5 Questions with Marco Marazzi, Business Development Manager & Clinical Trial Global Service Lead, PQE

5 Questions with Marco Marazzi, Business Development Manager & Clinical Trial Global Service Lead, PQE

Learn all about Marco Marazzi, Business Development Manager & Clinical Trial Global Service Lead at PQE Group, and how his work drives innovation and excellence in clinical research across diverse therapeutic areas!

October 22, 2024

Can you introduce yourself to our audience by outlining your education, academic background, and career path?

I started my career in clinical research in 2012 after earning a degree in Medical Biotechnology from the School of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Milano-Bicocca. My first position was as a Clinical Research Associate trainee at an Italian CRO, where I gained experience managing local observational studies and later specialized in monitoring phase III interventional trials in ophthalmology and dermatology. Over the course of four years, I have managed approximately 30 clinical sites across Italy, honing my organizational skills to navigate the country’s diverse landscape. I then transitioned into the role of Clinical Project Manager, overseeing studies involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and dietary supplements, while also serving as Trial Leader for multi-country projects in Western Europe. This role deepened my knowledge of the CRO industry and allowed me to collaborate with subject matter experts, further sharpening my management skills. Five years ago, I moved into a commercial role as a Business Development Manager, initially focusing on the company’s existing clients before expanding into new markets, including the US and Asia. After a brief stint as Commercial Director for the Italian branch of a Spanish CRO, I joined PQE, where I currently lead global clinical research services. This career journey has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and strategic dimensions of clinical research, enabling me to manage complex, multinational projects across
various therapeutic areas.

Can you tell us more about your specific role at PQE Group? What are your main objectives in this role, and what is your favorite part of the job?

In my current role at PQE, I am responsible for driving commercial growth and enhancing the operational development of our internal CRO, ReSQ-UP, which is specifically focused on women’s health across multiple therapeutic areas. I collaborate closely with PQE’s global sales team to promote our services, particularly in the management of Phase I and II clinical trials, as well as Real World Evidence observational studies, which are becoming increasingly significant in clinical research. In addition to our growth in the pharmaceutical sector, we are expanding into medical devices and medical cannabis—both highly promising business areas. What I enjoy most about my role is the variety of responsibilities, which encompass commercial, operational, and organizational aspects, often intersecting with marketing and R&D initiative efforts. Every day, I have the privilege of collaborating with top-level specialists, each an expert in their field, who play a crucial role in supporting small start-ups and innovative biotech companies. This work is particularly stimulating because each company has different needs and complex challenges to address, but our task is to ensure they have the resources, knowledge, and above all, the strategic guidance necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive industry.

Can you tell us why companies should consider collaborating with PQE Group and what kind of services you offer to your clients?

Companies should strongly consider partnering with PQE, as our organization is designed to support the development of a product or business idea from every angle. Following the launch of our CRO ResQ-UP, PQE has firmly established itself as a global “One Stop Shop” in the healthcare sector. The strength of PQE lies in its evolution, enabling it to offer a comprehensive range of services necessary to complete the entire product lifecycle—from concept, through preclinical stages, and into clinical development, up to market launch and post-market support. Our various business units work synergistically while maintaining a strong focus on client needs and regional specificities. This is encapsulated in our motto, “Think globally, act locally,” which reflects one of our core strengths. In clinical research, our CRO provides full-service support, offering solutions for every aspect of conducting a clinical trial—from trial design, ethical and regulatory submissions, monitoring, and project management, to data collection, processing, statistical analysis, and the final report writing. All of these services are executed using validated data collection systems and are fully compliant with the relevant regulatory requirements.

Consulting is becoming an increasingly popular career path, particularly for scientists and professionals in the medical field. In your opinion, what are the key skills needed to succeed in a consulting role focused on life sciences?

Being a consultant is more than just a profession, it is a mind-set that is challenging to teach. It comes naturally to those who have an innate ability to listen to clients, anticipate their needs, and proactively tackle potential challenges by utilizing all available expertise. In the healthcare sector, particularly in a highly regulated environment, staying informed about industry advancements is crucial. Equally important is the ability to adapt to the specific context in which one operates, ensuring the highest quality standards in every task. I believe the ideal consultant treats each project as if it were their own, nurturing it with the same care and attention as a parent would for a child. Within a CRO, a clinical trial becomes a living project that evolves based on the insights of the consultants involved, reflecting their genuine commitment and dedication. This approach not only enhances the project’s success but also fosters a collaborative environment that drives innovation and excellence.

And now a fun question – what is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I have ever received is to never stay in my comfort zone and to embrace change by doing whatever it takes to achieve my dreams and ambitions. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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