In an era where regulatory complexity continues to accelerate across global markets, the distinction between having information and having actionable intelligence has never been more critical.
Recently, InfoDesk hosted the third installment of our Regulatory Intelligence Customer Forum, bringing together industry leaders to explore how regulatory intelligence teams can transform surveillance into strategic advantage.
- Wai Keng Chai, Global Regulatory Policy Director at Haleon
- Lo Ann Thomas, Senior Director of Regulatory Intelligence at AstraZeneca
Together, they shared practical frameworks for embedding intelligence at the heart of regulatory strategy, moving beyond information gathering to drive meaningful organizational impact.
You can watch the full recording by clicking the image below:
Beyond the Elephant: A Framework for Regulatory Intelligence
Chris opened the session with a compelling analogy, comparing regulatory intelligence to the parable of blindfolded people describing an elephant. Each touches a different part and describes something entirely different, yet all are correct within their limited perspective.
"Regulatory intelligence isn't the domain of one department or one person - it's collaborative and cross-functional," Chris explained, noting how different teams often describe intelligence work in contradictory ways.
He introduced a comprehensive framework built around four core capabilities: Observe, Communicate, Evaluate, and Act, designed to encompass how teams engage with regulatory intelligence across large organizations.
The Collaborative Reality of Modern RegIntel
Lo Ann reinforced this collaborative theme, sharing how AstraZeneca structures its regulatory intelligence function across both global and therapeutic area teams.
"Every company operates slightly differently, and everybody is on point for doing regulatory intelligence, whether they recognize it or not," she noted, emphasizing the importance of clear communication channels and stakeholder alignment.
Her team has implemented innovative approaches including dedicated "hotline chats" that enable rapid information sharing across regulatory intelligence and policy roles, ensuring critical updates reach the right people quickly.
Technology as an Intelligence Enabler
Wai Keng shared how Haleon evolved from manual SharePoint communications to InfoDesk’s Intelligence platform, something they have nicknamed "HIVE" (Haleon Intelligence Virtual Environment).
"We went on a journey to use a smart tool to bring everything together, help us bring all sources in one place so that we can monitor, review more quickly and get it out to our stakeholders all around the world," Wai Keng shared.
This transformation was particularly crucial for consumer healthcare, where Haleon must monitor a broader range of sources, from traditional regulatory guidance to media coverage and consumer sentiment across 14 business units globally.
From Information Overload to Strategic Clarity
A key theme throughout the discussion was the challenge of information overload in today's regulatory environment. All three speakers emphasized that success lies not in having more data, but in having the right intelligence delivered to the right people at the right time.
Chris highlighted how Pfizer tailors its communications based on audience needs:
"We format those communications a lot differently for leadership versus strategy teams. If they're in a meeting and looking at our message on a phone, I don't want them having to scroll to get the gist of what we're saying."
Building the Foundations of Resilient Organizations
The panel explored how regulatory intelligence teams can most effectively support strategic decision-making. Key insights included:
Therapeutic Area Alignment: Both AstraZeneca and Pfizer embed intelligence professionals within therapeutic area teams, ensuring deep understanding of specific disease areas and development priorities.
Tool Integration: All three organizations leverage platforms like InfoDesk to create comprehensive intelligence ecosystems.
Global Perspective with Local Expertise: Haleon's model demonstrates how central intelligence functions can support diverse global markets while maintaining local regulatory expertise.
The AI Revolution in Regulatory Intelligence
The discussion addressed the growing impact of artificial intelligence on regulatory intelligence work. Chris shared his perspective on embracing rather than fearing AI advancement:
"The more that I use the AI tools, the less scared I am of them and the more I understand where the boundary is of what they can and can't do. That's where humans can add value - where AI isn't good at."
The panelists emphasized the importance of experimentation and learning, with several organizations now offering formal AI literacy programs for their teams.
Looking Ahead: Trends Shaping Strategic Planning
The session concluded with insights into emerging trends that will impact regulatory strategy over the next three to five years:
Real-World Evidence Integration: Increased reliance on data beyond traditional randomized controlled trials.
Digital Health Technologies: Expanded use of AI, predictive intelligence, and automation.
Decentralized Approaches: Remote inspections, decentralized trials, and e-labeling are becoming mainstream.
ESG Considerations: Environmental, social, and governance frameworks are increasingly influencing regulatory planning.
Building Intelligence-Driven Strategy
In an era defined by volatility, resilience is no longer optional.
Building the Foundations of Resilient Organizations
As this forum demonstrated, the evolution of regulatory intelligence from information gathering to strategic enablement requires structured frameworks, collaborative cultures, and the right technology platforms.
The key is moving beyond simply monitoring the regulatory landscape to creating systems that translate complex signals into actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
Want to learn how InfoDesk can help your regulatory intelligence team drive strategic impact?
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If you missed the session or would like to share it with your colleagues, you can watch the full recording above.
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