When Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica’s parishes, the impact wasn’t distant or abstract for Tanner Sales Executive Trishanna Barnhardt, it was personal. Trish grew up in Jamaica, and her family still lives in Kingston. She understood immediately how deeply communities were affected and how urgently support was needed.

Waiting wasn’t an option. Trish immediately began organizing a relief effort from the ground up. Once she shared the need internally, TannerCares stepped in, and our associates responded without hesitation.

A Company-Wide Response

The effort quickly grew beyond what any one person could accomplish alone. Across Tanner, employees and friends began donating clothing, diapers, toiletries, canned goods, bedding, and financial aid. Over the following days, our Charlotte facility filled with supplies as teammates stopped by with bags and boxes of essentials.

In total:

• Donations from employees and friends exceeded $4,275 — a record for a TannerCares drive
• TannerCares contributed an additional $5,000
• 1,100 lbs of goods were sorted, packed, and shipped
• Remaining funds were used locally in Jamaica to purchase food and essential items

Our logistics team played a critical role, preparing and palletizing the full shipment. Their work ensured that everything the team donated made it safely into the hands of the families who needed it most.

Two Trips, One Mission

Once the supplies were shipped, Trish led two trips across the western parishes and into the countryside—areas where the storm’s impact was most severe. She was joined by Gaby Bedoya on the first trip and Stefania Marquez on the second, both of whom traveled to represent Tanner and support the effort.

Across both trips, the team completed over 200 volunteer hours, which included:

• Visiting damaged homes and schools converted into temporary shelters
• Speaking directly with residents to understand day-to-day needs
• Distributing essential goods
• Conducting full needs assessments across multiple districts
• Documenting stories, photos, and videos
• Mapping safe distribution routes and identifying local partners

With the funds collected, the team purchased large quantities of basic food basket goods, enough to provide at least 500 families with bags of food and essential supplies.

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force escorted the team throughout both trips, ensuring their safety and partnering with them in each community they reached.

Seeing Beyond the Damage

While the physical destruction was significant, what stayed with the team most were the people. Each one had a story. Each one was navigating their new reality and the emotional weight of loss and uncertainty. As the team traveled through rural areas and hard-hit districts, it became clear that the greatest needs extended beyond structural damage.

As Trish reflected:

“At some point, it stopped being about assessing damage and became more about understanding people; their emotions, their fears, their losses, but also their hope. What they needed most wasn’t technical or complicated. They needed dignity. They needed support. They needed someone to show up.”

One of the most humbling moments occurred when a community—one of the last visited—asked simply for water and clothing. Nothing more. A reminder of how basic needs become defining needs after a disaster.

The Power of Collective Impact

At Tanner, our mission is to improve lives through access. But our impact extends far beyond medicines or services. It shows up in how we support one another, and in how we stand with the communities connected to our people.

Trish’s leadership sparked this initiative, and our team amplified it. This is what collective impact looks like. This is TannerCares. This is who we are.

Read more about TannerCares and our global community efforts → TannerCares

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Tanner Pharma Group is a global pharmaceutical services company committed to improving access to medicines worldwide. Through TannerCares, our community impact initiative, we support employee-led efforts to serve the communities where we live, work, and make a difference.

“Being recognized as one of Charlotte’s Best Places to Work is an honor that belongs entirely to our people,” said Steve Scalia, President of Tanner Pharma Group. “At Tanner Pharma Group, we’ve built something special—a culture where passion for our mission drives everything we do, collaboration isn’t just encouraged but celebrated, and commitment to each other runs as deep as our commitment to the patients we serve. Every day, our team tackles complex challenges, and they do it with a spirit of partnership that makes the impossible possible. It’s meaningful work and genuine care for one another that makes Tanner a purpose-driven more than just a workplace. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.”

What Sets Tanner Apart

At Tanner, we’ve cultivated a workplace culture built on principles that enable our team to deliver exceptional outcomes for our partners and the patients who depend on them.

• Listening and Continuous Improvement
  
• Recognizing Exceptional Contributions
  
• Supporting Team Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
  
• Giving Back Through TannerCARES and Volunteer-Time-Off
  
• Embracing Innovation and Strategically Implementing Technologies
  

The Impact of Culture

For over two decades, Tanner Pharma Group has partnered with biopharmaceutical companies to break down barriers and increase global access to medicines. Our commitment to creating an exceptional workplace translates directly into the quality of service we provide and the impact we achieve for patients worldwide.

This Best Places to Work recognition affirms what drives us: when talented, passionate professionals thrive in a supportive environment, there’s no limit to the positive impact they can achieve together.

At a recent GCSG presentation, Bracey shared the deeply personal story of his son George’s diagnosis with Mosaic Variegated Aneuploidy (MVA) syndrome and rhabdomyosarcoma — a journey that illuminates profound gaps in our healthcare system for ultra-rare diseases.

George’s Journey: When Every Protocol Fails

In mid-June 2023, Bracey’s only child began six weeks of investigations at St. Mary’s Hospital and received a devastating diagnosis: rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare aggressive cancer. Whole genome sequencing revealed an even rarer underlying condition: Mosaic Variegated Aneuploidy (MVA) syndrome.

What followed was an exhausting journey across three London hospitals: nine rounds of chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital, international consultation between Kings College Hospital and Bicetre Hospital in Paris, and access to groundbreaking Nanoknife therapy—not yet standard pediatric care.

Despite a major UK clinical trial for childhood rhabdomyosarcoma operating during George’s treatment, he couldn’t participate due to timing, risk categorization, and weight requirements his 6-kilogram frame couldn’t meet.

Bracey refused to accept limited options. Drawing on his pharmaceutical industry expertise, he orchestrated an international multidisciplinary team and raised £100,000 for the supporting hospitals and charities. On May 2nd, 2024—George’s birthday—he rang the bell as the youngest person ever treated with Nanoknife.

But while George’s cancer is in remission, his MVA syndrome—and the profound questions it raised—remained.

Understanding Ultra-Rare

Approximately 7,000 rare diseases affect 300 million people worldwide, yet 95% have no approved treatment. MVA exists in a category beyond rare—affecting approximately 1 in 5 million people, with fewer than 50 documented cases globally.

MVA is a condition where approximately 15% of George’s cells don’t have the correct number of chromosomes. These abnormal cells distribute randomly throughout the body, creating significant cancer risk, developmental challenges, and unpredictable health complications.

Despite Bracey’s two decades in pharmaceutical access, he encountered seemingly insurmountable obstacles:

• MVA isn’t routinely tested for and requires specialized genome sequencing
• Most clinicians have never encountered it
• No established treatment pathways exist
• Virtually no research, patient organizations, or aligned medical community

As Bracey put it, families are left to “literally just keep your fingers crossed.” For a father watching his son knowing chromosomal instability lurks in every cell, this wasn’t acceptable.

Building Infrastructure

In November 2024, Bracey established the MVA Society with an experienced board including specialists from Kings College Hospital, GOSH, St. Mary’s Hospital, and pharmaceutical access experts from Tanner Pharma Group.

The Society’s three-pronged strategy:

1. Building Global Community – With only 50 documented patients worldwide, the Society launched global outreach targeting cancer-genetic centers and completed audits of UK genetics databases. An Ipsen Foundation-funded documentary is spreading awareness internationally, with their website now receiving approximately 1,000 hits monthly.

2. Funding Research – The £250,000 target will fund a dedicated researcher for two years at GOSH. Through events including a Tanner Pharma-sponsored golf day (£20,000), they’ve raised approximately £115,000 toward a £200,000 year-end goal.

3. Developing Treatment Strategies – The Society is simultaneously pursuing drug repurposing studies in London, NAD+ research at Creighton University, and RNA sequencing in Barcelona. This preliminary data will enable larger grant applications and launch a fully funded PhD program.

When Access Becomes Imperative

Bracey’s dual role as Tanner Pharma EVP and MVA Society founder represents the intersection of pharmaceutical access expertise and desperate clinical need.

George’s treatment required coordination across three hospitals, international specialist consultation, access to cutting-edge technology, and navigation of complex funding pathways. Without Bracey’s pharmaceutical access expertise and industry connections, George’s outcome might have been very different.

Tanner Pharma Group’s mission—”improving patient lives by enabling access to medicines”—takes on profound meaning in ultra-rare disease contexts. While commercial development faces significant barriers for conditions affecting so few patients, access to existing therapies, specialized clinical supplies, and international treatment protocols becomes the bridge between diagnosis and hope.

The MVA Society’s drug repurposing strategy, identifying existing approved medications that might benefit patients, leverages Tanner Pharma’s core competency in global pharmaceutical access. As the Society pursues international collaborations spanning London, Omaha, and Barcelona, the complexity of cross-border clinical supplies and regulatory navigation—precisely Tanner Pharma’s specialty—becomes self-evident.

Science Isn’t the Barrier

Bracey concluded with a powerful example: Julia Vitarello’s daughter Mila received personalized treatment for Batten’s disease—developed, tested, approved, and administered within one year.

“Science is no longer a barrier to most rare diseases,” Bracey emphasized. “It is now all about the will.”

With 95% of rare diseases still lacking approved treatments, patient advocacy and determined parents remain the driving force for change. This will requires collaboration: patient advocates bringing urgency, clinicians providing medical expertise, researchers delivering innovation, and pharmaceutical companies ensuring that wherever treatments exist or emerge, patients can access them.

A Call to Action

Bracey’s ask was straightforward: connect companies working in ultra-rare diseases, help spread awareness, consider volunteer support, and most importantly, collaborate.

As Bracey reminded his audience: “Pain is where purpose lives.”

To learn more about the MVA Society or support their research, visit www.mvasociety.org or contact Jonathan Bracey at jb@mvasociety.org.

“We are proud to work with UCB to provide a means for epilepsy patients in Southeast Asia to access innovative medicines. This partnership reflects the types of companies Tanner strives to associate with,” said Rob Keel, Executive Vice President of the Managed Access Program division at Tanner Pharma.

Healthcare professionals in the covered Southeast Asia countries of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam can request details by contacting Tanner at NPP@tannerpharma.com.

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. UCB’s policy on access to medicines can be found here: Our positions | UCB.

About Tanner Pharma
Tanner Pharma is a specialist pharmaceutical services provider based in Charlotte, NC, USA with offices in Ireland, Switzerland and the UK. The company has developed a portfolio of service offerings focused on improving the global access to medicines. Through its Managed Access Programs division, Tanner supports manufacturers by providing controlled and compliant access to their innovative medicines in countries where they are not commercially accessible. For more information, visit www.tannerpharma.com.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tanner Pharma Group has announced the opening of its new US operations facility in Charlotte, NC. This purpose-built, 22,000+ square foot facility represents a significant investment in enhancing the company’s secondary packaging, labeling, storage and distribution capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its pharmaceutical partners.

Impact on CT Services and Global Distribution

This expansion significantly bolsters Tanner’s ability to support the complex needs of clinical trials and further ensures timely and efficient delivery of critical pharmaceutical products worldwide. With expanded temperature-controlled storage, custom-built secondary packaging and labeling rooms, and secure space for controlled drug distribution, the company is well-equipped to meet the diverse demands of the pharmaceutical industry.

Enhanced Capabilities and Operational Efficiency

The new GDP/GMP facility is designed to strengthen operations with several key features:

• Temperature-Controlled Storage: Includes controlled ambient space (15°C – 25°C), refrigerated storage (2°C – 8°C), frozen storage (-20°C) and ultra-low frozen storage (-80°C).
• Operational Efficiency: Features custom-built secondary labelling and packaging rooms, segregated and secure gowning areas, separate shipping and receiving docks, and mapped and monitored temperature and humidity.
• Security: Includes redundant facility-wide power supply, 24-hour security, CCTV, and 24/7 motion detection and recording.
• Compliance: Complies with EU GDP standards and holds NC 3PL License, multiple NC Wholesale Distribution Licenses and wholesale distribution licenses in 20 US states.

Tanner’s US corporate office will remain at 1808 Associates Lane, Charlotte, NC, 28217, handling all matters related to Legal & Compliance and Finance & Accounting.

About Tanner Pharma Group

Tanner Pharma Group is a specialist pharmaceutical services provider based in Charlotte, NC USA with offices in Europe and Latin America. Over the past 20 years, Tanner has developed a portfolio of service offerings focused on improving global access to medicines. By partnering with Tanner, companies can focus on their primary markets while ensuring that patients and clinicians in international markets can also benefit from using their products. Tanner Pharma Group has a global reach and provides patient access through international product registration and licensing, managed and global access programs and clinical trial services. For more information, visit www.tannerpharma.com.

Media Contact

Lindsey Stevens | Tel: +1 704 552 8408 | lstevens@tannerpharma.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250422463460/en/

Charlotte, N.C., and Lexington, Mass. – Tanner Pharma, a global provider of specialty medicine access solutions, today announced a collaboration with Agenus, a leading immuno-oncology company, to provide expanded access to botensilimab (BOT) and balstilimab (BAL). Through a Named Patient Program (NPP), this initiative offers patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC) and other advanced solid tumors the opportunity to access BOT/BAL based on supporting clinical evidence and medical need.

Tanner Pharma will manage access to BOT/BAL for patients in geographies that allow named patient access to investigational medicines. The NPP ensures that patients, in consultation with their physicians, can access BOT/BAL even before regulatory approval, adhering to all ethical and compliance standards.

BOT and BAL are investigational immunotherapies designed to target challenging cancers, including MSS CRC and other tumors historically resistant to immune-based treatments. Clinical outcomes have demonstrated complete pathological responses in neoadjuvant MSS colon cancer patients and durable tumor responses across multiple cancer types. These results establish BOT/BAL as a treatment option with the potential to redefine standards of care for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.

About Tanner Pharma

Tanner Pharma Group specializes in delivering global access solutions for specialty medicines. Through Named Patient Programs, compassionate use, and expanded access programs, Tanner Pharma connects patients and healthcare providers with essential treatments, prioritizing ethical and regulatory compliance.

About Agenus
Agenus is a pioneering immuno-oncology company dedicated to expanding the benefits of cancer immunotherapy. Founded in 1994, Agenus has a diverse portfolio of immunological agents, including antibody therapeutics, cell therapies, and adjuvants. Headquartered in Lexington, MA, Agenus operates end-to-end development capabilities, from discovery to commercial manufacturing. For more information, visit www.agenusbio.com or follow @agenus_bio.

Information that may be important to investors will be routinely posted on our website and social media channels.

About Botensilimab (BOT)
Botensilimab is a human Fc-enhanced CTLA-4 blocking antibody designed to enhance anti-tumor immune responses, particularly for tumors that are unresponsive to conventional therapies. BOT primes T cells, downregulates regulatory T cells within tumors, and activates myeloid cells to induce long-term immune memory. BOT, used alone or in combination with BAL, has shown promising clinical responses in various cancers.

For more information about botensilimab trials, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov with the identifiers NCT03860272, NCT05608044, NCT05630183, and NCT05529316.

Agenus Contact

Investors
917-362-1370
investor@agenusbio.com

Media
612-839-6748
communications@agenusbio.com

We are pleased to share that Tanner Pharma Group has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by the Charlotte Business Journal. This honor reflects our dedication to our employees and the communities we serve. Here’s a closer look at what we feel makes Tanner Pharma Group a remarkable workplace:

Employee Engagement and Culture

At Tanner, we prioritize a culture of support, collaboration, and excellence. We actively listen to our employees, value their feedback, and strive to foster a supportive environment where team members can rely on each other and celebrate their successes.

Moreover, the efforts of our individual team members play a crucial role in shaping Tanner into a people-centric, family-oriented environment. Their dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect has created a workplace where everyone feels valued and included.

Employee Development

We are committed to the continuous growth and development of our employees and offer various opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement. We recognize and appreciate our employees’ contributions through monthly and annual achievement awards, as well as peer-to-peer recognition submissions.

Employee Well-being

The well-being of our employees is paramount. Through our partnership with Finu (formerly Reddot365), we offer a variety of wellness resources, including 24/7 counseling services. Our commitment to mental health and well-being ensures that our employees have the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

Charitable Initiatives

Our TannerCARES program underscores our dedication to making a positive impact on the world. We support various causes and organizations, encouraging our employees to volunteer their time and skills through paid Volunteer Time-Off. This commitment to giving back is a core part of our identity.

Innovative Workflow Enhancements

We embrace technology to enhance productivity. By implementing AI tools and partnering with consultancy agencies, we have streamlined our processes, improving the overall employee experience.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Understanding the evolving work environment, Tanner offers flexible work arrangements, including remote, hybrid, and in-office options. This flexibility ensures that our employees can work effectively from different locations, maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

This recognition is a testament to our commitment to our employees and our mission, but more so a direct reflection of the dedication of our associates to supporting each other and fostering a collaborative environment. We are proud of our team and look forward to continuing to make a positive difference.

Feature in the Charlotte Business Journal: Tanner Pharma Group – Charlotte Business Journal

At Tanner, we believe every gesture of kindness becomes a ripple of change, and we are honored to contribute to the greater good by donating $20,000 across four organizations who are helping to improve patient lives around the world. This contribution, made through Tanner’s philanthropic arm, TannerCares, was inspired by Tanner EVP Jonathan Bracey’s young son George, who has been facing a rare form of cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, since 2023. We encourage you to read more about George’s incredible journey here.

Below we are happy to share more about the work of these incredible organizations:  

• St. Mary’s Hospital – London: At St Mary’s Hospital, young patients receive a continuum of pediatric care that ranges from routine general care to specialized services for critical conditions. Additionally, St Mary’s offers support and various resources for patient families, all reflecting the hospital’s commitment to compassionate pediatric healthcare. 

• Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH): A beacon of hope for countless families, GOSH is synonymous with pioneering child healthcare. Their relentless pursuit of medical excellence and compassionate care has been a longstanding source of solace and healing.  

• King’s College Hospital: At the forefront of medical innovation, King’s College Hospital embodies a legacy of groundbreaking healthcare advancements. Their commitment to excellence in patient care and research is a testament to their enduring dedication to health and science. 

• Alice’s Arc: With a fervent mission to eradicate rhabdomyosarcoma, Alice’s Arc is a champion for children battling this formidable foe. Their tireless efforts to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure, offer a glimmer of hope to affected families. 

Our contributions to these organizations reflect our deepest admiration for the resilience of the human spirit and our unwavering commitment to improving lives through access to medicine. 

Learn more about TannerCares: https://tannerpharma.com/our-impact/tanner-cares/  

This year’s Chairman’s Award goes to Senior Business Partner, Rilee Humphries! Learn more about Rilee below.

How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?

Confidence is one thing, a choice to accept who I am and what I know now but strive to improve myself and learn continuously. When I choose to accept that, confidence follows. Maryori Alvarenga, Vanessa Zaconet, and Steve Scalia also largely contributed to my confidence through consistent encouragement, constructive feedback, and always having an open door.

Resiliency on the other hand, I started to build in my childhood through sports and as a young adult in college, but it was solidified here at Tanner. We are a service provider, our existence is based on there being some sort of difficulty, challenge or hurdle that we persevere through to ensure patients in need gain access to medication. It took some adjusting when I first started at Tanner, but now I would say the more complex the problem, the more excited I am to aid in finding the solution as I’m certain I’ll learn from it.

Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on you or set you on your present path.

I have been blessed with several incredible mentors who made a huge impact on me, I would be remised to only name one in that regard. However, there is one particular mentor who set me on my present path. Christy Shaffer not only helped me find two internships in college, but when it was time for me to start contemplating the first step in my career path, she opened my closed mind at the time. I was set on finding myself a sales role at a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, and if it were not for her advice and aid in exposing me to different industries and roles, I’m not certain I would have ended up here.

You were just promoted to Senior Business Partner! What do you do in your new role?

As Senior Business Partner, I support Tanner with business development efforts to create relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Business management is another part of my role; developing best practices and standards, analyzing and delivering on requirements of the global access business, monitoring process and business metrics to measure our customer and team member experience. Financial analysis and long-term financial planning will also fall under my umbrella.

What does winning The Chairman’s Award mean to you?

The Chairman’s Award is a massive honor and one I am incredibly thankful to have received. When I start my days, I’m not worried about being recognized for the work I do, I worry about how I can make my teammates lives easier so they can focus on getting medicines to patients in need. I am very fortunate to work for a company like Tanner where core values are not just words on a wall, but true characteristics of our team that we celebrate every time we get the opportunity.

Reflecting on your experiences, what advice would you give to others who are looking to contribute positively to their team?

Whatever you have, bring it to the table. Whatever you don’t have, collaborate to gain knowledge from your peers and build relationships. Many of us lack the courage to speak up when we have ideas or questions out of fear. Sometimes it’s the fear we don’t know enough or that our idea might get shot down, but don’t worry about that. Train yourself to be more afraid of not using your voice when you have the opportunity to, as you never know where it might lead you.  

The rare disease community is a diverse and resilient group of people who face many challenges in their quest for better health and quality of life. They are not alone in this journey, as they are supported by dedicated and passionate organizations that work tirelessly to develop and deliver innovative therapies for rare genetic diseases. 

One of these organizations is Ultragenyx, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel products for the treatment of rare and ultra-rare diseases.  

To increase awareness in the rare disease space, Ultragenyx is hosting A Rare Affair 2024, an event that will take place during the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 7th. The event will feature unique wines and food as well as an opportunity for networking, all with the goal of raising awareness and funds for the development of rare disease treatments. 100% of the ticket proceeds will go to the Wilson Disease Foundation (WDA), a patient advocacy group that works to improve the lives of people with Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body. 

We at Tanner Pharma are proud to serve as a sponsor for this year’s event. As a global leader in providing access to medicines for patients with unmet medical needs, we’re honored to support Ultragenyx and the Wilson Disease Foundation and are committed to serving the rare disease community and enabling access to medicines around the world. Whether it is through our Managed and Global Access Programs, Clinical Trial Services, or International Commercialization Solutions, we strive to make a positive impact on global health. 

We invite you to join us at A Rare Affair 2024 and learn more about how we can work together to advance rare disease therapies and improve patient outcomes.

Register here: https://wilsondisease.org/get-involved/events/rare-affair-2024-tickets/ and be part of this amazing event. 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

In a heartwarming journey that embodies our commitment to improving global access to critical medicines, Tanner Pharma Group proudly served as the title sponsor for The Max Foundation’s “Max Global Experience: Cambodia.” This remarkable expedition, attended by our EVP of Managed Access Programs, Rob Keel, not only showcased the unique barriers that people face in underserved communities, but also highlighted the extraordinary impact of The Max Foundation’s work.

A Journey of Compassion and Dedication

The Max Global Experience: Cambodia provided a unique opportunity for supporters to witness firsthand the transformative influence of their efforts. The journey took attendees to the heart of Cambodia, where they met with local partners and patients who have benefited from the life-changing support that The Max Foundation offers.

Patient Stories: Real Lives Touched

The trip was marked by unforgettable encounters with patients whose lives have been touched by the vital medications made available through Max programs. These powerful stories resonate with a profound sense of hope and resilience. One such story is that of Khan Bunthan, the local tour guide for the experience and a cancer patient who is undergoing treatment and support that he receives from The Max Foundation. Bunthan, a 36-year-old family man and devoted father, is now able to receive the life-improving treatment he needs for his Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) diagnosis.

Bunthan’s story is a testament to the transformation that can occur when dedication meets partnership. By ensuring a sustainable supply of essential medications, our collaboration with The Max Foundation empowers individuals like Bunthan to regain their health and live fuller, more vibrant lives.

A History of Impactful Collaboration

The partnership between Tanner Pharma and The Max Foundation is a story of dedication to making the world a better place. For over a decade, we have collaborated to provide vital medicines to people facing life-threatening diseases. Our shared mission is to break down barriers and provide global access to treatment for all in need.

As our EVP of Managed Access Programs, Rob Keel, expressed during the journey, “This experience reaffirms the profound impact that our partnership can have on the lives of patients worldwide. It fuels our dedication to continue expanding access to vital medicines and improving the human condition.”

Looking to the Future

This journey to Cambodia reminds us that together, we can make a profound impact. We remain dedicated to our mission of improving lives, and we invite you to join us on this journey of hope and progress.

To learn more about our collaboration and the impact of The Max Foundation and Tanner Pharma Group, visit our webpage: https://tannerpharma.com/our-impact/max-access-solutions/

See more photos and videos from the experience here: https://themaxfoundation.org/2023-max-global-experience/

Charities Close to Our Hearts

This year we were proud to nominate three UK charities: LAKPA, King’s College TLC, and Alice’s Arcs. These organizations represent causes that hold a special place in the heart of our colleague, Jonathan Bracey. We believe in the incredible work they do, and it was an honor to support them.

LAKPA: LAKPA is on a mission to transform the lives of kidney patients in the Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and West Essex regions.

King’s College Hospital Charity: King’s College TLC is focused on the critical cause of liver care transformation. Their work has far-reaching implications for healthcare and the lives of many.

Alice’s Arc: Alice’s Arc is a beacon of hope for families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. Their commitment to supporting young cancer patients and their families is truly remarkable.

• LAKPA | Support for Kidney Patients in Herts, Beds & West Essex
• Transforming Liver Care appeal | King’s College Hospital Charity (supportkings.org.uk)
• Alice’s Arc (alicesarc.org)

A Day of Impact

We had a total of 9 teams, each swinging their clubs for a cause. Additionally, several participants took part in a “Learn to Play Golf in a Day” session.

After a great day on the course, we came together for the awards ceremony, BBQ, and drinks on the Golf Clubhouse Terrace.

The highlight of the day was the overwhelming support and generosity of our participants. Through their contributions, we raised over £2,000 for these incredibly worthwhile charities. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who attended and donated to these deserving causes.

We also extend our gratitude to our Tanner team members who made this day possible, and a special shout-out to Andy Wheatcroft – our golf pro host with the most, who helped make the event run smoothly.

The new facility has been meticulously designed to meet and exceed the stringent standards set by the healthcare sector. With a keen focus on compliance and quality, this facility will further strengthen our ability to serve our clients and customers, ensuring the safe and efficient handling of healthcare products.

Let us walk you through a few of the key components of our new warehouse:

Dedicated Controlled Ambient Space (15°C – 25°C): This section will provide a precisely controlled environment to preserve the integrity of sensitive products. Leading technology will maintain ideal conditions, ensuring that pharmaceuticals remain safe and stable throughout their storage.

Secondary Manufacturing Workspace: This sanitized workspace will include rooms for relabeling, kitting, packaging and other clinical trial services.

Extensive Refrigerated Storage (2°C – 8°C): The refrigeration zone will offer a storage solution for products requiring controlled cooling, employing state-of-the-art refrigeration systems.

Frozen Storage (-20°C and below): For products transported within a cold chain, our warehouse will be equipped with robust freezer facilities, ensuring the safekeeping of ultra-sensitive products while adhering to the strictest standards of quality. Additionally, we are proud to announce our new -80°C freezer storage capabilities, a crucial component that will offer our partners even more options.

Meeting and Office Space: Our warehouse will also include collaborative meeting and office areas. These spaces will serve as hubs for fostering innovation, teamwork, and client engagement, enabling us to work closely with our partners to achieve shared success.

Future Outlook: Our warehouse has also been designed to accommodate future expansions. We are prepared to grow alongside our partners, ensuring that we always meet evolving needs and demands.

At Tanner Pharma Group, our commitment to excellence drives us to continuously enhance our services. With the new warehouse, we aim to provide our current partners with an even stronger support system while also welcoming new prospects seeking a trusted pharmaceutical services partner with unwavering dedication to quality and compliance.

Stay tuned for further updates as we progress with the construction of this facility. We look forward to continuing to expand our capabilities to ensure vital medications reach those who need them most.

Simple rendering of the controlled ambient space.

The collaboration will expand access to Zemdri on a Named Patient basis in countries and regions where the drug is not yet commercially accessible, for patients 18 years of age or older for the treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis caused by susceptible microorganism(s): Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterobacter cloacae.

Named Patient Program is a mechanism through which physicians can in full compliance with national medical and regulatory standards, legally and ethically prescribe investigational or approved drugs for patients in need, prior to their authorized commercial availability in their countries. Under the terms of the agreement, Tanner will be the supplier of Zemdri to healthcare providers in countries where the drug is not commercially available.

For additional information about Zemdri, please visit Zemdri.com.

About Tanner Pharma Group

Tanner Pharma Group is a specialist pharmaceutical services provider based in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA with offices in Europe and Latin America. Through its Managed Access Programs division, Tanner supports manufacturers by providing ethical, controlled and compliant access to their innovative medicines in countries where they are not commercially accessible. Tanner has been enabling patient access to medicines for more than 20 years in over 130 countries and has extensive experience building and administering Named Patient Programs. Learn more: https://tannerpharma.com/

Paris (France) and Charlotte, N.C. (USA), on April 18^th, 2023 – ORPHELIA Pharma, a French biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and marketing of pediatric and orphan medicines, and Tanner Pharma Group, a global provider of integrated specialty access solutions, have signed an exclusive agreement to manage the supply and distribution of Ped-TMZ, also known as KIMOZO® (temozolomide 40 mg/ml, oral suspension), to meet the special demands which may come from European physicians for this unapproved pediatric form of temozolomide.

Temozolomide is an anti-cancer drug approved as capsules or IV formulation in Europe for certain brain tumors. It is also used in treatment protocols for other rare cancer indications that mainly affect very young children, including refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma. In young children, an oral suspension of temozolomide is age-appropriate to ensure correct medication administration.

Under the terms of the agreement, Tanner Pharma will provide access to KIMOZO® via a named patient program in European countries, in particular countries where KIMOZO® has already been used as an investigational medication in the context of ORPHELIA Pharma’s now fully enrolled TEMOkids clinical trial. A named patient program is a mechanism through which physicians can legally and ethically prescribe investigational or approved drugs for patients prior to their commercial availability. The access to unapproved drugs is strictly regulated and adherence to national regulations is mandatory.

Tanner Pharma will manage all elements of the supply including healthcare practitioner enquiry management, national regulatory oversight, liaison with national authorities, and logistics. The agreement currently covers all European territories but France.

Hugues Bienaymé, General Manager of ORPHELIA Pharma, said:

“KIMOZO® is currently available in France through an early access program, and ORPHELIA has already received requests from physicians from other countries. To meet these demands, ORPHELIA Pharma will use the services of Tanner Pharma, a world-leading pharmaceutical services provider with extensive experience in enabling access to innovative therapies when no other treatment options exist. With this agreement, our ambition is to make KIMOZO® available to children in need of a ready-to-use drinkable suspension of temozolomide, anywhere in Europe and with no delay, in strict adherence with local regulations.”

Rob Keel, Executive Vice President at Tanner Pharma, said:

“We are pleased to be partnering with ORPHELIA Pharma on this impactful program to help children with neuroblastoma and other malignancies. ORPHELIA Pharma has done extensive research to develop a product to address a critical unmet need for pediatric patients. We look forward to supporting physicians and enabling access to this innovative treatment.”

Healthcare professionals can obtain details about the program by contacting: kimozo@tannerpharma.com

About KIMOZO® 40 mg/ml

KIMOZO® 40 mg/ml is a liquid, taste-masked and ready-to-use drinkable formulation of temozolomide developed in collaboration between the pharmacists and clinicians of Gustave Roussy hospital and the development team of ORPHELIA Pharma. KIMOZO® is being developed for the treatment of refractory and relapsed neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer of dismal prognosis.

KIMOZO® was granted Early Access Authorisation (Autorisation d’Accès Précoce) for the treatment of refractory and relapsed neuroblastoma as monotherapy or in combination with a specific DNA inhibitor topoisomerase I (irinotecan or topotecan) in patients aged 1 to 6 years and patients over 6 years of age unable to swallow temozolomide in capsule form, by the French authorities in March 2022.

The formulation of KIMOZO® is covered by a patent application in Europe and in the US.

About ORPHELIA Pharma

ORPHELIA Pharma is a pharmaceutical company based in Paris and Lyon that develops and markets drugs for the treatment of pediatric and orphan diseases. ORPHELIA Pharma’s mission is to provide patients with essential products in the fields of neurology and oncology, in formulations adapted to the pediatric population. With two drugs approved in the European Union and one product in late-stage clinical development, ORPHELIA Pharma has recently established regional agreements in the European Union, the USA and China and conducts research projects through academic and industrial partnerships. For further information, please visit www.orphelia-pharma.eu.  

About Tanner Pharma

Tanner Pharma Group is a specialist pharmaceutical services provider based in Charlotte, USA with offices in Europe and Latin America. Over the past 20 years, Tanner has developed a portfolio of service offerings focused on improving global access to medicines. Through its TannerMAP division, Tanner Pharma supports manufacturers by providing ethical, controlled and compliant access to their innovative medicines in countries where they are not commercially accessible. For more information, visit www.tannerpharma.com.

Media Contact Details

ORPHELIA Pharma
Magali Rosbif | Tel: +33 (0)1 42 77 08 18 | orphelia@orphelia-pharma.eu

Tanner Pharma Group
Lindsey Stevens | Tel: +1 704 552 8408 | lstevens@tannerpharma.com

What Does International Women’s Day Mean to You?

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the givers of life in our society and how far we have come. Women in this century have never had more opportunity or voice, but there continues to be a disparity in Women’s Rights in different areas of the world. This day reminds me to look to the powerful women in my life and to thank them for continuing to use their voices and take up space.”

Rilee Humphries, Senior Business Analyst

“For me this day represents another step along the path to women being viewed as equals and as worthy of recognition as anyone else. Whilst we may not be in all the top jobs or earning as much as our male colleagues – we are getting there! 

I am lucky to not only work with amazing women every day but to also have strong and capable women as friends. Each has their own skills – some juggle a full-time career with raising a family, some are showing strength in dealing with illnesses yet managing to still smile and get through each day. Some are in historically “male” roles and carving their own way through a tough environment. Each and every one of us is proving that women can do anything. 

Women are strong. Women are expert multi-taskers. Women are capable of whatever we put our minds to.”

Helen Austen, ESG Manager 

“We, as women, have overcome many obstacles, not only personally but culturally and socially. We have the biggest jobs in life: to give birth, raise children, and fight for a better future for ourselves and our next generations. We sometimes believe that we do not have the power to achieve all our dreams, but if we take a close look at our lives, we are capable of achieving everything we want. We just need to trust and believe in ourselves.

We have fought for many years, and we have won many battles and now we have a different mindset than decades ago. We can be whoever we want to, and we deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Erica Poveda, Recruiter

“To me International women’s day is the prime example of how much women’s rights have moved forward, but it is also a reminder of how much more work needs to be done. I believe this is still a fight that has not been won and until all women around the world can truly live freely and as an equal member of a society, International Women’s day will still be a reminder of the work that is needed.”

Margarita Chala, Commercial Operations Director TannerLAC 

“For me, International Women’s Day represents everything we have achieved and everything we are yet to conquer. We are worthy and powerful and deserve everything we have fought for and want in this life. This day is just a reminder of all women’s contributions to having a dignified and equal place for all.”

Karen Burgos, Human Resources Manager

“For me, International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate our strength as women and honor all that we have achieved and will achieve. There is a quote by my favorite poet Pablo Neruda that says ‘You can cut all the flowers but you can not keep spring from coming.’ That is how I feel as a woman. We are an unstoppable force and no matter the challenge we will overcome it because it is in our nature to grow and progress and enable others to do the same. “

Lindsey Paternoster, Sr. Marketing, Comms & PR Manager

“I have such mixed emotions when I think of the meaning of International Women’s Day.  First is joy.  As a women, I know we have many roles in our lives. Whether that is daughter, sister, mother, friend, co-worker, etc.  The expectations are great and every single day I see women everywhere being there for others, supporting the team or their family even in the midst of their own personal trials and tribulations.  Women continue to succeed no matter the challenges that are in their way.  That gives me a source of strength and conviction knowing I’m not alone and we CAN achieve anything we want. 

Along with this feeling of joy and pride I have in being a women, I also remain hopeful.  Just in the fact that there is a day dedicated to women, it indicates that we must put a reminder out there to highlight women and what we are capable of in this world. 

Where we’ve come a LONG way in the last 60 years, there is still a lot of work to do to substantiate that we are indeed equal in the workforce and as a partner.  This platform allows us to step back and appreciate all the sacrifices and support of women around the world that helped get us to where we are today.  Thank you for those women that came before me, my peers and my mother for paving the way.  Your courage and conviction did not go unnoticed.  For young girls and women today, follow your heart and know that only WE can put limits on ourselves.  Know you’re worthy and can set any goal you want in life.  Don’t settle.  Search for fulfillment and challenge yourself to make a difference in this world.  I’m so lucky to have been surrounded by people that believed in me, but we must first believe in ourselves and then anything is possible.  HAPPY International Women’s Day!”

Katie Smoot, EVP of Business Operations

This year’s Chairman’s Award goes to Gaby Bedoya! Learn more about Gaby below.

You were just promoted to Sales and Business Development Manager for TannerGAP. What do you do in your new role?

I lead an incredible team that works and builds partnerships with downstream stakeholders, such us hospitals, clinics, NGOs, ministries of health, distributors and others, to deliver therapies to those with unmet medical needs.

How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?

I believe part of it comes naturally by loving what I do, but I have also had great mentors and inspiring leaders throughout my career; Lisa Marie Sherman, Lorena Mora, Maryori Alvarenga, Jonathan Bracey, Somer Hamrick and John Lagus to name a few.

Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on you or set you on your present path.  

There is a quote from Craig Groeschel that says “We don’t need a title to lead. We just need to care. People would rather follow a leader with a heart than a leader with a title.” That’s Maryori Alvarenga. She has been a mentor to me throughout my career at Tanner and is someone that I look up to who inspires me to be better. There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am to have such an incredible and inspirational leader.

How do you balance career, personal life and passions?

My biggest motivator to keep a work-life balance is my grandmother. She is 90 years old and still works out and plays with her great grandkids. I love my job and I can easily lose track of time, but I do have a three-year-old daughter who keeps me on my toes, and she is in different activities such as swim and ballet which makes me leave on time to take her to those activities and I do look forward to seeing her progression. I also create “me time” by allocating time during the day to concentrate on myself and workout.

What does winning The Chairman’s Award mean to you?

Winning this award means a lot to me. To be recognized amongst my peers and colleagues—it makes me feel honored and humbled. Winning this award was also a win for my whole team, not just me.

If you could leave one mark on Tanner, what would it be?

To bring out the very best on my team and for them to be successful.