A meaningful career as a pharmaceutical statistician

10:45 am - 11:45 am, August 15

Speaker: Yili L. Pritchett, Ph.D, MindMed

Vice President, Head of Biometrics and Data Sciences

Dr. Pritchett is currently the Vice President, Head of Biometrics and Data Sciences at the biotechnology company MindMed. She previously held leadership roles as Head of Biometrics in biotech companies and as Head of Statistical Therapeutic Areas in large pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Pritchett is a dedicated and accomplished statistician. Among her proudest accomplishments are working alongside cross-functional teams to advance compounds from clinical development through regulatory submission, contributing to the market authorization approvals of eight drug products.

She began her career at Eli Lilly as a Senior Statistician after earning her Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Over her 30-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Pritchett has provided or overseen statistical support for clinical trials across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including CNS, Oncology, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Endocrinology, Respiratory, Vaccines, and Renal.

Passionate about applying novel statistical methodologies to address real-world challenges in drug development, Dr. Pritchett has authored 79 published manuscripts and book chapters. In 2013, she was elected a Fellow of the American Statistical Association in recognition of “leadership in exemplifying and promoting statistical influence and excellence in the pharmaceutical industry; for important contributions to clinical trial methodologies, especially on adaptive designs and benefit-risk assessment; and for being a role model for young statisticians.”(ASA press release)

Abstract

After highlighting the importance of medicines to human health, this talk will explore the challenging yet rewarding environment in which pharmaceutical statisticians operate. From applying principles of experimental design to the development of clinical trial protocols, to using appropriate and innovative statistical methods to evaluate treatment effects, statisticians play a critical role throughout the journey of drug development.

What makes our work especially meaningful is the process of regulatory review and approval, which demands not only the adoption of novel methodologies but also the ability to effectively communicate and defend statistical approaches with regulatory statisticians. Drawing on examples from my own experience, I will share real-world challenges and the statistical strategies used to address them.

Finally, I will discuss the reality that a career as a pharmaceutical statistician offers unlimited opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. I will also share my perspective on what it takes to become an excellent pharmaceutical statistician.