Impact of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Patent Expirations on Job Cuts in Pharma and Biotech: Insights from Aurelija Luko and Darren Callanan

P4A Let's Talk Rare: The Life Science Podcast

Welcome to this month's episode of the P4A Let’s Talk Rare podcast by Partners4Acess. Today, Georgie and Owen are joined by their colleagues Aurelija Luko, the CFO, and Darren Callanan, the Global Digital Lead at Partners4Access. Join them as they discuss the recent job cuts in the pharma and biotech industry and the reasons behind them.

Aurelia explains that redundancies are not limited to the pharma industry and are influenced by factors like mergers, expiring patents, and macroeconomic instability. Darren adds that high drug development costs and pricing pressures also contribute to layoffs. However, he suggests that companies can use digital tools to enhance efficiency and innovation to address industry challenges. They also discuss a digital launch platform and a social listening tool created by Partners4Access.

Aurelia highlights that companies are looking to increase shareholder value and reduce costs. Darren adds that thanks to the high cost of drug development and downward pressure on prices, companies are forced to narrow their focus and compete in the same space, leading to layoffs.

The conversation then shifts to discuss the digital launch platform created by Partners for Access. Darren explains that the platform streamlines the access and utilization of launch materials, ensuring that affiliates have access to the most up-to-date and compliant versions. This helps overcome the challenge of inconsistent distribution and saves time for the teams.

Darren also mentions another tool called RarePulse, a social listening platform. This tool collects and analyzes data from social media and other sources to provide insights on key opinion leaders, unmet patient needs, and other relevant topics. He emphasizes that social media listening allows for a broader understanding of patient experiences and can help shape primary research and launch strategies.

Aurelija Luko Bio:

Aurelija’s work at P4A includes overseeing all accounting activities, from managing financial risk to setting budgets. Also, to ensure smooth day-to-day finance operations within the business.​ Aurelija is a Chartered Accountant with 10+ years of experience; she holds an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Exeter and a BSc in the same field. ​

​Before P4A, she worked for small start-ups and big listed companies in healthcare, consulting, and property industries. She is a problem solver who can adapt well to new situations and review and improve the internal controls within the organization.

Darren Callanan Bio:

Darren Callanan is the Global Digital Lead at Partners4Access. He works in a specialist consultancy team to develop digital solutions addressing healthcare delivery barriers. Darren holds a master’s degree in Biotechnology and Business Management from the University of Warwick and an honors degree in Physiology from the National University of Ireland, Galway. His expertise includes strong communication and interpersonal skills, supported by a robust scientific background across various therapeutic areas. Previously, he worked at S3 Connected Health.

Episode Resources:

• Aurelija Luko on LinkedIn

• Darren Callanan on LinkedIn

• Owen Bryant on LinkedIn

• Georgina Rack on LinkedIn

• Partners4Access Website

• P4A Let’s Talk Rare podcast on Apple Podcasts