BIO Asia–Taiwan 2025 亞洲生技大會

BIO Asia–Taiwan 2025 亞洲生技大會

TEACHER

Stephen Moran

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Plenary Session 3 –  The Value of Innovation for a Healthier Taiwan  

Date:23 July 
Time:12:35 - 12:50, 13:05 - 13:17  (GMT+8)

Stephen Moran

Global Program Head Clinical Development & Radiopharmaceuticals Platform Lead
Novartis

Stephen Moran, Ph.D. is Global Program Head of Clinical Development and Radiopharmaceuticals Platform Lead at Novartis. He leads the company’s radioligand therapy (RLT) clinical pipeline, including breakthrough treatments like Lutathera and Pluvicto, across multiple oncology indications such as NET, prostate cancer, and glioblastoma. Dr. Moran oversees a portfolio of global trials (Phases 1–4), co-develops enterprise strategy across R&D and commercial functions, and has led successful submissions in the US, EU, and Japan—including the first RLT approvals in pediatrics and first-line indications.
 
Previously, Dr. Moran served as Novartis’ Global Head of Strategy, advising two CEOs and driving corporate transformation initiatives such as the spin-off of Alcon, acquisitions in cell, gene, and RNA therapies, and the establishment of Novartis’ precision medicine and digital strategies. He began his career at Novartis as Strategic Assistant to the CEO, supporting key organizational restructuring and major portfolio deals with GSK.
 
Before joining Novartis, Dr. Moran was Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company, where he led major healthcare strategy projects, including national policy for the UK’s NHS and life sciences strategy for the Prime Minister’s office.
 
Dr. Moran earned his D.Phil. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford (Magdalen College), where he was named “Young Investigator of the Year” by Biochemical Journal. He holds a B.A. and M.Sci. in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge (St John’s College), graduating top of his class. He also completed an undergraduate research exchange at MIT.



Speech title & Synopsis

A new innovation for Cancer patients: Radioligand Therapy (Pre-recorded)

Radioligand therapy (RLT) represents a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, offering a highly targeted approach that leverages the precision of nuclear medicine. RLT utilizes a ligand—a molecule specifically designed to bind to unique biomarkers on cancer cells—conjugated with a therapeutic radioisotope. This combination allows for the direct delivery of cytotoxic radiation to malignant cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, embodying the concept of “treating what you see” and enabling both diagnosis and therapy within a single platform.
 
The field of RLT has evolved significantly since its inception in the late 20th century, originating with radioimmunotherapy for hematological cancers. Recent decades have seen its application expand to solid tumors, such as neuroendocrine tumors and metastatic prostate cancer, where RLT has demonstrated meaningful improvements in disease control and patient quality of life, particularly for those who have exhausted conventional treatment options.
 
RLT’s uniqueness lies in its systemic yet highly selective action, which allows for repeated administration with tolerable side effects. The current landscape is marked by rapid growth, with over 320 clinical trials worldwide exploring novel tumor targets, new radioligands, and broader clinical indications. This momentum is driven by the promise of even greater precision and efficacy.
 
Looking to the future, innovations in radioisotope technology—especially the development of alpha-emitting isotopes like actinium-225 and lead-212—are poised to enhance the potency and specificity of RLT. Advances in ligand engineering, isotope production, and integrated care models are expected to further expand the therapeutic potential of RLT. As these innovations mature, radioligand therapy is set to become a cornerstone of personalized oncology, offering new hope for patients with challenging or treatment-resistant cancers.

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