Latest news with #advisoryCommittee
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Precision Era to Redefine Treatment, Drive $450B Economic Investment and Change Lives Across Asia Pacific
SINGAPORE, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Precision Era of medicine is arriving in Asia Pacific, driven by the arrival of a critical mass of innovative therapies that will redefine treatment, attract investment and improve lives, a new expert-driven report finds. Released today, 'On the Cusp of a Cure' White Paper examines Asia Pacific's readiness for the Precision Era – the current, transformative period where generically prescribed and regularly administered treatments are increasingly giving way to potentially curative therapies tailored to individuals and their disease. Treatments called precision therapies. Across the four markets over the next 10 years, the new research by L.E.K. Consulting and an advisory committee of 16 Asia Pacific experts using a proprietary 'whole system benefits modelling' approach found that the Precision Era has the potential to: Drive direct economic investment of approximately USD 450 billion.[i] Create almost 1.2 million highly skilled jobs[i] in R&D, advanced manufacturing and biotechnology. Drive USD1.615 trillion in broader[i], indirect economic benefit via a multiplier effect across adjacent industries. Save healthcare systems across the four markets USD 39 billion[i], alleviating intense pressure on resources. Increase workforce participation for 24 million patients and caregivers by improving their ability to return or stay in work.[i] "The Precision Era is being driven by the arrival of a critical mass of some 4,000 innovative cell and gene therapies that will redefine treatment, attract investment and improve lives. Never before have we had such a clear view of the huge potential that this new era holds for Asia-Pacific. Healthcare systems stand to save billions, and patients could potentially live healthier for longer. The broader economic impact of this new era medicine is equivalent to South Korea's annual GDP, and the potential for new jobs greater than the entire population of Adelaide," said Stephanie Newey, Managing Partner, Head of L.E.K. Consulting Australia. Precision therapies put us on the cusp of a cure The 'On the Cusp of a Cure' research assessed data from more than 1,000 clinical trials across four novel technologies – gene therapies, targeted antibody therapies, drug-device combination therapies, and diagnostic technologies. These precision therapies are considered part of the Precision Era because they provide enhanced health benefits through a more tailored approach, represent a paradigm shift to how care has been provided previously and are the focus of significant research and investment. Critically, some experts suggest we may be on the cusp of a cure for diseases that have previously been considered incurable and represent Asia-Pacific's most pressing health challenges, such as many cancers and genetic disorders. "Asia disproportionately carries the largest cancer and rare disease burden in the world. It shoulders nearly half of all global cancer incidence[ii] and is home to 258 million people who are living with rare diseases[iii]. Worse still, these numbers are only expected to grow, fuelling calls for sustainable, scalable and effective solutions. Precision therapies are stepping forward to meet this critical need and represent a new standard of care for many of Asia-Pacific's health challenges," said Professor Baorong Yu, from the University of International Business and Economics in China. One of the most groundbreaking examples of these treatments is chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy that modifies the body's own T cells (a type of white blood cell) to target and destroy cancer cells[iv]. It is commonly used in the treatment of blood cancers, which has a 50% survival rate for over a third of patients. Currently, these patients are mostly treated through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but many do not respond or will relapse. "With increased access to innovative treatments such as CAR-T therapy, particularly earlier in treatment regimes, patients could live longer with a better quality of life," said Naomi Sakurai, Advisory Committee member and Founder and CEO, Cancer Solutions. "Rather than going through multiple rounds of chemo, they would have a therapy tailored specifically to their condition. These precision treatments are now offering hope by potentially curing once-incurable diseases and giving people the priceless gift of more time with their loved ones." What's holding back the adoption of precision therapies? The Precision Era brings fundamental change to the way disease is approached and how patients are treated, and requires an equivalent rethink from regulators and policymakers. While each market has its own, unique policy environment, 'On the Cusp of a Cure' series found that Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea all exhibit similar barriers to precision therapy adoption. Rules remain unclear for evaluating the reimbursement of new precision therapies, there is limited awareness among patients and doctors about these treatments, and better healthcare infrastructure is needed to support access. The 'On the Cusp of a Cure' research presents a number of regional solutions to unlock the potential benefits of precision therapies: Establish streamlined regulatory and reimbursement pathways specifically tailored for these treatments Increase education for providers, patients, and the community to enhance understanding of the Precision Era Enhance public-private collaboration to foster innovation and equitable access to precision therapies. Improve access and affordability through pricing strategies, reimbursement frameworks, and insurance initiatives for treatments and diagnostics alike. Through clinical guidelines and knowledge sharing, empower HCPs to make informed decisions about precision therapies, and assist patients in complex treatment paths. By backing local industry investments in therapies and diagnostics, and nurturing expertise, joint efforts can drive sustainable progress towards transformative innovations. "With this new era of precision therapies, we stand at the threshold of transforming healthcare across Asia-Pacific," said Sakurai. "But for the full potential of these medicines to materialise, regulatory systems as well as knowledge and infrastructure must keep up. The goal of precision therapies is to ensure the right patient, right timing, right treatment and right dose. We all have a role to play, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and healthcare industry leaders, to remove barriers for patients to these potentially life-changing therapies." "On the Cusp of a Cure White Paper Asia Pacific Series is made up of four local market white papers evaluating barriers to precision therapy adoption, providing recommendations for improvement, and assessing the value of widespread adoption in Australia, China, Japan, and Korea. Notes to Editor: On the Cusp of a Cure White Paper Series and Advisory Committee Members The On the Cusp of a Cure whitepaper series was supported by an advisory committee of 16 pre-eminent regional experts in precision medicine, economic and health policy, and patient experience across Australia, China, Japan and Korea. It was also sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Australia China South Korea Japan David Thomas, Chief Scientific Officer, Omico Jaala Pulford, Chair of the Board, MTPConnect Christine Cockburn, CEO, Rare Cancers Australia Baorong Yu, Professor and market access key opinion leader, University of International Business and Economics Andy Mok, Head of China, Guardant Health Kevin Huang, Founder and president, China Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) Caicun Zhou, Professor and lung cancer key opinion leader, School of Medicine, Tongji University Paul Lee, Former GM, Gilead Sciences Korea Jin-Ah Kim, Advocate for rare diseases, Seoul National University Hospital, Department of Genomic Medicine, Rare Disease Centre Prof Jeonghoon Ahn, Professor of Health Convergence, Ewha University Teruyuki Katori, Representative Director, Special Appointed Professor, Future Institute Wolong, General Incorporated Association Graduate School of Social Sciences, University of Hyogo Daisuke Sato, Professor. Fujita Health university Manabu Muto, Professor, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Masahiro Miyake, Professor, Kyoto University Hospital Naomi Sakurai, Founder and CEO, Cancer Solutions Keisuke Shimizu, Leader, Lung cancer HER2 "HER HER" About L.E.K. Consulting We're L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consultancy working with business leaders to seize competitive advantage and amplify growth. Our insights are catalysts that reshape the trajectory of our clients' businesses, uncovering opportunities and empowering them to master their moments of truth. Since 1983, our worldwide practice — spanning the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific — has guided leaders across all industries from global corporations to emerging entrepreneurial businesses and private equity investors. Looking for more? Visit [i] L.E.K Consulting. On the Cusp of a Cure 2025. [ii] Huang J, Ngai CH, Deng Y, Tin MS, Lok V, Zhang L, Yuan J, Xu W, Zheng ZJ, Wong MCS. Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Asian Countries: A Trend Analysis. Cancer Control. 2022 Jan-Dec;29:10732748221095955. doi: 10.1177/10732748221095955. PMID: 35770775; PMCID: PMC9252010. [iii] IQVIA. Rare Diseases in APAC: The Unmet Potential. Available from Accessed April 2025. [iv] American Cancer Society. CAR T-cell therapy and Its Side-effects. Available from View original content: SOURCE L.E.K Consulting
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
3 Tips To Stay Relevant In Your Job, From A Gen X Professional
As a member of Generation X who has tracked trends in education and employment for a living for over two decades, Steven Kurutz's article about the Gen X 'career meltdown' hit a little too close to home. Kurutz describes the career fate of Gen X workers who work as creatives in newspaper journalism, photography, graphic arts, and related industries. He convincingly explains that, due to AI, this group of workers teeters on obsolescence when we should be at the height of our careers. As AI becomes more of a must-know than a nice-to-know, I've been thinking about what this means for the skills, credentials, and experiences I should pursue to remain competitive and continue adding value in my career. Over the last year, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues in Jobs for the Future (JFF)'s Center for AI and the Future of Work and a stellar advisory committee to investigate how AI could lead to quality jobs, catalyze wealth-building, and promote economic opportunity for everyone — particularly for workers in jobs that are susceptible to disruption from AI and automation. This led to AI for Economic Opportunity and Advancement: A Call to Action, a guide for how education and workforce practitioners, employers, investors and policymakers can ensure that AI makes everybody better off. This process helped me consider some changes I need to make to stay relevant at work. I'll share them here in the event they are helpful to my fellow Gen Xers (and my younger generation colleagues, too). Over the next three years, 92% of companies plan to increase their investments in AI. If you think you can avoid integrating AI into your skillset, it's not likely. AI is now a core feature in leading business process software. Gen X workers who want to continue to add value at work must be proactive in getting smart about AI. Don't make the mistake of waiting for your employer to help you get up to speed. Employers are rapidly implementing AI, but few are providing support to their employees. Only 31% of workers report receiving employer-provided AI training, according to a survey that accompanied the Call to Action. Unless you work for companies like PwC and Accenture, which are investing billions of dollars in providing AI upskilling support to their teams, you are largely on your own. Employers tend to prioritize AI skills over experience, according to a 2024 Microsoft and LinkedIn study. Specifically, 71% of business leaders would choose a less experienced candidate with AI expertise over a more experienced candidate lacking those skills, and 77% believe AI will allow early-career talent to take on greater responsibilities. Unsurprisingly, younger generations are using AI more, with 85% of Gen Zers using it at work, compared with 76% of Gen Xers. This shift means that having more experience no longer guarantees a competitive edge for Gen X workers. Unless we acquire AI skills, we may find ourselves outpaced in job opportunities and career advancement by our Millennial and Gen Z colleagues. No one is coming to save us. Most of us in the 'sandwich generation' need to work at least 15 to 20 or so more years before we can comfortably retire, but there's no way to do that without learning a few more tricks. We can't fall into the cognitive trap known as the Einstellung effect, where our existing knowledge flattens and the range of ideas and solutions we consider narrows. AI can help us get out of our own way, identify blind spots, and solve problems in ways we might not have previously envisioned, according to Harvard Business Review. But we should avoid going it alone. Collaborating with our younger colleagues will help us go further faster. The power of unlocking innovation lies in combining the different kinds of knowledge that Gen X and younger generations of workers hold. Let me explain: Gen Xers have more lived experience than our Millennial and Gen Z colleagues. We have what psychologists call crystallized intelligence, the knowledge accumulated from prior learning and past experiences. Our younger colleagues tend to have more fluid intelligence, which allows them to solve new problems without relying on past knowledge. Collaborating across generations in formal and informal ways at work on teams and on projects can generate win-win solutions that enhance creativity and innovation. As we learn more about integrating these new AI capabilities into our daily work lives, it's helpful to remember what we can do that this technology cannot. AI may be able to fulfill some technical functional aspects of your job, but it doesn't have the unique experience you bring to your work. A key takeaway from the Call to Action is that we want AI to uplift what it means to be human. For instance, AI can efficiently manage my research on education and employment, often completing tasks faster than I can. It can also identify significant trends in my field. You may be in a similar situation if you are in a knowledge-driven profession. However, there are certain aspects of me and my experience that AI simply can't replace. AI cannot fully grasp my perspective, which is shaped by my personal journey. The data AI is trained on doesn't adequately represent the experiences of many Americans who share a similar racial, ethnic, and economic background as mine. I have worked at my job for 20 years, during which I have collaborated meaningfully with leading organizations and experts in my field. These experiences have given me valuable insights that I continue developing daily. In addition, my liberal arts education and multidisciplinary graduate studies give me a unique perspective on AI's outputs. While there is still much to learn, my experiences make it difficult for AI to replicate exactly what I do. As Gen Xers navigate this new world and reimagine their careers, it's important to remember to use this technology as a support, not a replacement. Embracing AI can help reinvigorate our work when our careers are losing momentum. By leveraging our experience, unique perspectives, and the strengths that define us, we not only avoid becoming obsolete but can thrive in this next chapter.
CBC
06-05-2025
- CBC
Former chair of Cambridge accessibility committee says harassment investigation meant to 'silence me'
The former chair of Cambridge's accessibility advisory committee — who openly spoke about his frustrations with the city — says he's now being investigated for workplace harassment. Devin Sisak says he believes it's in retaliation for the comments he's made publicly and also might be a warning to others. "It really scares me for anyone looking to volunteer because if the city is willing to go to this level when you speak up, why would anyone want to volunteer their time?" he said in an interview with CBC News on Monday. "Since speaking up, that's when this all came to a head. And I feel that this is a way for staff to try and silence me for speaking up for the rights of my son and others with disabilities like him." Sisak, whose 12-year-old son is in a wheelchair, spoke out to local media including CBC News about a March 12 meeting where he admits to being frustrated by city staff not having time to answer questions he had. Sisak says he questioned why a certain city staff member was at that meeting because they weren't part of the committee. He quit the committee after that and went public with his frustrations, saying the city hampered the work the accessibility advisory committee was able to do and accused staff of sometimes bypassing the committee and going straight to council without getting feedback. Sisak says he received an email on April 30 from a lawyer working on behalf of the city to say an investigation was underway. In an emailed statement to CBC News, the City of Cambridge said it is their responsibility as an employer to act on allegations of abuse or harassment. The city declined to comment further. Sisak says the city taking this action doesn't mean he will stop speaking out because he says the city is not doing enough to address the accessibility needs of the community. He started an online advocacy group called Barrier Free Cambridge, which has already written to council asking for an update on its multi-year accessibility plan. "Accessibility is a right. It's not something that you can just pick and choose when you want to give it to people," Sisak said. "There's lots of people in our community that have accessibility needs and really require the prioritization of accessibility by the city and I hope that going forward they start to really realize that and prioritize it."
