Innovating Medicine: How Science, Collaboration, and Curiosity Transform Patient Care
It is always inspiring to speak with true innovators on this podcast, the people who don’t just follow the science, but actively push it forward, turning ideas into real-world solutions that change lives. We are honored to welcome Dr. Jeffry Weers whose work has profoundly impacted the cystic fibrosis (CF) community and beyond.
Dr. Weers is a distinguished pharmaceutical scientist with more than 35 years of experience designing and developing novel drug-delivery systems. Throughout his career, he has focused on innovative treatments for CF, working across formulations, biologics, small molecules, and combination products. His achievements include an extensive patent portfolio and a remarkable publication record, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to translate ideas into treatments that improve patient lives. I found that many scientists like Dr. Weers are soft spoken. They don’t want to brag about their scientific successes, they just want their work to speak for itself. Dr. Weers is so darn smart! He won’t toot his own horn, so I must! He’s a great person who is filled with so much hope for the future.
One of Dr. Weers’ most notable contributions is the invention of the Tobi Podhaler, a device that transformed how inhaled antibiotics reach the lungs. For people living with CF, this innovation has meant more effective, easier-to-administer treatment, significantly improving daily quality of life. His work exemplifies the power of scientific innovation to directly impact patient care.
Dr. Weers delves into both the breakthroughs and the challenges of drug development. He shares insights into the ongoing hurdles of developing inhaled medications, including inhaled insulin, and emphasizes the regulatory obstacles that can slow the introduction of new anti-infectives. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future, highlighting the role of collaboration among scientists and the potential of AI to enhance medical imaging, diagnosis, and patient outcomes.
Dr. Weers also stresses the critical importance of addressing infectious diseases in CF patients and the responsibility of the scientific community to advocate for better treatments. Beyond his professional achievements, he reflects on the personal side of being a lifelong scientist, sharing how interests like farming provide balance and perspective in a demanding career.
I particularly loved recording this episode because Dr. Weers has a rare ability to make complex science accessible, explaining the “why” behind innovations in a way anyone can understand. For anyone curious about the intersection of science, medicine, and human impact, this conversation is both enlightening and inspiring.
To watch a fabulous video that explains the creation of what it takes to get medicine into the lungs, view here: You Tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwglM8Zo4m0
Inhaled drug delivery in CF/ YouTube link: https://youtu.be/iV27VdieQbo
Please like, subscribe, and comment on our podcasts!
Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/
The Bonnell Foundation website: https://thebonnellfoundation.org
Email us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com
Watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabonnell1136/featured
Thanks to our sponsors:
Vertex: https://www.vrtx.com
Viatris: https://www.viatris.com/en