Tara Smith | Exec VP, Innovative Therapies
Med-Life Discoveries

Tara Smith is the Executive Vice President, Innovative Therapies at Med-Life Discoveries LP, a North American company developing a first-in-class plasmalogen metabolic replacement treatment. Their current focus is the ultra-rare disease Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP). Tara has over 15 years of experience in the industry, giving her a deep understanding of the complexities of rare diseases and the unique challenges they present. Her work in the ultra-rare disease space has solidified her commitment to patient-centric drug development, incorporating the patient's perspective at every step of the process. In addition to patient engagement, Tara oversees the proof-of-concept research, safety pharmacology and toxicology, clinical trial design, trial logistics, and regulatory strategy for Med-Life Discoveries.

As a speaker at the World Orphan Drug Congress 2025, Tara will share her insights on what it really means to gather the patient's voice in an ultra-rare condition and how that can lead to organizing a Patient Focused Drug Development session in a remote location.