Deborah Layton

I am a Principal and Drug Safety Lead within the Health Analytics team, bringing over 25 years of expertise in pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacovigilance, and real-world evidence.

My work has focused on the scientific and operational delivery of post-authorisation safety studies (PASS) and regulatory commitments in drug safety on an international scale. I have been a trusted advisor to pharmaceutical organisations of all sizes, guiding the design and implementation of epidemiological studies that align with product development and marketing strategies. My experience includes building collaborative networks with academic, industry, and governmental bodies and ensuring the scientific and technical integrity of research using electronic medical records and other secondary data sources. Known for delivering high-quality results, I prioritise compliance with regulatory standards, ethical guidelines, and good pharmacoepidemiology practices.

Previously, I provided consultancy through PEPI Consultancy Limited, led pharmacoepidemiology and real-world evidence initiatives at IQVIA, and advanced PASS research and training at the Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU). I am a Visiting Honorary Professor at the University of Hertfordshire, where I teach and mentor students, and I have authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications.

My academic credentials include a BSc in Pharmacy, an MPhil in Pharmacy Research (University of Aston), an MSc in Epidemiology (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), a PhD in Pharmacoepidemiology (University of Utrecht), and an MSc in Statistics with Applications to Medicine (University of Southampton). I am a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology.