The GEC team: Advancing Early Research with Patient-Focused Insights

“By applying [digital health technologies] in early-phase studies, we’re reducing uncertainty later. It’s a way of gaining earlier insights while staying closer to the patient experience.”

In the world of early clinical development, no two days are ever the same. Few know this better than the Global Early Clinical (GEC) Development Team, a group of Teva scientists and innovators working on some of the earliest and most critical phases of medicine development.

The GEC team is Teva’s cross-functional group dedicated to advancing early-stage research and clinical development for innovative therapies in neuroscience. Their work includes exploring novel drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) through collaborations like Teva’s partnership with MODAG.

From designing clinical studies and integrating biomarkers to applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to vast data sets, the team at Teva is involved in important steps in getting new medicines off the ground. Spread across the U.S., Israel, and Germany, the GEC team brings together three complementary groups, each with its own unique expertise.

At the heart of the Translational and Precision Medicine team are two complementary approaches: Marina Mihaljevic, Translational Lead, focuses on bridging science with patient experience, while Biomarker Lead Jacki Rorabaugh explores patient outcomes through a different lens. From the QPB side, Dvora Izgelov, Early Clinical Lead, and Frank Schneider, Clinical Study Lead, are in on the ‘when’ and ‘how much' of medicine delivery. Finally, there’s the data engine behind it all. Michal Melamed, Data Scientist, translates vast amounts of information into actionable insights.  

Translational and Precision Medicine (TPM): 

 

Marina: TPM is about bringing in the right biomarkers to support clinical trials. Our job is to provide objective measures that help evaluate potential treatment effects in early-stage research and identify patients who are more likely to respond. My role focuses on using brain imaging or analyzing biofluids to understand how a treatment is working in the neuroscience space.
Jacki: I focus on digital outcome assessments. We’re bringing novel sensors into our studies so we can capture meaningful data about how patients are doing in their everyday lives.

Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology and Biosimilar Sciences (QPB):

 

Frank: We generate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic insights to ensure the right dose reaches the right patient at the right time.
Dvora: We also lead modeling work and oversee clinical development for biosimilars at Teva.

Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AAAI): 

Michal: As a data scientist in the AAAI team, I work on data-driven solutions that help uncover insights, predict outcomes, and improve the way we make decisions during medicine development.

Innovating in How They Work

Michal: We wanted to understand more about what’s really happening in patients’ day-to-day lives, so, we started incorporating digital health technologies earlier in the development process.

Jacki: By applying this in early-phase studies, we’re reducing uncertainty later. It’s a way of gaining earlier insights while staying closer to the patient experience.

Spirit of Togetherness is Their “Secret Sauce”

 

Marina: Teva’s purpose really resonates with me. It guides not just what we do, but how we work together.
Dvora: It keeps us focused on impact. We all want to contribute something that ultimately benefits patients—that’s why we push ourselves to innovate, challenge assumptions, and get better.
Jacki: Our team's "secret sauce" lies in our mutual understanding, respect for each other's expertise, and excellent communication. These elements enable us to set clear goals and expectations effectively.
Frank: There’s great camaraderie. Even when things are intense, we know we’re working toward the same goal.

Life Beyond the Lab

Marina: Jacki and I share a passion for cycling and exploring New York City together. These adventures not only strengthen our bond but also allow us to discover the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of the city. It's a wonderful way to unwind and connect outside of work.

Dvora: Our QPB team has spontaneous get-togethers, and our Thanksgiving dinners are now a full-blown tradition!

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Together, the GEC team shows how collaboration, innovation, and a shared purpose can drive early clinical development forward. By combining their diverse expertise and staying close to the patient experience, they’re not only shaping the future of medicine but also building a team culture that inspires and energizes everyone involved.

Disclaimer: the research and technologies described are investigational and not yet approved for commercial use.

NPS-ALL-NP-01675 November 2025