Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

I studied science at school, did a biochemistry degree, then obtained my PhD in immunology from University College London. After my studies, I worked in postdoctoral research positions in internationally acclaimed laboratories in San Diego, Ghent and Aberdeen before spinning out a drug discovery and development biotechnology company, NovaBiotics Ltd, from the University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Research Institute.

What motivated you into your chosen career path?

I always wanted a career in scientific research that would in some way impact poorly served, medically unmet health conditions. As much as I love early-stage, basic discovery science, the translation of the innovation that comes from that into interventions for disease is my real focus and the reason why I founded NovaBiotics. Spinning the company out was the only way to be able to fully focus on developing my scientific research into what our now NovaBiotics’ products and product candidates.

Difficult-to-treat and drug-resistant infectious-inflammatory diseases has always been my/the company’s focus and area of expertise, including lung infections and inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a rare genetic disease and flare ups of lung infections and inflammation in people with CF —which are inevitable and occur every couple of years or as frequently as a few times a year—remain the main driver of morbidity and mortality in people with CF.    

What do you see as some of the opportunities as a woman in your field?

There’s a wealth of opportunity for women in life sciences—in academia (universities and research institutes), industry (biotech, pharma, clinical research organisations etc.), a clinical setting (hospitals, clinical research organisations) and other commercial roles (medical writing, the financial sector, patents, trademarks etc.). It’s a field that provides flexibility and the option to move between roles if so desired. No pressure to get it right in your first job or role! 

A wealth of lab-based research and development and analytical/clinical roles are open to anyone interested in this aspect of life science. Also, non-lab-based research and support roles as highlighted above. The ability to move from role to role in life science is very attractive, as are positions where more flexible or hybrid working is possible to ensure family-work life balance can be optimised.

It takes a village to research, develop and ensure life science products are marketed and reach the patients who need them and, as such, this field provides a varied and different range of roles—plenty of opportunities for those leaning towards a life in life science.

It’s a fascinating world and the outputs of what you do can contribute to the health and well-being of any number of people the world over, including those living with a rare disease.

What are some of the barriers to success as a woman in your field?

There are none! I can only VERY strongly encourage any girl considering studying science and perhaps life science with a view to a career in this field to go for it! The same goes for any woman later in their career journey considering starting or spinning out a business where there is a clear commercial and clinical need for the innovation she has developed.

Locally to NovaBiotics—in Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland—the number of female founders, CEOs and CSOs of life science companies who have transitioned from senior academic roles to business certainly speaks to that and as per my point above, the breadth of options within the life science sector!

What is one piece of advice you would give your 10-year-old self?

Study the subjects you find interesting and hopefully even love, even if they’re not the ones you find the easiest. Always listen to your ‘gut’ when it comes to what you want to study and the career that comes later. I was told at a young age by a (male) chemistry teacher that science—and certainly doing biology, chemistry and physics together as a broad foundation for further study and a career in science—wasn’t for me! I didn’t listen and stuck to my own path.

Be guided by what it is that interests you and don’t feel under pressure when you’re older to get it right the first time when it comes to choosing a job or degree. There is always the opportunity to change and move. Always say “yes” to opportunity and don’t over-plan! I never planned to work in other countries or to start a biotechnology business….

Can you tell us about your current work priorities and focus or a particular project you are working on?

NovaBiotics’ pharma division remains committed to ensuring access for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) to our treatment for pulmonary exacerbations of CF (flare-ups requiring hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics, plus other support). NM001/Lynovex is a tablet taken twice a day for up to two weeks in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. In clinical trials and compassionate use, post our trials, NM001 has been shown to reduce the impact of pulmonary exacerbations for people with CF in terms of reducing symptoms and the inflammatory drivers of these events—which irreversibly reduce ventilatory function over time.

The participation and support of patient groups, namely the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and people living with CF has, and will continue to be, absolutely critical to our research programme and we look forward to continuing those relationships in the final stages of getting NM001/Lynovex to the market and patients, across the UK and further afield.

Connect with Deborah

• LinkedIn

Women in RARE is a celebration of women working in the RARE space in science, research, industry and advocacy. To access more Women in RARE articles click below.