Contagious Thinking with Thomas Verstraeten

Latin America’s Rising Role in Global Clinical Research: Opportunities Ahead

In this episode of Contagious Thinking, host Thomas Verstraeten, CEO at P95, speaks with Rodrigo DeAntonio, Population Intelligence Director and Researcher at Cevaxin by endpoints clinical Research Network. Together, they explore how Latin America has become a key player in global clinical research — from early vaccine trials for rotavirus, HPV, and pneumococcal disease to its pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion highlights the region’s strengths in participant recruitment, regulatory evolution, quality standards, and cost-effectiveness, while also examining emerging opportunities in cardiometabolic diseases, neuroscience, oncology, and medical devices. Rodrigo shares insights on how collaborative networks, technology, and a favorable research environment are positioning Latin America for even greater impact in the years ahead.

Africa’s Role in Global Vaccine Development: More Than a Trial Site

In this episode, Thomas Verstraeten, CEO of P95, speaks with Edward Sobe-Yarig, P95’s Operations Lead in West Africa, about Africa’s growing leadership in clinical research. Sobe shares how the continent has moved beyond infrastructure challenges to build advanced capabilities. From local expertise to evolving regulations and strong regional networks, Africa is now a driving force in global vaccine development.

14 Years On: Origins, Impact, and the Future of Evidence

To launch the podcast and mark 14 years of P95, Thomas Verstraeten, CEO of P95, sits down with the company’s first employee, Margarita Riera, now Epidemiology Strategy Director. Together, they reflect on how infectious disease remains a core public health challenge, how P95’s approach has shifted in response to sponsor needs and global-local tensions, and why epidemiology is central to making trials work in the real world. This isn’t just a historical look-back,  it’s a conversation about how to balance global insights with local realities, why real-world data matters, and how P95 has evolved to lead in this new landscape.