Meet Pharma IQ’s advisory board: Jennifer Jones-McMeans

Jennifer Jones-McMeans is Divisional Vice President of Global Clinical Affairs for Abbott’s vascular business. An expert in clinical trial design, she leads efforts to make clinical research more representative, particularly for underserved populations.

Here she tells Pharma IQ about doing clinical trials differently and her aim to inspire others to advance health equity.

Pharma IQ: Over the course of your career, what key changes have you seen in clinical research?

Jennifer Jones-McMeans: The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated health disparities and exponentially worsened outcomes for people in underserved communities. As a result, the need for greater diversity in clinical trials has become essential to ensure care and access to life-saving medical innovations for all patients. The shift to improve care for underserved communities extends beyond clinical trials and stretches to all parts of healthcare.

Pharma IQ: What excites you about working at Abbott?

JJM: We continuously push for advancements in therapies across businesses – vascular, cardiac rhythm management (CRM), diabetes, and heart failure, among many others. Abbott has developed a 2030 sustainability plan focused on designing access and affordability into our life-changing technologies and products to improve the lives of more than three billion people.

In the vascular business, we are open to conducting trials differently and with a strong focus on the inclusion aspect. We recognize that access to clinical trials is a primary barrier to participation, and we are actively working to remove this, among other barriers, to improve care.

Pharma IQ: What characteristics should people in leadership possess and what advice would you give to leaders who want to make an impact in the pharma sector?

JJM: Leaders must be ethical and innovative to ensure products are designed with the highest quality. At Abbott, our product standard is to build it as if it is intended for our family. For leaders looking to make a more significant impact, staying relevant and forward-thinking is essential. Consider if processes are necessary or if there are innovative ways to advance and support patients’ lives.

One example is that Abbott recently partnered with Weight Watchers to support people living with diabetes to attain their health goals. Although Abbott already had robust products and programs to help people with diabetes, this partnership is a creative solution to enhance support for people to live life to the fullest.

Pharma IQ: What are the biggest challenges leaders face in your industry?

JJM: While products, technology and medicine are tested in the lab, this does not factor in human behavior. There are humanistic and socioeconomic factors we need to take into consideration when developing medical devices and healthcare advancements. For example, industry leaders should be thinking about engaging consumers to earn their trust and understanding while providing greater access to care.

Pharma IQ: Can you tell us why you joined Pharma IQ’s advisory board and what you would like to achieve as a board member?

JJM: By joining the board, I can bring my experience in clinical trials within Abbott to the larger industry. I believe my experience can contribute to educating and supporting other leaders and future leaders in the field. This will ensure that medical devices are built more intentionally for women and patients from underrepresented communities, ultimately enhancing health equity efforts.

Pharma IQ: How do you enjoy spending time outside of work?

JJM: Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. My son and husband are the greatest joys in my life. It is remarkable to watch my son become more independent, adventurist and full of life. In addition, I love being outdoors and living an active lifestyle by going for runs and exercising.

Quick links

• Driving diversity in clinical trials
• How to improve the success rates of clinical trials
• Meet Pharma IQ’s advisory board: Anca Ciobanu

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