The infectivity and severity of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) has fostered the need for speed in the work to make progress against the virus.

However, speed alone—without proper direction and control—can have dangerous, unintended consequences. This commentary describes ways COVID-19 has disrupted business as usual for industry and regulatory agencies. We highlight critical implications in global health and community engagement as well as opportunities to address long-standing challenges to accelerating biopharmaceutical innovation.

This publication serves as a base for the webinar on June 17th titled, “Culture & Conversation – The accelerator pedal for innovation…” co-hosted by publication author Ted Grasela and Cognigen PMx experts.