Q1 IR Roundtable Event: Beyond the Checkbox: How ESG Drives Trust Among Investors and Patients Alike

​Elizabeth Higgins was most recently the Head of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at Astria Therapeutics until its acquisition by BioCryst Pharmaceuticals in January 2026. Liz spent the last 7 years leading Astria’s Communications and IR functions through major milestones, including the transition and associated rebrand from Catabasis Pharmaceuticals to Astria Therapeutics, progression of Astria’s lead program into Phase 3, and strategic execution of Astria’s acquisition and its surrounding messaging. Liz cares deeply about amplifying patients’ lived experiences in communications to all stakeholders, including investors, and believes that thoughtful corporate responsibility efforts can both support an organization’s business objectives and meaningfully contribute to broader society. Prior to her time at Astria Therapeutics, Liz worked at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. She has a BA in International Relations from Bucknell University.

​Sri Ramaswami is Founder and Principal of Sri Spoke Communications LLC, an advisory focused on expertise in strategic communications, executive messaging, storytelling, and corporate affairs. He is also a skilled connector, often bringing diverse stakeholders together to drive common vision and purpose. Sri’s work focuses on partnering with leaders and organizations to deliver impactful narratives, enhance visibility, and provide coaching tailored to their needs. With a strong background in pharmaceuticals, MedTech (he helped found the Asia Pacific Medical Technology Industry Association), and regulated industries, he helps navigate complex environments and foster confidence in strategy and communication.

Previously, Sri was the Global Head of Communications and Investor Relations at Galapagos NV, where he served as a member of the Management Committee. His career includes leadership roles at GSK and Caris Life Sciences, where he directed executive and employee communications, crisis and media management, and diversity initiatives. Sri’s skill set includes employee engagement, executive communications, and strategic communications counsel, which he leverages to empower organizations to create meaningful connections and achieve their goals.

​With more than 25 years of expertise in Communications, Public Affairs, and Stakeholder Management within the Life Sciences industry, Sri has deep experience in developing and executing impactful communications strategies and programs to support business goals and help patients. During his career, Sri has also meaningfully partnered with governments and advocacy groups to further successful health outcomes.

​Prior to his appointment at Galapagos, Sri was the Vice President and Head of U.S. Commercial Communications for GSK, based in Philadelphia. He was responsible for oncology, respiratory, specialty and vaccines communication, employee engagement, as well as the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. Sri was a member of the GSK U.S. Country Executive Board and the U.S. Commercial leadership team. He was also the Chairman of the GSK U.S. Charitable Contributions Committee.

​Working closely with U.S. investor relations, Sri also organized calls with business unit leaders to prepare for quarterly earnings and ensure that key messages related to business performance were shared and deployed in conversations with analysts. He oversaw the review of the quarterly U.S. earnings results videos that highlighted key performance trends for employees.

​Aligned with his personal passions, Sri also headed the GSK U.S. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team, and was a speaker at many external conferences, including Fierce Pharma’s PR and Communications Summit, where he delivered the keynote speech on health equity.

​During his career, Sri has also been instrumental in telling the corporate story to investors, working closely with investor relations and business leaders.

​Sri holds a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from Buffalo Law School, an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University and a B.A. in Politics and Economics from Brandeis University.