Overview:
The PMI’s “Exploring Pharma: From Drug Discovery to Dispensing” masterclass takes place on Thursday February 26th in United Drug’s head office in Citywest.
This full-day masterclass brings together a panel of leading subject matter experts to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end view of the pharmaceutical industry. Designed to be both highly practical and engaging, the masterclass explores the complete lifecycle of a medicine – from initial submission, through market access, launch, supply, and ultimately dispensing in a retail pharmacy.
A highlight of the day will be a guided tour of United Drug’s warehouse, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes insight into one of the most critical stages of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Who should attend?
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Professionals looking to deepen or round out their understanding of the pharmaceutical industry
- New team members seeking a strong foundational overview
- Individuals considering a move into a new role or function within pharma
The masterclass is open to both PMI members and non-members, with costs covering all course materials, breakfast, and lunch.
⚠️ Seats are limited and filling fast – secure your place today to join this highly focused, practical and interactive masterclass.
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Speakers:
David Keyes, Managing Director – United Drug
David was appointed as the new Managing Director of United Drug in Ireland in April 2025. Prior to this, he had been serving as the Director of United Drug Distributions and Head of Public Affairs for PHX Ireland since 2020, where he played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the organisation’s pan-European commercial strategy. Having first joined United Drug in 2012, David has provided strategic leadership across multiple areas of the business, including Pre-Wholesale, Government Contracts, and Public Affairs.
Topic: Pricing & Supply Chain
Denis O’Driscoll, Superintendent Pharmacist – McCabes Pharmacy (part of the Phoenix Group)
With over 30 years of experience in the pharmacy sector, Denis is a seasoned expert in the field, specialising in addiction services and pharmacy management. He spent 22 years with the HSE Addiction Services, where he served as Chief Pharmacist, becoming a recognised leader in addiction care. In 2018, Denis transitioned to the role of Superintendent Pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy Ireland, where he oversaw the delivery of high-quality pharmacy services. Following the acquisition of McCabes Pharmacy in 2024 by the Phoenix Group, Denis now holds the position of Superintendent Pharmacist for McCabes Pharmacy. In his current role, Denis serves as the clinical lead for McCabes Pharmacy, one of the largest pharmacy chains in Ireland, comprising 110 locations nationwide. He is responsible for ensuring the management, quality, governance, and delivery of pharmacy services to the public, contributing to the company’s commitment to excellence in healthcare.
Denis is also deeply committed to public health initiatives and serves as the voluntary independent chair of the Naloxone Advisory Group, which provides guidance for the HSE’s Strategy on Overdose Prevention. His expertise in biopharmaceutics is supported by his academic background, having earned a PhD in Biopharmaceutics from Trinity College Dublin (TCD).
In addition to his professional and clinical work, Denis is Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) Council, further demonstrating his leadership and influence within the profession.
Topic: Retail Pharmacy
Brenda Dooley, Founder & CEO – AXIS
Brenda Dooley founded AXIS Consulting in early 2012. As an experienced pricing and reimbursement strategist with 25+ years of international biopharma industry experience, Brenda and her team have developed over 100 bespoke submissions for the Irish authorities. In 2023 Brenda led the business expansion into the UK, doubling the team size and providing clients with a unique range of service for HTA agencies ,NICE , NCPE and SMC.
Brenda is passionate about enabling access to important new medicines for patients in Ireland and the UK .
Topic: Market Access 101
Laragh de Bhulbh, Managing Director – Wolf Medical
*bio to follow*
Topic: Medical Affairs Evolution
Orlaith Brennan, Market Development Director – IQVIA
*bio to follow*
Topic: Stakeholder Overview & Pharma Landscape
Caroline Reidy, Managing Director & Principal Consultant – Launch Hub
Caroline is an experienced commercial and strategic senior leader within the biopharmaceutical industry. With more than 20 years of commercial, launch, and strategic leadership experience that span across Oncology; Inflammation & Immunology, Vaccines, Hospital, Primary Care, and Specialty medicines, Caroline has led major portfolio initiatives and cross-functional teams to accelerate patient access and deliver strong business performance. Caroline has held multiple senior roles on the Leadership Team at Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, including, Head of Oncology; Head of Inflammation and Immunology, Strategic Engagement Lead, Launch Excellence Lead, KAM CoE Lead and AI Champion where she built deep expertise in market access, integrated commercial launch excellence, stakeholder engagement, and strategic negotiation. She has played a central role in shaping launch strategies for high-impact therapies and driving successful execution across the Irish market.
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Business from Dublin City University and advanced Post Graduate qualifications in Information Technology, Health Economics, Strategic Negotiation and KAM Management.
Topic: Commercial Launch Excellence
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This masterclass is proudly supported by United Drug. As Irelands leading healthcare provider, UD ensure medicinal products get to the right place at the right time through their operations in distribution, wholesale, community pharmacy and homecare services.
Please note that by registering for this event you agree to share your name and company details with the organisers and the event sponsor.
