In 1995 Christy Shaffer, Ph.D., left Burroughs Wellcome to join Inspire and within three years went from being the company's first full time employee to President and CEO. Founded on technology licensed from the University of North Carolina's Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Inspire develops treatments for diseases involving deficiencies in the body's natural mechanisms for protecting mucosal surfaces such as the lungs, eyes and sinuses.

Building a successful pharmaceutical company requires the CEO have vision, skill, determination and a talented committed team. How did Dr. Shaffer take Inspire from start-up to IPO in five years? What are the secrets to advancing the scientific research and driving the business development strategy? What does it take to translate innovative science into a profitable business?

At the Women In Bio 2008 Annual Dinner attendees heard how Christy Shaffer, Ph.D. led her company and inspired her team to great success!