Track B2: Interdisciplinary Partnerships for Clinical Innovation
Saturday, 27 September | 16:30–18:00 | Galleria Ballroom (Level 3)
This session explores the underlying reasons why translational research often stalls between academic discovery and clinical application. Rather than focusing solely on successes, the discussion will examine structural, regulatory, and institutional challenges that hinder progress; it will also highlight approaches that can better align innovation with patient needs.
The session includes brief presentations followed by a panel discussion with all speakers. Participants include faculty from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the founders of two NUS spin-offs: PharLyfe+, which develops medicated oral films to improve compliance, and PronioBioTech, which pioneers niosomal drug delivery for rheumatoid arthritis. These ventures highlight both the milestones and roadblocks in translating scientific ideas into clinical solutions. Mr Thang Vo-Ta, founder of Calla Lily Clinical Care, will provide a complementary business perspective, drawing on his experience across Singapore and the UK to discuss operational, regulatory, and market-readiness challenges. The session also features insights from Cerecin, a global biotech firm that has chosen Singapore to be a key development hub, reinforcing the country’s growing role in biomedical innovation.
Together, the speakers will discuss critical success factors, including early clinical engagement, regulatory preparedness, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The panel will explore how different stakeholders can work together to close the translational gap and bring meaningful healthcare solutions to patients more efficiently.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Translating Science Into Practice: Interdisciplinary Partnerships for Clinical Innovation moderated by A/Prof Matthias Gerhard WACKER and Ms Shanshan LIU
Panelists:
• Dr Ayca Altay BENETTI
• Professor Sui Yung CHAN
• Dr Charles STACEY
• Mr Thang VO-TA
Moderators and panelists
A/Prof Matthias Gerhard WACKER
Associate Professor
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
National University of Singapore
Singapore
Professor Matthias G. Wacker earned his PhD from Goethe University Frankfurt and completed his habilitation under Jennifer Dressman and Jörg Kreuter. Before joining the National University of Singapore, he led the Formulation Department at Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Europe’s largest applied research organisation, focusing on industry-driven pharmaceutical technologies. His research centres on in vitro testing, biopredictive release methods, in vitro–in vivo correlation, and formulation disassembly in physiological environments. He integrates quality-by-design and computational modelling to support translational drug development. Professor Wacker contributes to international regulatory science through expert roles with the US Pharmacopeial Convention and ISO TC 229 on nanotechnology standards. He also serves on the editorial boards of journals such as the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics and Frontiers in Chemistry. His contributions have been recognised with awards such as the Phoenix Pharmaceutics Science Award, and since 2022 he has been listed among the World’s Top 2% of Scientists by the Stanford University Ranking.
Ms Shanshan LIU
Technical Director
No deviation Pte Ltd
Singapore
Ms Shanshan Liu is the current Technical Director at No deviation, responsible for the company’s technology and innovation roadmap, as well as the professional growth of employees. She also sits on the core team, defining the company’s international growth and business strategy.
Holding an MSc in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, Ms Liu brings 18 years of global experience across consulting firms and pharmaceutical giants like Novartis, focusing on process, quality, compliance, and regulatory areas.
Ms Liu is passionate about connecting people and technologies in the life science industry and is devoted to fostering international collaborations. She currently serves on the ISPE International Board, contributing to its global mission and vision.
Dr Ayca Altay BENETTI
CEO, PronioBioTech
Research Fellow
Pharmacy
National University of Pharmacy
Italy
Dr Ayça Altay Benetti is a pharmacist, researcher, and project specialist focused on transdermal drug delivery systems, excipient compatibility, and regulatory compliance. She has collaborated closely with academic institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), contributing to initiatives like the NUS GRIP 10 programme and the successful spin-off, PronioBioTech. The startup focuses on non-invasive treatment of arthritis and is currently leading efforts to develop an alternative, non-invasive approach for breast cancer prevention. With her expertise in liaising with suppliers, managing certification processes (including halal and chemical guarantees), and coordinating international logistics, Dr Benetti combines pharmaceutical knowledge with strong organisational and communication skills. She is recognised for her commitment to innovation, quality, and meticulous execution from early-stage planning through to product development.
Professor Sui Yung CHAN
Co-Founder
PharLyfe+ Pte Ltd
Singapore
With a National University of Singapore (NUS) BSc (Pharmacy) Hons degree and MBA, as well as a PhD from Queen’s University of Belfast, UK, Professor Sui Yung Chan was a pharmacist at the Singapore General Hospital, the National University Hospital, Guardian Pharmacy, and the Pharmaceutical Department of Singapore’s Ministry of Health, as well as the Pharmacy Manager of Tan Tock Seng Hospital. As Associate Professor, Head of Department of NUS Pharmacy and ex-officio member of the Singapore Pharmacy Board Council, Ministry of Health, she initiated the PharmD, MSc (Pharmaceutical Science & Technology), Minor in Pharmaceutical Science, NUS Academy of GxP Excelllence (NUSAGE), AAPS-NUS Student Chapter, Interprofessional Education, Pre-Employment Clinical Training and Biobiz, as well as supervised 24 PhD, 110 MSc/FYP students and co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. She was principal investigator or co-investigator of research grants totalling SGD 5 million. She is NUS Honorary Fellow, Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore, and she received the Long Service Medal of the Ministry of Education, 2020 National Day Awards, Singapore. Upon retirement from her academic career, she co-founded the startup PharLyfe+ Pte Ltd.
Dr Charles STACEY
President and CEO
Cerecin
Singapore
Dr Charles Stacey is President and CEO of Cerecin, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics for brain health and neurological diseases. Prior to joining Cerecin, he was with Inventages, the Nestlé-backed healthcare venture capital group, with $1.5 billion under management. Prior to Inventages, Dr Stacey ran an orthopaedic medical device company and worked for a number of early-stage healthcare companies. He received his medical degree from King’s College London and practiced as a trauma and reconstructive surgeon. Dr Stacey also completed an MBA at the London Business School and the Wharton School.
Mr Thang VO-TA
CEO & Co-Founder
Calla Lily Clinical Care
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Mr Thang Vo-Ta began his career in investment banking and private equity in the New York and London offices of Goldman Sachs. He went on to lead a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures and has been named a Sunday Times Maserati Top 100 entrepreneur and The Manufacturer’s Top 100 manufacturing leaders. Raised in Singapore, he holds a BSc in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is completing an MSc in Translation Health Sciences at the University of Oxford.
Mr Vo-Ta is the co-founder and CEO of Calla Lily Clinical Care, a UK-based company developing the Callavid® device, a novel platform for the vaginal administration of therapeutics addressing fertility, gynaecological cancers, and the vaginal microbiome (dysbiosis). Partnering with co-founder Dr Lara Zibners, a physician with personal in vitro fertilisation experience, Mr Vo-Ta leads the company’s strategic vision and team operations, including its commitment to the environment, people, and communities as a certified B Corp.
