Michael Patel is a Senior Scientist II at Novartis Institutes of BioMedical Research in Cambridge, MA. There, he is involved in biomarker planning and implementation on early phase clinical programs and studies across a wide range of therapeutic areas. Specifically, he has been heavily involved in identifying and evaluating near patient sample collection and analysis technologies. This includes engaging and collaborating with internal and external partners on progressing to the ultimate goal of applying these to future decentralized and patient-centric clinical studies.
Michael received a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of North Carolina.
Joy Beckerman is an internationally renowned hemp law and policy expert involved in the hemp industries for over 30 years, and her extraordinary passion for this versatile, valuable crop is contagious! Joy is the Founder & Principal at Hemp Ace International, a Seattle-based consulting, legal support, and expert witness firm serving the global community; as well as Director of Regulatory & Legal Affairs of Zilis, an international leader in hemp extract dietary supplements and cosmetics; Co-Founder and Senior Advisor to Colorado Hemp Works, America’s first post-prohibition hemp grain processing facility; and host of the popular podcast Hemp Barons. Among multiple non-profit leadership roles, Joy President of the Center of the Study of Cannabis & Social Policy, a leading Director of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, consultant to the U.S. Hemp Building Association, and The Seminar Group’s National Hemp Continuing Legal Education Program Chair. After joining the hemp movement in 1990, Joy opened the first hemp store in New York state in 1994; and when the inaugural Vermont Hemp Bill passed in 1996, Joy relocated there with her family to serve as Secretary to the Vermont Hemp Council. After an extensive and successful dual career in compliance and complex civil litigation in Seattle, Joy founded Hemp Ace International in 2014. Joy works directly with lawmakers and regulators as a grassroots activist, both proactively and upon request.
With a career spanning over 25 years, George Vlachos is renowned for his expertise and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry.
As Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Akesa, George’s focus on global sourcing and procurement of comparator pharmaceutical products has been crucial in navigating the complex challenges of clinical trial management. His proactive approach and vast network enhance Akesa’s capabilities in securing essential pharmaceuticals, ensuring the highest standards of quality in clinical operations.
George has a deep knowledge of the clinical trial supply chain and its associated complexities developed across his vast career working at industry giants including contract research organisation (CRO) PPD and IQVIA, and with global pharmaceutical company at Lilly. During his early career, George excelled in managing large scale clinical trials across APAC as Region PM and developing a clinical trial distribution depot and GMP facility in Australia. George’s leadership within the industry and vast network helps to position Akesa as a leader in pharmaceutical sourcing for clinical trials, supporting substantial advances in global health.
Con Konstantopoulos | Founder and Co-CEO | BSc (Pharmacology, Physiology)
Con leverages over 25 years of expertise in international pharmaceutical supply chains. His strategic approach and innovative thinking have positioned Akesa as a leader in delivering bespoke solutions for clinical trials, enhancing outcomes and forging global partnerships.
