In EMJ GOLD’s latest Catalyst interview, Daiichi Sankyo’s Dr Michael Zaiac talks to Dr Julie-Ann Lough about how biomarkers and AI can unlock true personalised medicine and why targeted therapies are reshaping oncology
Interview by Dr Julie-Ann Lough
Recorded at the European Society For Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO) 2025 in Berlin, where oncology leaders gathered to discuss the latest advances in cancer care, this Catalyst interview explores some of the key questions shaping the future of healthcare.
The conversation considers how advances in technology and our growing understanding of tumour biology are changing the way cancer is diagnosed and treated, while highlighting the importance of translating scientific innovation into meaningful outcomes for patients.
Speaker bios
Dr Michael Zaiac
Dr Zaiac is Head of Medical Affairs Oncology for Europe and Canada at Daiichi Sankyo, and a physician whose career spans clinical practice, academic research and pharmaceutical innovation. Trained in surgery in both the UK and Germany, he specialised in surgical oncology, treating patients with breast cancer, sarcoma, melanoma and other complex malignancies. His passion for advancing science and improving patient outcomes led him into industry roles at Pfizer, GSK and Novartis, where he guided teams across clinical development, commercial strategy and medical affairs. He joined Daiichi Sankyo in 2023.
Dr Julie-Ann Lough
Dr Lough is an award-winning broadcaster and producer based in the UK. Following completion of her PhD in Chemistry and a career in forensic science, she moved to media production working extensively in science and health broadcasting. She has produced content for both the BBC and commercial channels in the UK on both radio and television. She has designed various novel experiments, including large human intervention studies for TV in conjunction with expert scientists, some of which have been published in peer-review journals, and thoroughly enjoys finding creative ways to explain complex scientific concepts to the general public. Dr Lough is a passionate science communicator with a keen interest in public health.
