EpidStrategies is excited to be attending, exhibiting, and hosting a round table at the World Orphan Drug Congress (WODC), April 23–25, 2024. This year’s congress is at the Boston Convention and Exhibit Center.

Come by and see us at Booth 537!

Also, join us at Roundtable 06, on Wednesday, April 24, at 14:15, when our experts will discuss, “Meeting the Challenges of Fast-Track Approval for Orphan Drugs.” EpidStrategies Senior Vice President and Principal Epidemiologist Jon Fryzek, PhD, MPH, and Managing Epidemiologist, Lauren Bylsma, MPH, will be joined by colleagues from ToxStrategies, Modality Solutions, and HEORStrategies to focus on optimal strategies for managing fast-track approval, from pre-clinical through clinical phases of development, regulatory support, and launch.

A recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) took inventory of the electrical grid worldwide and found a large gap between investment in renewable/clean energy and the grid that will be required deliver this energy. Renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind, are being developed at a rapid rate worldwide, and these energy sources require additional transmission lines to connect them to the existing grid, as well as reliable distribution grids to ensure consistent supplies for customers. The gap between the energy flowing in and the capability to distribute it is widened further by the fact that traditional fossil fuels are being replaced by new technologies (e.g., electric cars and heat pumps). The IEA report concluded that underdeveloped grids are a substantial hurdle to planned transitions to green energy.

This mismatch in investments could result in a slowed transition to renewable energy and a missed opportunity to meet CO₂ emission reduction targets. The report concluded that 2.8 million miles of power line need to be constructed in the US by 2050 to meet the goals set forth in the Announced Pledges Scenario.

Given the length of time it takes to plan, permit, and complete the construction of power lines, the need for this investment is time sensitive. Opposition from the public often increases lead times on projects, and health concerns are commonly raised during permitting due to concerns about electric and magnetic fields (EMF), which are associated with all things that generate, use, and transmit electricity. The potential influence of EMF on health has drawn considerable interest in the scientific community, resulting in a large body of research.

The IEA report noted that establishing effective communication channels with stakeholders early in project planning to address concerns about issues such as EMF is key. Our team of epidemiologists at ToxStrategies is well suited to assist with questions about EMF that arise during the planning and permitting of new power lines. For more information on our experience and qualifications, please contact Meghan Mitchell or Michael Kelsh.