Val Harding

Val is Principal and Advisor at Start Pharma Consulting. She has a proven track record of more than 30 years in the leadership, design and development of a diverse range of drug products in human health. Val has delivered projects from early research through development, manufacture and registration to commercial launch at both biotech and large pharmaceutical companies. Val furthered the delivery of more than 15 global registrations and new product launches across diverse therapeutic areas, including oncology, pediatric medicines, anti-infectives and ophthalmology. Following the acquisition of Ignyta by Roche, Val served as Site Head for Ignyta, leading the seamless transition of assets and operations, and accelerated simultaneous NDA, MAA and JNDA filings for entrectinib, the lead oncology asset. Val also served as Senior Vice President of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls for Ignyta, providing strategic direction, tactical oversight and technical expertise in Process Chemistry, Analytical Development, Formulation Development, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management. Prior to Ignyta, she served as Vice President of Product Differentiation, Pharmaceutical Sciences for Worldwide Research and Development at Pfizer. In this capacity, she developed and implemented cross-functional (research, medicinal chemistry, drug metabolism, clinical pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences) strategies for the design and progression of differentiated molecules and drug products. Val led and implemented the adoption of design thinking, rapid innovation and prototyping best and next practices to address cross-disciplinary scientific and business challenges. She is also a member of the community of practice and thought partner for Smallify, an innovation capacity-building firm. In addition to her skills and expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, Val combines her knowledge of leadership, science and business systems required for successful drug development from research to market. Val holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of London, U.K., and received a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Microbiology from the University of Nottingham, U.K.