With an average of 21 years of industry experience and knowledge across all therapeutic areas.
Meet the Leadership Team
Yvonne began her career in academic “bench” research with Adelaide University and CSIRO. Yvonne then moved into clinical trials research at a dedicated Phase I unit where she was one of the first in Australia to test a new chemical entity in healthy volunteers, giving rise to what is now a strong Phase 1 sector in Australia.
Yvonne also spent time in the biotech world as Clinical Development Manager then moved into senior Contract Research Organisation (CRO) roles.
With 25+ years of clinical trial experience gained across most therapeutic areas, Yvonne brings a deep understanding of all phases of the drug development process. With a passion for exceeding client expectations, Yvonne is highly regarded within the industry for her expertise and ability to solve complex clinical trial issues.
In 2009 Yvonne Lungershausen became a Founding Member of CPR Pharma Services (CPR) as it spun out from the University of South Australia. As a key member of the CPR Senior Management Team she was responsible for the clinical operations side of the business.
Then in January 2019 CPR Pharma Services split into two separate service companies, analytical services (Agilex BioLabs) and clinical services (Avance Clinical).
Yvonne was appointed as CEO of Avance Clinical and has since rapidly built the company into Australia’s leading CRO for biotechs – attracting innovative biotech clients from USA, EU and Asia and winning awards for quality and service.
Gabriel has 26 years’ experience in medical research and drug development. He has devoted most of his career to the biotechnology industry, managing drug development programs from early discovery to completion of phase II proof of concept clinical trials and subsequent commercial drug licensing deals.
He has been part of the CPR Pharma Services team since 2015 managing the department of clinical operations and offering drug development advice to biotechnology companies seeking to enter clinical trials in Australia. In 2019, Gabriel was appointed Chief Scientific Officer of Avance Clinical where he currently leads the Department of Scientific and Medical affairs offering Medical Writing, Drug safety monitoring and reporting and early phase clinical drug development and regulatory advice services.
Prior to joining CPR Pharma Services, Gabriel was the Vice President Research & Development of the Australian ASX listed company Bionomics limited where over several years led teams in discovery and progression of cancer therapeutics through to completion of several phase I and Phase II clinical trials in Australia and the US.
Gabriel’s 26 years in medical research also includes appointments with the Cancer Therapeutics CRC, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide University, the Los Alamos National Laboratories and the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
With primary expertise in oncology, Gabriel has a diverse scientific background spanning the fields of Clinical Development, Drug Discovery, Cancer Biology, Molecular Genetics, Bioinformatics and Immunology. He has a PhD and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Flinders University and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Melbourne. He has published research findings in 29 international scientific papers and has several patent inventions on cancer genes and small molecule anti-cancer therapeutics. Gabriel is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and ARCS Australia.
He has been part of the CPR Pharma Services team since 2015 managing the department of clinical operations and offering drug development advice to biotechnology companies seeking to enter clinical trials in Australia. In 2019, Gabriel was appointed Chief Scientific Officer of Avance Clinical where he currently leads the Department of Scientific and Medical affairs offering Medical Writing, Drug safety monitoring and reporting and early phase clinical drug development and regulatory advice services.
Prior to joining CPR Pharma Services, Gabriel was the Vice President Research & Development of the Australian ASX listed company Bionomics limited where over several years led teams in discovery and progression of cancer therapeutics through to completion of several phase I and Phase II clinical trials in Australia and the US.
Gabriel’s 26 years in medical research also includes appointments with the Cancer Therapeutics CRC, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide University, the Los Alamos National Laboratories and the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
With primary expertise in oncology, Gabriel has a diverse scientific background spanning the fields of Clinical Development, Drug Discovery, Cancer Biology, Molecular Genetics, Bioinformatics and Immunology. He has a PhD and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Flinders University and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Melbourne. He has published research findings in 29 international scientific papers and has several patent inventions on cancer genes and small molecule anti-cancer therapeutics. Gabriel is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and ARCS Australia.
Chief Strategy Officer; working closely with the CEO to lead growth of the business and align the organisations operations with its future goals. With 24+ years of industry experience, including 19+ years within in CROs, Ben has gained a depth of knowledge that has allowed him to successfully support clients internationally and in the Asia Pacific region to gain market registration for their new pharmaceutical drug products. This includes product approvals by the US FDA, in Europe, the Japan PMDA and Chinese CFDA.
As an accomplished leader of teams with significant experience in directing large multi-function teams across all continents Ben values an action oriented work ethic, high ethical standards, personal integrity and accountability as well as the power of a ‘team first’ culture. These values have been the guiding force for delivering value to clients and ensuring patients get the treatment they need.
Andrew has been serving as Chief Financial Officer since October 2020, working closely with the CEO to support the growth of the business. Andrew has 15+ years’ global experience in M&A, capital raising and performance improvement within the life sciences, financial services, manufacturing, FMCG, mining services industries. With a significant portion of his experience at both Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Andrew has also served in senior managerial and advisory positions to several fast-growing private enterprises.
Andrew is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a Masters of Applied Finance. He is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Andrew is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a Masters of Applied Finance. He is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Director Clinical Operations
Jemma brings to Avance Clinical in-depth experience in Clinical Operations supported by 17+ years’ experience working in the clinical research and biotechnology industries, including 12+ years dedicated to various roles in Contract Research Organisations (CROs). Her comprehensive knowledge draws from working with both small Australian-based CROs and large multinational (including Top 5) CROs, with a particular focus on early phase Healthy Volunteer and Oncology clinical development.
Highly developed people management expertise, demonstrated accountability for a project delivery, thorough clinical project financial management experience, and an innate love for process improvement and development/implementation, provide her with a solid foundation to deliver on the continued growth and development of the Avance Clinical Operations department.
Jemma brings to Avance Clinical in-depth experience in Clinical Operations supported by 17+ years’ experience working in the clinical research and biotechnology industries, including 12+ years dedicated to various roles in Contract Research Organisations (CROs). Her comprehensive knowledge draws from working with both small Australian-based CROs and large multinational (including Top 5) CROs, with a particular focus on early phase Healthy Volunteer and Oncology clinical development.
Highly developed people management expertise, demonstrated accountability for a project delivery, thorough clinical project financial management experience, and an innate love for process improvement and development/implementation, provide her with a solid foundation to deliver on the continued growth and development of the Avance Clinical Operations department.
Glynn Morrish is a Senior Pharmacokineticist / Biostatistician and is responsible for the analysis and communication of clinical trial data and results to internal and external stakeholders. Glynn has over 15 years’ experience in clinical research and data analysis in both industry and academic settings. He has a passion for the science and business aspects of quantitative drug development, which is demonstrated by his contribution to the development of over 100 pharmaceutical products, the leading of statistical analysis teams, the conduct of non-for-profit and commercial pharmacokinetic data analysis courses, his peer-reviewed publication track record, and the supervision of post-graduate research students. Glynn’s current focus is on providing rational, informed and intelligent analysis and consulting services to small-to-medium sized clinical development organisations, assisting them to maximise study outcomes, product understanding and company value.
Priyanka has extensive experience in Clinical Research and holds a Post-graduate degree in Clinical Research.
Priyanka has worked in Pharma, Multinational and small to mid-sized CROs during her career.
She has extensive experience auditing Investigator sites and vendors across multiple regions including Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and the USA covering many therapeutic areas.
At Avance Clinical Priyanka is responsible for quality systems and auditing for Clinical Operations, Data Management, Medical Writing and Statistics.
Priyanka has worked in Pharma, Multinational and small to mid-sized CROs during her career.
She has extensive experience auditing Investigator sites and vendors across multiple regions including Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and the USA covering many therapeutic areas.
At Avance Clinical Priyanka is responsible for quality systems and auditing for Clinical Operations, Data Management, Medical Writing and Statistics.
Lisa Eglinton is Director Compliance and Training, responsible for driving the delivery and management of training programs and clinical compliance with internal processes and global regulations. Lisa has worked within the Contract Research Organization industry for almost 20 years, building on 10 years of experience within a pharmaceutical company and within a Phase I clinical trials unit. She has a strong background in Phase I clinical research and a wide breadth of experience across many facets of clinical research. Lisa’s strong passion for training and sharing knowledge enables her to effectively promote compliance to achieve high quality outcomes for clients.
Sandrien has 15+ years’ experience in the industry. Sandrien comes from an operations background having started her career in Data Management. Working for leading global CROs across Europe Sandrien has gained expertise in Oracle Clinical™, Clintrial, Medrio, and SAS®. She has a keen eye for detail, which supports the strong relationship between Business Development and Operations to always ensure delivery to clients.
Sandrien has significant experience in senior managerial roles, currently serving as Director Business Development Operations supporting clients across the United States.
Sandrien has significant experience in senior managerial roles, currently serving as Director Business Development Operations supporting clients across the United States.
Meet the Client Development Team
A highly experienced business development team supporting our global clients.
Sandrien has 15+ years’ experience in the industry. Sandrien comes from an operations background having started her career in Data Management. Working for leading global CROs across Europe Sandrien has gained expertise in Oracle Clinical™, Clintrial, Medrio, and SAS®. She has a keen eye for detail, which supports the strong relationship between Business Development and Operations to always ensure delivery to clients.
Sandrien has significant experience in senior managerial roles, currently serving as Director Business Development Operations supporting clients across the United States.
Sandrien has significant experience in senior managerial roles, currently serving as Director Business Development Operations supporting clients across the United States.
Shannon has 5+ years industry experience working in various business development roles in the EU and Australia. Currently serving as the Business Development Manager for Europe, Shannon is experienced with building meaningful relationships with clients ensuring the best solution is found for their current needs. She has completed a Bachelor degree in Management and Marketing.
Avance Clinical also has many members of staff speaking Swedish, German, Greek, Russian, Dutch, and Spanish.
Avance Clinical also has many members of staff speaking Swedish, German, Greek, Russian, Dutch, and Spanish.
Andy has 5+ years industry experience building a successful rapport and optimising client experience through an account management journey. Andy is multilingual, being fluent in English, Mandarin and Korean. He has completed both a Bachelor of Korean Language and Culture as well as a Master of Translation and Interpreting. Andy is responsible for developing business across the APAC region to better serve our clients operating in the region.
“Clients select Avance Clinical in Australia because the data is accepted by the FDA, and it gives them a rapid pathway for international licensing, investment and ultimately drug approvals.”
“Clients select Avance Clinical in Australia because the data is accepted by the FDA, and it gives them a rapid pathway for international licensing, investment and ultimately drug approvals.”
Meet the Board
A highly experienced clinical and business team based in Australia and the USA.
Dr. Herman Scholtz, MD, has over 20 years of Pharmaceutical and CRO early drug development experience. Until recently he was the Global Vice President and General Manager, Clinical Pharmacology Services for Covance. During his tenure at Covance, he also served as the Chief Medical Officer and was a member of the Covance global Operating Committee and Scientific Council. Prior to joining Covance, Dr. Scholtz held several leadership positions in Early Drug Development over a 15-year career with PAREXEL International.
Dr. Scholtz qualified as a physician at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and qualified as an anesthesiologist at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He currently resides in Madison, WI (USA)
Dr. Scholtz qualified as a physician at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and qualified as an anesthesiologist at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He currently resides in Madison, WI (USA)
Caroline Popper is a US-based pathologist and business consultant, with more than 20 years’ operational experience in the international diagnostics, medical devices and drug discovery fields. After 10 years in senior management and marketing roles at Becton, Dickinson and Company, Caroline established her own consultancy company to provide strategic corporate and advisory services to businesses across the life sciences spectrum.
A qualified health economist, Caroline has served in senior managerial and advisory positions at a number of global diagnostics and medical research companies, including bioMérieux and MDS Proteomics, where she was Chief Business Officer from 2000 to 2002. As well as extensive corporate experience, Caroline enjoys a hands-on clinical perspective from her years as an attending physician at the Department of Emergency Medicine at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she completed residencies in internal medicine and pathology.
In 2003, Caroline founded Popper and Company, a strategy and M&A advisory firm focused on diagnostics, medical devices, life science tools, and wireless health applications. Her other directorships include Innovative Biosensors Inc (Chairman), nanoMR, Rarecyte and Pilgrim Software Inc.
A qualified health economist, Caroline has served in senior managerial and advisory positions at a number of global diagnostics and medical research companies, including bioMérieux and MDS Proteomics, where she was Chief Business Officer from 2000 to 2002. As well as extensive corporate experience, Caroline enjoys a hands-on clinical perspective from her years as an attending physician at the Department of Emergency Medicine at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she completed residencies in internal medicine and pathology.
In 2003, Caroline founded Popper and Company, a strategy and M&A advisory firm focused on diagnostics, medical devices, life science tools, and wireless health applications. Her other directorships include Innovative Biosensors Inc (Chairman), nanoMR, Rarecyte and Pilgrim Software Inc.
Garth Tierney is a South Australian based pharmacology and management professional with over 30 years’ experience in the clinical trial industry. Garth held various research and management roles within several international pharmaceutical and CRO companies before founding the Australian based CRO, Trident Clinical Research in 1997. As CEO, Garth grew Trident to become a leading Australian independent CRO with operations in three countries and 140 staff. Following acquisition of Trident by an international CRO, INC Research (now Syneos Health), Garth held the position of Senior Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific with oversight for 12 countries and over 500 staff. Garth retired from the role in 2014. Garth was also a founding partner and board member of Australia’s leading clinical trial manufacturing and logistics specialist, Pharmaceutical Packaging Professionals, which was acquired by a large international company in 2018.
Garth’s board experience spans CRO companies, an early phase clinical research facility, pharmaceutical manufacturing, advanced plastics moulding and sporting organisations.
Garth’s board experience spans CRO companies, an early phase clinical research facility, pharmaceutical manufacturing, advanced plastics moulding and sporting organisations.
Glenn Haifer has over 30 years’ experience in the healthcare sector. He is an entrepreneur who has successfully established and exited health care services companies through sales to private equity firms and ASX listed companies. He has also successfully acquired and restructured health care companies driving growth and value.
Glenn is a registered Australian Specialist Medical Practitioner, and a Fellow of the College of Rural and Remote Medicine. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was previously a member of the American Stock Exchange in New York.
Glenn is an experienced company director. His current directorships include: Agilex Biolabs a world-class clinical trials bioanalytical laboratory with over 100 staff servicing international biotechnology companies, Avance Clinical a leading APAC CRO with over 155 staff servicing the international clinical trial sector, Genesis Capital a private equity fund investing in health care companies, and Chairman of Smiles- a chain of dental clinics.
Glenn was until recently founder and a non-executive director of Sun Doctors, a health care organisation that employs 250 staff and contracting doctors, which is now part of a group listed on the ASX. It offers specialised medical services and histopathology laboratories in Australia.
He was also until recently Chairman of Smart Clinics – a group of 28 medical centres employing 250 staff and 200 doctors which was exited in December 2020 to private equity.
He is also a Non-executive Director of Aurora Expeditions, an expedition company and travel agency that operates in remote areas of the world including the polar regions.