Humaneva Insights - Episode 2

Welcome to Humaneva Insights, the podcast exploring the science, strategy, and operational realities shaping the future of clinical research and drug development.

Through candid conversations with researchers, industry leaders, and innovators, we’ll explore emerging ideas, tackle real-world challenges, and connect scientific progress with the people and practices that bring it to life.

Whether you’re designing studies, developing therapies, or driving change across the industry, join us for fresh perspectives on what comes next—and what it takes to get there.

Listen. Learn. Move research forward.

Episode 2: Summary

In this episode of Humaneva Insights, host Patrick McManus speaks with Scott E. Smith, MD, PhD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer at Kapadi, about one of the most closely watched developments in immuno-oncology: the rise of PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies.

The discussion explores whether ivonescimab represents a genuinely new therapeutic design class or a more integrated way of combining two established biological targets. Scott examines the scientific rationale behind dual PD-1 and VEGF inhibition, the concept of cooperative binding, and the implications of emerging data from studies including HARMONi-2 and HARMONi-6.

The conversation also considers a critical question for drug developers: if PD-1/VEGF bispecifics begin to challenge established checkpoint-inhibitor backbones, what does that mean for programs currently built around pembrolizumab? Patrick and Scott discuss how comparator selection, trial maturity, indication, partner-drug rationale, and patient eligibility for VEGF-directed therapy may all influence future development strategies.

Featured Expert 

Scott E. Smith, MD, PhD, FACP, is Chief Medical Officer at Kapadi and a physician-scientist with more than 20 years of leadership in hematology, oncology, and clinical research. As Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hematology at Parexel, he oversaw global clinical trial operations across more than 20 countries. As founder and CEO of Chemosabe Consulting, he has advised more than 15 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on clinical development and immunotherapy strategy, contributing to the launch of four hematology and oncology therapies.

Previously, Dr. Smith served as Associate Cancer Center Director and Section Chief of Hematology at Loyola University Medical Center, where he expanded clinical programs and led teams of more than 50 professionals. His work includes bone marrow transplantation, CAR T-cell therapy, precision medicine initiatives, and review for the FDA Orphan Products Development Program. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts and has spoken at international meetings including ASH and ASCO. Dr. Smith earned his MD and PhD at Wayne State University and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology.