176 - The Fastest Way to Ruin Drug/Device Development (And How to Avoid It!) with Eric Sugalski

In this episode of Let's Combinate Drugs and Devices, host Subhi Siddhey welcomes Eric Sugalski, founder and CTO of Archimedic. Eric shares insights into the complexities of working as a CDMO, emphasizing the importance of recognizing whether a sponsor company needs overflow capacity or specialized expertise. They discuss common pitfalls, such as companies getting in their own way by misaligning their needs with their outsourcing strategy and the detrimental effects of premature concept lock. Eric highlights the value of giving design firms creative space, the importance of early user research, and the impact of timing and market readiness on project success. He also elaborates on the benefits of open-source quality management systems and hands-on market research to bridge the gap between engineers and users. Together, they explore how to set up projects for success through balanced, well-researched approaches.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:13 Challenges in Outsourcing for Pharma and Med Device Companies01:04 Importance of Expertise in Outsourcing03:27 Effective Collaboration with CDMOs04:41 Concept Development and Design Requirements05:38 Balancing Innovation and Practicality07:48 Commercialization and Product Development09:57 Understanding User Needs in Design20:47 Advice for Aspiring Engineers25:15 Conclusion and Contact InformationEric Sugalski is the Founder and CTO of Archimedic, a contract design and development organization (CDMO) specializing in drug delivery devices and combination products. With over 25 years of experience in medical device development, he has worked extensively on early-stage concept development, human factors engineering, and commercialization strategies. His work spans life-support systems, remote monitoring technologies, and drug delivery devices, with a focus on balancing technical innovation with market viability. In addition to leading Archimedic, he teaches courses on product development, regulatory strategy, and entrepreneurship at institutions like MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, and West Chester University, helping to bridge the gap between engineering education and industry application.Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.