# Leveraging Key Opinion Leaders in Clinical Research Strategy and Execution With Thierry Schulmann

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cog-review-building-better-clinical-studies-7614513/leveraging-key-opinion-leaders-in-clinical-research-strategy-and-execution-with-thierry-schulmann
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cog-review-building-better-clinical-studies-7614513/leveraging-key-opinion-leaders-in-clinical-research-strategy-and-execution-with-thierry-schulmann.md
Podcast: [The COG Review: Building Better Clinical Studies](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cog-review-building-better-clinical-studies-7614513)
Published: 2026-02-26T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://the-cog-review.captivate.fm/episode/leveraging-key-opinion-leaders-in-clinical-research-strategy-and-execution-with-thierry-schulmann
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/2651775a-382e-43c2-9807-0b4ca2f6ecbb.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1389

## Resource

Discover how early engagement with key opinion leaders transforms clinical trial outsourcing decisions, reduces program risk, and optimizes clinical operations for higher-impact trial outcomes. Guest Thierry Schulmann, Senior Director, Medical Affairs Strategy, Sumitomo Pharma ( LinkedIn ) Episode Overview This episode—recorded live at COG Europe—features Thierry Schulmann, Senior Director, Medical Affairs Strategy at Sumitomo Pharma, in a highly practical session focused on the operational value of engaging key opinion leaders (KOLs) early in clinical research. Listeners will gain a clear framework for involving KOLs at each stage of clinical trial outsourcing, from initial design and feasibility to trial execution and market access. Drawing from real-world case studies, Thierry Schulmann illustrates how underestimating KOL input can lead to misalignment on endpoints, failed market launches, or unmet regulatory expectations—even in otherwise well-executed trials. The discussion covers: Why CRO selection should account for KOL expertise and therapeutic alignment How to use KOL engagement to build patient-centered protocols and enhance feasibility, recruitment, and retention The impact of KOLs on regulatory strategy, payer acceptance, guideline inclusion, and real-world implementation For clinical operations professionals, outsourcing leads, and vendor managers, the episode provides actionable strategies to protect trial value, avoid program pitfalls, and ensure the commercial relevance of new therapies through smarter stakeholder engagement and clinical study optimization. Key Moments 00:02:10 – Framing the risks: Why approved products still fail to launch due to misaligned trial endpoints and weak stakeholder input 00:03:13 – Case study: The commercial impact of not l…

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