product potential, and presenting high impact, tactical recommendations. Specialties: Extensive knowledge in the genomics, in-vitro diagnostics space. Demonstrated success in managing teams and clients, assessing business models identifying market opportunities/risks and developing strategies to optimize market penetration, competitive advantage and profit.

Experienced Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Skilled in Healthcare Management, Immunology, Team Leadership, Biologics, and Business Development. Strong consulting professional with a Certificate of Achievment focused in Immunology from Harvard Medical School.

Richard Steinfeld is a seasoned life sciences staffing expert with over 17 years of experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies. As the founder of Enfusionbio, Richard specializes in providing customized direct hire and contract staffing solutions across clinical operations, biometrics, medical affairs, and executive leadership. He has built a strong reputation for helping small to mid-sized companies build high-performing teams, often stepping in at critical moments to deliver on hard-to-fill roles. His long-term, cost-effective contract model offers clients a streamlined alternative to traditional staffing approaches. Before founding Enfusionbio, Richard spent over a decade in workers' compensation as an insurance adjuster and vocational rehab specialist, a background that sharpened his client advocacy and problem-solving skills. Richard works best with teams that value direct communication, efficiency, and relationship-driven results. His approach blends industry knowledge, strategic hiring insight, and a commitment to long-term success for both clients and candidates.

Experienced Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Skilled in Healthcare Management, Immunology, Team Leadership, Biologics, and Business Development. Strong consulting professional with a Certificate of Achievment focused in Immunology from Harvard Medical School.

I'm the CEO and founder of Extract Labs, a Boulder, Colorado-based full-service hemp extraction laboratory offering a proprietary line of boutique CBD-infused products. I started the company out of my garage in 2016. Prior to founding Extract Labs, I was the Senior Sales Engineer for Apeks Supercritical, based out of Denver Colorado. I performed technical sales, and managed all national and international training and service on Apeks extraction systems. I also performed cannabis related research and development, and taught classes specifically on advanced CO2 extraction techniques along with pre and post processing techniques. I received both a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisville with a concentration in thermal sciences and renewable energy. Prior to my undergraduate and graduate studies, I served as an infantryman and Team Leader in the US Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2002 to 2006.

Dr. James Utley is a pioneering scientist at the forefront of cellular therapy, AI, and data science. A Johns Hopkins-educated Immunohematology expert and Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP), he also holds advanced certifications in data science and machine learning. While serving as Technical Director at a major healthcare organization, Dr. Utley oversaw more than 150,000 successful cellular transfusions and spearheaded advancements that significantly improved patient outcomes. This experience included leading initiatives for the Department of Defense, where he revolutionized cellular transfusion practices. His innovative approach is further exemplified by his FDA-approved work and numerous publications in leading scientific journals. Dr. Utley is also known for his bold, hands-on approach to research, embodying the spirit of a "biohacker" by pushing the boundaries of CRISPR and genetic engineering through self-experimentation. This unique blend of rigorous scientific training and unconventional methods has earned him the moniker "the pirate" within the biohacker community.

Garrett Diamantides is a dedicated substance abuse and mental health business owner with over a decade of experience in the industry. Growing up on the North Shore of Massachusetts, he has been passionate about supporting others on their recovery journeys since achieving his own in 2006. Garrett combines personal experience with professional expertise to create impactful programs that foster healing and resilience in the community. Committed to advocacy and education, he strives to break the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.

I am a seasoned technologist, product leader in Healthcare with over 18 years leading strategic transformation initiatives at Fortune 500 companies. It is during this time that I experienced first hand how complex, manual and painful regulatory processes are. I founded Essenvia to solve this problem. My MISSION: My goal is to transform Medical device regulatory affairs by reducing inefficiencies in the medical device regulatory processes. Today Essenvia has helped over 60 medical device companies and 100+ products to achieve faster time to clearance. ACCOMPLISHMENT: Multinational technology leader specializing in driving business transformation, product development and growth through strategic thought leadership and innovation.

Swalin Suraj Pradhan is an independent student researcher meaning he isn't affiliated with any instituition and whose work focuses on pharmacokinetics, drug modeling, and theoretical frameworks in pharmaceutical science. He is the author of the Drug Multiplication Theory (DMI Model), a novel pharmacokinetic approach integrating drug bioavailability, effect strength, and reaction transformation coefficients. His work aims to refine how drug behavior is mathematically understood and applied in clinical pharmacology. Swalin has also published two books of poetry, showcasing his ability to balance rigorous scientific inquiry with emotional and literary depth.

With over a decade as a founder and co-founder, my journey with Hey Mary Jane and Ecs skincare has been marked by a commitment to innovation in natural medicine and business growth. At the heart of my mission lies a passion for new business development, sales management, and strategic business planning. My role at Hey Mary Jane allows me to merge my entrepreneurial expertise with a profound understanding of natural wellness, aligning with our company's culture of health and vibrancy. Our teams have embraced these competencies, driving us forward in the competitive wellness industry.

Exceptional physician executive with vast experience in medicine, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship. Proven track record in product development and marketing consulting for healthcare/scientific companies in launching winning products. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, which consistently translates to superior results and trusted relationships with clients and associates. Specialities: Marketing Planning | Product Management | Brand Management | Market Research | Market/Customer Trends | New Product Development | Marketing Communications | Budget Management |

4th year med student passionate about solving real-world problems at the intersection of medicine, innovation, and public health. As the founder and managing director of nCase Tech, I lead efforts to increase access to harm reduction tools through thoughtful product design, research, and community partnerships. I’m also advancing the use of AI in medical education, working to reimagine how we train and support future physicians. My work spans clinical care, tech, and entrepreneurship—with a focus on building systems that make healthcare more responsive, equitable, and human.

Actively helping businesses to benefit from chatbots and voice assistants. Managing a chatbot company for the last 3 years: 100 chatbots built, 50 happy clients from 14 countries, 4 hackathons won with a chatbot idea, Company growth from 3 to 35 chatbot ninjas Working with Messenger API since April 2016 Rich experience with different platforms like FB messenger, Slack, SMS, Telegram, Cisco Spark, Web, Google Home, Amazon Alexa etc. I believe that chatbots are the new era of human/machine communication. I can help with the best practices of chatbot`s development, and it`s not only about the code but also about user engagement and profitability.

David Selakovic is the CEO and President of Vegalab SA, a Swiss biotech advancing natural solutions for global food systems. Under his leadership, Vegalab develops high-performance biologicals and specialty inputs that help growers boost yield and quality while shrinking chemical footprints and protecting pollinators. The company’s platforms—micronization, nano-encapsulation, and in-vivo cultivation of beneficial microorganisms—are engineered to match the efficacy and usability of synthetics, with sustainability built in from the start. Headquartered in Switzerland with a growing international footprint, Vegalab supports farmers, distributors, and innovators across regions with rapid product development and field-level support, and maintains a commitment to carbon-neutral operations and FSC-certified communications. Selakovic speaks frequently on scaling biologicals, translating lab breakthroughs to farm outcomes, and building resilient, zero-residue value chains.

A PhD graduate of ETH Zurich in Food Microbiology, Dr. Mario Hupfeld became a member of the NEMIS Technologies co-founding team as CSO in 2018. He's lived and worked in Germany, UK, Italy and Switzerland, and developed 7 products from ideation to commercialization since NEMIS Technologies' inception.