Changing Times, Changing Therapies: Keeping Up with Advancements in Cell and Gene Therapies

Dana Durst, Senior Director, Site Activation and Regulatory Therapeutic Lead, Oncology, Worldwide Clinical Trials

Ms. Durst has more than 15 years of clinical research experience. She began her career in research as a Project Assistant in 2006 and developed within this role before moving into a site budget associate role. Since 2012 she has been involved in Global Study Start Up operations and management.

Ms. Durst has broad therapeutic area experience including oncology, gene therapy, dermatology, ophthalmology, and cardiovascular studies ranging from Phase I-IV. Ms. Durst has overseen all aspects of startup as well as maintenance activities in a variety of countries worldwide in both early and late phase trials and with both small and large clients.

Ms. Durst has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is remotely located in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA.

Chris Jenkins, PHD, MPH, RBP, CHMM, Principal Partner & Chief Gene Therapy Biosafety Officer, CBS

Dr. Jenkins has more than 16 years of experience in the fields of biological safety, gene therapy, corporate development, human protections, and biosafety compliance in academic, private research institute and clinical settings. He has experience overseeing a broad range of entity research compliance and has served as IRB and IBC Chair at over 1200 convened meetings, including at Saint Louis University, The Scripps Research Institute, the University of Missouri, WIRB-Copernicus-Group IRB, and the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Jenkins conducted masters and doctorate studies in Public Health, with a focus on Biosecurity through the Saint Louis University School for Public Health and Social Justice. He is frequently consulted for workshops, webinars, presentations, and has a number of articles in print and review.

Derek Ansel, MS, CCRA, Senior Director, Therapeutic Strategy Lead, Rare Diseases, Worldwide Clinical Trials

Mr. Ansel has worked in clinical research for more than ten years with a focus almost exclusively in rare and pediatric diseases, including non-malignant hematology, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, movement disorders, and other genetic conditions. At Worldwide, he leads and supports corporate initiatives within rare and pediatric diseases and maintains relationships with over 45 patient-focused advocacy organizations.

Mr. Ansel is a non-affiliated member of the IRB at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds a master’s degree in pharmacology and toxicology from Michigan State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from Bay Path University.

Cathy Purvis, MBA, Site Activation Manager, Worldwide Clinical Trials

Ms. Cathy Purvis has over 5 years of clinical research experience across all phases and many therapeutic areas including oncology, neurology, gastroenterology, women’s health, pediatrics, orthopedics, and cardiovascular studies. Within oncology, she has been involved in multiple gene therapy trials. She has been involved in all aspects of study start-up as well as maintenance activities all the way up to NDA submission. Although most of her experience lies in the US, she has worked on projects in a number of countries worldwide.

Ms. Purvis has bachelor’s degrees in business administration and international studies as well as a master’s in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.