Ebony Heyns

Primarily manage the external and internal research activities for the discovery and development of novel inhibitors to the transcription factor SOX18. Additional responsibilities including market and competitor surveillance, budget and forecasting, KOL identification and relationship management.

Manage and co-ordinate independently and co-operatively the daily operations and research activities of AdAlta with a focus on product development – from lead i-body candidate to clinical product.

Assisting with the planning and implementation of a program providing early-career researchers with a foundation in research commercialisation. Duties include marketing and communication strategies, liaising with participants and the organisation of speakers and mentors for each program module.

Technical market appraisal including opportunity analysis and reimbursement strategy within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Utilising extensive research and analysis skills to perform rigorous appraisals of market segments, providing targeted, in-depth analysis to shape future business decisions. Currently completed projects for biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical service providers on my own and in conjunction with Lucid Health Consulting

Undertook a commercial feasibility assessment of a niche pharmaceutical market for a speciality, pharmaceutical supply company, Akesa Pharma. The project involved an in depth understanding of the market structure and characteristics, identification of key players and subsequent interviews to gain insight. The pharmaceutical pipelines of market players were evaluated to determine the commercial potential for Akesa Pharma’s services.

I led tutorials of 20-60 students, helped design and grade assignments and assisted students with procedural and theoretical questions in practical classes

My PhD thesis focused on glucocorticoids, anti-inflammatory compounds commonly administered to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy due to their anti-nausea properties. However, glucocorticoids also directly influence tumour cell behaviour. I revealed that glucocorticoids slow the migration of human breast tumour cells, however, this effect is abolished in a population of cells with highly metastatic characteristics, presenting a further challenge in treating metastatic breast cancer.

Undertook 4 MBA subjects to gain insight into commercialisation opportunities. These included Innovation Management, Negotiations, Project Management and Marketing