Hartley has a Masters of Pharmaceutical Chemistry with Distinction (1983) and Doctorate in Pharmacology from Otago University (1989). He published 17 research papers and 2 book chapters prior to entering industry. Before establishing AFT Pharmaceuticals, Hartley had 8 years in multinational pharmaceutical companies in various positions including Medical Director and Sales and Marketing Director.

What did you want to do when you were growing up?

A scientist.

Did you think you would end up working in R&D in pharmaceuticals?

Not really to be honest. I started off doing pharmacy, but soon found out that research was more fun thanks to meeting some research doctors at the hospital and getting involved in some really interesting projects like dosing patients with a computer back in the days when computers had only just become publicly available.

What makes the AFT Pharmaceutical's R&D programme different?

We do a huge amount with few resources while tackling significant studies.

If you could describe the drug development process in one word, what would it be?

Worthwhile.

Ioana has overall responsibility for the research & development functions of the company. She has more than 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry with previous positions, including VP QA & Regulatory Affairs, Head of Vaccine Business Area at FIT Biotech Ltd, and a World Health Organisation adviser performing institutional assessments of National Regulatory Authorities within Central and Eastern Europe. She has coordinated a variety of European FP6 and FP7 funded research grants. In 1999 she was selected as an Expert by the European Health Committee - Council of Europe to participate in the coordinated research study of viral inactivation of labile blood products. She is also a Member of the European QP Association.

What did you want to do when you were growing up?

Forensic medicine.Interestingly enough I ended up working in R&D.

Did you think you would end up working in R&D in pharmaceuticals?

Yes. The science behind developing different medicinal products has always fascinated me.

What makes the AFT Pharmaceutical's R&D programme different?

It is very diverse and dynamic.

If you could describe the drug development process in one word, what would it be?

Challenging (but very rewarding).

Vladimir was born and raised in Macedonia. He holds a Masters degree in Pharmacy from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where he started his career as a pre-clinical researcher before moving to New Zealand. Prior to joining AFT Pharmaceuticlas, Vladimir worked for Douglas Pharmaceuticals in various roles including as QC and QA analyst and regulatory/senior regulatory associate. He joined AFT Pharmaceuticals in 2006 as Regulatory Affairs Manager. Vladimir has responsibility for product registrations in various countries such as New Zealand, Australia, South-East Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong,Philippines) as well as the European Union and USA.

Prior to joining AFT, Irenee worked as a healthcare professional within the public and private sectors, including management. She has a long-standing interest in science, as well as gathering factual information and documentation. She has been with AFT for three years in her current role of Clinical Research Associate. The role is very diverse, and allows her to work collaboratively across the R&D team.

What did you want to do when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a Doctor, unfortunately in the 1960's medicine was restricted for woman.

Did you think you would end up working in R&D in pharmaceuticals?

No, actually I didn’t. I've been with AFT's R&D team for the past three years.

What makes the AFT Pharmaceutical's R&D programme different?

One of best parts of the AFT team is that we’re able to relate the ins-and-outs of research, and smallest details, to others.

If you could describe the drug development process in one word, what would it be? 

Gratifying.

Jennifer previously worked at Wyeth Asia Pacific R&D Centre as Senior CRA, over viewing a variety of FDA compliant studies.  She joined AFT Pharmaceuticals Ltd almost nine years ago and holds the position of Senior Clinical Research Associate and Drug Safety Officer, assisting in all the clinical development programs and being the main responsible person for the pharmaco vigilance activities in the company.

What did you want to do when you were growing up? 

Being a trained paediatrician in China and a clinical research professional in New Zealand, I can help people in both ways. This is what I always wanted to do – to help people.

Did you think you would end up working in R&D in pharmaceuticals?

Yes!

What makes the AFT Pharmaceutical's R&D programme different?

We are small team, but we have the the right people drawn from different territories. So we bring a global insight into R&D and we can utilise our extensive overseas experience at AFT.  

If you could describe the drug development process in one word, what would it be?

Rewarding. I’m very proud of what I’m doing in bringing new health care products to people who need it!