President, Life Sciences

As president of Porter Novelli Life Sciences, Carin Canale focuses exclusively on the communications needs of life sciences companies. She brings to her role extensive experience in media relations, corporate and product positioning, product marketing, investor relations, crisis communications, community relations and advocacy support. Currently, she works closely with client teams, having provided senior-level strategy to more than 100 life science companies ranging from start-ups to billion-dollar public companies such as Amgen and J&J, in areas including biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, molecular diagnostics and research institutions. Carin is a member of the board of directors for BIOCOM, Southern California’s life science trade association, and the San Diego Venture Group. A sought-after speaker, she frequently leads presentations and trainings on communication topics for these organizations and others such as the Biotechnology Industry Organization, PRSA and Healthcare Communicators. Prior to joining Porter Novelli Life Sciences, Carin was managing director for Atkins + Associates, a boutique specialty firm acquired by Porter Novelli in 2005. She has also worked for Townsend Inc., Littlefield Communication and Burson-Marsteller, and has served as community relations director for Domestic Violence Intervention Services. She holds a B.A. from the University of Tulsa with a major in communications and a minor in marketing.

“A new business prospect once asked me if we had much crisis experience. Unfortunately, I just had to laugh because you can’t be experts in life science communications without having managed an FDA non-approval, device recall or other ‘crisis’.” Carin says, “Life science communications is a unique world of its own and companies should demand an agency that understands FDA regulations, patient and professional advocacy, the clinical trial process, nuances around drug and device launches and much, much more. With 25+ years of experience in life science communications, this is what you get with Porter Novelli.”