Course overview
This intensive, one-day course provides a clear, structured, and highly accessible introduction to how the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries operate - from early molecule discovery through development, regulatory approval, and commercialisation.
Designed specifically for non-scientists and those new to the sector, the programme demystifies complex processes, terminology, and decision-making across the drug development lifecycle. It explains how different functions contribute at each stage and how they work together in practice, helping participants understand not just what happens, but why it happens.
The course also reflects how the industry is evolving. Alongside core fundamentals, participants will gain an overview of current innovations, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in discovery, development, and clinical operations, and what this means for the future of pharma and biotech.
The focus throughout is on clarity, real-world context, and practical understanding - not deep science.
CPD Hours: 6
Course Content
- Day 1
- How medicines are developed
- Discovery and early development
- Clinical development
- Safety and regulation
- Commercial considerations
Speakers
Farah Nadeem
Farah Nadeem is an Operations Manager at Paul R. Palmer Limited/ Pharmaceutical Consultant and a Trainee Qualified Person. Farah is a Pharmacist and recognised QA expert and has over 20 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry in the development, manufacture and supply of medicinal products.
Throughout her career, she has held various quality assurance roles and actively pursued new opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise. As a result, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing, storage, and distribution processes, as well as the facilities and services that support them. Involved in documentation management: writes, reviews, and audits SOPs and QMS implementations. Assists companies in meeting regulatory requirements.
In her current role as a QA Operations Manager for a Pharmaceutical Consultant Company, Farah Nadeem provides various solutions, including assistance in obtaining the first MIA(IMP) and MIA licenses, as well as preparation and hosting for regulatory inspections. Her work involves collaborating with Paul Palmer to offer services such as QP declarations for API manufacturers, regulatory inspection hosting, commercial and clinical batch release, compliance audits, and coaching and training in GxP.
Laura Brown
Dr Laura Brown is a pharmaceutical management consultant and Senior Lecturer of the MSc in Clinical Research at the School of Pharmacy, University of Cardiff. Laura has more than 25 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry and has held senior positions with companies such as GSK, Hoechst Marion Roussel, Farmitalia and Phoenix International. She regularly writes on pharmaceutical drug development and regulatory issues including ‘The Planning of International Drug Development’ in the Clinical Research Manual and ‘The Impact of Brexit’ in the RQA journal.
Aneta Jell
Aneta Jell is a seasoned Quality Assurance professional with over 20 years of experience
across manufacturing, contract operations, and quality leadership in the pharmaceutical
industry. Currently serving as Quality and training manager at PaulPalmer limited she
oversees global contract manufacturing quality, ensuring GxP compliance, regulatory
alignment, and supply chain integrity. Her expertise spans GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 17025, and
QMS administration, with proven strength in audits, CAPA, deviations, and technical
agreements. A qualified QMS lead auditor with bilingual proficiency in English and Slovak,
Aneta is recognised for driving continuous improvement, fostering compliance culture, and
leading high-performing quality and HSE teams.
Who Should Attend
Who should attend
This course is ideal for anyone who needs a clear, practical understanding of how the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries work, without requiring a scientific background.
- New starters entering the pharma or biotech industry
- Professionals moving into cross-functional, project, or oversight roles
- Non-scientific, administrative, commercial, IT, and support staff
- Anyone working with, or alongside, pharmaceutical and biotechnology organisations
