In this episode of the OIS Podcast, Gleeson tells our host Paul Karpecki, OD that early on he wanted to be an architect. Although he didn’t continue in that direction, Mark describes parallels between being an architect and developing pharmaceuticals. 

“Pharmaceutical and drug development are very similar to architecture in that you have to think long term, you have to understand what the customer needs are, what the environment is going to be like both from a regulatory as well as a payer perspective. Then you put the plans in place and go through the process to make sure everyone does their job, and ultimately have a sign off and approval.”

Gleeson also talks about making big career moves and gives insight into drug development challenges and opportunities. 

Dr. Karpecki asks about AZR-MD-001, Azura’s lead product candidate, for use in meibomian gland dysfunction. Gleeson explains that the company is looking at MGD from a unique perspective, as a condition that should be treated like a skin disease. AZR-MD-001is a keratolytic, which he says is a very interesting class of compounds that has been utilized in dermatology for a long time.

Click play to hear Mark Gleeson talk about drug development and his company’s unique approach to treating MGD!