Red Jacket Awards
2017 RED JACKET HONOREES RED JACKET HONOREES
harmaVOICE introduced the Red Jacket Award in 2014 to celebrate the 10th anniver- sary of the PharmaVOICE 100. P One of the criteria for being named a Red Jacket — our version of a Hall of Fame — is having been recognized previously as a PharmaVOICE 100 honoree, but it’s much more than that. These individuals, who cross a multitude of industry sectors, have raised the bar in terms of what it means to be an inspired leader for their teams, their companies, their communities, and for the industry at large. Red Jacket Honorees: Challenge us to think differently, act differently, and lead differently They are creating new opportunities to make what was once impossible — possible They are focused beyond short-term gains and are committed to executing their long-term visions in a tightly regulated and competitive industry They have a persistence of vision They are truly transforming the life-sciences industry to create better health outcomes for all They are inspired leaders for today and tomorrow
The 2017 Red Jacket Award Honorees PharmaVOICE of
JIM CURTIS CAMERON DURRANT, M.D. TERRY HERRING BRIAN LOEW President, Remedy Health Media Chairman and CEO, President, Commercial Operations, CEO, Inspire Humanigen Inc. Mission Pharmacal
Compliments
MATT MCNALLY JULES MITCHEL, PH.D. WENDY WHITE President Digitas Health, Chief CEO, Target Health Founder, Wendy White Consulting Media Officer, Publicis Health (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
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The 2016 Red Jacket The 2015 Red Jacket The 2014 Red Jacket Award Honorees Award Honorees Award Honorees KATHY GIUSTI JEFF ARONIN JEFFREY BERKOWITZ Founder, Multiple Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Executive VP, Myeloma Research, Marathon Pharmaceuticals UnitedHealth Group Foundation & Consortium
MICHELE KEEFE DR. DEBORAH DUNSIRE NICHOLAS COLUCCI Group President, CEO, XTuit Pharmaceuticals President and CEO, Publicis Health PharmaVOICEPublicis Healthcare Communications Group of DR. STUART PELTZ ALEX GORSKY DR. AMIR KALALI CEO and Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Chief Curator, CNS Summit PTC Therapeutics Inc. Johnson & Johnson Former Head, Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Quintiles
CHRISTINE PIERRE DR. FREDA LEWIS-HALL RICK KEEFER Founder and President, Executive VP and Chief Global Chief Development Society for Clinical Medical Officer, Pfizer Officer, Publicis Health Research Sites
MIKE REA LEEROM SEGAL DAVID ORMESHER CEO and Co-Founder, Co-founder and CEO, CEO and Founder IDEA Pharma Klick Health closerlook inc. Compliments
DONATO TRAMUTO CEO, Tivity Health (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 149 Red Jacket Awards JIM CURTIS PASSIONATE. ENTREPRENEURIAL. A Personal Journey of Transformation 20-year patient with an undiagnosed condition, Jim Curtis has been there, done that. He has searched all over the world, in every discipline, covered every option to identify and A treat his illness. It was this journey — that did not end with a diagnosis or a cure — that led him to create a patient storytelling platform, write a book, produce a video series, and craft a new philosophy on survival. Through his journey, the three-time PharmaVOICE 100 honoree discovered that he — and most chronically ill patients — end up in a type of survival mode where “being okay” is good enough. They pull inward and show a false bravado to the I BELIEVE THAT world because they may feel shame regarding their con- dition, plus it is emotionally and physically tiring to deal WE CAN’T HAVE every day with a chronic illness. Mr. Curtis discovered that TRANSFORMATION if this attitude of just getting by could be changed, patients might learn to feel joy, and look forward to the future, rather WITHOUT DISRUPTION. than just get through the day. He says patients must first SO IT’S NOT ONE become vulnerable, before they can be receptive to support that will allow them to create amazing things. Jim Curtis’ own personal patient journey has OR THE OTHER IN Based on his personal journal, Mr. Curtis has developed led him to create a patient story telling platform, write a book, produce a video series, and craft a MY MIND. IT IS A patient-centric health information and tools that benefit new philosophy on survival. millions of chronic condition sufferers. PROCESS. FIRST THERE “After I opened up about my own healthcare experience, HAS TO BE A SPARK I realized I could create something from this,” he says. “This Or we create moments-based storytelling, led to the storytelling initiative for Remedy.” which is impactful photographs with three or four THAT SOMETHING After ideating, developing, and launching Remedy lines of content, such as what National Geographic DIFFERENT CAN Health’s very successful multimedia storytelling initiative, or Humans of New York does. We use TV quality Live Bold, Live Now, in 2014, over the course of the last video and then we hire editors who know how to HAPPEN. three years, Mr. Curtis provided the visionPharmaVOICE and strategy to tap into the emotion so that we can affect change expand the product line. Today, under the Live Bold, Live and get people to take healthy actions. This is how Now umbrella, Remedy has six engaging storytelling formats available, from long-form videos to we innovate. moments-based photojournalistic experiences. of In 2016, Mr. Curtis also took Remedy’s storytelling concept to a new level, leading the PV: What’s your take on the disruption or trans- Remedy team to launch the first patient-focused health storytelling platform seemystory.io. The formation movement that is happening? recently launched platform allows patients to craft their own multimedia story, inspire others, and motivate through purpose. Mr. Curtis believes everyone has a health story to tell and through Curtis: Well, it’s definitely happening. We see a lot research he has found that when patients share their stories it fosters better health through the of non-endemic companies to the pharma world significance of the contribution. or to health looking to get in. This makes sense be- In 2016, along with writing his book, “The Stimulati Experience, 9 Skills for Getting Past cause people are human and we can’t categorize Pain, Setbacks, and Trauma to Ignite Health and Happiness,” out this summer, Mr. Curtis also someone as a patient or not a patient. Facebook created a personal storytelling initiative using his family and friends as subjects. Entitled EL- can be endemic if it ends up serving up health DERS, there are nine volumes that can be watched on YouTube. Bring your tissues. content as envisioned. Mr. Curtis has been the driving force behind the significant growth and expansion of Remedy I believe that we can’t have transformation into an award-winning powerhouse digital company. Under his leadership Remedy’s online traffic without disruption. So it’s not one or the other in has grown 30% and the company has produced 290 inspirational health stories differentiating it my mind. It is a process. First there has to be a spark from other encyclopedic and non-inspirational competitive health sites. that something different can happen. And often- times this means, by putting energy and force into PV: How are you driving innovation in your hospital space. However, patients’ real lives re- the something different means that there is intent company and throughout the industry? volve around action-oriented content, such as to disrupt what’s currently happening. And if you Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, even ESPN or other don’t have that growth there’s no transformation. Curtis: The biggest way to drive innovation in things that they’re doing. So, the way that we in- Without transformation, you don’t get to a better digital health is toCompliments look outside of digital health. A novate is to evaluate what is a real human healthy place. patient is only a patient when he or she is in the interaction that excites people outside of health. I think what’s happening is good and will force hospital or doctor’s office. Patients don’t identify And then we look to how we can recreate that everybody to do better for the end result, which is with being a patient when they are at home experience so that there is a benefit for people’s a person seeking health to have better health. dealing with life. They go back to being a person. health without making them feel like they’re in So why in digital health do we constantly put the digital hospital. PV: How do you believe collaboration around
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] people in the digital hospital, meaning driving We try to recreate the wheel for health by cre- the ecosystem will impact innovation and drive them to sites like WebMD, or Everyday Health, ating immersive, multi-media stories such as you improvements from R&D to commercial inno- or Remedy Health? It’s as if we create a content would find in the best parts of the New York Times. vation?
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cially in healthcare. If we can collaborate more then we can have more of a straight line toward action: Driven to collaborate by content leads to inspiration, which leads to action, which leads to assessment, which leads to treat- CURES ment, which leads to follow through, which leads to better outcomes. That’s great collaboration. Getting to know... PV: How do you look to develop that next gen- JIM CURTIS eration of leaders? TITLE: President Curtis: I love mentoring. Mentoring is super im- COMPANY: Remedy Health Media portant to me. Most recently I’ve been doing talks EDUCATION: Whittemore School of Business at colleges and business schools; they will have me and Economics, University of New Hampshire in to talk about marketing. I always talk about mak- FAMILY: Son, Aidan; nieces, nephews, two ing the emotional connection. Recently I’ve been at Fordham, Harvard, Wharton and I’m going to sisters, two brother-in-laws, parents University of New Hampshire and NYU soon. Most AWARDS/HONORS: PM360 Elite of the time it’s small groups of 30. We work on 2015: Disrupter; MM&M Awards: 2016 marketing projects and then we often have com- Best Healthcare Consumer Media Brand petitions, and I work as a collaborator or a judge. (HealthCentral), 2014 Media Brand of the Year This is how I’m mentoring the next generation of (Remedy Health Media); Crain’s Business New Jim Curtis is driving innovation in digital health by leaders, and I love doing it. looking outside of digital health for inspiration. York Fast 50, New York Best Places to Work; PV: What would you like your legacy to be? PharmaVOICE 100 2013, 2014, 2015 Curtis: We live in a space where nobody can do ASSOCIATIONS: Board Advisor, Seamless anything alone. Businesses can’t operate without Curtis: I would like to be remembered as the pa- Medical and Reilly’s HempVet; active member vendors. A service provider needs the people its tient advocate entrepreneur. Meaning, as a patient, of Project Sunshine; founder of the Lawrence serving, people who need that service need the someone who is really interested in delivering business, the business needs vendors to help sup- what’s important to patients so people can get Rosenfield Scholarship Fund at the University ply the services. Without collaboration nothing better, live better, and be happier. And as someone of New Hampshire; Upstream Group, 212 gets done. The more we work together the better who had the vision to help companiesPharmaVOICE create these Interactive, and Digital Media Group we get. I believe that we need collaboration, espe- life-enhancing products. of Congratulations Eva Jack 2017 PharmaVOICE 100
Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Red Jacket Awards
DR. CAMERON DURRANT The Turn-Around Artist
ameron Durrant, CEO and chairman, Humanigen, does not shrink from a ENTREPRENEURIAL. VALUE-CREATOR. challenge. The five-time PharmaVOICE 100 honoree began the clean up C of the company that was formerly KaloBios in January 2016. Taking over in the wake of the former CEO’s ouster and arrest for events completely unrelated to KaloBios, Dr. Durrant has gained significant ground much of which has been an uphill battle. The flailing biotech company was taken into bankruptcy with a myr- iad of other hurdles, including law suits, Nasdaq delisting, pricing misconceptions, an uncertain pipeline and plenty else that almost defies the imagination. Colleagues say Dr. Durrant displayed vanguard industry leadership while he quickly brought about the changes Humanigen needed to survive. Few leaders in pharma have been confronted with the number and level of issues threatening day-to-day operations as he has at Humanigen. To set the tone for how the company would change, he created a Responsible Pricing Model, a ground- breaking pricing and transparency operating framework that preceded any other similar industry pricing commitment, including Allergan’s Social Contract by five months. The Responsible Pricing Model provides clarity on how Humanigen will act as a company, how it will provide sustained value for all stakeholders, and the Few leaders in pharma have been confronted with the level of issues basis for transformation. threatening day-to-day operations as Dr. Cameron Durrant has at Dr. Durrant’s next step was to lead Humanigen through a very complicated Humanigen. And he has conquered them all, leading Humanigen to bankruptcy. Aside from navigating the legal issues precipitated by previous man- a remarkable turnaround. agement, he refocused the company’s assets on neglected and rare diseases to create a unique near-term and long-term value creation model. One part of this strategy was the acquisition of certain rights to develop benznidazole for potentialPharmaVOICE Driven to collaborate by FDA approval for the treatment of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease with potentially life-threatening outcomes for which there are no approved ther- TRANSFORMATION apies in the United States. Under his leadership, the beleaguered company swiftly emerged fromof bankruptcy on June 30, 2016, which was viewed by many experts as an extraordinary achievement. Pipeline milestones Getting to know... followed quickly thereafter. Dr. Durrant and this team executed and continued to drive the pipe- Cameron Durrant, M.D. line programs forward despite limited resources amid incredible distractions in bankruptcy and beyond. Key programs — benznidazole and lenzilumab — gained momentum over the past year TITLE: CEO and Chairman and remain on track. Important milestones achieved include a Phase I trial start for lenzilumab, COMPANY: Humanigen Inc. positive FDA guidance meetings for benznidazole, and most recenty FDA clearance in June of EDUCATION: MD, Welsh National School of benznidazole’s investigational new drug (IND) application and receipt of orphan drug designa- Medicine, Cardiff; Diploma of the Royal College tion. In addition, the company also co-sponsored a conference earlier in the year on Chagas disease of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, London; in Washington, D.C., something that would have been unthinkable when Dr. Durrant took over. Member of the Royal College of General A leader from the front, Dr. Durrant says adversity is a great teacher, and he would prefer confronting a vexing strategic and operational challenge than to have an easy march as a CEO. Practitioners, London; Diploma of Clinical “You can’t panic when things get tough,” he says. “I don’t ask for things to be easier; I ask of Hypnotherapy, Australian Academy; MBA, myself to be better – to find a way to get things done.” Henley Management College, Oxford AWARDS/HONORS: M&A Advisors PV: What would you say to the industry about is a creativity mindset. It could be around products, 2017 Turnaround Award for Chapter 11 being innovative and taking some risks? science, finance, deals, people, and trying to con- Reorganization of the Year ($10MM to nect those dots in non-obvious ways. This often Durrant: I think it starts with being completely leads to a new thought process that starts with $25MM) for KaloBios EY Regional Healthcare dissatisfied with Complimentsthe status quo; however well you ‘well, what if we did such and such?’ Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 may think you’re doing, you could always do it I think a good example is our Responsible SOCIAL MEDIA: better. I think there is a mindset and a restlessness, Pricing Model, which we issued more than a year TWEET AT: @cdurrant if you will, with the situation you’re in. ago now. This model, which has been picked up There are a lot of ways to describe innovation, by other companies in the industry, has attracted a and it doesn’t necessarily mean a new product. It lot of attention. For a tiny biotech company with a
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] could be using existing products and services in troubled recent history to be able to do something PV: You made the point that innovation doesn’t different ways and stitching them together in dif- like this speaks to how we can drive innovation in necessarily need to be a big huge new product, ferent ways. I think that at the heart of innovation the industry, not just within the company. but it’s disrupting the status quo in terms of
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that benefits our customers PV: How can life-sciences first and foremost. Our job I THINK INNOVATION leaders collaborate more ef- is to find the opportunity AND RISK-TAKING fectively to address and solve and leverage that oppor- some of the biggest chal- tunity in a way that bene- STARTS WITH lenges they are facing? fits our customers first and BEING COMPLETELY foremost. Durrant: I think often internal I spoke with someone DISSATISFIED WITH THE dynamics get in the way. This recently who’s a successful STATUS QUO; HOWEVER could be politics, resourcing, de- entrepreneur and innova- partmental structure, incentive tor in the life sciences. He WELL YOU MAY THINK programs, etc. Being intentional has created dozens of very YOU’RE DOING, YOU around designing collabora- successful companies, and tions so they are as seamless as his view is in the next 10 COULD ALWAYS DO possible is important so those Dr. Cameron Durrant has years we’ll see more trans- BETTER. distractions don’t get in the way. displayed vanguard industry formational and exciting If those dynamics are removed, leadership while he quickly technologies than we have almost naturally there is a more brought about the changes in the last 100 years, and collaborative infrastructure. Humanigen needed to survive. that’s the piece that excites me. I think the industry is even more exciting than it ever has been. If you PV: What impact do you think collaboration will can operate with speed — speed of thought and have on the future of the industry? getting to better outcomes. Is that a fair assess- speed of execution — then you’re going to find ment? ways through the morass. PharmaVOICEDurrant: I think collaborations are tremendously important. There are going to be some winners Durrant: I think it is. We could get into the Web- PV: Do you devote time to mentoring? that are able to leverage relationships better than ster’s definition of disruption, but typically it has of others in terms of deal making because they have some negative connotations, where there are win- Durrant: I’ve certainly acted as a mentor to a num- a particular mindset about alliance management. ners and losers and sometimes the winners set ber of people and still do. I remember earlier in my Every company says it wants to be partner of out to create losers. We think of the term transfor- career at Pharmacia — 17 years ago — one of the choice. No company says it wants to be partner of mation, which has a much healthier connotation people at a meeting, who was quite a bit older last resort. And yet some companies behave that to it. And we certainly see ourselves as agents of than me, talking about how important it was for way. The ability to collaborate is important. The transformation and hope to encourage others to him to give back through mentorship. I thought, collaboration might be with vendors, providers, be transformative in the industry. “What on earth is he talking about? I’m too busy to policymakers, administrations, NGOs, healthcare be doing that stuff.” How I now think about devel- professionals — all of which are tremendously PV: Where are the biggest gaps in the industry? oping, coaching, and mentoring others, compared important. As an industry, we’ve lost our way as to with that time is night and day. how to collaborate. I think there’s such pressure on Durrant: I think the industry needs a reality check. Today, I feel you don’t have to have a leader title people to deliver the financial outcome, they have It’s very difficult to grapple with an issue unless you to be able to coach, develop, or mentor and sup- forgotten how to work collaboratively. have an understanding of the brutal realities of port others. It’s important to mentor because first that issue. These might be technological advance- of all, most people don’t do it. So if you’re actively PV: What would you like your legacy to be? ments. It might be around costs within the health- doing mentoring and you’re doing it in the right care system. It could be around areas that touch way, this differentiates you as a leader. Durrant: That’s a big question. I would like to be on ethical and moral questions in terms of R&D, Secondly, you’re going to learn a lot more remembered as a value creator. Part of this is about but we have to be honest and deal with the brutal from the people who you may be coaching or building a culture and understanding how import- reality of those issues and not bury our heads in mentoring in those discussions than you might ant culture is as a business leverage point. Repu- the sand and try to assignCompliments blame or point fingers. think. You might learn something about your own tation and relationships are important and I have I think the future of the life-sciences industry company that you don’t know, or something new attempted to develop both of these as positively will be equal parts tremendously exciting and about the industry, or about deals, about people, as possible. I’d also like to think that I’ve attempted terrifying for a lot of people. I see opportunity in about technology, and so on. While mentoring to accumulate and dispense wisdom and to help transformation and turbulence. A lot of people sounds very altruistic and selfless, in some ways others in their goal setting and in their careers. just complain and say, ‘isn’t it terrible’ and ‘we can’t it’s a bit selfish because it grows you as a leader, as But ultimately, it’s the value creation as determined
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] do this’ and ‘we can’t do that.’ Well, transformation well as the other person. That’s one of the reasons by the stakeholders with whom I interact and the creates an opportunity. Our job is to find the op- I’m such an enthusiast about mentoring — those people receiving our medicines, who hopefully we portunity and leverage that opportunity in a way hidden benefits. are helping.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 153 Red Jacket Awards
TERRY HERRING COLLABORATIVE. RESPECTFUL. Driven to Collaborate by Solutions wo-time PharmaVOICE 100 honoree Terry Herring likes to use movie quotes to guide and inspire his teams, as well as to illustrate T his theories on leadership and vision. With that in mind, we offer up one to describe what we have learned about this visionary leader: “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” (Sirius Black, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) Mr. Herring firmly believes that leaders need to show integrity in their relationships and that in turn creates longstanding business partnerships, relationships, and mentorships. “The secret is in how you respect each other, which means sometimes giving tough direction, sometimes giving positive direction, and just having a very real relationship with individuals,” he says. Although that is more difficult to do in today’s high tech, uber-busy world of communication, he still strives for it. “We do a lot of texting and a lot of emailing, yet are we really connected as true business partners and friends?” he hypothesizes. “I believe technology is great for information, but I think it can interrupt the real relationships that keep things going. It takes time to be a true friend or a true partner, to really listen, and to be truly present. I believe this is where the challenge comes in.” The industry is also being challenged to meet its business needs differ- PharmaVOICE ently, and Mr. Herring has met that challenge head on as well. “At Mission, we try to diversify the type of company we are and what we do, and although every company doesn’t have to diversify, I do think as an industry we have to look to other ways to provide value in the healthcareof community,” he says. “We have to look for other ways to get products to patients. We have to look for other ways to help patients.” According to colleagues, Mr. Herring has brought tremendous value to the marketplace in terms of his contributions to commercial solutions that are extremely well thought out and delivered with excellent tactical execu- tion. His exceptional knowledge of the industry, superior strategic thinking, Terry Herring leads with respect, vision, and a sense of collaboration that persistent vision, and knack for developing top talent have brought success for creates a unique business structure that achieves double-digit growth. both himself and the organizations he works for. For example, when he transitioned out of inVentiv Health in 2010, he recognized a huge void PV: Through your lens, what do you think the in the marketplace: small companies in need of sales staff. He had an idea about how to fill this future of the life-sciences industry will look like need and created Alamo Pharma Services, a subsidiary of Mission Pharmacal. As a contract sales in three to five years? organization, Alamo offers sales services to small- to mid-sized companies that lack the needed workforce or infrastructure to affect market impact. Mr. Herring recognized that these types Herring: I’ve been in this industry since the mid- of smaller companies aren’t necessarily looking to partner with big players, or may want more 1980s, and every five to seven years, somebody cost-effective commercial solutions. Alamo has since thrived and continues to provide great value says the world is ending. And the reality is, it turns to its clients. out all right. I think that the challenges now are In 2015 at the Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals—Global Alliance Summit, Mr. bigger, because the challenges for the country Herring challenged those in the audience to overcome their self-imposed boundaries and shared right now are bigger. I believe that the same how Mission wasCompliments able to do so by partnering. This is important because companies tend to do just players — the pharma companies, the physicians, enough to do well and stay safe, which leads to complacency and failure. healthcare providers, the managed care organiza- “The best thing I ever learned from a coach — and I say it all the time — is no matter how tions — at the end of the day still have the same well I perform, I wasn’t always that good a performer,” he says. “I never had a coach in business, goal, and that’s to help patients. So if we start with athletics, or music who said: ‘Well, I think that’s good enough. You don’t need to get any better.’” that premise, there’s still going to be a need for Mr. Herring is always challenging himself and his teams to do better and is open to learning medicine, for caregivers, and innovation.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] from others. On that note, he uses the famous quote from Remember the Titans’ Coach Yoast: “I hope you boys have learned as much from me this year as I’ve learned from you And I guess it’s PV: How do you believe collaboration is going about time I joined the club.” to impact the industry?
154 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE We’re revealing a smarter approach to your commercialization needs
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(L) Terry Herring President (R) Pete Marchesini
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CONGRATULATIONS PharmaVOICE 100 Most Inspiring People for 2017 PharmaVOICE APS-P179256 _PharmaVoice half page print ad_FNL.indd 1 6/29/17 2:06 PM of
2017 PharmaVOICE 100 CEO Laurie Cooke and the other 10 members of the HBA for leading a united force for change.
Since 2005, 135Compliments members of the HBA have been recognized as PharmaVOICE 100 and Red Jacket honorees for being outstanding leaders, innovators, change agents, mentors, clinical experts, marketers, and entrepeneurs, who are advancing gender parity in the workplace. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
Congratulations to the 27 HBA - PV0717 Half Page Ad.indd 1 Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association 7/20/17 9:22 AM members named to the 2016 PharmaVOICE 100 and Red Jacket honorees.
These outstanding leaders are among the more than 125 HBA members honored as PharmaVOICE 100 and Red Jacket honorees since 2005.
Julie Adrian • Mary Anderson • Shideh Sedgh Bina
Brion Brandes • Cynthia Cetani • Susan Flinn Cobian
Marianne De Backer • Kelli Duprey • Kathy Giusti
Brian Go • Amy Grahn • Adele Gulfo
Debbie Hart • Nicole Hebbert • Michael Kaufmann
Michelle Keefe • Caroline Kurtz • Stephany LaPierre Alison Little •Congratulations Jennifer Matthews • Carolyn Morganto the 27 April Mulroney • Vic Noble • Julie Ross Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Catherine Angell Sohn • Stuart Sowder • Lisa Stockman members named to the 2016 PharmaVOICE 100 and Red Jacket honorees.
Join these inspirational and innovative leaders These outstandingBecome an HBA memberleaders today and are join theseamong leaders who the are dedicated more to than 125 HBA members furthering the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare. honored as PharmaVOICE 100 and Red Jacket honorees since 2005.
HBAnet.org | #HBAimpact Julie Adrian • Mary Anderson • Shideh Sedgh Bina
Brion Brandes • Cynthia Cetani • Susan Flinn Cobian
Marianne De Backer • Kelli Duprey • Kathy Giusti
Brian Go • Amy Grahn • Adele Gulfo
Debbie Hart • Nicole Hebbert • Michael Kaufmann
Michelle Keefe • Caroline Kurtz • Stephany LaPierre
Alison Little • Jennifer Matthews • Carolyn Morgan
April Mulroney • Vic Noble • Julie Ross
Catherine Angell Sohn • Stuart Sowder • Lisa Stockman
Join these inspirational and innovative leaders Become an HBA member today and join these leaders who are dedicated to furthering the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare.
HBAnet.org | #HBAimpact Red Jacket Awards
Herring: I think that there used to be walls around I still realize that if I’m going to help to lead this the key pharma leaders in the key businesses. Now, team in a challenging time, I need to continue to Getting to know... there seems to be less pomp and circumstance have a coaching relationship with somebody and Terry Herring and more openness to be truly collaborative and I’m not afraid to admit it. TITLE: President, Commercial Operations working together. We just had a situation where I had a call from a PV: What advice would you provide to future COMPANY: Mission Pharmacal competitive company executive about a situation leaders? EDUCATION: BS, Biology, high honors, The that they were dealing with in reimbursement. He Citadel; MBA, Duke University and London said ‘you know we’re both in a similar arena. You Herring: I would tell any future leader the same Business School; Pharmaceutical Certificate, and your company have a great reputation. We’d thing: have patience, patience, patience. There is Fairleigh Dickinson University; Graduate like to partner with you on a letter that we’re going a desire by leaders to make an impact so quickly to write, because we know your relationship with and to be recognized for what they do, but they Certificate, Georgia’s Mercer University School another group is positive.’ That’s real collaboration. need to be patient. Because if they are patient with of Engineering I truly am seeing more and more of this happening themselves, then they probably will be patient AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100 2007, for sure. with those around them. 2008
PV: How important is mentoring to success?
Herring: I’ve always believed in mentors. The peo- ple who gave me my shots led to me getting opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had from Solvay, to Endo, to inVentiv, and now at Mission. I enjoy doing the same for others, giving people a chance. We have a leadership development program, covering management development and market- ing leadership development. It’s about building PharmaVOICE somebody’s career. We get people who will take some of our better reps, some of the bigger companies, but of boy, I want the legacy to be when you get a Mis- sion-trained rep, an Alamo-trained representative, they’re good. And then finally I have a business coach myself. I meet with my coach at least once a month. Again, here I am quite a few years into the industry and
I THINK THAT THE CHALLENGES NOW ARE BIGGER, BECAUSE Driven to collaborate by THE CHALLENGES FOR THE SOLUTIONS COUNTRY RIGHT NOW ARE BIGGER. I BELIEVE THAT THE SAME PLAYERS — THE PHARMA COMPANIES, THE PHYSICIANS, HEALTHCARECompliments PROVIDERS, THE MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATIONS — AT THE END OF THE DAY STILL HAVE THE
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] SAME GOAL, AND THAT’S Mission Pharmacal’s Terry Herring’s knowledge, strategic thinking, vision, and mentoring efforts TO HELP PATIENTS. have brought continual success to himself and the organizations for which he works.
156 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE PharmaVOICE Outsourcing in Clinicalof Trials Nordics 2017
10th-11th October 2017, Copenhagen, Denmark
The 5th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Nordics 2017 returns to Copenhagen in October!
Key topics for 2017: n Spotlighting outsourcing models & eff ective vendor selection processes n Encouraging sponsor/vendor transparency and relationships to support trial effi ciency n Supporting patient centricity through eff ective patient enrolment n Exploring clinical quality, data collection & management n DefiCompliments ning risk associated with trials & and learning how to manage them We are bringing back the MEDICAL DEVICE STREAM FOR ! Join us for a full day of content delivered by medical device companies, for medical device companies.
For more information visit: www.arena-international.com/octnordics Or contact us at: [email protected] (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Use the booking code MKVKAD
FREE PLACE still available for VP/Directors/C-Level executives representing pharma companies
OCTN0917_Advert_8.6x5.2.indd 1 06/06/2017 12:45 Red Jacket Awards
BRIAN LOEW Providing a Voice for the Patient
ore than 10 years ago, Brian Loew had a vision to make a difference in health outcomes CURIOUS. DETERMINED. by creating a large community of patients who would make clinical trial recruitment a M breeze. That first goal for the community may have been a bit “audacious,” he admits, but it led to the real success of Inspire, which has grown to be one of the largest patient support groups to focus on patient-to-patient interactions. With more than 1 million members, Inspire provides a place for patients to connect with each other and their advocacy organizations for ev- erything from peer support to answering questions about their experience. Each day, about 1,000 new members join the Inspire community. The two time PharmaVOICE 100 honoree speaks passionately about his business and what he hopes to accomplish through his innovative community platform. When first establishing the business, Mr. Loew met with a lot of skepticism regarding its value because it had never been done. Mr. Loew tackled the challenges of the task by creating partnerships with the most trusted nonprofit names in health. The first partnership was with the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which supports children who were in clinical trials at NIH. Other groups soon followed, including the American Lung Association and the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Today, Inspire partners with more than 100 nonprofit organizations, many of which provide subject matter experts to play a role in the communities. Mr. Loew says this adds an incredible amount of credibility to the communities and value to the members. When members join an In- spire community and see the trusted brand of one of its partners, it conveys the sense of a credible, safe but trusted space, he says. In addition to the patient community platform, Inspire is able to share deidentified pa- tient-level data with researchers to help understand the patient experience betterPharmaVOICE and incorporate this understanding into research activities. Researchers are able to capture patient experiences that Brian Loew has created a platform that allows would be lost otherwise. In this way, Mr. Loew and Inspire are making sure that patient needs and patients to talk to one another about their day-to-day experience are not only considered, but are an integral part of pharmaceutical development from disease struggles. the outset, no matter the disease or condition under study. of Mr. Loew is looking forward to continuing to grow Inspire, and also focus on providing more has been plummeting — and is now down to community opportunities for rare diseases. Already, Inspire has the largest population of rare dis- $1,000 for full genome sequencing in some cases. ease members than any other community — nearly one-quarter of its members have a rare disease. This is a big deal. “Rare disease is extraordinary because it has a very long tail,” he says. “About one in every 10 Second, patients are increasingly informed and people has a rare condition, but they’re spread out over 7,000 different conditions.” interested in talking about their genetic makeup. In the Inspire community, rare disease members will write about their rare disease using It used to be that we would only see these discus- words that are so specific to that rare disease that it leads to more search traffic through Google, sions happening in certain Inspire communities. for example. Those searches lead to more people finding and joining rare disease groups that per- For example, in our advanced breast cancer com- tain to them, so there are continually clusters of information about all these different rare diseases munity we would see plenty of women talking cropping up, whether it’s Wilson’s Disease or Von Hippel–Lindau, for example. This turns into about whether they’re HER2 positive or triple neg- a tremendous resource for members, Mr. Loew says. ative. These types of conversation have increased “That’s where the Inspire tagline ‘Together We’re Better,’ comes from,” he says. “It’s literally continuously. The difference now is that people about members talking about their condition that allows other people to discover the conversa- with other medical conditions, even beyond oncol- tions, and then the groups become stronger.” ogy, are talking about their genetic profile. This is how a group of women in the Inspire’s Women Heart community with a rare condi- Thirdly, the pace of genetic discovery has been tion called SCAD, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, discovered one another. They banned accelerating. There are all sorts of discoveries being together to present themselves to the Mayo Clinic to find a researcher who would research SCAD. made by really progressive companies, such as It was this kind of organic self-discovery that led to the largest study ever of SCAD. human longevity and others in addition to the Results like Complimentsthis, with more undoubtedly on the horizon, are what make Mr. Loew’s vision discoveries such as Myriad and other companies for Inspire to be a valuable partner for industry and patients alike, which will lead to better are making. I feel there’s enormous opportunity. health outcomes for many people. Colleagues say Mr. Loew’s reliability, commitment, and for- The future is going to involve patient-acceler- ward-thinking have been instrumental in Inspire’s continued success. ated discoveries in genetics. The problem remains, just as it does with clini- PV: What do you see changing in the near fu- really powerful advances in genetics and genom- cal trials, that for many genetics studies there aren’t
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] ture within the industry and at Inspire? ics. There are three factors at play that are all hap- enough patients with a particular genetic muta- pening simultaneously. tion. But if we can use the power of the community Loew: I see a lot of interest and potential to make One is the price of genetic sequencing, which to search for people who have a particular genetic
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profile combined with certain run the business. And so I try to courage an environment throughout the company physical characteristics, this BRIAN LOEW IS cultivate a mutual admiration in which innovation is encouraged and rewarded, would be a great boon for the MAKING SURE THAT society in which each person despite the occasional, inevitable failures. And we future. I would be absolutely is valued for skills and achieve- are careful not to punish those failures, but rather thrilled if Inspire could play a PATIENTS’ NEEDS AND ment and collaboration. Noth- to learn from them and iterate and improve. meaningful role in accelerating EXPERIENCES ARE AN ing makes me happier than to the pace of genetic progress. see one member of the team PV: What mark would you like to leave on this INTEGRAL PART OF teaching something new to industry as your legacy? PV: Why have you chosen to PHARMACEUTICAL another member. apply your skills to this in- Loew: To establish once and for all that patient dustry? DEVELOPMENT FROM PV: How do you strive to centricity is the best model for medicine, and to THE OUTSET, NO drive innovation in your provide rich examples of why this must be true, Loew: I wouldn’t want to spend company and in the indus- and how it was successful. This story can only be my time doing something that I MATTER THE DISEASE try? told properly if it includes patient voices, for those didn’t feel was making a differ- OR CONDITION UNDER are vivid, authentic, and cannot be ignored. ence. In the industry there’s a Loew: When I started Inspire, general feeling that aside from STUDY. I still naively assumed that ev- PV: How important is it for you to mentor and making a living, what all of us eryone wants to be innovative, develop the next generation of leaders? are doing is important. There is that improvement is a basic a feeling of altruism or contribution that everyone goal everyone seeks. I’ve since learned that this is Loew: It makes me happy to help others avoid seems to feel. Also, there is an assumption that pa- not true: many people are content with what we mistakes I have made, and find easier paths to tients are cynical or critical of pharma companies, have at any moment, and, further, some people success. My sense is that there is sincere camara- but at Inspire when patients talk about the issues reject innovation as unsettling andPharmaVOICE even danger- derie among entrepreneurs in healthcare. There we actually find that’s not the case. We often find ous. So, given this reality, I’ve learned that with are fewer sharp elbows than you might expect. All the discontent is sensationalized by media. What some people, both at Inspire and more broadly in of us seem to feel that we are a part of something we generally see is that patients want to be well. the industry, innovationof must be encouraged and important; that we are doing our part to accelerate They see treatments as a way to make that happen. pushed. At Inspire in particular, I have added inno- progress; but we also know that we didn’t choose People want to try to optimize their situation. vation as a core value against which all employees the easiest industry to try to change. So there is a are graded during annual reviews. And I try to en- lot of willingness to cooperate. PV: How do you believe your leadership style inspires others to reach their personal and pro- fessional goals?
Loew: I am not a micromanager; it’s not my style. I hire the most intelligent, capable people I can find, and then support them to achieve their best. At a company like Inspire, there is no way for a single person to be excellent at all of the skills required to Getting to know... Brian Loew TITLE: CEO COMPANY: Inspire EDUCATION: BA, Economics,Compliments BS, Physics, George Washington University FAMILY: Wife, two children; parents who always encouraged him to try new things and Driven to collaborate by succeed (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100 2014, PATIENT NEEDS 2016 Brian Loew’s vision for Inspire is to be a valuable partner for industry and patients alike.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 159 Red Jacket Awards
MATT MCNALLY A Leader for the New Age of Marketing
s Publicis Health’s newly named chief INNOVATIVE. COLLABORATIVE. media officer and president of Digi- Getting to know... A tas Health, Matt McNally assumes a Matt McNally double role as the heart, soul, and brain of the company’s global health media operations, and TITLE: President Digitas Health/Chief Media as leader of its largest business unit in North Officer Publicis Health America, Digitas Health. More than 800 em- COMPANY: Digitas Health LifeBrands/ ployees fall under his leadership and according Publicis Health to colleagues, not a one doesn’t absolutely love EDUCATION: BS, University of Delaware - working for Mr. McNally. Lerner College of Business and Economics A three-time PharmaVOICE 100 honoree, Mr. McNally exudes charisma and a natural FAMILY: Husband, Ralph Bassett ability to inspire that makes him respected by BUCKET LIST: Two weeks in Bora Bora; both clients and colleagues. The one thing that complete Kona Ironman makes his leadership unique is how deeply — AWARDS/HONORS: Publicis Health Media, almost fanatically — those who work for him Advertising Age’s Best Places to Work in 2016; love him, especially the next generation of ris- ing stars. People view Mr. McNally as a leader ASSOCIATIONS: Philadelphia Interactive who they can believe in and emulate — a true Marketing Association, founding board role model. member; Google Health Advisory Panel; Mr. McNally knows how to push innova- Philadelphia board of Big Brothers of America; tive boundaries as well as nurture traditional Governing Board of Directors of Big Brothers infrastructure to drive true client success. Cli- PharmaVOICE Big Sisters Independence Region ents say he and the agency are always willing Matt McNally’s leadership and vision set the course SOCIAL MEDIA: partners on new and innovative digital market- for success for both the agency and its clients. ing programs, from unique original content to TWEET: @MattMcNally4 programmatic audience targeting, and they are staunch advocates forof the value of foundational content-based marketing programs. Mr. McNally believes collaboration and partnerships are the way forward for bringing what clients. Today, those connections are going beyond the usual, to include many partnerships with Driven to collaborate by organizations outside the industry. “The trend is going to be partnerships with unusual bedfellows,” he says. “We’re connecting CONNECTING clients with companies such as Under Armour and Dreamit and the NYC Media Lab. We connect our clients to interesting partners that they would not have expected and you can just watch the benefits double and triple. We’re going to see more partnerships like that these, partnerships that we wouldn’t have even thought about 12 to 24 months ago. I love this type of connectivity.” Mr. McNally’s vision and leadership on a particular project for a top pharma client produced P&G are doing to innovate in marketing. We have an $18 million savings for the client and a new procedure for working across the agency. The path ex-bartenders who have a passion for healthcare to success on this project was a bumpy one, but he had the right people on the team, and when because their mother had breast cancer and they he didn’t, he coached and mentored or found the person who would be a “right fit” for the client, had really smart ideas for app development. We and secured talent that would work best on this important project. have young people who are all tech savvy and Colleagues say Mr. McNally continues to raise the bar on behalf of clients to ensure they have a unique connection to new technology. This achieve the goal of reaching more of the appropriate patients for a therapy. He is patient-centered is something that I think needs to happen more and takes his vast knowledge in media strategy to partner with clients to get great outcomes for in our industry. I think partner-ability and a one- patients. plus-one-equals-three way of thinking is what will Compliments transform the industry. PV: How is collaboration driving a new transfor- who we wanted to hire: they need pharmaceutical PV: How do you drive innovative thinking at mation in the industry? experience, healthcare experience, media experi- your agency? ence. But when we started to look to hire outside McNally: We need to look beyond our four walls of our industry we were getting really unique McNally: We like to constantly reinvent and re-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] to drive innovation and change. To create transfor- ideas. It’s not about what our competition is doing think and not use the idea of: “Well, we’ve always mation, we need to look for ideas from outside our in the oncology marketplace. We need to look at done it this way.” This is my least favorite phrase. industry. For far too long we have had this idea of what companies such as Amazon, Uber, Lyft, and Instead, we give people permission to bring in new
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thinking and we like to use courage to bring them for- technology companies and EMR-based companies the vernacular “how about,” or WE NEED TO LOOK ward. The idea may have been and new advances in diagnostics. I think we are “what if” versus “last year, we BEYOND OUR FOUR really smart but for whatever going to see drug manufacturers taking on a dif- had this mix, or we launched reason it may not have gotten ferent makeup of what they look like. We’re trying the product this way or this WALLS TO DRIVE the funding. We like to cele- to prepare for and create capabilities for and hire was the brief.” INNOVATION AND brate that thinking, because the talent as we need as we look to a new type of Because of the pace of that fuels more thinking and constellation of companies. change in marketing, driven CHANGE. I THINK gives people the courage to through digital data and tech- PARTNER-ABILITY AND take some risks. PV: What would you like your legacy to be? nology, what we did last year is not relevant today. There A ONE-PLUS-ONE- PV: What do you think the McNally: When people mention my name or think are new outlets. There are EQUALS-THREE WAY life-sciences industry is about working with me, I would like to be someone new data sets. There are new going to look like in the who brought a smile to their face and hopefully re- media channels. There are new OF THINKING IS WHAT next five or 10 years? call the positive impact that I’ve had on them. Over ways to gather insights and WILL TRANSFORM THE my 20-plus year career, I’ve gone to the weddings we can’t rely on the same old McNally: We’re going to of my colleagues and now their kids are going to playbook and the same way INDUSTRY. see more mergers and more college and we’re still connected. I would like to of working. We like to reward consolidation. We’re seeing be remembered by the relationships, the trust, the projects that may not even pipelines change and evolve, inspiration that I hopefully instilled in people and get sold through; we like the big ideas even if they and I think the definition of life sciences is going the confidence that I gave them. never get executed because someone had the to change. I think we’re going to see more health People throughout the Publicis Groupe remark about the people factor that we in the healthcare PharmaVOICEdivision bring to the work and to relationships. We want to be good people to work with and Nick Colucci has instilled that in us. Be good to one of another, be good to our clients. We’re all in this together. You asked a little bit about leadership and I think a lot of times being a good leader is knowing when to be a good follower. Knowing when I need to take a step back and let the team lead me, let the team make a decision, let them know that I “work for them” is important. I think this generates respect and helps build relationships.
PV: What advice would you provide to future leaders?
McNally: Three things are very critical in life. First, make sure you have really solid relationships be- cause the relationship is what it’s all about. Second, have good ideas. And then the third thing is get somebody to part with the money. The relation- ships are the toughest part. But they’re the critical part that allows you to keep your feet on the ComplimentsNot enough content ground and your head in the clouds for ideation. Then you get someone to pay for your ideas. If you can do those three things, I think you’ll be very successful.
Matt McNally is the perfect blend of creativity and
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] practicality who has learned that to have his head in the clouds, he needs to make sure his feet are on the ground.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 161 Red Jacket Awards
DR. JULES MITCHEL Leading the Paperless Charge in Clinical Trials
nder Jules Mitchel, Ph.D.’s innovative leadership, Target Health PASSIONATE. CARING. continues to move the needle on paperless data collection and U management for clinical trials. The company’s patented eSource solution was key in the first FDA approval of a product where direct data entry was used at the time of the study visit. And a publication of the re- sults of that study appeared in JAMA this past February. The company also launched Target e*ICF for electronic informed consent and submitted an NDA with seven studies all with direct data entry. The study published in JAMA related to evaluating whether use of a scalp cooling system is associated with a lower amount of hair loss among women receiving specific chemotherapy regimens for early-stage breast cancer and to assess related changes in quality of life. Among women under- going non-anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer, the use of scalp cooling vs. no scalp cooling was associated with less hair loss at four weeks after the last dose of chemotherapy. Target Health’s innovations have all impacted the development of the direct data entry and risk-based monitoring guidance, e-informed consent implementations, and the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative to name a few. As a long-time champion of the paperless clinical trial, Dr. Jules Mitchel has Dr. Mitchel established his full-service CRO in 1993 with a vision to greatly influenced the CRO industry as well as saved significant time and combine his entrepreneurial spirit, experience, and insightful knowledge money for his clients. of the pharmaceutical industry with the industry’s underserved needs. Dr. Mitchel, and his wife and Target Health CEO Joyce Hays, have built and continuePharmaVOICE to grow the company as an internationally recognized full-service CRO with expertise in clinical research, OUR BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION regulatory affairs, biostatistics, data management, Internet-based clinical trial electronic data-cap- TO THE INDUSTRY IS THE ture, software development, and drug and device development. Dr. Mitchel had the innovative vision from very early on that theof Internet could be used to PAPERLESS CLINICAL TRIAL. save time and money in clinical trials as well as to increase efficiencies and have validation software WHAT WE MEAN BY THE that far exceeds the accuracy of human review. Over the decades, Dr. Mitchel has made more than 60 IND submissions and 12 NDA submissions, numerous premarket approval applications, bi- PAPERLESS CLINICAL TRIAL ologics license applications, and generated several dozen position papers on developing products. IS TO FUNDAMENTALLY He has an impressive client list where he currently represents more than 55 companies at FDA and more than 150 companies since Target Health was founded. ELIMINATE PAPER AS ANY A CEO of several pharma/medical device companies commended Dr. Jules for his ability to TYPE OF SOURCE RECORD. provide invaluable assistance and guidance in navigating the regulatory minefields and securing IND meetings, as a well as 510(K) clearances for substantial claims. HOPEFULLY, OVER THE NEXT Internally, Dr. Mitchel elevates talent development to a new level with his 70-plus employees YEAR OR TWO IT’LL BE by having regularly scheduled company gatherings that acknowledge individual achievement, attainment of group goals, excellence in recruitment and retention. He even has his opera-singing ACCEPTED AS A WAY OF DOING and concert pianist employees to share their talents with the entire Target Health team. This three-time PharmaVOICE 100 honoree is an extraordinary leader with a firm consci- BUSINESS. entiousness in purpose, innovation, and achievement with integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to talent-development, all exhibited through out the growing of a financially solid business enterprise. paperless clinical trial is to fundamentally elimi- nate paper as any type of source record. Hopefully PV: How do youCompliments mentor both internally and feel isolated when a project goes differently from over the next year or two it’ll be accepted as a way outside of the company? planned. I encourage our folks to grow. We have of doing business. had employees here for 15, 16, 17, 18 years. The whole idea of the paperless clinical trial is Mitchel: In terms of leadership, we encourage not just about mobile devices or integration with people to be leaders. The whole idea is to give PV: What are some of the things that you’ve electronic health records, but how to get the data people ownership in what they do and to support done to transform the industry? in real time, whether it’s direct data entry at the
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] them even when there’s a problem. The other time of the office visit via a Web-based system or thing is that we are candid. I share a lot of my Mitchel: Our biggest contribution to the industry through a patient’s own device. There’s a tendency experiences and struggles so that people don’t is the paperless clinical trial. What we mean by the to think about using a mobile device to measure
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Getting to know... Jules T. Mitchel, Ph.D. TITLE: President COMPANY: Target Health EDUCATION: BS, Biology, Queens College; MS, Biology, University of Oregon; MBA, Pace University; PhD, Biology, New York University FAMILY: Wife and life partner, Joyce AWARDS/HONORS: Small Business Global Trade Award from World Trade Week NYC 2016; Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of Outstanding Service and Contributions on Behalf of CTTI (Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative); Sponsor of the Year (Center for Dermal Research; Leaders Society (Dermatology Foundation) ASSOCIATIONS: CTTI, ASCO, AAD, AUA, ACRP, DIA, eClinical Forum Distinguished by his signature hat, Dr.PharmaVOICE Jules Mitchel is a well-known and respected figure in the SOCIAL MEDIA: clinical trial world. He has been an advocate for and innovator in the drive to move clinical studies TWEET: @JulesMitchel to a paperless platform. of cost savings, is the ability to respond in real time PV: What mark would you like to leave on the to events. industry as your legacy? For example, we don’t have to wait two weeks Driven to collaborate by until a site enters data to find out that something Mitchel: Before I hang up my sneakers or even is going on. So, first we can minimize protocol vio- after I hang up my sneakers, I would like to be PATIENTS lations and fix issues even within the software itself known as someone who pushed the industry to or the application. accept the whole concept of the paperless clinical how people are walking with Parkinson’s disease, Also, because we monitor in real time, we can trial. And that even though there will be other for example, which is incredibly valuable. But it’s reduce the number of queries. For a big study we people pushing in this direction, and even maybe not just that. We have to separate the toys from just did with a 900 patients and 40 centers, only doing even more exciting things than we have the tools. For example, with our software, 98% of 2% of forms were queried. Of those, half were done, I would like Target Health to be known as the entire trial, once it’s up and running, is on one database changes. We can quickly identify if there the company that created the gateway into this website. People don’t have to go to different places is a problem with site No. 1, site No. 2, or site No. 3, process. to get different information. It’s all at one place. We then quickly fix the problem so we don’t see the When I first joined the industry many years hope that whole concept — not just one part of same problem a hundred times. This is the main ago, I said to the head of statistics at one company: it — of the paperless clinical trial will be adapted. advantage of seeing data in real time. If we run “Why do we have all of these papers? After all we studies efficiently, it will not cost a billion dollars to have computers. “ There were adverse event forms PV: What do you believe will be some of the develop a drug. in triplicate at every single visit. There were medi- drivers toward a paperless environment? One of the problems is that drug failures are cation forms at every single visit. Complimentsnot stopped early enough and part of the reason I asked the same person: “Why don’t we just Mitchel: I think the biggest drivers are time and is because of a lack of data. A program might run put the sheets in the back of the book?” money. With a paperless clinical trial, we may have for six months before it’s discovered that it should He yelled back at me: “Jules, you’re screwing to send a monitor to the investigator site twice be stopped. up all of the programs.” I said, “But I’m gonna save a year instead of six or seven times a year. Just Let’s hypothesize that a big pharma company you 2,000,000 sheets of paper.” He said: “Shut up.” the cost savings of four or five monitoring visits is running 10 programs that need to be stopped, So, we saw the entire picture, not one aspect of
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] per sites is enormous. We estimate somewhere that’s six months times 10. That’s 60 months of a picture, but all of it and have been an innovator between $15,000 and $20,000 a year of savings money being spent for nothing, which is enor- in the area of the paperless trial. This is what makes per clinical research site. In addition to just the mous. Data in real time is invaluable. us unique.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 163 Red Jacket Awards
WENDY WHITE One Woman Warrior Against Rare Disease
endy White has been on an impactful journey for more than 20 years, filling ENTREPRENEURIAL. VISIONARY. roles as patient advocate, consultant, strategist, activist, author, entrepreneur, Windustry leader, and mother. In 1998, she founded Siren Interactive, the only marketing agency to focus exclusively on rare diseases. Most recently she served as senior VP of Dohmen Life Sciences’ rare disease unit. She has held leadership positions with the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD), the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), and is now chair of Global Genes. Today, as she launches her new firm, Wendy White Consulting, her name has become synonymous with innovation in rare disease. Ms. White’s journey began when her young daughter was diagnosed with a rare condition. The impact of this news, and the experience it led to, helped shape Siren’s vision and direction. In the process of her work, she became a tremendous partner to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies working in rare disease. By using new ways to communicate and engage with patients, she helped to bring more treatments to more rare disease patients more rapidly. She soon became a pioneer in recognizing the power of patients and caregivers in influencing health outcomes, and formulating innovative strategies for all stakeholders to work together for a common cause. Her long-term vision has always been to integrate patient-level insights into the drug-delivery continuum. She knew this would take specific and extensive credentialing — she has experience in more than 36 rare disease communities — as well as a role in industry thought leadership. In 2009, she co-authored and published “Uncommon Challenges; Shared Journeys—Stories of Love, Hope, and Community by Rare Disease Caregivers.” PharmaVOICE She also spent five years on the board of the NORD, and is chair emeritus for the HBA, where she has worked for gender parity in the industry, playing a significant part in forwarding their inclusive mission to transform the future of healthcare. “We have a large group of people who are focused on bold thinkingof around aligning change with reality,” she says. “We know that 95% of healthcare decisions are made by women across the world, and yet we don’t have a significant representation of women at the highest corporate levels in the industry. It just doesn’t make any sense. The more we As the chair of Global Genes, Wendy White is looking to can work together through the HBA and other organizations to show the positive busi- develop a model for the industry that will facilitate a systemic ness impact of diversity at every level, the more opportunities for everyone.” change in the rare disease community. Ms. White is particularly excited about her role at Global Genes where, after two years of service on the board, she has taken on the position as chair, looking to develop a model for the industry that will facilitate systemic change. She is working with other industry innovators Driven to collaborate by on a unique partnering event at Global Genes to facilitate new possibilities. Focused solely on rare disease, this event seeks to introduce investors to a broader range of partners, expanding beyond RARE biotech and healthtech companies to also include patient entrepreneurs and patient groups. “It is no longer about companies simply listening to patients or mapping the patient journey; it’s about actually partnering with them, arm in arm, to understand they are people first, then DISEASE patients, then powerful activists for progress,” she says. After 15 years running Siren, Ms. White sold the agency to Dohmen Life Sciences in 2015. She of the iphone disruption. Transformation, on the has now established Wendy White Consulting to partner with organizations operating across the other hand, is change from the inside out — orga- spectrum in genetic rare diseases. She is particularly driven to help these organizations understand nizational change that encourages and allows new and develop the foundational structure that is critical for success — a patient-centered viewpoint ways of thinking to emerge. Amazon is an excellent and a transformationalCompliments culture. example of a transformationally driven company. Initially, they made their money selling print books, PV: Do you see a difference between the term formation required to accommodate them. Nokia but with a keen eye on the potential changes of disruption and the term transformation in the is a prime example. That company had 80% of the the future. Soon, they owned the market for digital industry? global mobile phone market when the iPhone was books, and are still moving, applying their distribu- introduced. A year later, it had less than 10%. Why? tion expertise into areas as diverse as food, as evi-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] White: I do, as has been explored in several recent Because they weren’t paying attention. They were denced by their recent acquisition of Whole Foods. articles, Disruption is outside in. Market forces gen- complacent, and did not tap into diverse points If we apply that same forwarding thinking erally move at a faster rate than the internal trans- of view that could have signaled the significance model to the rare disease industry, it’s clearly the
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Red Jacket Awards
empowered patients who are the potential disrup- PV: What type of impact did you want to make ease, mostly children who are born with a genetic tors, the ones who led the entire healthcare indus- on the world of healthcare? condition, don’t have access to any therapy. We try into social media, for example. At the same time, know that no single organization or stakeholder is many of our organizations, particularly in the bio- White: One of my core beliefs is that innovation going to be able to do at all to solve this problem. tech space, are putting transformational inside-out happens at the margins. If you look at any type of We need to collaborate to increase the velocity of thinking to work by listening to all constituencies change curve, and understand the people who are innovation to make the biggest difference. and creating a culture of con- or will be most affected by it, tinual change to stay ahead of you will be able to clearly see disruptive market forces. WENDY WHITE HAS what’s going to drive that in- Getting to know... PROVEN THERE ARE NO novation — the people under Wendy White PV: How do you believe your the ends of the bell curve. TITLE: Principal Consultant leadership style inspires LIMITS TO WHAT CAN For example, when I look at others? BE ACCOMPLISHED IN genetic rare diseases, where COMPANY: Wendy White Consulting I spend a lot of my time and EDUCATION: BS, Quantitative Business White: I would describe my RARE DISEASE WHEN effort, I can see where par- Analysis, Indiana University, Kelly School of style as entrepreneurial, with a PARTNERING PROVIDES ents are pushed to their limit Business purpose-driven model. I start trying to save their children’s FAMILY: Husband, Paul; children, Nate, Colin, with a clear vision and over- EVERYONE A SEAT AT lives. I am devoted to sup- Casey; and dog Lakota all direction, then carefully THE TABLE. porting innovation here and assemble the best and most to ensure positive changes AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100 integrated team to create and empower patients, improve 2015, 2012; Top 50 Social Media Influences in implement the plan to fully pricing, and that we deal with the Rare Disease Space, World Orphan realize that vision. I believe people are looking the ethics surrounding genetic science. Drug Congress, 2012; 5000 Fastest for purpose. Given that, if you focus not on the At Global Genes, I have the incredible oppor- Growing Companies, Inc. Magazine, 2013, day-to-day work, but the overall impact your team tunity to think about how we can model working can make, people step up professionally and per- together collaboratively across sectors to show 2012, 2011, 2010; Manny Heart Award, sonally — often more than they ever imagined for how to drive change, which will then help the rest Med Ad News, 2011; President’s Award, themselves. of the industry. As has happened so many times, Healthcare Businesswomen’s once companies start to see change happening Association, 2008 PV: How are you driving innovation in the in- in the rare disease end of the industry,PharmaVOICE they use it ASSOCIATIONS: Global Genes - Allies in dustry? as a model moving forward. It’s when the margin becomes mainstream that innovation is baked into Rare Disease, Healthcare Businesswomen’s White: We are the middle of a huge wave of the culture and practiceof of healthcare. It’s exciting. Association, NORD change — both inside and outside — and we need Right now, 95% of those living with rare dis- fully empowered entrepreneurial thinking at every level. Our focus absolutely needs to be custom- er-centric, and within that we need to challenge ourselves to continually be open to new ideas to anticipate what our patients will need — today, to- morrow, and into the future. This the reason I took on the chair roles at the HBA and now at Global Genes. My hope is to get people who represent diverse elements in the industry to work together at all levels and to think about how we can col- lectively make a huge impact in our industry. We need to think about the changes we want to see happen, and about how to get a seat at the table to ensure we have the clout that will make the difference required for genuine results. I launched my new firm, Wendy White Con- sulting, to do just that — to help the full range of entities in the industry, from patients to big pharma — to think aboutCompliments what’s required to get and stay ahead of the curve, to be driving rather than responding, and absolutely ensuring they aren’t overtaken by forces moving faster than they can keep up with. I’m confident, that by bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to the industry, and
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] ensuring companies think about diversity, they will successfully bring innovation into their planning Wendy White — entrepreneur, mentor, inspiring leader, and rare disease advoate — is on a crusade to and their culture to lead change. bring diverse thinking to the table to enrich the decision-making processes around the continuum of care.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 165 COMMANDERS
KYM DENNY Creating Opportunities out of Obstacles
ym Denny brings a powerful com- one of the most successful IPOs in AIM his- bination of passion, confidence, and tory. Getting to know... K practicality to everything she does. hVIVO is a UK-based specialty biopharma Kym Denny She has a unique talent for converting her vi- company with discovery and clinical testing sion into an achievable plan, providing a clear capabilities. The company has created a tech- TITLE: CEO path to success that staff, collaborators, and nology platform that uses human disease mod- COMPANY: hVIVO plc investors can relate to and follow. els to study new drugs and investigate disease AWARDS/HONORS: Entrepreneur of the Since becoming CEO in 2010 of hVIVO, in a safe, controlled environment. Year UK category winner for Healthcare, she has led the evolution of the company Colleagues say Ms. Denny is passionately Ernst & Young; Female Executive of the Year (formerly Retroscreen Virology) from research committed to creating opportunities out of in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Gold services to building a pioneering human-based obstacles. She led the diversification of hVIVO analytical platform to accelerate drug discov- in response to a period of downturn in research Award, Women in Business Stevie Awards; ery and development, focusing on respiratory services to build commercial capabilities to Mayor of London’s Business Advisory Board and infectious diseases. This shift in direction sustain the business for the long term. ASSOCIATIONS: BioIndustry Association included leading the organization’s transition Ms. Denny’s ability to think outside of (BIA) from private to public in 2012, resulting in the box and pioneer new paths led to the in- troduction of concepts that focus PASSIONATE. COMMITTED. on trying to PharmaVOICEsolve the funda- assets that have the potential to disrupt the mental issues that contribute to standard-of-care in important disease. These the burden of drug development: assets include a novel antiviral prophylactic long development timelines, high (PrEP-001) through a partnership with PrEP costs,of and high failure rates. Biopharm, a universal flu vaccine (FLU-v), Using her clinical develop- and a mosquito-borne illness vaccine platform ment site management skills, she (AGS-v) for diseases such as Zika, malaria, worked with UK investigator dengue fever, and West Nile fever, through a sites and pharma affiliates to sub- joint venture with Imutex. stantially increase the allocation In 2015, Ms. Denny positioned the com- of sites in the UK that would be pany to prove hVIVO model’s potential with tapped for international studies its own drug through the acquisition of PrEP- compared with those in Eastern 001. hVIVO has subsequently completed a Europe. proof-of-concept and three Phase IIa challenge Her experience led to the cre- studies. ation of a comprehensive interna- Colleagues say Ms. Denny’s confidence tional course in managing drug and enthusiasm have fueled internal talent development across different cul- programs as well. She implemented staff ex- tures, which she has run mul- perience and values initiatives built from the tiple times and which has been ground up, leveraging an employee-driven adapted to different industries. approach that has brought people together. Under Ms. Denny’s leader- She defines leadership as helping others ship, hVIVO saw revenue growth through periods of change and ambiguity. Complimentsof 539% in her first three years “The essential characteristic of leadership is with the company. hVIVO also defining a path forward when there isn’t one, began to build its commercial in- to rally the organization around the ultimate frastructure to fuel the company’s goal, and getting the teams excited to embrace
Kym Denny inspires new approaches to products and support new, more that goal as their own,” she says. “It’s essential solve the fundamental issues that collaborative client relationships. to make the change relevant and paint the (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] challenge drug development. In the past two years, Ms. Denny vision, bringing the rest of the organization/ has identified and acquired signif- team with you and celebrating successes along Driven by to collaborate HELPING PATIENTS icant stakes in three clinical-stage the way.”
54 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE MEDSCAPE GIVES YOU
PharmaVOICE of
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According to the 2017 DRG Digital study from Decision Resources Group, more physicians use Medscape than any other online professional resource.
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Find Complimentsout how Medscape can do more for your brand. Contact [email protected] to learn more. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] COMMANDERS
board member of the Jed Foundation, a lead- LYNN O’CONNOR VOS ing mental health nonprofit organization, as well as the Multiple Myeloma Foundation. A Leader for All Occasions Most recently, Ms. O’Connor Vos has become a member of the Kraft Precision Med- icine Accelerator at Harvard Business School, ith patients increasingly turning Not only did she found ghg and create an where her mission is to help bring the promise to the Web for health advice, industry leading agency brand, she has secured of precision medicine to more cancer patients WLynn O’Connor Vos saw the poten- brand leadership for clients across digital and by addressing the current crisis in cancer com- tial to impact outcomes and change patients’ traditional channels, and she continues to in- munication. lives by enhancing the healthy conversations novate, build, and acquire companies that have At ghg, Ms. O’Connor Vos has cultivated taking place online. For the past decade, Ms. expanded ghg’s global footprint. an eco-system in which women assume key O’Connor Vos has been a pioneer for the power If she were a brand, Ms. O’Connor Vos says leadership roles. Not only has she mentored of the digital conversation to address changing her tagline would be: Relentless pursuit of new individuals who have gone on to successful dynamics in consumer access and trust. ideas. She believes that continuous reinvention careers leading organizations outside ghg, As the CEO of ghg | greyhealth group, a is crucial to success in today’s ever-changing but she has also provided rich opportunities health communications firm owned by WPP, health and technology landscape. She holds for leadership within the organization. Most she is credited with helping transform the herself and her team to exacting standards recently, she participated in the Fortune and marketing of pharmaceutical brands. And she for relentless re-education and improvement U.S. State Department’s Global Women’s is the first woman to develop and run a global of the latest communications strategies, and Mentoring Partnership, in which she men- health communications enterprise. more importantly, to anticipate what clients tored an entrepreneur from Argentina. She is Under her leadership, ghg has become an will need to meet the marketplace imperatives also a member of W.O.M.E.N. in America, a advocate of using technology to improve pub- almost before they do. mentoring program. lic health, and she believes ghg partnerships She cultivates a diverse group of executives Colleagues say she is an inspiration to with media, technology, pharma, and health- — many of whom are physicians, pharmacists, countless professional women, both at ghg care delivery companies could solve some of nurses, vets, and top creative and digital talent and beyond. the industry’s biggest challenges. In fact, ghg — to create something great every day. Ms. O’Connor Vos says one of her ca- was the first healthcare agency to partner with In addition to leading ghg, Ms. O’Connor reer highlights was being named Woman of IBM Watson. Ms. O’Connor Vos has also led Vos believes in investing her time and exper- the Year by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s the investment by WPP into partnerships in tise for the public good. ShePharmaVOICE was a founding Association. Another highlight was creating the EHR and e-Rx space that have positioned Text4Baby, an initiative that uses technology the agency to take clients to the next level in and community to educate women in un- point-of-care solutions. derserved populations to care for their babies of before and after they are born. Getting to know... “This program is an example of using sim- ple communication to dramatically advance Lynn O’Connor Vos the public health,” she says. “We need more collective impact in the nonprofit world to im- TITLE: CEO prove outcomes. If I had unlimited resources, COMPANY: ghg | greyhealth group I would pool funds and gain consensus among EDUCATION: BS, BSRN, Alfred University FEARLESS. oncology nonprofits to promote the key mes- FAMILY: Husband, children sages for getting the best cancer care.” HOBBIES: Tennis, traveling, reading, politics She says she is motivated to go to work BUCKET LIST: Have more impact on health; every day because there is always something new to invent and always something new to worldwide travel CURIOUS. learn. AWARDS/HONORS: Woman of the Year, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association; Corporate Achievement Award, The Jed Driven to collaborate by Foundation; Academy of Women Achievers, NY YWCA; PM360 Elite; MM&M Healthcare LEARNING Transformer; MM&MCompliments Hall of Femme ASSOCIATIONS: Women Business Leaders SOMETHING (WBL); Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association; W.O.M.E.N. in America SOCIAL MEDIA: NEW
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Lynn O’Connor Vos believes that continuous reinvention TWEET AT: @lynnvos is crucial to success in today’s ever changing health and technology landscape.
56 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE When it comes to their health, Baby Boomers trust their doctors. Millennials trust other millennials. GenXers trust themselves. PharmaVOICE of
Who can you trust to talk to them all? This is truly a never-before moment in healthcare; one in which the needs, attitudes, and behaviors of the various generations are as diverse as the health conditions they are managing. It is no easy task to speak to each of them with credibility, empathy, and authenticity. As an innovator in healthcare marketing, we have guided some of the world’s biggest and most progressive companies through these unique communication challenges by developing groundbreaking programs, tools, and products to help them make lasting connections that lead to better health outcomes. And we have the data to prove it. We don’t just believe communicationsCompliments is a marketing tactic. We believe it’s the cure for what ails the entire healthcare system. Talk to us, and we’ll show you what we can do for your business. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
ghgroup.com | Communication is the Cure.® THE RICHARDS GROUP COMMANDERS TRG JOB: CAH-16-0021 CLIENT: Cardinal Health or the past 27 years, Joe DePinto has AD NAME: been focused on bringing life-saving This is the F specialty drugs to market and helping JOE DEPINTO breakthrough patients with complex diseases gain access to PUB(S): advanced care. A Catalyst for Success PharmaVoice Mr. DePinto began his career as a sales INSERTION DATE: representative at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals, and July/August 2016 TRIM: then moved to Ortho Biotech, an oncology-fo- sciences, health economics and outcomes re- to think differently, to be creative, and not 9 x 11 cused biotech company owned by Johnson & search (HEOR), third-party logistics, and pa- be afraid to take risks. He considers himself a LIVE: Johnson before serving as VP of the global tient access. catalyst to innovation and urges people to be 1/4” inside trim hematology marketing for J&J, where he He is committed to always positioning creative and think differently. This is the breakthrough. BLEED: directed promotional efforts that touched pa- patients as being the most important part of He and his team work together by identi- 9.25 x 11.25 tients throughout the world. Over the course the equation. fying solutions, debating options, aligning the COLOR/DMAX: of his career at J&J, he helped the company His toughest assignment came early in his best ideas, and moving forward as a team. Mr. CMYK/300 bring key specialty drugs, such as Procrit and career when he was given the opportunity to DePinto challenges his team to buck the status QUESTIONS: Todd Gutmann Dacogen, to market. lead a low-performing team. After making quo in their pursuit of organizational results. 214-891-3519 In 2008, he joined Imclone Systems as changes to the strategy, execution, and person- He is courageous, authentic, unwavering VP of commercial operations, where he led all nel, the team became one of the top-perform- in what he stands for, and he is appreciative — aspects of commercial planning and manage- ing units in the company. never failing to recognize and thank the people ment for the pipeline and existing products, “I didn’t realize it, but after that I was surrounding him. ultimately supporting the sale of the company characterized as the ‘fix-it’ guy and often was In addition to his business accomplish- to Lilly for $6.5 billion. Next, he took on given the turnarounds or challenging jobs,” he ments, Mr. DePinto has dedicated himself to executive leadership roles at two growing bio- says. “Turnarounds don’t always work, but the building and mentoring the next generation of technology companies. learnings along the way are invaluable.” leaders and inspiring his teams to reach higher Mr. DePinto says he was fortunate during He says he has learned from mentors level of success. his career to work in oncology and commer- that helping people explore the options to In 2017, Mr. DePinto was appointed as cializing some blockbuster drugs and from a problems empowers them, helps them grow, the first man to serve on the national board drug development standpoint lead the strate- and may even identify that there really isn’t of directors for the Healthcare Businesswom- We give it wings. gic and clinical development of an FDA-ap- a problem. en’s Association, where he serves as a staunch proved product for non-small cell lung cancer. Fear of failure and limited resources pre- advocate for the development and promotion You craft cures from the cutting edge. You redefi ne Today, as president of Cardinal Health vent innovation, and Mr.PharmaVOICE DePinto believes of women in the healthcare industry. He also what’s possible. Yet it takes more than science Specialty Solutions, Mr. DePinto leads one of it’s better to make a wrong decision than no serves on the advisory committee for Cardinal the fastest-growing businesses within Cardinal decision at all — and learn from mistakes to Health’s Women’s Initiative Network, an em- for specialty drugs to reach their full potential. Health, which has grown from $5 billion in avoid future missteps.of ployee group that helps women build strong revenue in 2015 to more than $10 billion in Colleagues say Mr. DePinto inspires them career paths. He also serves on the board for Expertise at every stage of the product life cycle 2016. Viking Scientific, a drug delivery platform Since joining Cardinal Health in Joe DePinto’s company. has made Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions genuine and selfless 2015, Mr. DePinto has led the inte- In addition, Mr. DePinto has served as a uniquely equipped to help. From market analytics to gration of Metro Medical’s specialty passion for volunteer and supporter of the Leukemia and pharmaceutical distribution business, mentorship is Lymphoma Society and CancerCare. regulatory consulting services, from data-driven contagious and results which was acquired by Cardinal Health in a culture of channel strategies to patient adherence programs, that same year. He has also overseen the inspirational leadership Getting to know... opening of a new 300,000-square-foot and high-performing our collaborative problem solvers are ready to third-party logistics warehouse in Nash- teams. Joseph I. DePinto help you launch, market, and optimize your specialty ville, Tenn., and directed the acquisition of RainTree Oncology Services, a physi- TITLE: President products – and support their lasting success. cian-owned group purchasing organization COMPANY: Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions
specializing in oral oncologic products. DECISIVE. EDUCATION: BS, Marketing, Rutgers University; MBA, Learn how we can create opportunities for you. In 2016, he led the expansion of two Pharmaceutical Chemical Studies, Fairleigh Dickinson cardinalhealth.com/specialty new offices in Cambridge, Mass., and University Houston, moves that put Cardinal FAMILY: Wife, Renee; two children, Joseph and Nikki Health closer to key customers and HOBBIES: Golfing, fishing support strategic growth initiatives. RESILIENT. Mr. DePintoCompliments is also steering AWARDS/HONORS: Chairperson, Bay Area Leukemia the business to broaden its services and Lymphoma Light the Night Walk Company to biopharma manufacturers with ASSOCIATIONS: BioNJ, Healthcare Businesswomen’s expanded offerings in regulatory Association, Cardinal Health WIN Steering Committee, International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by Outcomes Research BEING APPROACHABLE SOCIAL MEDIA:
58 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE I I
CAH160021 Brkthr_PV_9x11.indd 1 6/28/16 10:49 AM THE RICHARDS GROUP TRG JOB: CAH-16-0021 CLIENT: Cardinal Health AD NAME: This is the breakthrough PUB(S): PharmaVoice INSERTION DATE: July/August 2016 TRIM: 9 x 11 LIVE: 1/4” inside trim This is the breakthrough. BLEED: 9.25 x 11.25 COLOR/DMAX: CMYK/300 QUESTIONS: Todd Gutmann 214-891-3519
We give it wings.
You craft cures from the cutting edge. You redefi ne PharmaVOICEwhat’s possible. Yet it takes more than science of for specialty drugs to reach their full potential. Expertise at every stage of the product life cycle has made Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions uniquely equipped to help. From market analytics to regulatory consulting services, from data-driven channel strategies to patient adherence programs, our collaborative problem solvers are ready to help you launch, market, and optimize your specialty products – and support their lasting success.
Learn how we can create opportunities for you. cardinalhealth.com/specialty Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
I I
CAH160021 Brkthr_PV_9x11.indd 1 6/28/16 10:49 AM COMMANDERS
LAURIE COOKE A Leader of Leaders
ince taking the helm of the Healthcare promotions or high-potential roles Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) as are discussed; join an association to S CEO a dozen years ago, Laurie Cooke has secure hands-on skills and knowl- consistently, passionately, and purposefully edge; and build your network inside
EMPOWERING. MAXIMIZER. EMPOWERING. steered the global nonprofit organization to and outside your company to expand new heights in pursuit of its core purpose: to your perspectives. further the advancement and impact of women As the HBA ramps up its call for in the business of healthcare. more diversity at the highest levels This egalitarian leader is selfless in her of leadership, Ms. Cooke is deliv- willingness to provide counsel, support, men- ering the HBA’s vision — to be a torship, and advice to the many member lead- united force for change — with Laurie Cooke is leading the HBA, a global ers who reach out to her, as well as the growing increasing frequency to a wide organization dedicated to advancing the careers of staff of association professionals. variety of interest groups. women. Ms. Cooke says growing the HBA’s com- “We connect diverse groups munity to more than 25,000 — women and of both women and men, across men who take part in the association’s more all healthcare and life-sciences Getting to know... than 300 in-person and virtual events — is a disciplines,” Ms. Cooke says, Laurie Patricia Cooke career highlight. quoting the HBA’s refreshed “I dedicate my efforts in my personal and value proposition. “By taking TITLE: CEO professional life to support others to be the focused action to advance our COMPANY: Healthcare Businesswomen’s best they can be and measure my accomplish- mission, we’re creating a pow- Association ments by the number of people who I am able erful movement that drives pro- EDUCATION: BS, Microbiology, University of to help advance,” she says. PharmaVOICEfessional opportunity and cor- Maryland; Post-undergraduate degree, Pharmacy, Ms. Cooke is also the steward of the associ- porate growth. We believe that ation’s strategic plan, and in partnership with by joining forces in the relent- University of Washington; Masters, Software the board of directors of the organization, she less pursuit of gender parity, Engineering Management, University of Luton; is creating an architectureof for sustainable and we are doing more than uniting DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES Driven by to collaborate licensed Pharmacist, Certified Association Executive long-term success that includes: a refreshed individuals — we are strength- FAMILY: Husband, who is her best friend and brand, global expansion, new products and ening the business of healthcare.” stalwart support; son, who has taken up her services designed to meet the needs of individ- She measures success by the number of gauntlet of service; and daughter, who has taken ual members as well as the HBA’s corporate staff team members, volunteers, and members partners and sponsors, and a focused and delib- who have advanced in their skills and career her leadership advice to successfully navigate her erate approach to tackle head on the paucity of opportunities. And she would be gratified to own career women leaders at the highest levels through- be remembered for helping women and men HOBBIES: Movies, eating out, pets, and cruising out the life-sciences and healthcare industries. across the industry feel more empowered and BUCKET LIST: Building a dream tiny house; take While others may crack under the weight successful because of the HBA’s work. an African safari, explore the Galapagos Islands, and of such an awesome responsibility, Ms. Cooke “I am committed to redefining the defini- performs her many duties with grace, equa- tion of a leader so we can highlight how many visit the Taj Mahal nimity, and good humor. of the skills that are needed in today’s world AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100, 2011; Colleagues and peers say Ms. Cooke is ap- are ‘feminine’ leadership skills,” she says. American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) proachable and equally at ease with the CEOs Colleagues note that Ms. Cooke is a rare Mentor of the Year and executive leaders who she meets at the breed of leader, one who is generous with ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare Businesswomen’s many functions she attends representing the encouragement and inspires others to reach Association; Forum of Executive Women of HBA as she is with women and men new to beyond what they believe is within their grasp. the industry. “I inspire others by the use of stories of how Philadelphia; AmericanCompliments Society of Association And she offers this advice to those who others have found success, encourage them to Executives; UUCDC Leaders’ Community are just starting their careers: pay attention to learn through their adversities, and provide (Nominating Committee Chair); Philly Hunger Task office politics, which are incredibly important active listening to mirror back to them what Force; Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health and can help you to understand your organi- they want to accomplish versus what others Care Industry Foundation zation and position yourself effectively; get have defined as success,” Ms. Cooke says. “I experience early on leading people, managing create a vision, I provide a clear line of sight SOCIAL MEDIA: (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] a P&L, and work on an international project to teams to see how they’re achieving this vi- TWEET AT: @)_lcooke9_ to gain global perspectives; find sponsors in sion, and celebrate how much progress they’re your company who can advocate for you when making.”
60 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS RELENTLESS. HYPERCRITICAL. BILL DRUMMY Reaching the Future First
ill Drummy has been cata- scribes himself as hypercritical of everything. lyzing change and inspiring “I have always been that way; in some B innovation for the healthcare ways, it can be a useful trait,” he says. “It can marketing industry both as an entre- also drive people crazy. Being regularly dis- preneur and industry thought leader satisfied with the state of things leads to frus- for the better part of two decades. tration, but it also drives the desire to make He has worked tirelessly to illumi- things better.” nate stagnant practices while calling Mr. Drummy passionately encourages his for antiquated thinking to be vaulted teams to seek out and employ the latest Bill Drummy continues to be one of the brightest stars in the into modern times by showing the in- technologies and leading-edge solutions for a healthcare marketing universe. dustry a clear path toward the future. myriad of marketing challenges. Mr. Drummy started what was Success for Mr. Drummy can be described then Heartbeat Digital, now part of Publicis, in three ways: the hard-financial measures of Getting to know... in 1998, building it up to become an industry growth and profitability; the human equation, Bill Drummy leader with 200 employees. which might be measured by low turnover But the journey wasn’t without its chal- rates and high marks in employee surveys; and TITLE: Chairman lenges. The 2008 Wall Street crash required a tonal indication, by which he means the vibe COMPANY: Heartbeat a member of Publicis Mr. Drummy and his team to stay calm and that a place emits. Health manage their way through the crisis. This “The latter may be difficult to quantify, EDUCATION: BA, Rutgers College; Henry Rutgers included making some very tough decisions, but it’s just as real, and far more predictive of Scholar, Glasgow University including buying out a lease he had signed success, than the other measures,” he says. FAMILY: His wife of 19 years, Barrie Gillies, whose the day the market crashed, spinning off a Learning from others is important to Mr. division, and making the re-capturedPharmaVOICE equity Drummy, who says partners, clients, and col- humor and tolerance have helped him succeed; available to his senior leadership team, which leagues have taught him how to handle stress 12-year-old son, Will, whose lack of sentimentality led to a long string of growth and success. and manage a crisis. keeps him honest “What followed mightof not have happened “I know people who never lose their cool HOBBIES: Photography; binge-watching high- had we not been shocked into a fundamental no matter what the emergency; I admire them quality TV series; screaming inappropriately during reconsideration of the business,” he says. and I try to emulate them,” he says. Today, Mr. Drummy serves as chairman, Which makes his comment on managing Little League Baseball games; spelunking having recently ceded day-to-day management challenges even more amusing: BUCKET LIST: Travel to exotic destinations: responsibilities to longtime colleagues and “I scream and yell and blame everyone for Rangoon, Kuala Lumpur, Staten Island; visit every Heartbeat partners, Nadine Leonard and James screwing things up,” he says. “Either that, or Major League Baseball park with his son; bring Talerico. I try to keep an even keel and break down friends and family together for a celebration at a His focus as chairman is ensuring Heart- problems into manageable, achievable steps. castle in Ireland beat’s long-term success as the agency moves One of those two.” into being a much more significant player in Inspiration is hard to quantify and Mr. AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100, 2017, the industry. He is going about this by focus- Drummy says he never claims to inspire any- 2015, 2008; Innovation Catalyst, MM&M Magazine; ing on developing new client relationships, one directly, but rather has the guts to “be em- DTC Hall of Fame; Heartbeat has won more than counseling long-standing Heartbeat clients on phatically myself,” to misquote Ralph Waldo 200 industry awards; Volunteer awards, The Hole in business innovation, and providing provoca- Emerson. He never hesitates to say things he the Wall Gang Camp tive, culture-shifting insight into the health- believes in passionately. care industry. Motivation comes from the prospect of ASSOCIATIONS: National MS Society; Google With Heartbeat now part of Publicis, Mr. continuing to grow something healthy, and to Healthcare Advisory Board; Digital Scholar, Drummy says the challenges of succeeding as do stimulating work with exceptional people. Digital Health Coalition; advisory board member, a larger agency are much different from the Mr. Drummy drives innovation by pushing Pharmaceutical Executive;Compliments mentor, Blueprint Health challenges of a smaller, early-stage agency. people to take on activities that are difficult, SOCIAL MEDIA: “We have to make sure that we are set up but desirable and just barely possible, and TWEET AT: @drumbeat structurally and culturally to thrive in this giving them permission to pursue things that rarified atmosphere,” he says. excite them. Reluctant to give up on achieving some- Mr. Drummy derives great satisfaction thing once his mind has been set, Mr. Drummy from mentoring, including start-up companies
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by has been described as relentless by others associated with Blueprint Health, a healthcare for years — a description he says is either a startup accelerator, as well as people in Heart- IMPATIENCE compliment or a complaint. Mr. Drummy de- beat and the wider Publicis world.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 61 COMMANDERS DR. ANDREAS KOESTER Passionate About Transforming Clinical Trials
evelopment of new therapies has ation of iSTEP (Integrated Smart Trial & En- develop shared industry R&D solutions to never been more challenging. It gagement Platform) to address the industry’s simplify and accelerate the delivery of innova- D takes longer to recruit patients, trial need for transformative solutions. iSTEP aims tive products to patients. complexity is increasing, and trial design is to replace many paper-based procedures with Before the formation of TransCelerate, antiquated, costly, and inefficient. smart technologies that automate record-keep- he was instrumental in the creation of the Andreas Koester, M.D., Ph.D., has become ing and provide personalized medication re- Cross-Pharmaceutical Investigator Databank, a prominent voice for improving clinical trial minders, drug information, and communica- established in collaboration with Merck and design as a means to reduce drug development tion between patients and clinicians. Release Lilly, to reduce the administrative burden for costs and create higher quality of life for pa- 1.0 of the platform will be available later in investigators and streamline the site selection tients. As global head, R&D operations inno- 2017, ready to be used in patient trials. and start-up process. vation at Janssen, he has advanced promising Additionally, Janssen, as one part of its Five years later, the investigator databank, technologies while also introducing innovative patient engagement initiatives, is working on now investigator registry, has been joined by trial designs that put the patient at the center. ways to provide patients with access to their the majority of large pharma companies and “It’s important to treat patients as partners data during every part of trial: before, during, serves as the backbone for TransCelerate’s site in clinical trials,” he says. “Their participation and after. Dr. Koester says the company is pi- investigator portal. is vital to the pharma industry’s ability to loting its first program to enhance patient data Dr. Koester believes closer and more effi- bring new medicines to the market. Sponsors access in a large-scale, multinational Phase III cient industry cooperation, such as the Trans- can do a better job listening to patients and trial. This will help give patients actionable Celerate CTTI, MRCTI and other initiatives, addressing their needs to improve clinical trial healthcare information, moving them beyond is the key to address the challenges of the experiences.” the traditional role as “subjects” in trials to- clinical trial enterprise. To do this, Dr. Koester leads a team that ward treating them as true partners. Looking back at his career, developing is rethinking the entire clinical trial process Colleagues say Dr. Koester’s fierce com- drugs for Alzheimer’s, HIV, and tuberculosis and driving change through a suite of smart mitment to helping patients, drug develop- and co-creating the investigator databank were technologies and process initiatives. ers, and the healthcare industryPharmaVOICE overall has career highlights he cherishes. Dr. Koester has more than 20 years of ex- brought together some of the world’s most Dr. Koester’s positive impact is felt by perience designing and managing clinical tri- respected drug developers, clinicians, and sci- his peers, his company, and the industry at als for pharmaceutical companies and contract entific advisors to collaborate on efforts to large and he would like to be remembered as research organizations, and he plays a central enhance and optimizeof the clinical trial process. someone whose work helped to lift all boats by role in industrywide efforts to modernize clin- “I am driven to innovate by dissatisfaction making clinical trials better for patients and ical trials by leading the charge of prioritizing with the status quo,” he says. investigators and as a result can bring novel the patient experience. Dr. Koester is an oversight committee medicines to patients faster. At Janssen, Dr. Koester is leading the cre- member of TransCelerate BioPharma repre- “I try to inspire others by giving them senting Janssen, a founding member of the the room and safety net to be their best,” he Getting to know... consortium. This is a collaborative effort to says. Andreas Koester, M.D., PERSISTENT. COACHING. Ph.D. TITLE: Global Head, R&D Operations COMPANY: Janssen Pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson EDUCATION: MD, Leipzig Medical School; PhD, Humboldt University, Berlin FAMILY: Mother HOBBIES: Photography, tennis BUCKET LIST: Compliments Seeing a polar bear in the wild before they have all been killed AWARDS/HONORS: Medicine Maker Top 100, 2015; Pioneer Award Partnership in Driven to collaborate by Clinical Trials for Investigator Databank, 2014
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] A BRIGHT FUTURE SOCIAL MEDIA: TWEET AT: @andreas_koe Dr. Andreas Koester is an inspirational business leader who has dedicated his career to improving the clinical trial experience to get life-saving medicines to patients faster.
62 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
FREDERIC ORS In less than a year, Fred Ors has strengthened his team, created a RESPECTFUL. culture of collaboration, reinforced Meeting Need with and expanded external partnerships, increased funding, and positioned Strategy and Urgency Immunovaccine for a successful future. PASSIONATE. PASSIONATE.
Getting to know... Frederic Ors TITLE: CEO ince being named CEO in 2016, Fred- respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). COMPANY: Immunovaccine Inc. eric Ors has led Immunovaccine on a “We are in a position to positively impact EDUCATION: BSc, Biology; Master’s, S journey of extraordinary progress, taking these patients because of what our people do Management, Université d’ Angers it from an early-stage biotechnology company day in and day out,” he says. “We see the need, with novel science to a biopharma organization we harness the hope, and inspiration is the FAMILY: He is very grateful to his wife and kids, with three promising clinical candidates and inevitable result.” PharmaVOICEwho have been very supportive and accepting several more poised to enter human testing. For Mr. Ors, biotech is an amazing indus- of his extremely busy schedule; and his parents, He has crystalized the company’s strategic try, operating on the edge of innovation and who instilled strong values in him early on development plan and brought clear focus and risk. Investing the right resources at the right HOBBIES: Running marathons, hiking, skiing, prioritization to the pipeline. time in the right placeof is challenging, but playing guitar In that short time, the team has grown he sees the opportunity to do important and from 20 to 30-plus members, attracting new meaningful work. BUCKET LIST: Running the Boston marathon investors and more funds. Mr. Ors has also He leads by fostering a shared sense of SOCIAL MEDIA: been instrumental in establishing several cru- purpose and teamwork. He also views it as his cial partnerships with industry leaders, in- job to have the courage to do the right thing, cluding Merck, Incyte, Dana-Farber Cancer stick to the values of ingenuity and collabora- should not be afraid to make mistakes,” he Institute, Leidos, and UConn Health. tion on which Immunovaccine was founded, says, adding that having a strong team with He describes getting up in front of the and encourage his team to deviate from the good judgment ensures the right level of cau- board at the annual general meeting and recap- status quo. tion will be inherent in their work. ping, with a sense of shared pride, the transfor- “At Immunovaccine, we’ve seen what “For my part, I work hard to instill a mational successes of the past year. strong collaborations with academia can do to shared sense of purpose in my team, give Mr. Ors says he is acutely aware of the transform a scientific or technical concept into them an outlet to direct their knowledge and multitude of urgent, unmet medical needs a clinical program,” he says. “We’ve also ben- skills, and then to get out of the way, giving plaguing today’s treatment landscape. He be- efitted from biotech and pharma partnerships them the room to do what they do best,” Mr. lieves passionately in the potential of his team that can move candidates through the clinic Ors says. “I ask a lot from my team, and our and the company’s technology to help address and toward commercialization.” business partners, because we need to bring some of these needs through the development According to Mr. Ors, his role is to bring together a substantial set of skills and resources of novel therapies. together people with the complex set of skills to come through for our patients, our inves- He inspires his Complimentsteam by reminding them needed to create breakthroughs and to respect tors, and our people.” of the urgent need patients face, in some the insights they bring to the team. He re- He maintains that innovation thrives of our most vulnerable patient populations, spects and is grateful for the expertise of his where there are good people, open commu- including patients battling ovarian cancer or senior leadership team, the board of directors, nication, mutual respect, groundbreaking sci- new hires, veteran scientists, and consultants. ence, and strong business acumen. Dreaming “Innovation takes courage, and people big is important, and Mr. Ors would tell his
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by younger self that boldness has genius, power, and magic in it, and never to forget the power VALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES of engagement.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 63 COMMANDERS Getting to know... PETE MARCHESINI Peter Marchesini TITLE: Chief Operating Officer Thinking Big and Getting It Done COMPANY: Alamo Pharma Services EDUCATION: BS, Business and Finance, San hrough strong leadership, Pete CREATIVE. REAL. Diego State University Marchesini has helped build a com- FAMILY: Parents for showing him the T pany that is regarded as a true partner importance of faith and family; his dad for to its clients. As chief operating officer of the showing him how to lead with a personality; contract sales organization Alamo Pharma Ser- his sister and brothers for instilling a vices, Mr. Marchesini is building teams that embody trust, accountability, and spirit. competitive spirit in him at an early age; his When Alamo was founded in 2011, Mr. wife and children for keeping him focused on Marchesini along with Terry Herring (2017 what is really important in life. Red Jacket honoree) identified talented indi- HOBBIES: Golfing, attending live sporting viduals to join the organization, taking into events and concerts, traveling consideration each person’s strengths, var- ied professional backgrounds, what motivates BUCKET LIST: Travel to Australia, see more them, their intrinsic values, and their commit- of Europe, get a hole in one, golf at the top 10 ment to success. golf courses in the world, write a book or two As Alamo continues to develop and grow, with a national lecture tour Mr. Marchesini has fostered a company energy AWARDS/HONORS: CMR Institute Board that is based on brainstorming sessions where Of Directors, 2001; American Red Cross teams decide what the next steps to success will be. He consistently challenges colleagues Training Advisory Board, 2000; PharmaVOICE to look back and self-assess what the company 100, 2017 and 2009; Editorial Advisory Board, should continue to do, stop doing, and start Pharmaceutical Rep Magazine; Top 100 People doing. He also inspires his company leaders Pete Marchesini’s mindset is focused on meeting the in Learning and Development, Leadership to always look for the greatest return on their needs of customers’ businesses.PharmaVOICE Excellence Magazine, 2008; Training Magazine clients’ investment. Taking Alamo Pharma Services from an Top 125, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 idea to a successful company is a career high- Driven to collaborate by SOCIAL MEDIA: light for Mr. Marchesini. of He credits his time at inVentiv Health NECESSITY from 2002 to 2010 as a defining period, which istics that make success happen. First, he is required prioritization of initiatives while still available and responsive. Second, he is creative being a service organization. He and his col- AND FOCUS in developing solutions drawing on his exten- leagues were part of a monumental evolution sive salesforce experience as well as less obvious of a company, which was growing rapidly Customer service is paramount in Mr. ideas. And third, he is true to his word, always through acquisitions and organic growth. Marchesini’s view, and he says expectations responding and following up with clients and “I learned much of what I know about this are being set from outside the industry, driven colleagues as agreed. industry from a group of individuals that built by the speed that people are able to get the Those who have worked with him describe the company, and ultimately have moved on to answers they need in their personal life. him as a collaborative, positive, smart, enthu- find that entrepreneurial spirit again,” he says. Products and businesses such as Alexa, Siri, siastic, even-keeled leader who is outstanding His goal is to build Alamo to the right and Amazon have set the bar high in terms to work with and who does what he says he is size, ensuring it has the revenue it needs, the of what a timely response is in the mind of a going to do. profits desired, the customers he and his col- customer. Mr. Marchesini also is a thought leader and leagues love, and the people they want to work Clients say Mr. Marchesini has built a acts as a mentor for the next generation. with each day. company that acts as a partner in every way. He speaks at various industry confer- He would like to be remembered as some- He asks questions, listens, and always has sug- ences about salesforce effectiveness, product one who built up people and companies. gestions ready during calls and meetings. He launches, and developing commercialization Mr. MarchesiniCompliments inspires by helping indi- thinks big and delivers bigger. teams. viduals see their strengths and positioning As issues and challenges come up, Mr. Through his teaching role at Rutgers Uni- them to be successful. He works beside his Marchesini is always finding solutions and versity, Mr. Marchesini advises students on colleagues whenever possible. He is motivated connecting clients with experts throughout the how to get their first job in the industry or to by the need to exceed the expectations of his industry to help with a range of areas. Where move ahead in the industry. senior leadership and above all his customers. some may see a roadblock, Mr. Marchesini “The value of this time spent not only
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] And he is driven by the need for better answers envisions a set of concepts and solutions that grounds you in the basics but gives you an ap- to address challenges related to people, pro- succeed. preciation of the opportunities you were both cesses, time, and budget. Mr. Marchesini exhibits three character- given and/or you took,” he says.
64 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
CHRIS PERKIN Succeeding Through Optimism
ith a good plan and good peo- He views leadership as the ability to per- new ideas and solutions, Mr. Perkin motivates ple, there’s very little that can’t suade, encourage, and guide groups of people his team to innovate. Wbe overcome — it just takes time. to work together for a common goal, to over- He is grateful to have had a senior execu- This optimism is how Chris Perkin leads his come obstacles and to believe in the journey tive coach and mentor at each of the four com- company, Altasciences Clinical Research, and and destination. panies he has worked, and while the relation- its employees to success. Mr. Perkin has thoroughly enjoyed moving ships weren’t formalized, there was a mutual Mr. Perkin has enabled Altasciences to be- from a large company to become CEO of a recognition of similar values and work ethic. come one of the leading early-stage clinical re- smaller one, and attracting a team of talented As for returning the favor, Mr. Perkin sub- search organizations — all within seven years. managers. scribes to the philosophy that good managers In 2015, as the industry faced volatility, Mr. Perkin, a three-time PharmaVOICE and supervisors at all levels provide guidance, Mr. Perkin inspired his multi-site teams to 100 honoree, believes inspiration is a product time, understanding, and advice to their staff. think outside of the box and face challenges of culture plus management style, noting that “I am not sure that any manager is qual- head on. He recognized it was time to take an environment where information is shared, ified to credibly describe his or herself as a the integration of the company’s three sites — teamwork and cross-department collaboration mentor as I believe it is a title that can only be Montreal, Kansas, and Fargo — to the next are encouraged and valued, individual respon- bestowed by others,” he says. level and to accelerate harmonization of best sibility and accountability is freely given, sup- Employees describe Mr. Perkin as ap- clinical and operational practices. In January port is always available, and regular feedback proachable and a great listener, which encour- 2016, the company shared its new harmonized is provided, is one that leads to inspired per- ages them to speak openly and honestly to him look and messaging for its three sites with formance and the achievement of high goals. about anything. He makes them feel valued, the industry, allowing sponsors worldwide to Mr. Perkin instills trust in his staff, noting always checking in to ensure they are happy better view the sites as one unified company, that the fastest and most effective way to grow with their job and role. but with a flexible and customized approach. talent is to allow people to take on responsi- He sees his employees as his main source of Mr. Perkin has been in the industry for bilities and tasks that stretch PharmaVOICEtheir abilities. growth. He openly shares his vision on where more than 40 years and during this time, he With support rather than oversight, Mr. Per- the organization stands, and speaks transpar- has evolved from entry-level scientist to inspi- kin believes they will almost always exceed ently to all employees. He listens humbly, rational leader, guiding his teams to success expectations. without rushing or interrupting. through his exemplary motivational style. By creating an environmentof that removes the fear of failure and encourages and respects OPTIMISTIC. TRUSTING. Getting to know... Chris Perkin TITLE: CEO COMPANY: Altasciences Clinical Research EDUCATION: BSc (Hons) Applied Biology, Bradford University, 1975 FAMILY: Girlfriend of 20 years Driven to collaborate by HOBBIES: Brewing, knife making, and biking BUCKET LIST: Motorcycle and camp across CURIOSITY the western U.S.; build a hot rod; eat Jamon Ibérico ham in the Iberian Peninsula where the black pigs are raised on acorns AWARDS/HONORS: CRO Leadership Award, Life Science Leader, for the fourth consecutive Compliments year; Best Contract Research Organization – Niche, 12th Annual Scrip Awards, 2016; Best Full Service Early Stage Clinical Research Provider – Canada, Global Health & Pharma’s Biotechnology Awards, 2016; Outstanding
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Performance, 31st Annual Canada Awards for
Chris Perkin has created an environment that provides value for customers, respect for participants, returns for Excellence, 2015 shareholders, and growth for employees.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 65 COMMANDERS
LANCE SCOTT Abbott in 2006. The goal for completing the Shaping the Healthcare Evolution integration was 90 days. With the support of a talented and dedicated integration team, Mr. Scott and his colleagues completed the inte- TIRELESS. CANDID. new product category motivates Mr. Scott gration on schedule and well below expected daily. costs. “I think about the clients counting on us As a leader, Mr. Scott notes that although to help them succeed and the members of quantifiable measures of success are import- the Zephyr Health Team counting on me to ant — sales, margin, etc. — he also places ensure we are focused on the right priorities to emphasis on the success of individuals with ensure our success,” he says. which he works. The challenge for the industry, he says, is “I feel a significant responsibility to ensure to rapidly integrate technology solutions that that I play a meaningful role in partnering provide data-driven, actionable insights that with members of my team to ensure they grow can optimize go-to-market strategies. professionally and achieve their goals,” he With more pharma companies partnering says. “That may be a more lasting legacy than directly with patients to improve early disease achieving financial targets.” detection and management, patient programs Mr. Scott maintains that the way to get are growing and generating lots of data. the most out of a team is to be candid in terms Getting this data integrated into provider of the opportunities and challenges facing outreach, however, or even other internal sys- the business and the role each member of the tems is still a challenge. Mr. Scott understood team plays in contributing to the success of that by linking these data points, life-sciences the business. companies would gain a richer understanding The role of the leader is to provide a clear of the provider’s treatment approach and the vision of the goal for the organization and then type of patients being treated. create an environment where team members In 2016, Mr. Scott led thePharmaVOICE launch of Zephyr can apply their talent, experience, and insights Illuminate’s Referral Analytics to highlight to best achieve that goal, he says. the importance of the patient’s connection Mr. Scott understands the value of team- with the provider,of enabling life-sciences com- work. He has encouraged engineers to work Lance Scott’s spirit of innovation motivates his mercial teams to better understand who is side by side with other team members in de- colleagues at Zephyr Health. managing target patients on an ongoing basis, veloping new capabilities. as well as better understand referral dynamics Life requires balance, and Mr. Scott would fter a long career in the pharmaceutical and the relationship between the primary care advise his younger self to be diligent about industry, Lance Scott realized there and specialty physician. consistently balancing time and effort across A was another way to help life-sciences Across all areas of healthcare and life sci- professional and personal priorities. companies achieve their goals: developing ences, Mr. Scott believes opportunity lies in technology that helps companies make smart utilizing data-driven insights to improve deci- decisions using reliable data insights. sion making for commercial success. Today, instead of searching for that signal Before Zephyr, Mr. Scott spent 25 years at Driven to collaborate by within the data noise to help a brand, he is Abbott in various sales and marketing execu- now providing the technology that connects tive positions in both the pharmaceutical and BELIEF data and delivers dynamic insights for life-sci- medical device units and has experienced first- ences teams tasked with creating go-to market hand how the lack of cogent data can affect strategies for new brands. confidence in making business decisions. Getting to know... Because Mr. Scott spent most of his career Mr. Scott knew there had to be a better Lance C. Scott on the pharma and medical device side, he is way to leverage data and gain confidence in uniquely qualified to not only understand the what the information was telling him and in a TITLE: President and CEO frustrations many marketing and sales teams way that would allow his team to be responsive COMPANY: Zephyr Health Inc. have in definingCompliments a strategy based on data in- in real time. EDUCATION: BA, Biology, Baylor University; sights, but offer his new company perspective Over the course of his career, he has been MBA, Texas A&M University on what life-sciences teams are searching for. involved in the launch of several new products, FAMILY: Wife, Susan; daughters, Sophia and As CEO of Zephyr Health, he is focused including TriCor, which established a new Ava on applying his operational experience, lead- category of dyslipidemia therapy, and Xience ership, and expertise in influencing the evolu- V, an innovative drug-eluting stent (DES) that HOBBIES: Tennis, fitness, travel
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] tion of healthcare through further integration became the world’s leading DES. ASSOCIATIONS: HealthTech Capital of innovative technology. His most intense role was leading the in- SOCIAL MEDIA: Building Zephyr Health and defining a tegration of Kos Pharmaceutical acquired by
66 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
Compliments
of PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
FOCUSED. EMPATHETIC.
Getting to know... Al Altomari TITLE: Chairman and CEO COMPANY: Agile Therapeutics Inc. EDUCATION: BS, Drexel University; MBA, AL ALTOMARI Rider University FAMILY: Wife, Chris; children, Alison and Claire; The Caring Warrior son-in-law Jay; nephew, Antonio HOBBIES: Traveling, sports s Chairman, President, and CEO Al Al- BUCKET LIST: Too many places still to see tomari is taking Agile Therapeutics to AWARDS/HONORS: Hall of Fame Father A great heights and moving it closer to Judge High School, 2017; Hall of Fame, Drexel the goal of being a leading women’s healthcare 100, 2017; CEO of the Year, Finance Magazine, company. After a distinguished career at Johnson 2016; Father of the Year, American Diabetes & Johnson, Mr. Altomari served as CEO of Association, 2015; CEO of the Year, New Jersey Barrier Therapeutics, where he began blazing Technology Council, 2014; PharmaVOICE 100, his own trail in pharmaceuticals, launching, 2007, 2017 developing, and commercializing innovative ASSOCIATIONS: TASK Trenton Area Soup women’s healthcare and dermatology prod- Al Altomari is an exemplary leader, who always seeks to Kitchen (Vice Chair); Advisory Board, Drexel ucts. PharmaVOICEdo the right thing and is selfless in his contributions both Sometimes, rather than creating entirely University in business and on a personal level. new entities, entrepreneurial enterprises in- SOCIAL MEDIA: novate by leapfrogging old technology, and TWEET AT: @alaltomari Council, is vice chair of the LeBow College sometimes, by leaping ahead of their past of Dean’s Advisory Board, and serves on the ad- endeavors. Agile rallied its capital and re- visory board of the Charles D. Close School of sources around developing products in the Entrepreneurship. almost-abandoned field of women’s health Driven to collaborate by He has been instrumental in supporting related to contraception, starting with a low- the advancement of educational programs, er-dose, more convenient alternative to the PATIENTS including the MBA internship program at only existing birth-control patch on the mar- Drexel’s LeBow College of Business. As a re- ket. Mr. Altomari takes the idea of making a sult of his tireless commitment, Mr. Altomari Agile’s initial NDA for its lead product difference in people’s lives seriously, and says was inducted into the Drexel 100, the Uni- caused the FDA to issue a complete re- he is driven to innovate by a combination of versity’s Alumni Hall of Fame in May 2017. sponse letter that sent the company back to patients and competition. He is also being inducted to the Father Judge the drawing board in late-stage development. He encourages others to think outside of High School Hall of Fame for his efforts and Then-chairman Mr. Altomari took over the the box and provides the guidance and support contributions in the support of achieving ac- CEO role and assembled new management, necessary for his teams to reach new levels. ademic excellence and providing educational organized a confirmatory Phase III trial of the Colleagues say he has the rare ability to listen opportunities to deserving children. company’s new contraceptive patch, and raised to various opinions and always welcomes a In 2016, he was named Father of the Year much needed-capital by taking the company thought different from his own. by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) public in 2014. Mr. Altomari says he would like to be re- for his continued support, efforts, and ongo- Because of his inspired leadership and membered for two things: being resilient and ing commitment to the association. Having motivating actions,Compliments the company received a being a mentor. Mentoring, he says, keeps him lost his mother to diabetes, Mr. Altomari has second chance. young. He is a true champion of supporting been committed to the efforts of the ADA and An exemplary leader, Mr. Altomari always and developing others for success whether it’s finding a cure for diabetes. His caring extends seeks to do the right thing and is selfless in internal or external constituents, with no ex- into the community, and he also serves on his contributions to both the business and his pectation or desire for personal recognition and the board of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen employees. He inspires with passion, energy, is a strong advocate of growing opportunities (TASK).
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] and caring. He fosters innovation by letting for women in industry leadership positions. This is Mr. Altomari’s second recognition people make mistakes and by laughing at his Active with Drexel University, Mr. Al- as a PharmaVOICE 100, having been named own blunders. tomari serves on the President’s Leadership to the list in 2007.
68 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
DR. KEITH BRADLEY Teach and They Will Come
NARAP. and keep the motivation for its mission strong. or the past 23 years, Keith Bradley, It’s been a lot of work to develop NARAP He says it’s important to get across the im- M.D., has been working to change into an organization that can have a positive portance of face-to-face interactions, realizing F healthcare by bringing together clini- impact on healthcare, and it required sound that medicine is personal, not digital. cal research, patients, emergency departments financial backing to fulfill its potential. Dr. Bradley seeks to mentor research as- across the country, and pre-med students. As an expanding consortium of hospitals, sociates, particularly chief research associates, In 1994, while working as an emergency universities, doctors, and pre-health profes- on their paths to career discernment, qualifica- room physician, Dr. Bradley brought pre- sional students, the all-volunteer NARAP tion, and personal development. health professional students from local col- model has successfully demonstrated it can “As the Latin root for doctor is docere, to leges and universities to Lincoln Hospital in positively impact health concerns with large- teach, they are the multiplier effect I hope the South Bronx. Under his guidance, these scale studies in smoking, breast cancer, cervi- to have far into the future of healthcare,” he students, called research associates (RAs) en- cal cancer, prostate cancer, domestic violence, says. gaged directly with patients and their families and across a broad range of clinical issues in to conduct clinical research in the emergency emergency medicine. department. “Our consortium of affiliate hospitals con- After years of testing and refining the tinually expands and since 2009, 140,000 concept, in 2009 Dr. Bradley founded the emergency department patients and visitors Driven to collaborate by National Alliance of Research Associates Pro- have participated in clinical researchPharmaVOICE studies grams (NARAP), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) na- and received invaluable healthcare screening SYNERGISTIC tional organization. Since then, large-scale and prevention information,” Dr. Bradley says. affordable healthcare research is now possi- The need for an organizationof like NARAP, ble through the coordination, standardized which establishes a research model, infrastruc- POWER training, and rigorous processes created by ture, and proof-of-concept for health profes- sionals, is great. In fact, at that first orientation session at Lincoln Getting to know... Medical and Mental Health Center Keith Bradley, M.D. in the South Bronx, Dr. Bradley expected 10 students to show up, TITLE: Founder, CEO, Chief Medical Officer HOPEFUL. instead, 75 did. And, Dr. Bradley COMPANY: National Alliance of Research took them all on. Associates Programs (NARAP) His goal is to continue the suc- EDUCATION: BS, University of Notre Dame; cess of NARAP as a national or- MD, Tulane University School of Medicine ganization. More than 10,000 stu- dents have volunteered over the past FAMILY: Wife, five children, and five TENACIOUS. TENACIOUS. 23 years in the NARAP Research grandchildren Associates Program learning the HOBBIES: Woodworking fundamentals of interacting with BUCKET LIST: The continued success of patients as well as the disciplines of NARAP clinical research. ASSOCIATIONS: American College of Dr. Bradley measures success Complimentsin increments, by the impact of Emergency Physicians (ACEP); Society for NARAP’s clinical research, by Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM); the primary healthcare screening National Association of Advisors for the Health facilitated, and by the success of Professions (NAAHP); North East Association thousands of students as research of Advisors for the Health Professions associates. (NEAAHP) (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Dr. Keith Bradley has demonstrated leadership, creativity, and Working together with a strong achievement in clinical research data collection and the group of visionary people is what SOCIAL MEDIA: educational development of pre-health professional students. enables NARAP to jump hurdles
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 69 COMMANDERS
AUTHENTIC. CURIOUS.
JIM WOODLAND Leading Through Growth
im Woodland receives high praise from his colleagues noting an impressive list Driven to collaborate by of attributes, and those are almost as Jimpressive as one that isn’t in his job CURIOSITY description: a knack for listening. Apparently, everything Mr. Woodland, he has provided to the team at CMI has cata- chief operating officer, at CMI/Compas does, pulted the agency to the top of the ranks, his he does well, including growing CMI/Compas team members say. PharmaVOICE to a thriving business, and being named to the Mr. Woodland possesses excellent business Philadelphia Top 40 Under 40. acumen, and cares deeply for his employees. In 2016, CMI/Compas grew more than Although CMI has grown exponentially Jim Woodland is as passionate about delivering 30% in revenue, 12% in staff, and the plan- and is now partof of WPP, Mr. Woodland great results for clients as he is about delivering a great experience for his employees. ning arm, CMI, was acquired by WPP. The ensures the company remains true to its fam- company publicly took on accountability for ily-first roots. He has a clear vision and en- the success of its clients, to the tune of several gaging demeanor that inspires both staff and Getting to know... billion dollars in client revenue growth. Mr. clients. In the office, he is the “go-to” guy. As a Woodland’s strong leadership in strategic beacon of knowledge and experience, all levels James P. Woodland thinking and in pushing pharmaceutical mar- of staff turn to him for guidance, inspiration, TITLE: Chief Operating Officer keting beyond traditional boundaries are keys and at times even an ear. “Let’s see what Jim COMPANY: CMI/Compas to the company’s success. Externally, he fo- thinks,” is often heard at CMI/Compas. cuses all his effort to the community of clients. Mr. Woodland also inspires those around EDUCATION: BS, Accounting & Finance, St. He has pushed the organization to leverage the him by encouraging and challenging staff to Joseph’s University; MBA, Corporate Finance & company’s assets of AdMission, Adapt focused think differently. In times of change, he is al- Entrepreneurship, New York University Media Buying, Drive, Advanced Analytics, ways a constant. He has overseen adding three FAMILY: Wife, Laura, and two children, and ByDoctor platforms to increase clients’ office locations in under four years. Samantha and Tyler, for being so supportive ROI each year.. Mr. Woodland would like to be remem- of his career; parents for showing him what it Mr. Woodland also worked to re-define bered in the industry not as a singular person the agency-client relationship by introducing but through the organizations he contributes takes to start and grow a business and create a partnership plan for clients that allowed the to and what they collectively achieve and opportunities for others media agency to take a more strategic role and represent. HOBBIES: Golf, basketball be accountable forCompliments the business growth of cli- “I want our staff to feel they worked at the BUCKET LIST: Drive cross-country; play every ents, including introducing technologies built best possible place to advance their careers in golf course on the top 100 list; learn to play around how clients do business today, better the industry,” he says. “I want our clients to the saxophone engagement of physicians and consumers, know they hired the best partner to grow their harnessing data for marketing, and completely business.” AWARDS/HONORS: Philadelphia Business changing the way media planning is done. Mr. Woodland can be seen on just about Journal Forty Under 40
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Colleagues call him a terrific leader who is any day taking time just listening — to his ASSOCIATIONS: Life Science Angel Network smart, collaborative, insightful, and genuinely colleagues, to clients, to supplier partners — a SOCIAL MEDIA: passionate about the business. The direction true rarity in any business setting today.
70 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
Compliments
of PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
COMPASSIONATE. LEADER.
JUDY CAPANO Making Good Things Happen
Throughout the many phases of her life and career, Ms. Capano has been success- Getting to know... ful at making good things happen, turning Judy Capano challenges into opportunities, and generating positive results. TITLE: Managing Partner, Chief Operating Officer In the past 12 months, Calcium has demon- COMPANY: Calcium USA LLC strated significant growth, fueled in large part EDUCATION: BS, Marketing/Management, Siena by her strategic stewardship of a number of College Judy Capano’s reputation for business success key accounts. In all cases, she has ensured that FAMILY: Children, who are a constant reminder of makes her a highly regarded leader in the Calcium’s clients appreciate that the company what is important in life; husband, her life partner; healthcare marketing communications community. sees itself as less of an agency and more of a group of individuals who care deeply about parents, who made her who she is udy Capano’s potential was apparent at their brands. Her tireless energy in doing the HOBBIES: Yoga, running, weight training, the age of 9. Too young to earn money absolute best for clients is fundamental to the cheering son’s basketball games, watching her Jfrom a paper route, instead she devised company’s culture, actions, and success. youngest play tennis, homework helper, master a plan to collect the used papers in the On both a personal andPharmaVOICE professional level, scheduler, and spending time with family neighborhood and recycle them for cash. At $1 Ms. Capano is a thoughtful person: she cares for every hundred pounds of paper, she made for those in the work place with much of the BUCKET LIST: Write a book, teach a class, travel $84 that year. same focus, energy,of and passion that she brings AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100, 2009 Similarly, in her first industry job as a sales to her family life. She is very active in various and 2017; PM360 Elite award; Crains 40 under It’s a rep at Marion Merrell Dow, colleagues report educational and philanthropic initiatives, serv- 40, 1998; President’s Club Top Sales Awards, that she applied her business acumen and her ing on the boards of Siena College; the Promise Marion Merrell Dow,1989 and 1990; Managers systematic approach to strategy, and her com- Project, which provides support to children brand moo Performance Awards, 1988, 1989, 1990; Siena mitment to supporting her colleagues, which with learning disabilities; and the Epiphany Down on the pharm, resulted in her receiving the President’s Club Community Nursery School. College President’s Award for Service to the there are lots of bright, Top Sales award two years in a row. In all of her endeavors, Ms. Capano is Community, 2012; Stack Center Entrepreneur of day new growth opportunities From there, she moved to the agency driven to seek the most productive path the Year Award, 2016 for your brand. And Calcium can help world, starting her journey at Harrison & Star, forward and to deliver the most positive out- ASSOCIATIONS: Siena College Board of Trustees, you nourish those opportunities with where she was director of client services. Her comes. She is by nature highly collaborative, Epiphany Community Nursery School Board, a unique service approach that maximizes next career step was to the McCann healthcare but she can also assert a strong independence Promise Project Board strategic, creative, and digital excellence network, where she led the global operations when the situation warrants it. She is a leader without big agency bureaucracy. It’s an SOCIAL MEDIA: group and built the McCann global network who speaks with authority and credibility, and approach that effi ciently delivers more to more than 50 offices. Ms. Capano then whose voice is heeded by all. of what you actually need from an agency: moved to the position of managing partner, One trait that also stands out is her clarity insights, ideas, and innovation. Which chief strategy officer, at Wishbone, where of thought and action. In this complicated, are the ingredients that provide brilliant she remained until its acquisition by Rosetta. hyperactive age, coherence is something that’s its own complexity and subjectivity, her voice nourishment for your brand. So let’s build Today, she is co-founder, managing partner, often in short supply. There is a certain ten- is unabashedly clear and carries an eloquence something strong together. Contact and chief operating officer, at Calcium. Her dency to equate complexity with sophistica- that is born out of a deep appreciation for work remains focusedCompliments on the creation and nur- tion and intelligence, as if the right answers to concreteness, practicality, and the attainment [email protected] turing of healthcare brands and businesses. She important questions need to be, on some level, of real results. or 917-612-3290. is also keenly interested on generating a pos- difficult to grasp. “My motto is: seek first to understand then itive impact on both individuals and society. When Ms. Capano is leading a group be understood,” she says. “This has served me discussion, there is never a fog of vagueness very well in business because by taking a mo- pervading the room; rather, colleagues say ment to ask questions and learn the other per-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by insights, ideas, and directives are mar- son’s position helps you gain insight into how shaled crisply and effectively. In an to better manage the situation. It also comes in EMPOWERMENT industry that can get bogged down in pretty handy in parenthood.” CalciumUSA.com
72 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE
8044_PharmaVoice_ALLSOURCE.indd 5 4/17/17 3:31 PM PharmaVOICE of It’s a brand moo Down on the pharm, there are lots of bright, day new growth opportunities for your brand. And Calcium can help you nourish those opportunities with a unique service approach that maximizes strategic, creative, and digital excellence without big agency bureaucracy. It’s an approach that effi ciently delivers more of what you actually need from an agency: insights, ideas, and innovation. Which are the ingredients that provide brilliant nourishment for your brand. So let’s build something strong together. Contact Compliments [email protected] or 917-612-3290. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
CalciumUSA.com
8044_PharmaVoice_ALLSOURCE.indd 5 4/17/17 3:31 PM COMMANDERS
Getting to know... Greg Koski, M.D., Ph.D. DR. GREG KOSKI TITLE: President, CEO, Co-founder COMPANY: ACRES (Alliance for Clinical Research Transforming the Clinical Trial System Excellence and Safety) EDUCATION: AB, MD, and PhD, Harvard promoted a culture of conscience and commit- VISIONARY. PASSIONATE. University ment in human subjects research — doing the FAMILY: His loving and fiercely independent wife, right thing because it is the right thing to do,” Dr. Koski says. Linda Ann Powers; children, Jessica, Hannah, and Dr. Koski also led the successful push for Jared who are making the world a better place; an independent accrediting body for human mother and father who taught him that any job research protection programs. Now as presi- worth doing is worth doing right and that one dent, CEO, and co-founder of ACRES, he is should always aim high continuing to transform clinical research and development enterprise to become a safer, HOBBIES: Sailing, cooking, playing guitar and more efficient, and more effective system up singing, hiking, and cycling and down the line. BUCKET LIST: Cruise the world aboard his Under Dr. Koski’s leadership ACRES, beloved Veneeni, a Lord Nelson 41 bluewater the Alliance for Clinical Research Excellence sailing vessel, with friends and family; to get good and Safety, is a global, nonprofit public-inter- Dr. Greg Koski is tireless in his efforts to improve the enough with the guitar to do a Thursday night est, system-focused multi-sector collaborative shaping the dialogue for the future of the quality of clinical research and drug development performance at King Eider’s Pub in Damariscotta, industry, stressing the need for greater collab- internationally and to facilitate clinical research Maine oration and developing and applying systems worldwide. AWARDS/HONORS: Superior Service Award approaches to provide the connectivity and from the Department of Health and Human interoperability needed to transform the clini- that benefits all of the stakeholders and help Services; Special Recognition Award from Public cal research endeavor on an international level. make the world a better place.” Dr. Koski has a vision of implementing His work with ACRES has inspired re- Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R); global standards in clinicalPharmaVOICE research. This searchers all over the globe to set standards for Lifetime Membership Awards from the Association would be translated into an increase in quality researchers and education for all involved in of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and in research worldwide, more accurate data, and drug development. the Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians and faster results for theof pharmaceutical industry. Those who know Dr. Koski says he is Investigators (APPI); Special Recognition from Through his leadership, ACRES has es- a man who is passionate about his current the Center for Information and Study of Clinical tablished a model for site accreditation and venture, and he is an inspiring, thoughtful, a global IT platform — ACRES Blue Cloud, and compassionate individual who recognizes Research Participation (CISCRP); Honorary Doctor which facilitates international site set up as that the discovery, learning, and sharing of of Science degree from Albany Medical College well as novel initiatives in patient engage- knowledge are all critical for the advancement ASSOCIATIONS: Association of Clinical Research ment, quality management, systems science, of society. Professionals; Academy of Physicians in Clinical and the supply chain. He says he can’t help but share his excite- Research; SAFE Biopharma Association Board of “The opportunity to lead a global ment about the work being done at ACRES, multi-stakeholder effort to transformatively and this rubs off on the people he talks with Trustees; BlueCloud Global Advisory Board; Seven change the global ecosystem for clinical in- about systems thinking. Seas Cruising Association; Bluewater Sailing Club; novation through the application of systems “I encourage others to get involved, to U.S. Sailing thinking is not a minor undertaking, but accept the challenge of doing something really SOCIAL MEDIA: with support from hundreds of committed big and bold that will be a real game changer friends, colleagues, and organizations around and help people,” he says. “And when they the world, we are moving forward, and the get excited too, I recognize it and share their ew others have contributed more to the benefits to everyone, including patients, will excitement. positive reform and professionalization be enormous,” he says. “Having enjoyed a “I hope that I may be remembered as F of clinical research globally than Greg wonderful career that has encompassed essen- someone who was willing to undertake the Koski, M.D., Ph.D. tially every aspect of medicine, science, ethics, challenge of ensuring all people have access In 1999, afterCompliments the death of Jesse Gelsinger regulatory science, information technology, to safe, effective, dependable, and affordable in the highly publicized gene-transfer study quality management, and patient care, my medical treatment, medicines, and devices at the University of Pennsylvania, the interna- goal is to see it all come together in the form become a reality by sharing that vision and tionally recognized leader in clinical research of a comprehensive, integrated global system bringing together a group of like-minded was recruited by then Secretary of Health and people and organizations to make it happen,” Human Services, Donna Shalala, to establish a he concludes.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] new Office for Human Research Protections. Driven to collaborate by “This was an opportunity that forever changed my life and surely many others as we ACCOMPLISHING GOOD
74 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
INSPIRING. DETERMINED.
Since taking the helm of Aqua Pharmaceuticals, Ted White has led the company to great results while maintaining a personal touch with his teams.
Driven to collaborate by THE NEED TO SUCCEED
Getting to know... Ted White TITLE: President and General Manager COMPANY: Aqua Pharmaceuticals, an Almirall Company EDUCATION: BS, Villanova University, 1988; PharmaVOICE MBA, St. Joseph’s University, 1994 TED WHITE FAMILY: His father who has always modeled the way for him; his mom who has instilled Consistentof Achiever caring and humility in him HOBBIES: Golfing, college football and “It is not difficult to win an award here and representatives and managers to achieve dif- basketball, going to the beach there; what’s difficult is achieving success year ferent levels within their current roles at the BUCKET LIST: Play Augusta National; save after year at a high level,” he says. company. And Mr. White believes spending time in The second program, the Aqua Leadership more lives with National Bone Marrow the field to better understand the needs of cus- Academy is open to all employees. Those Foundation tomers and patients is the path to innovation accepted into the program are given different AWARDS/HONORS: Corporate Culture and sustainable success. assignments, meetings, collaborations, and Award for Customer Affinity, Almirall, 2015; He is committed to continuing the compa- other monthly tasks to prepare them to take on PharmaVOICE 100, 2010, 2017; Fastest ny’s growth and expanding into other areas of more of a leadership role within the company. dermatology outside of prescription products. Seeking to model the way for others, Mr. Growing Company in Philadelphia Business Colleagues say he has a knack for address- White believes it’s important to learn what Journal ing the challenges of running a business with drives others and to create a “we” mentality SOCIAL MEDIA: a personal touch, which has allowed him to since developing solutions to challenges is attract and retain top-flight individuals to done by getting people to work together. continue the organization’s upward trajectory. Mr. White always looks at the business ince taking the helm of Aqua Pharma- He is focused on advancing future leaders decisions he makes through the eyes of a sales ceuticals five years ago, Ted White has at the company, noting developing leaders representative. He has never lost sight of what S led the companyCompliments to double-digit growth allows Aqua to become a better, more produc- it’s like to carry a bag. every year. During that same period, Aqua has tive, and more profitable organization. He would like to be remembered as some- acquired and launched four new products and He has a knack for identifying great people one who was results-oriented, consistent, fair, manufactured its first product. And the sales and the commitment, tenacity, and loyalty to and left a positive impact on employees’ lives. team has grown from 40 representatives to build great relationships. His father taught him from an early age more than 150. In his time at Aqua, two significant pro- that hard work is the only way to achieve
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] When asked to comment on the company’s grams have been established within the com- results, or as he puts it: “unless you fill the growth, Mr. White says it’s consistency that pany that provide opportunities for advance- bucket up with sweat you will never achieve matters. ment. The first, Progressions, allows for both true success.”
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 75 COMMANDERS
DR. SY PRETORIUS Creating New Paths in Drug Development
ENGAGING. DETAIL-ORIENTED. opment journey. One example of his leader- Getting to know... ship was a turnaround of Parexel’s early-phase Sy Pretorius, MBChB business several years ago. At the time, the early-phase business was in an environment of TITLE: Senior VP and Chief Scientific Officer chronic overcapacity in the industry, creating COMPANY: Parexel International Corp. substantial profitability challenges. Dr. Pre- EDUCATION: MBChB, University of the torius and his team developed and executed a Free State, South Africa; MMedSc, Clinical successful turnaround that has provided sub- stantial benefit to the company. Pharmacology, University of the Free State, Dr. Pretorius also led a team responsible South Africa; MBA, North-West University; for the creation of Parexel’s Quantitative Clin- MS, Management of Drug Development, ical Development Services, which combines University of Southern California; FFPM (Hon) clinical pharmacology modeling and simula- – Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical tion with clinical pharmacokinetics/pharma- Medicine codynamics and pharmacometrics. This service offers valuable drug development insights FAMILY: Wife, Surene; two sons, Christiaan and better trial design with the potential to Dr. Sy Pretorius is a pioneer in the industry with his and Daniel; parents and siblingsPharmaVOICEreduce the time and cost of bringing drugs to efforts to create a robust path between first in- HOBBIES: Running the market. Additionally and with the help human and proof-of-concept studies. BUCKET LIST: His current role is to assist of colleagues, he created Parexel’s Genomic clients in getting their drugs developed and Medicine Services, which helps clients inte- y Pretorius’ deep scientific expertise, in- of grate genomic research into their global drug approved; one day, his dream is to develop clusive leadership style, and passion and development programs and meets a growing S commitment to improving the lives of and bring his own drug to market industry need. patients inspire all who work with him. SOCIAL MEDIA: He is committed to innovation, and chairs What has made Dr. Pretorius so successful a companywide Innovation Forum, which aims in his role as senior VP and chief scientific to funnel and nurture new ideas. Dr. Pretorius’ officer at Parexel International is his drive to Colleagues describe Dr. Pretorius as warm, passion for and commitment to bringing new innovate by using science and data to make humble, caring, with an engaging personality. medicines to patients in need is evident. better decisions in planning and conducting He is driven to innovate and he leads by “Patients’ lives are at stake,” he says. “Pay- clinical research. example, which inspires others to think differ- ing attention to details is critically important, He collaborates closely with biopharma- ently. His passion translates to employees and and can often be the difference between life ceutical and medical device clients in design- clients, and positively impacts everyone who and death for a patient, or success and failure ing and optimizing drug/device development works with him. for a new drug. My area of work is essentially strategies and plans, simplifying their journey According to colleagues Dr. Pretorius’ about people and patients.” between science and new treatments. approachable demeanor makes a significant Dr. Pretorius says he would like to be He has championed the industry’s shift difference to those who look to him for guid- viewed as a knowledgeable and creative drug toward using data, technology, and process to ance. He approaches things from different developer who played a role in bringing new optimize clinical trials. By using an analytical angles and helps people to think in novel ways. therapies to patients and as a leader who in- approach, and by applying his vast expertise In addition, he has an incredible and unique spired people and made a difference in their and experience,Compliments Dr. Pretorius breaks down grasp of both science and of business. lives. His colleagues would say he has already barriers to conducting smarter planning and These qualities have allowed Dr. Pretorius achieved that goal. They look to him for guid- creating more effective and efficient optimized to help the biopharmaceutical services pro- ance, strategy, and his absility to link science, clinical trials. vider become a true partner in the drug devel- clinical practice, and business together.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by REDUCING DRUG DEVELOPMENT COSTS
76 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE HEALTHCARE NETWORK OF THE YEAR HEALTHCARE AGENCY OF THE YEAR
1 GRAND PRIX FOR GOOD • 1 INNOVATION LION
2 GLASS LIONS • 7 GOLD • 10 SILVER • 13 BRONZE UNPRECEDENTED RESULTS PharmaVOICE of
2017 HEALTHCARECompliments NETWORK OF THE YEAR 2017 HEALTHCARE AGENCY OF THE YEAR (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
We’re thrilled by all our health winners at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Healthcare is truly making history. COMMANDERS
Success for Ms. Berg can be measured in meeting goals. She is grateful to the people she NANCY BERG has around her — her staff and her board of directors. She trusts those she works with to do A Strategic Transformer what is right, and she helps them to realize the vision and understand their own contribution to the association’s mission. rom the moment Nancy Berg joined employees become CEOs, leading successful Ms. Berg is admired for her transparency, the International Society for Pharma- turnarounds, and now, inspiring ISPOR to candor, and for being a servant-leader. F coeconomics and Outcomes Research evolve and change. She continues to set those “Innovation is realizing what we can’t even (ISPOR), she set her sights on transforming goals for herself: to be a role model, build a imagine is possible,” she says. “Innovation the organization to become the leading edu- world-class, cohesive team, and make a real requires openness, feedback, energy, and a cational and scientific resource for health eco- difference in the association. willingness to take risks.” nomics and outcomes research (HEOR). Colleagues say she has made a significant Ms. Berg has a personal commitment to the She recognizes the importance of ISPOR’s impact in the workplace, empowering her mission of promoting HEOR excellence. Her mission to advance HEOR excellence toward staff to think, explore, analyze, and implement husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s the goal of improving decision-making for against the vision she has so successfully put lymphoma. His successful recovery made Ms. health globally. forward. She is committed to a business culture Berg acutely aware of the critical role health- Ms. Berg rapidly began working with founded on open, honest communications, and care research plays in helping patients. ISPOR’s board of directors to implement the inclusion of multiple perspectives in deci- Outside of ISPOR, Ms. Berg provides pro a new strategic plan for the society. To sion-making processes. As a leader, Ms. Berg bono strategic planning and branding con- date, she has made great progress in ex- is confident and thoughtful, fair-minded and sultation support to help transform nonprofit ecuting this plan and has actively begun business-oriented, relaxed and friendly. organizations and churches. She has served involving more healthcare stakeholders in Through Ms. Berg’s leadership, there are on the board of National Science Founda- ISPOR’s mission and in elevating the society, more training and professional development tion-sponsored educational coalitions, as well which now has more than 20,000 individual opportunities for all staff members as well as a as other boards and committees. She also sup- and chapter members. tuition reimbursement program. ports the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Associ- Under Ms. Berg’s guidance and expertise, Mentoring matters to Ms. Berg, who coun- ation by bringing ISPOR in as a new corporate ISPOR has reached many milestones: edu- sels people across several industries. partner. cational offerings were expanded to include “I learn from them every time we meet,” essential in-person trainings; the ISPOR New she says. “I really appreciatePharmaVOICE having mentee Professionals Network was launched to de- relationships outside of the pharma industry; Getting to know... velop future HEOR leaders; ISPOR Career this gives me a different perspective and helps Nancy S. Berg Center, specializing in HEOR talent, was me continue to learn.” redesigned and relaunched; and a new initia- of TITLE: CEO and Executive Director tive for U.S. value assessment frameworks was DECISIVE. COLLABORATIVE. COMPANY: ISPOR (International Society for kicked off. In addition, the society’s peer-re- Pharmacoeconomics Outcomes Research) viewed journal, Value in Health Regional EDUCATION: BA, University of Michigan Issues, was selected for inclusion in Med- FAMILY: Parents, grandparents, siblings, and her line/PubMed. husband who puts up with travel, stress, and lots At every point, Ms. Berg recognizes ISPOR’s members as the life of the or- of time away from home ganization and it is through them that HOBBIES: History, visiting Charleston, S.C., beach ISPOR is able to have an influential voice time, spending time with family in healthcare decisions today. BUCKET LIST: Doing a century cycling event To better engage member- AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100, 2016, ship at all levels, she has driven a more inter-connected approach to 2017; PM360 Elite 100 award for transformational ISPOR’s leadership councils and leadership, 2016; Silver Stevie award for women in scientific groups, as well as an business, 2016; Top 100 Most Influential Women overarching assessment of how its by Crain’s Detroit Business, 2004; Michigan’s Top major conferences are structured 50 Women by Corp Magazine, 2004; Women of and managed. Achievement Award, Business & Industry by the She has achievedCompliments all this and more while respectfully honoring YWCA of Western Wayne County, MI; 40 Under 40 the history and past success of the by Crain’s Detroit Business association. ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare Businesswomen’s There have been many high- Association lights in Ms. Berg’s career, includ- Nancy Berg has transformed ISPOR’s global SOCIAL MEDIA: (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] ing mentoring others and watch- presence and influence at the same time making TWEET AT: @nbergberg ing them achieve more than they a lasting impression on those who work for and imagined they could, seeing former with her. BETTER OUTCOMES Driven by to collaborate
78 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
MARK GINESTRO
ADAPTABLE. FOCUSED. The Right Advice Getting to know... Mark William Ginestro topic and supporting companies in their efforts TITLE: Principal to bring the first biosimilars to market. COMPANY: KPMG LLP Mr. Ginestro has been a leader in helping EDUCATION: BEng, Electrical and companies improve their innovation processes, Electronics Engineering, University of including streamlining translational medicine techniques, seeking root cause issues for inef- Michigan ficiencies, and, ultimately, reducing product FAMILY: His wife, Danielle, who is his development time to market. He has also backbone and supports him in every aspect advised early-stage companies in building out of his life; two daughters, who motivate their first commercial launch strategy, which him to help build a better tomorrow; father, requires thoughtful, cross-functional plan- who taught him the value of hard work and ning to determine best sequence of geography launches and the organizational capabilities a strong sense of justice; mother, who has needed at each point. passed away, for giving him confidence Mr. Ginestro says working as an advisor to HOBBIES: Skiing, jogging, reading, spending multiple companies globally requires adapt- Mark Ginestro is heralded for helping time with family PharmaVOICEability to culture and norms, balanced by a companies improve their innovation strong sense of self and point of view to be processes. AWARDS/HONORS: Breath of Life Award, effective in those environments. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2012 Time is precious, Mr. Ginestro says, and ith a commitment to driving SOCIAL MEDIA: of so he ensures he stays focused on the most meaningful innovation that im- important task, regularly assessing and reas- Wproves the lives of patients, Mark sessing goals and priorities. Ginestro has become a trusted advisor to He inspires his colleagues through honest life-sciences companies around the world. Driven to collaborate by and constructive feedback, and when coaching “Our industry needs to remember who others he tries to take himself out of the role we’re working to help: patients,” Mr. Ginestro PATIENTS of supervisor and colleague to provide career says. “With a greater patient focus, I’d like to advice. see all stakeholders get together and figure out States, putting millions of lives at risk. The “This honesty to inspire also applies to a path to collaborate that is beneficial to all.” shortage was caused by a manufacturing facil- being transparent with people in difficult sit- As an advisor, Mr. Ginestro says his role is ity that was shut down due to various quality uations,” he says. “People appreciate knowing to bring an outside perspective to problems a issues. Over a roughly a six-month period, Mr. what the real story is or being told certain group has either been trying to solve or would Ginestro led a team that supported the com- information can’t be shared.” like to solve. pany to methodically address the issues and He believes that innovation must be set “Being an outsider, I am able to cut across bring the facility back online. from the top and leaders must stress that it’s political structures and reporting lines and be He also spent two years living and working okay to fail. honest about what I see in a situation and share in India where he led the opening of a consult- “Living in San Francisco, I often get asked, how other organizations have solved a similar ing office to serve clients in that market. particularly from those outside of the U.S., problem,” he says. “My role is also to bring More recently, Mr. Ginestro has been ad- why Silicon Valley is so innovative,” he says. “I people together whenCompliments there are differing views vising life-sciences companies on commercial always tell them that it’s because failure is not and competing incentives.” strategies, product launches, and product de- only accepted, it’s often celebrated.” Early in his career, he focused on life-sci- velopment process improvement. His counsel In addition, Mr. Ginestro is on the board of ences operations, putting him at the center has helped companies make objective choices directors of the California Life Sciences Associ- of some of the most urgent manufacturing, between investment and portfolio options, ation, and has been a key advocate for policies quality, and regulatory challenges. Perhaps allowing for increased focus and greater like- that develop a community of life-sciences in-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] the most notable example of his contributions lihood of success. He has also been an adviser novators. For the past 10 years, he has served involved a situation where there was a devas- to many companies on the development of the on the board of directors of the Cystic Fibrosis tating shortage of flu vaccine in the United biosimilars market, writing extensively on the Foundation of Northern California.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 79 COMMANDERS
DR. MICHAEL MURPHY A Visionary Leader and Mentor
nown for his dedication and passion and teaching obligations have helped to de- functional groups , incorporating the perspec- to drive innovation, Michael Mur- fine me professionally, provided innumerable tive of multiple stakeholders, to which every K phy, M.D., Ph.D., is a true visionary insights regarding cutting-edge technology in manager aspires.” in the clinical trials industry. He possesses an the context of patient care, and have enabled Dr. Murphy says it is the industry’s respon- unwavering commitment to integrating scien- me to influence the professional development sibility to facilitate the delivery of patient care tific acumen with operational excellence across of colleagues far beyond the immediacy of any in the context of evaluating innovative clinical studies for all parties involved. task.” technologies, i.e., small molecules, biologicals, Since Worldwide Clinical Trials (WCT) He says his most challenging assignment and devices. If he had unlimited resources, was initially established as a global CRO in was when he served as president of a highly he would facilitate a dynamic and practical 1995, Dr. Murphy has worked tirelessly to diverse CRO integrated under the umbrella professional collaboration between academia, develop the company’s strategic value added of the UnitedHealth group, in which legacy the pharmaceutical industry, the healthcare approach for protocol and program design organizations had remarkably different pedi- delivery system, and regulatory scientists to and clinical operations. As chief medical and grees, business objectives, professional back- achieve his vision. scientific officer, he has been instrumental in grounds, and visions for the direction and “This would be an activity that would crafting the company’s committed approach method in which clinical research services represent the highest expression of the art of toward executive oversight for the execution, should be developed. clinical development, and perhaps the most analysis, and interpretation of clinical trials “This assignment helped me to realize significant professional legacy,” he says. across multiple therapeutic areas. that there was much more to pharmaceutical Dr. Murphy’s passion, hard work, and development than simply demonstrating the Getting to know... unwavering commitment inspire those around attributes of the next novel chemical or biolog- him to do the same. His inspired leader- ical entity,” he says. “Our task is to simultane- Michael Murphy, ship led WCT to recently create the Michael ously demonstrate the value of the innovation M.D., Ph.D. F. Murphy Clinical Research Methodology recognizing the challengesPharmaVOICE of transformative Fellowship Program. The program offers sci- technologies in an complex healthcare envi- TITLE: Chief Medical and Scientific Officer entists hands-on clinical research experience ronment. It is the facilitation of linkages across COMPANY: Worldwide Clinical Trials working alongside Dr. Murphy and other COMMITTED.of ASPIRATIONAL. EDUCATION: MD, PhD, board-certified in WCT experts to support the increasingly com- psychiatry, doctorate in pharmacology, Tulane plex clinical trials of tomorrow. Those who have participated in the fellow- University; Psychiatry Residency Program, ship program are grateful to Dr. Murphy for Stanford University School of Medicine; Psychiatry taking them on and diligently teaching them Residency Program, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine the clinical development ropes. Although fre- of New York University quently characterized by innovative challenges FAMILY: Catherine Murphy, wife; Francis Murphy with difficult deadlines they say he always Jr., father makes time to answer any questions, shows great patience in mentoring, tests skills, and HOBBIES: The study of 19th-century American capacities while kindly guiding them to a suc- history, computers cessful completion of the project. BUCKET LIST: Experience the Southern Literary Dr. Murphy also is a lecturer within Trail car tour in a 1950s classic convertible the Center for Experimental Pharmacology AWARDS/HONORS: Clinical Research & and Therapeutics, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), and Excellence (CARE) Lifetime Achievement Award, he has contributed to the curriculum for a two- 2017; the Michael F. Murphy Clinical Research year Clinical Investigator Training Program. Methodology Fellowship Program, Worldwide “I estimate that it is been my professional Clinical Trials privilege to assistCompliments in the training of more than ASSOCIATIONS: Founder, Research & 250 board qualified or board certified physi- Dr. Michael Murphy’s passion for mentoring Development Editor, American Health & Drug cians in clinical research methodology over the the next generation of clinical scientists has last 20 years,” Dr. Murphy says. “Mentoring spawned a fellowship in his honor, which Benefits; Center for Experimental Pharmacology benefits all employees at Worldwide and Therapeutics, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Clinical Trials. Driven to collaborate by Sciences and Technology (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] PASSION AND COMMITMENT SOCIAL MEDIA:
80 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
GRAHAM MILLS Keeper of the Craft
hirty years ago, Graham Mills left marketing as it should be: “helping not sell- Mr. Mills’ work has earned awards that art school to become an advertising ing.” He has been at the forefront of digital span the gamut from best creative for TV, T copywriter in London. This included marketing and helped transform the industry, digital, consumer, multi-media, unbranded stints at agencies such as Lowe Howard Spink, making it more relevant to healthcare profes- disease awareness, branded, and CRM. Some TBWA, and Delaney Fletcher Delaney. Since sionals, patients, and consumers. specific examples include: The Chantix “Real then, he has helped form a radio writing Mr. Mills receives glowing endorsements People, Real Stories.” This social campaign company, worked with an improv comedy from clients, including EMD Serono, for his was launched in Times Square New Years Eve troop, co-wrote a book on architecture, and work revamping the brand Rebif. He proposed in 2009 — an industry first. The campaign created advertising, direct, digital and social to bring Rebif, a mature brand, into the new was based on the insight that when people campaigns for both national and international digital age and redefined its marketing to be tell the world they will quit smoking they are clients. For the last 18 years he has built and a two-way communication. An eco-system of more likely to actually achieve quitting. He led agencies in the United Kingdom and the digital channels was developed allowing the was the architect of the first open-commenting United States, including Ogilvy, Wunder- brand to provide relevant information that pharma campaign on Facebook — the cur- man, Arc Worldwide, and Digitas, and was resonates with patients, and allow patients rently running Rebif/MS Lifelines page, which one of the founders of Digitas Health in 2007. to communicate directly with the brand. His recently overtook the National MS Society He assumed his current role as global chief next step in the revamp plan was a global cam- page for engagement. This is the first time in creative officer in 2015 and is responsible for paign for HCPs. any category that a branded property beat an multiple agencies in the network: advocacy property for engagement. Digitas Health, Publicis LifeBrands, PASSIONATE. CURIOUS. When Abilify was facing the chal- Publicis Health Media, and Razorfish lenge that two-thirds of patients on Health. PharmaVOICEprimary anti-depressants were still Mr. Mills is a true “creative,” who experiencing symptoms, but didn’t has never let convention stand in his tell their physician, Mr. Mills helped way. Colleagues call him “a keeper of drive the animated multi-channel the craft.” He is a throwback in that of campaign “Me and My Depression.” he ensures that every element of every The premise was based on the famous deliverable is incredibly well done. insight from Winston Churchill that To him, it’s the craft that matters. “my depression is like a black dog.” Mr. Mills brought his knowledge Mr. Mills’ vision for the new Dig- of digital marketing to the pharma itas Health is also unconventional. stage and demonstrated healthcare He identifies the agency’s teams as “pirates” as they are composed of smart, passionate, hungry creatives Getting to know... who didn’t have pharmaceutical ex- Graham Mills perience. He also brought media into the TITLE: Global Chief Creative Officer creative department and formed a COMPANY: Digitas Health process called “CREAM” — creative EDUCATION: BA, Ealing Art School and media — which at the time, was FAMILY: Wife, Jac, who makes him a thousand a truly unique offering as digital and times the person he would be without her social media were rapidly changing. Colleagues say Mr. Mills has been HOBBIES: Art, any kind of live music an inspiration and game changer in BUCKET LIST: LearnCompliments to play the piano and the space since he entered it. He accordion Graham Mills is at the forefront of digital marketing in healthcare has always challenged clients and AWARDS/HONORS: Multiple awards from and transforming the industry, making it more relevant to teams to think beyond perceived healthcare professionals, patients, and consumers. Cannes Lions, Clio, D&AD, Epica, Globals, constraints. MM&M, One Show, Webbys He also fills the roles of mentor, friend, boss, creative North Star, copywriter in ASSOCIATIONS: D&AD, One Show (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by a pinch, judge, foodie, British historian, eye SOCIAL MEDIA: doctor, tech nerd, pub mate, and storyteller for DEADLINES his colleagues.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 81 COMMANDERS
Getting to know... SHARON Sharon Callahan TITLE: CEO, TBWA\WorldHealth and Chief Client
CALLAHAN DISRUPTIVE. Officer, Omnicom Health Group COMPANY: TBWA\WorldHealth and Omnicom Creative Disrupter Health Group EDUCATION: BA, Wheaton College FAMILY: Her two sons, Ben, 15, high school SOME SAY n April 2016, Sharon Callahan and a sophomore and basketball star, and Henry, 20, who group of like-minded people launched COMMITTED. I TBWA\WorldHealth, combining two just finished his junior year at Indiana University INFLUENTIAL iconic Omnicom healthcare agencies — LLNS HOBBIES: Home renovations, yoga, be more and Corbett — and built a new company disciplined about exercise, making jewelry, but based on a strong vision of collaboration. most of the time you can see her cheering in the Her dynamic leadership style catapulted the agency into the spotlight, transforming stands at her son’s basketball games the way clients are served and racking up BUCKET LIST: Yoga retreat in Bali, achieve her success after success. Ms. Callahan and her ideal weight, thank everyone who was ever kind colleagues at TBWA believe that disruption is to her, write a book, take a pottery class, live in a catalyst for creative thinking and ideas that Provincetown for an entire summer can change the world of healthcare. AWARDS/HONORS: Women’s Venture Fund “The healthcare industry is in great need of Sharon Callahan’s unique perspective and disruptive thinking to create business-build- innovative approach to creating the agency of Highest Leaf Award, 2014; HBA Star Volunteer, 2006 ing ideas that challenge the conventions of our the future is her legacy. ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare Businesswomen’s business,” she says. Association (president in 1997 and 2005, Metro As CEO, Ms. Callahan is committed to the way that we do now,” she says. “There are Chapter Advisory Board, several board positions the disruption methodology developed by lots of visionaries out there who are reinvent- since 1989); Board of Arthritis Foundation; Women Jean-Marie Dru to push against conventions, ing the status quo.” WE SAY define an unreasonable vision, and find a Colleagues say Ms. Callahan’sPharmaVOICE unique per- Against Alzheimer’s; The Women’s Venture Fund; disruptive idea that will move each client’s spective and innovative approach to creating OmniWomen, founding member of Omnicom’s business forward in a different way than before. the agency of the future is her legacy. She is women’s leadership group; OPEN Pride, founder She is committed to transforming the way valued for her abilityof to stay ahead of the curve of Omnicom’s LGBTQ employee organization; clients are served, stripping away the compli- in health and well being as well as for empa- Coalition for Healthcare Communications, Chair cations and making it all about their needs. thetic leadership and vision. DISRUPTIVE 2016-2017, first woman chair In addition to her TBWA\WorldHealth Ms. Callahan believes innovation thrives duties, Ms. Callahan does this on a broader when leaders are curious, open-minded, mind- SOCIAL MEDIA: stage as the chief client officer for Omnicom ful, empathetic, nonjudgmental, and are com- TWEET AT: @SharonFCallahan Health Group, where she leads a team of cli- mitted to becoming better critical and in- ent-dedicated stewards who serve Omnicom’s novative thinkers and egoless, constructive biggest healthcare clients. collaborators. and devices the agency represents, which will A visionary leader, Ms. Callahan’s teams For Ms. Callahan, breakthroughs come have a deep impact on people’s lives. say she embodies bravery; she leads by exam- from being committed to a goal even if the She mentors others, empowers them, ple; and she is able to take an obstacle and path is unclear. champions her team members to further their overcome it with gusto. Rather than fixing a Equally, it’s important to have a steady individual careers, and guides them toward a Congratulations to our very own CEO Sharon Callahan problem, she is revered for identifying what stream of the best thinkers to replenish the tal- fulfilling and successful professional life. Ms. for being recognized for her vision, leadership, and the bigger issue might be and finding mul- ent pool as products become more specialized Callahan says Peter Frishauf, founder of Med- ceaseless commitment to making sure we put tiple solutions. Ms. Callahan is known and and complex. Colleagues say she is brilliant scape, has been her most meaningful mentor. Disruption® into everything we do. respected across Omnicom, and she knows at finding individuals who are at the cusp of “He always had the innate ability to assem- the dozens of great agencies that make up being ready for the next level and she gener- ble an A-team of the best talent in the indus- Omnicom Health Group. She’s a natural at ously guides them to take that leap. try; people were inspired by his outstanding assembling the best and brightest to serve the Ms. Callahan says leadership is about hav- dedicated leadership, personal integrity, and group’s consolidatedCompliments clients, such as Pfizer, ing the courage to be vulnerable. authenticity in everything he did,” she says. Merck, Takeda, and J&J. “Real leaders are willing to acknowledge She would like to be remembered as some- “Frankly, if we had to reinvent the way that they need help and are brave enough to one who was happy, who lived a life well that healthcare is delivered, we’d never do it ask for it,” she says. lived, and who couldn’t wait to wake up in the Ms. Callahan is inspired by the people she morning to meet the day’s challenges. works with and the possibilities of the drugs “And I’d want people to know that there
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by was a lot of hard work along the way and a commitment to try to do better every single EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS day,” she says.
82 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE SOME SAY INFLUENTIAL
WE SAY PharmaVOICE DISRUPTIVEof
Congratulations to our very own CEO Sharon Callahan for being recognized for her vision, leadership, and ceaseless commitment to making sure we put Disruption® into everything we do. Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] COMMANDERS
ROBERTO ASCIONE new division, HealthwareLabs, focusing on providing services to digital health startups Digital Health Pioneer And Innovator and delivering open innovation projects and solutions to pharmaceutical and device com- panies. oberto Ascione is a pioneer in digi- Solutions and iMed Studios in the United Naturally, he remains committed to his tal health and a recognized thought States, NUATT in Spain, Digital District in vision and demonstrates this via his contri- R leader, serial entrepreneur, and global Germany, and Elevator in the United King- butions to several research organizations and manager. dom — which strengthened capabilities in start-up accelerators. He offers his unique out- His passion for medicine, computer sci- several areas such as KOL management, visual- look on the evolving digital health landscape ence, and human-technology interactions have ization, social, digital branding, and strategy. by chairing the Frontiers Health conference led to his life-long commitment and dedica- Under Mr. Ascione’s leadership as global and offering mentorship for start-ups based on tion to the advancement of digital healthcare president, the resulting entity reached an un- his own outstanding entrepreneurial journey. and wellness. He holds a strong belief that paralleled breadth and depth of services with All these are done in the efforts to challenge digital innovations and technology will be the substantial geographical reach. the status quo and promote brave new innova- most impactful drivers of change in healthcare In 2012, Publicis Healthware Interna- tive thinking in this field. — disrupting the healthcare-related industries tional and Razorfish Health, also a member of Mr. Ascione is a true champion when it along the way. Publicis, were merged as Razorfish Healthware comes to business transformation and innova- With a passionate and fierce entrepreneur- resulting in one of the largest global healthcare tion in health and wellness. His vision of how ial spirit, Mr. Ascione founded in 1996 his digital agency players active in 10 markets digital will drive healthcare transformation has first company, which provided health infor- with more than 300 professionals worldwide. proven true over the decades. matics services. Since June 2015, he has been leading the “If a dream seems achievable, the bar has Being a pioneer in the field even as early spin out of the original Healthware team, probably been set too low, so go for the sky,” as the 1990s, when digital was still in its serving as global CEO. In February 2017, he says. infancy, was not without its challenges and Healthware made a further step into cross- opportunities. agency collaboration by building a joint ven- Those inspirational years that followed ture with U.S.-based Intouch Solutions. The Getting to know... witnessed a group of young and brave people agencies have implemented special teams to Roberto Ascione led by Mr. Ascione who anticipated the future. provide a joint solution to PharmaVOICEglobal clients, and They designed a full range of services and the long-term plan is to have a dedicated In- TITLE: CEO applications in healthcare across Europe lead- touch Solutions International team comprised COMPANY: Healthware International ing to the foundation of the first Healthware of employees fromof both companies. Intouch EDUCATION: Istituto Universitario Suor company and to the partnership with Saatchi and Healthware have a combined 800 em- Orsola Benincasa di Napoli, Marketing & Saatchi Health, thereafter merged into ployees in Kansas City, Chicago, New York, Healthware Group a pioneering, digital-first, London, Milan, Rome, and Salerno. Communications; magna cum laude, agency anticipating today’s digital health sce- In the meantime, Healthware formed a Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, nario. Medicine In the first 10 years, Healthware faced an FAMILY: Wife, Alessandra; dog, Arturo exponential growth of its business, expanding HOBBIES: Sailing, sports, especially soccer into the European markets with innovative and basketball solutions in many areas ranging from the very first integrated disease awareness programs BUCKET LIST: Take a few trips in and around powered by search marketing to patient-cen- nature tric interactive services. Mr. Ascione and his For more than 20 AWARDS/HONORS: Best Industry Leader at colleagues were also ahead of the curve in years, Roberto The Health 2.0 Ten Years Global Retrospective defining the foundational basis for closed loop Ascione has been
OPTIMISTIC. OPTIMISTIC. Awards, September 2016; PM360 ELITE Awards, marketing concept and distributed data-driven driving digital collaboration networks for physicians, which is transformation May 2017; MMM Top 50 Agency; PM360 still cutting-edge today. and innovation Innovators; Webby Awards; W3 Awards; The In 2007, Healthware was acquired by in health and Global Awards; MM&M Awards; Web Health wellness.
Publicis Groupe and rebranded Publicis CURIOUS. Awards; Rx Club Awards; Web Award, European Healthware InternationalCompliments (PHI) and Mr. As- Excellence Awards; IKA - Interactive Key cione was appointed managing director of the Award; IN-AWE Award; ADI Design Index; Best brand. Between 2007 and 2012, Mr. Ascione Practices for Innovation Award; SMAU Mobile successfully led the App Award; European eContent Award integration of several ASSOCIATIONS: Frontiers Health
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] long-standing digital Driven to collaborate by Conference, chairman agencies across multiple SOCIAL MEDIA: countries — eHealth LEARNING
84 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
ENERGETIC. CURIOUS.
EVA JACK Compassionate Leader
va Jack may be the chief business officer of Mersana Therapeutics, but her im- E pact is felt way beyond that title. Col- leagues say along with a wealth of financial and Driven by to collaborate
business development expertise, she brings NEEDS PATIENT equal parts science, passion, and commitment to her position. Getting to know... There is fierce competition among the Eva M. Jack Eva Jack brings a wealth of financial and business scores of companies all vying to develop and development expertise, as well as scientific commercialize therapeutics for patients who TITLE: Chief Business Officer expertise, passion, and commitment to her role as are afflicted with a host of common or rare COMPANY: Mersana Therapeutics chief business officer of Mersana Therapeutics. cancers. The drug development landscape may EDUCATION: BA, University of Virginia; be competitive, but it is collaborative as well. Master’s Health Science, Johns Hopkins tion of Mersana’s recent $75 million initial Mersana seeks partnering opportunities with University public offering. In fact, prior to 2015, when established pharmaceutical and emerging bio- PharmaVOICECEO Anna Protopapas joined the company, tech companies to push its programs forward FAMILY: Parents, who stressed the Ms. Jack was part of executive leadership that so that patients in need of therapies can ben- importance of education and encouraged her effectively ran the company in the absence of a efit from its proven next-generation antibody as she pursued the differentof paths her career true chief executive. During this time, she ex- drug conjugates (ADC) therapies. For three has taken her hibited uncanny leadership acumen by being years, Ms. Jack has led this charge for Mersana HOBBIES: Paddle boarding; running; travel, both strategic and thoughtful and showing the and she has been incredibly productive on the ability to make the tough decisions necessary hiking; skiing partnering front. She has structured strategic for a company’s growth, particularly at those and transformative partnerships with Takeda BUCKET LIST: Learn how to do a headstand early stages. Pharmaceuticals, EMD Serono, and Asana Bio- on a paddle board; continue to explore the Perhaps the truest barometer of the passion sciences, allowing these companies to leverage world and humanity she brings to her position at Mersana’s Fleximer technology to generate AWARDS/HONORS: Honorable Mention, Mersana is her long-time dedication to train- ADCs. Since 2013, when Ms. Jack joined WEST Giving Back Awards ing and caring for service dogs. She serves as a the company as chief business officer, she has volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions become a key contributor in helping establish ASSOCIATIONS: Springboard Enterprises, for Independence, a nonprofit organization the company among the industry leaders in member of the Life Sciences Council that enhances the lives of people with disabili- ADC development. SOCIAL MEDIA: ties by providing trained assistance dogs. Within the capacity of her involvement, TWEET AT: @emj01bos Ms. Jack is also a member of the life Ms. Jack and her development team have inte- sciences council of Springboard Enterprises, grated the process and/or prospect of partner- an organizational network of innovators, in- ing into each professional area of the company, to bring therapies to the patients who are in vestors, and influencers who are dedicated from the CEO and chief medical officer, to need of new therapies all while having fun at to building high-growth companies led by chemistry and manufacturing. As an ear- work,” Ms. Jack says. women in the life-sciences and high-tech in- ly-stage biotechnologyCompliments company, Mersana is Ms. Jack provides the necessary due dil- dustries. clearly driven by its ability to identify and igence and leadership in ensuring that these Her commitment to others is part of Ms. partner with companies that may have devel- deals get done, as there is no telling when the Jack’s DNA. Whether she is engineering opment programs and assets that are strategic next strategic alliance may uncover a break- scientific collaborations that may have the as well as compatible with its platform and through medicine for cancer patients. potential to develop and bring new medicines emerging pipeline. Leadership seems to come easily to Ms. forward, or raising a young puppy that will
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] “I really enjoy being part of a small com- Jack and she has strong skills in directing and help enrich the life of a person with disabili- pany, participating in its growth, helping to managing critical business development and ties, she is equally at home doing her best to establish a culture that fosters scientific rigor corporate initiatives including the comple- touch others.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 85 COMMANDERS Getting to know... DAVE QUERRY David Querry TITLE: President Navigating Toward Success COMPANY: The Navicor Group, an inVentiv Health Company ave Querry’s father owned a tool and searching for better ways to communicate in EDUCATION: BS, Hillsdale College die company, and growing up he the oncology space. For example, recently he FAMILY: Wife, Tami, who is understanding D learned to build dies and machining worked with behavioral scientists to better un- of the late nights/weekends/travel his job fixtures and to drive the company truck. derstand how to connect with non-small cell requires, while also maintaining her own Que•ry “I always loved driving — the bigger the lung cancer patients. He is also pioneering in- career as an educator and mother truck the better,” he says, adding he would tegrated marketing for clients, leading teams To pose a question that helps like to drive an 18-wheeler across country that work across advertising, public relations, HOBBIES: Watching daughter’s horse shows for fun. However, driving a truck will have and medical communications. and sporting clays fulfill one’s intellectual curiosity to wait, because right now Mr. Querry is Colleagues say Mr. Querry combines a BUCKET LIST: Travel Europe and South very busy driving 50% business growth for unique skill set of deep scientific, advertising, America with wife; drive an 18-wheeler across Navicor. marketing, and brand strategy, and is a strong the country Navicor has seen double-digit year-over- leader with a great drive, innovation, and care AWARDS/HONORS: MedAd News Agency of year growth since Mr. Querry took the reins for his co-workers. His 25-plus years of brand in 2013. Colleagues say he has created a col- building coupled with an approach where he is the Year, 2013, 2017 laborative, client-driven agency that delivers deeply connected to the work, his clients, and SOCIAL MEDIA: Que•rry groundbreaking work to help patients who are most importantly his staff, make him unlike TWEET AT: @dquerry dealing with cancer. any other leader. As president of Navicor, he leads two Mr. Querry is noted for his extraordinary See above growing offices with clients that span global integrity, integration skills, and ability to fabric of the Navicor culture. A day doesn’t go large pharma clients to emerging drug de- bridge gaps. In addition to making business by that the team is not encouraged to remem- velpers bringing their first assets to market. development a critical and daily part of the ber that improving patient outcomes is the His authentic leadership style is a blend of company’s focus, Mr. Querry has built charita- ultimate goal in and outside of work. strategic vision and compassion. He is always ble efforts and corporate responsibility into the Mr. Querry has fostered support of the PharmaVOICELeukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Pancre- atic Cancer Action, and St. Jude Children’s Congratulations to Dave Querry, President (and heart and soul) Hospital. These efforts are not one-off efforts, of Navicor and PharmaVOICE 100 honoree. Your selfless Dave Querry is driving but a continuous cycle of contributing to innovative solutions because of leadership, enthusiastic command of scientific complexity, DRIVEN. of patients, caregivers, and research. The team his deep understanding of the and tireless passion for building life-changing oncology participates in walks and runs, and has even human element of marketing brands inspire the very best in all of us. cancer treatments. held chili cook offs to raise money for these or- ganizations, and contributed almost $10,000 Love, alone in 2016. In fact this year, the Columbus, Your people Ohio, team was one of the top donators to the
PASSIONATE. PASSIONATE. Columbus Light the Night walk, just one of the efforts the team works on. When the agency expanded to Philadel- phia with a new office, within months team members were pounding the pavement at the St. Jude 5k at the Philadelphia Zoo. Scrolling through the Navicor Facebook page, there is post after post illustrating the company’s contributions to its communities and patients. The reason is because for Mr. Querry cancer is more than a therapeutic cat- egory. His philosophy has clearly permeated the Navicor team and lives at the heart of this Compliments successful business. Colleagues say Mr. Querry believes in a hug before a handshake. He has a contagious enthusiasm for helping turn hopeful oncology patients into extraordinary survivors and he is Driven to collaborate by completely committed to the work Navicor (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] does to connect difficult marketing situations THE ONCOLOGY AGENCY GETTING BETTER of orphan diseases with the strategies necessary to move markets. © 2017 The Navicor Group, LLC, an inVentiv Health company. All rights reserved.
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49944_ncnavi_fa1_pharmavoice.indd 1 6/29/17 10:01 AM Que•ry To pose a question that helps fulfill one’s intellectual curiosity
Que•rry See above
PharmaVOICE Congratulations to Dave Querry, President (and heart and soul) of Navicor and PharmaVOICE 100 honoree. Your selfless leadership,of enthusiastic command of scientific complexity, and tireless passion for building life-changing oncology brands inspire the very best in all of us. Love, Your people
Compliments
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] THE ONCOLOGY AGENCY
© 2017 The Navicor Group, LLC, an inVentiv Health company. All rights reserved.
49944_ncnavi_fa1_pharmavoice.indd 1 6/29/17 10:01 AM COMMANDERS
supply chain and the importance in under- SHABBIR DAHOD standing the complicated movement of phar- maceutical products in the supply chain, to prevent counterfeiting. Overcoming Counterfeiting Through Mr. Dahod has worked to maintain the company culture as the employee base grows Transformative Change around the world with the diversity of many regional cultures that serve the different seg- ments of the supply chain. or more than a decade, Shabbir Dahod Scape, which engineered a software solution to Mr. Dahod’s commitment to educating has dedicated himself to pharmaceu- safeguard the supply chain by creating a pedi- the life-sciences community in creating busi- F tical supply chain integrity, making gree for each drug product. Mr. Dahod and his ness value while protecting supply channel it his mission to protect patients around the partners were invited a year later by the FDA integrity and patient safety drove the idea of world. to demonstrate the SupplyScape software to Nexus, an annual gathering of stakeholders As a true visionary, Mr. Dahod recognized pharmaceutical industry CEOs at a meeting in from across the supply chain to share ideas early on where and how traceability technol- Washington, D.C. It was here that the concept on tackling global traceability challenges and ogy could be used to strengthen the life-sci- of a digital pharmaceutical supply chain was supply chain value beyond compliance. ences supply chain and make a significant disclosed to industry. With a focused approach, Mr. Dahod is impact on saving lives, years before the United In 2005, SupplyScape launched an ePed- committed to understanding customers, prod- States and nearly 50 other countries around the igree compliance solution, delivering end-to- ucts, technology, and markets at a deeper level world began mandating a tightening of the end track-and-trace capabilities for states such to create value and efficiency in execution. drug distribution system. as California, Florida, and Nevada. Ensuring He takes lessons from other industries and In the early 2000s, while working with drug supply throughout the supply chain at solutions and looks at ways to apply them to MIT Auto-ID Labs, he was alerted to a series the state level helped blaze the track-and- the challenges facing the supply chain. of incidents where counterfeit drugs made trace trail by setting the course for how the Mr. Dahod believes leadership is best their way to unsuspecting patients across the Drug Supply Chain and Security Act (DSCSA) portrayed through influence and transparency, United States. would later work at the federal level. and strongly credits passion as the primary Recognizing the importance of safeguard- Next, he transitioned SupplyScape to driver for employee engagement. ing the supply chain, Mr. Dahod had the idea TraceLink while keeping thePharmaVOICE core team mem- There is much that motivates Mr. Dahod: to lift the journey of a pharmaceutical product bers as well as customers to build a new cloud- patient outcomes, customer success, team cul- up into the cloud so its footprint could be based network architecture that is now the ture, product ideas, and innovation. managed digitally, thereby securing the move- world’s largest track-and-trace network ment of safe medicines. for the life-sciencesof supply chain. FOCUSED. INNOVATIVE. In 2003, he started what was then Supply- “Those three pillars, our core leader- ship team, long-term support from our customers, and our disruptive technol- Getting to know... ogy are the foundation of TraceLink’s Shabbir Dahod success today,” he says. His passion for cutting-edge tech- TITLE: President and CEO nology and business model innovation COMPANY: TraceLink was the driving force behind what is EDUCATION: BA, Computer Science, Boston now the de-facto industry standard for University protecting patients from the threat of AWARDS/HONORS: TraceLink, one of the Top counterfeit medicines. Innovation is vital in a company like Places to Work in Massachusetts in the Boston TraceLink, and Mr. Dahod encourages Globe, 2016; MassEcon Economic award winner, all employees to submit ideas and ask 2016 questions about all aspects of the busi- ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare Distributors Alliance ness to ensure innovations are pursued (HDA), GS1 US Health, MassBIO, and the Open in all parts of the organization. Serialization Communication Standard (Open-SCS) In 2016, Mr. Dahod and TraceLink unveiled the first Global Drug Supply, group of the pharmaceuticalCompliments industry Safety, and Traceability report, with SOCIAL MEDIA: insights from 331 pharmaceutical man- ufacturers, wholesale distributors, hos- pitals, and retail pharmacies, revealing the complexity of the pharmaceutical
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by A trailblazer in the industry, Shabbir Dahod has had a TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE significant influence in revolutionizing the supply chain.
88 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
DR. KATHY HIGH Creating a Spark of
Gene-Inspired Innovation ENGAGED.
athy High, M.D., has dedicated this would be the first licensed AAV therapy her career of more than 30 years in the United States. to advancing gene therapy. Before Fostering innovation, Dr. High says, re-
K PERSISTENT. co-founding Spark Therapeutics, Dr. High quires a high level of talent, freedom from was a long-time member of the faculty at the bureaucratic constraints, the right physical Early on Dr. Kathy High saw gene therapy University of Pennsylvania and on the medical environment for reflection and discussion of as a way to unlock a new future for people staff at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, ideas, and time set aside to do these. But she with a range of genetic diseases. where she was also an investigator at the pres- says, too much emphasis on saving money at tigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute. the expense of investing in R&D can stop an Dr. High is motivated personally by her organization from being innovative. Getting to know... experience as a young hematology attending “I worked on gene therapy for genetic Katherine Ann High, M.D. physician in the mid-1980s, at the height of disease for many years before the work came to the blood supply crisis, when she was caring fruition,” she says. “My most exciting career TITLE: Co-founder, President and Chief Scientific for many men with hemophilia who con- highlight to date has been the work we have Officer tracted AIDS from a blood transfusion. Even done at Spark in developing a gene therapy COMPANY: Spark Therapeutics Inc. then, she saw potential in gene therapy as a approach for hemophilia. Because I am a he- EDUCATION: AB, Chemistry, Harvard University; conduit for unlocking a new future for people matologist, I have a deep appreciation of the MD, University of North Carolina School of not only with hemophilia, but also with a challenges of current therapeutic approaches. Medicine; MA, University of Pennsylvania. range of genetic diseases that could be ad- It has meant a great deal to mePharmaVOICE to participate dressed through gene therapy. with the group here at Spark, and our clinical FAMILY: Husband of 33 years, three children With a determination to break barriers, collaborators in the United States and abroad, HOBBIES: Reading, swimming, dining with Dr. High has been an inspiration to those who to establish a strong basisof for an entirely differ- friends, falling asleep on her husband’s sailboat know her. Colleagues say Dr. High is a bril- ent approach to hemophilia treatment.” BUCKET LIST: Take a sabbatical in Freiburg or liant scientist, driven to do what had not yet Dr. High would like to be remembered for Vienna; become fluent in German; become as been done — bring gene therapies for genetic helping to establish a new class of therapeu- disease to patients in the United States and tics, gene therapy. She is motivated everyday good a sailor as her husband around the world. by the efforts to improve life for people who AWARDS/HONORS: Scientific Achievement Dr. High co-founded Spark Therapeutics need help to enjoy the things that most of us Award, Pennsylvania BIO, 2016; elected to the in March 2013 as a result of the technology take for granted. When challenges arise, she Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine of the Royal and know-how accumulated over two decades reminds her colleagues of the reasons they are College of Medicine (London), 2015; Innovation at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia doing what they do. of the Year Award for SPK-RPE65, presented (CHOP), as a publicly traded, late clini- Mentoring is important for Dr. High, who cal-stage gene therapy company. says she had many professional mentors during by Genetic Rx, 2016; National Hemophilia At Spark, Dr. High has led two clini- her career. Foundation Researcher of the Year; Foundation cal development programs that have earned “The best aspect of what I have done Fighting Blindness Directors Award; Election to breakthrough therapy designation from FDA, through the years has been the opportunity the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; in a rare form of congenital blindness and in to work closely with the leaders of the next Election to the National Academy of Medicine hemophilia B. Due in large part to Dr. High’s generation of innovators,” she says. perseverance and scientific leadership, Spark is Dr. High has received numerous awards ASSOCIATIONS: American Society of Gene and now poised to bring the first-ever gene therapy and accolades for her work. Recently, Dr. Cell Therapy; American Society of Hematology; for a genetic disease to patients in the United High was voted one of the most influential American Society of Clinical Investigation; States. Complimentswomen in cell and gene therapy by Phacilitate. Association of American Physicians This represents the culmination of a quest And in 2016, the Pennsylvania Biotechnol- SOCIAL MEDIA: three decades in the making, and the platform ogy Industry Organization, now Life Science she helped build is being used to expand Pennsyvlania, honored her with its Scientific Spark’s reach into other therapeutic areas, Achievement Award. Additionally, Dr. High including CNS disorders and diseases that has been elected a fellow of the American As-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] can be addressed by targeting the liver. The sociation for the Advancement of Science based Driven to collaborate by company is now working to achieve licensing on “distinguished contributions in the field of of AAV vectors for gene therapy. If successful, human gene therapy.” SCIENCE
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 89 COMMANDERS Giving Patients a Chance and Providing Hope is What Drives Us Retrophin is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company dedicated to delivering life-changing therapies to people living with rare diseases who have few, if any, treatment options. We are a thriving company with nearly 150 team members who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
Getting to know... Stephen Aselage STEPHEN ASELAGE TITLE: CEO The Rare Disease CEO COMPANY: Retrophin Inc. EDUCATION: BS, Biology, University of Notre therapy for the treatment of pantothenate Dame kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), Accountability Integrity FAMILY: Parents who encouraged him to a genetic neurological disorder causing severe get a high-quality education and follow his movement disorders. passion; wife, Cindy, and three daughters, who Under the guidance of Mr. Aselage, Retro- phin has advanced fosmetpantotenate through STEADFAST. have supported him over the years the U.S. regulatory pathway, reaching an HOBBIES: Fishing and a rare round of golf agreement with the FDA under its Special BUCKET LIST: Explore National Parks, Protocol Assessment (SPA) process, for the especially Yellowstone and Glacier FORT study of RE-024 in PKAN. In the DEVOTED. DEVOTED. AWARDS/HONORS: American Kidney Fund United States, the study also has FDA fast track status, which speeds up the review pro- Corporate Honoree, 2016 cess so a drug can potentially reach patients Stephen Aselage has an unwavering ASSOCIATIONS: Biotechnology Innovation earlier. commitment to improving the lives Organization (BIO); BioCom – Life Sciences After experiencing some unique challenges of people suffering from rare, underserved conditions. Scientific Association of California; California Life in the early years, Mr. AselagePharmaVOICE is proud to Compassion Sciences Association (CLSA) say all Retrophin team members have ral- Excellence SOCIAL MEDIA: lied around the company’s mission to deliver the epicenter of the company’s motivation. life-changing therapies to people living with He would like to see Retrophin continue to rare diseases who ofhave few, if any, treatment grow and be recognized as a leader in the rare options, as well its values: integrity, account- disease community as a result of the pipeline’s ability, compassion, teamwork, scientific ex- advancement to commercialization. Driven to collaborate by cellence, and entrepreneurial spirit. “We have continued to increase support With a sound, strategic direction, the and resources for our research and develop- PATIENTS company and its almost 150 team members ment functions to give us the best chance of are dedicated to developing first-in-class ther- creating first-in-class therapies for patients,” etrophin wouldn’t be where it is today apies and ensuring that the patients Retrophin Mr. Aselage says. without the leadership of CEO Ste- serves with its current commercial portfolio His dedication to bettering the rare disease R phen Aselage. Under Mr. Aselage’s have broad access to the medications and free community goes well beyond Retrophin’s leader- ship, Retrophin is primed to make support services to achieve the best possible pipeline. He makes it a priority to attend Entrepreneurial a difference in the lives of thousands of rare therapeutic outcomes. patient conferences and other gatherings sup- Teamwork disease patients. “In the biopharmaceutical industry you ported by advocacy groups. Mr. Aselage also Spirit The company has accomplished impressive often face challenging or unpredictable situa- remains in touch with the community by clinical feats within the last year alone and is tions; it is in the DNA of drug development,” attending caregiver advisory boards and focus looking forward to more developmental suc- he says. “The company’s culture, entrepre- groups across all therapeutic areas the com- cesses. In 2016, the company completed the neurial spirit, willingness, and ability to look pany touches. While other C-suite executives largest ever clinical trial for focal segmental at opportunities from unique perspectives, as may consider these forums to be tactical, he glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disor- well as rewarding success, have helped to foster finds these interactions to be invaluable, be- der. The Phase IICompliments trial reported promising data innovation that will bring long-term value to cause they help him keep the patient perspec- and as a result, the company plans to kick off a patients and stakeholders.” tive at the forefront of his mind as he guides Phase III study of its investigational candidate, Mr. Aselage has spent more than 40 years Retrophin toward a new chapter in its history. sparsentan, for the treatment of FSGS. in the biopharmaceutical industry doing his He also finds the time to provide his Additionally, the company expects to part to help people living with rare diseases expertise on the board of directors for Acer soon start the FOsmetpantotenate Replace- ultimately receive much-needed therapies. Therapeutics and Patara Pharma, in addition Retrophin proudly congratulates our CEO, Steve Aselage,
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] ment Therapy (FORT) study, a global, piv- He says he is motivated by having the op- to serving on the advisory council for the de- otal clinical trial evaluating fosmetpantotenate portunity to make a difference for thousands of partment of science at the University of Notre for being selected as one of the 100 Most Inspiring (RE-024), the company’s novel replacement people living with rare diseases and that is also Dame, his alma mater. People in the life sciences industry by PharmaVoice.
90 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE Giving Patients a Chance and Providing Hope is What Drives Us Retrophin is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company dedicated to delivering life-changing therapies to people living with rare diseases who have few, if any, treatment options. We are a thriving company with nearly 150 team members who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
Accountability Integrity
Scientific PharmaVOICECompassion Excellence of
Entrepreneurial Teamwork Spirit
Compliments
Retrophin proudly congratulates our CEO, Steve Aselage, (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] for being selected as one of the 100 Most Inspiring People in the life sciences industry by PharmaVoice. COMMANDERS
DR. EVAN DEMESTIHAS A Medical Affairs Visionary
nown as an outside-the-box thinker, “As an industry, we collectively suffer from in community and enjoys travel, competitive innovator, and entrepreneur, Evan a poor image problem, despite the fact we ballroom dancing with his wife, and spending K Demestihas, M.D., created the first invest billions annually to help patients live quality time with his children and grandchil- outsourced MSL team 20 years ago and founded longer, healthier, and more productive lives,” dren. The Medical Affairs Company (TMAC) as an he says. Space travel always fascinated him, and in organization solely dedicated to medical af- Those who work with Dr. Demestihas say 2004 he did an “Edge of Space” adventure in fairs. In 2017, Dr. Demestihas spearheaded he has created an environment that rewards Russia where he flew in a MiG-25 to nearly the acquisition of TMAC by Parexel to expand hard work within a team atmosphere. He hosts 90,000 feet at more than 2,000 mph. He is the company’s services to better meet the company outings and events on a regular basis now scheduled to be on an early flight of a needs of current and future clients. He says his that build camaraderie, allowing employees to World View Voyage capsule (2018-19) where present-day challenge is guiding the company have fun outside the office, which has proven he will spend six hours at more than 100,000 through the acquisition. successful by the low attrition rate of TMAC feet, catching the sun rise over planet earth and “Post-acquisition, the challenge is to guide staff over the years. marveling at the planet. an integration within the Parexel organiza- Colleagues say Dr. Demestihas promotes “I’m one of about 2,500 humans to have tion that both keeps the distinct identity and work-life balance and growth opportunities ever reached this altitude,” Dr. Demestihas brand presence of TMAC in the marketplace, among his employees. In fact, he says he tries says. yet takes full advantage of and leverages the to inspire others by setting an example and broader footprint of our new parent organi- expectation of hard work but also ensuring a zation,” he says. “At this stage of my career, good work life/home life balance.PharmaVOICE He is active Getting to know... guiding the successful reinvention of Evan Demestihas, M.D. TMAC is a very clear professional goal. REINVENTING. ENTREPRENEURIAL. Medical affairs has come to play such a TITLE: Worldwide Head central role in the commercialization of of COMPANY: The Medical Affairs Company biopharmaceuticals that solidifying the EDUCATION: BS, Pharmacy, Long Island positioning of TMAC as the preeminent University School of Pharmacy; MD, SUNY at global provider of outsourced medical Buffalo affairs services is paramount to me.” FAMILY: Wife, Joyce, who has provided the TMAC remains a distinct entity within Parexel with the advantage of a bedrock and foundation for his entire family; larger scope of services for clients. they’ve been together since their early teens Dr. Demestihas would like to be and are celebrating their 40th year of marriage remembered as a pioneer in the medi- this year; four children, five grandchildren cal affairs sector, as a trailblazer in the HOBBIES: Competitive ballroom dancing outsourcing of field medical personnel, and as a valued partner and colleague, BUCKET LIST: Another trip to space; he is No. not merely a service provider, by clients. 59 on the list for a 2018-19 World View Voyage The industry, he says, needs to better trip to near space; in 2004, he did an “Edge of showcase the value that companies’ in- Space” adventure in Russia where he flew in a vestments have in affecting the health of MiG-25 to nearly 90,000 feet at over 2,000 mph individuals and the quality of their lives. AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100, “While, of course, rules are import- ant, knowing whenCompliments and how to chal- 2006, 2017; Dean’s Award, Mercer University, lenge existing norms and being open to School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, 2012 new ideas is critical to innovation and SOCIAL MEDIA: ultimately success,” he says. Industry leaders need to be more in the public view for the good their
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] companies do, and not only when called Driven to collaborate by to answer for the occasional negative Dr. Evan Demestihas has been at the forefront of offering publicity. new and innovative solutions to the industry. SUCCESS
92 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
PASSIONATE. PERSISTENT. JOHN CROWLEY The Persistent Entrepreneur
he story of John Crowley and his chil- along the way. Our initial drug to dren has been told numerous times receive EU approval at Amicus, our T via speeches, articles, books, and even precision medicine Galafold, is a great a Hollywood movie. He is a father so deter- example.” mined to help his children that he founded Galafold is a first-line treatment for a biotech company focused on developing Fabry disease — Fabry disease is a rare therapies for the rare disease afflicting them genetic disease with a deficiency of an — Pompe disease. enzyme called alpha-galactosidase A — He began his career in the industry at Bris- that was approved in the EU May 2016 tol-Myers Squibb, and after two of his three and launched there in February 2017. children were diagnosed with Pompe disease, He says his biggest career highlight a rare inherited disorder that causes muscle has been taking Amicus from an idea, weakness, he left BMS to start Novazyme. to a molecule to an approved medi- Novazyme’s charge was to find a treatment cine, while building a deep pipeline for Pompe disease. Novazyme was eventually in orphan and rare diseases and with acquired by Genzyme, which received FDA what he believes to be one of the very approval for Lumizyme, an enzyme replace- strongest and most passionate teams in ment therapy for Pompe. all of the industry. Mr. Crowley continues his dedication to “I measure success by the number developing therapies for rare diseases at Am- of lives we can impact,” he says. “This icus Therapeutics, where he is chairman and is the vision at Amicus, to measure our John Crowley encourages his teams to think differently, take CEO. And he is persistent in this pursuit. success by the number of patients on smart risks, and design drugs and develop studies that are “Drug development rarely works, and an Amicus product, either inPharmaVOICE clinical in the best interest of patients and that can truly transform when it does it’s not usually a linear path to studies or on marketed products. And people’s lives. success,” he says. “I’ve learned to keep at it if we can develop treatments that have even when faced with multiple challenges a meaningful impact on patients, we can also our own technologies obsolete, and to continue create very substantialof shareholder value.” to deliver better medicines for patients for Mr. Crowley says the race against time many years to come.” Driven to collaborate by is always the most challenging assignment, Despite the challenges of drug develop- particularly in rare disease drug development. ment, Mr. Crowley believes he is in the right PATIENTS Too many patients and their families are profession. waiting, and many of them will progress in “As a biotech CEO I can accomplish much their disease or die before a treatment becomes of what I hope to achieve for the rare disease Getting to know... available. When challenges arise, he reminds community broadly,” he says. “Throughout John F. Crowley people of the some of the greatest biotech suc- my earlier career path I had the opportunity cess stories, which faced years and even decades to work in different industries and to gain TITLE: Chairman and CEO of initial setbacks. a unique set of experiences. For the past 12 COMPANY: Amicus Therapeutics Inc. “I’ve often told the story of a retired bio- years, I had the chance to serve as a commis- EDUCATION: BS, Foreign Service, tech pioneer who reminded me that his stock sioned officer in the Navy Reserve. That was Georgetown University; JD, University of Notre was ‘stuck at two bucks a share for more than the greatest honor of my life.” Dame Law School; MBA, Harvard a decade,’ ” he says. “At first I didn’t know if Every day, Mr. Crowley says he gets calls that was supposed to inspire me, or prepare from parents who have a child or children who FAMILY: Wife, Aileen; three children John, me, but then he added ‘If you believe in the have just been diagnosed with a rare genetic Megan, and Patrick science, then push it as far as you can for disease. HOBBIES: Cross-fit, biking, swimming patients.’ That pioneer was Dr. Sol Barer, Cel- “I listen and share my personal experience, AWARDS/HONORS:Compliments BIONJ Dr. Sol J. Barer gene’s founder.” give them advice on how to get involved with Annual Award for Vision & Leadership, 2011; Mr. Crowley encourages his teams to think the patient organizations or industry, and try differently, take smart risks, and design drugs to provide some measure of hope,” he says. Make A Wish Foundation Humanitarian of the and develop studies that are in the best inter- “Having been through the same experience, I Year, 2009; University of Notre Dame Family est of patients and that can truly transform think it’s valuable to remind these families to Exemplar Award, 2011 people’s lives. advocate for themselves, get connected with
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] ASSOCIATIONS: BIO, BIONJ, Global Genes “We are not interested in making small the community, and never give up hope. Many SOCIAL MEDIA: differences,” he says “We have the obligation of these people have gone on to start their own to keep investing in our disease areas, to make companies or patient organizations.”
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 93 COMMANDERS
BEHSHAD SHELDON A Revolutionary in the Fight Against Addictions
RELENTLESS. INTUITIVE. value proposition of this medicine Getting to know... and weren’t ready to give up. Our Behshad Sheldon plea to conduct another clinical trial was approved, leaving myself and a TITLE: Chairwoman few colleagues with a great oppor- COMPANY: FORCE (Female Opioid Research tunity, but one which would require and Clinical Experts) each of us wearing 10 hats. We took EDUCATION: BS, Neuroscience, University of on the challenge, enrolling the trial in Rochester record time.” Colleagues say Ms. Sheldon is FAMILY: Husband and soul-mate, Lance driven by a deep commitment to Sheldon; children Ryan, Kaitlin, and Jack social justice. She believes that the HOBBIES: Cooking, swimming, gardening, easy path is not necessarily the right reading one and she always strives to do bet- AWARDS/HONORS: Bronze Winner, Best ter for her company or organization, Female Executive of the Year, American for herself and for patients. She has immersed herself in the patient ex- Business Awards (Stevie Awards), 2016; perience to understand unmet needs. Medical Marketing & Media’s (MM&M) Top 40 She tries to inspire others by striv- Healthcare Transformers; Winner for Executive ing to connect every day work to the of the Year for Best in Biz; a finalist for Ernst & team’s shared mission to improve PharmaVOICEthe lives of patients and by holding Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year, NJ herself accountable just as she holds ASSOCIATIONS: Opioid Addiction others accountable. She is motivated Prevention and Treatment; Child Abuse by the work she is doing to make Prevention of a difference, both for people living SOCIAL MEDIA: with opioid addiction and the people Behshad Sheldon is an inspired leader who has stood steadfast who love them and wants nothing in the face of adversity to bring about real change for often more than to see them stay in long- disenfranchised patients. term treatment and lead a productive, Driven to collaborate by healthy and meaningful life. works tirelessly to destigmatize and evolve Ms. Sheldon says her father has served as an PASSION the way society treats people struggling with inspiration to her. neurological diseases, entrenching her as an “My father, Dr. Bahram Dowlatshahi, ehshad Sheldon is leading a revolution industry thought leader and change maker. came to the United States as a young phy- in treatment for serious neurologi- “In doing so, I hope to inspire more leaders sician for a cardiology residency program,” B cal and psychiatric disorders, includ- to understand that opioid addiction is a dis- she says. “He chose to start over again in the ing opioid addiction. As former president ease, not a choice,” she says. United States despite a decade of experience. and CEO of Braeburn Pharmaceuticals, she Colleagues say she is an inspired leader He taught his daughters the value of resilience brought a novel buprenorphine implant, Pro- who has stood steadfast in the face of adversity. and inspired us to never give up or be afraid of buphine, through FDA approval and to the When challenges arise, like they often do, it’s starting over.” market for long-term maintenance treatment not in Ms. Sheldon’s DNA to give up. Ms. Sheldon believes the industry needs to of opioid addiction. “I push myself and my entire team to better communicate that while companies are Now as founder and chairwoman of the continuously think of alternative ways we can for-profit businesses, each saves and improves nonprofit organizationCompliments FORCE, Female Opi- achieve our goals,” she says. lives every day through the products they oid-addiction Research and Clinical Experts, Ms. Sheldon says her biggest career high- bring to society. she aims to reduce the stigma and treatment light — as well as her most challenging as- “We need to join forces to eliminate stigma barriers that people with opioid addiction face. signment — was the approval of Probuphine. of diseases that harm clinical outcomes,” she FORCE, formed in June of 2016, is an alliance “Securing FDA approval for Probuphine says. “We need to collaborate with payers to of women with scientific, health policy, and did not come without experiencing significant, ensure the right medicines are available to
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] medical expertise in opioid addiction. unexpected setbacks,” she says. “There was a every patient. And we need to collaborate with Ms. Sheldon wants to be remembered for very real possibility that Probuphine would the government (NIH) to make sure their re- making a dent in the opioid epidemic. She never make it to patients. We believed in the search projects turn into medicines.”
94 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS
DEAL-MAKER. TRANSFORMER. BRENT SAUNDERS Born to Transform
Getting to know... Allergan faced a hostile takeover by Valeant, Brent Saunders but working with Allergan’s then CEO David Pyott, Mr. Saunders and Actavis stepped in TITLE: Chairman, President, and CEO as a white knight, winning the bidding and COMPANY: Allergan acquiring Allergan. EDUCATION: BA, Economics, East Asian As a business leader, colleagues say Mr. Saunders is committed to the company’s three Studies, University of Pittsburgh; JD, Law, main constituents: the patients and customers Temple University; MBA, Temple University it serves, its shareholders, and its employees. FAMILY: Wife, two children Doing well by patients and customers means HOBBIES: Golfing, basketball doing well by shareholders and employees, Mr. SOCIAL MEDIA: Saunders believes. PharmaVOICEThat approach also means a commitment to what he calls a “social contract with pa- helped to institute a compliance pro- tients,” keeping pharmaceutical price rises at gram — a first for the industry. Next, close to the rate of inflation levels and con- at PricewaterhouseCoopers,of he became demning price gouging. As one of the most respected deal-makers in the a partner in the compliance business advisory Mr. Saunders works hard to unite the industry, Brent Saunders is leading Allergan for the services group. workforce behind this mission of doing well benefit of patients, shareholders, and employees. In 2003 Fred Hassan, who had been by doing good. tasked with turning around Schering-Plough, He is focusing the company and its 2,000 egarded by many as one of the big- brought Mr. Saunders on as senior VP of scientists on drug development and building gest dealmakers in the industry, Brent global compliance and business practices. a strong pipeline, and is looking externally R Saunders, chairman, president, and There he helped the company resolve its legal to smaller companies for the discovery side of CEO is also known for transforming Allergan issues before taking on the role of president of the business — a model Allergan calls “Open into a leader in what he calls “growth pharma.” consumer health at Schering-Plough. In that Science.” Acquisitions include companies fo- Mr. Saunders has overseen the transfor- role, Mr. Saunders helped the business unit cused on depression, aesthetics, glaucoma, mation of Allergan, which has included 16 grow globally. He played led the integration gastrointestinal conditions and eye diseases stepping-stone deals to transform the compa- of Dutch biotech Organon BioSciences into among others. ny’s pipeline and product portfolio, as well as the Schering-Plough fold, and when Merck Colleagues say he is a truly present leader, the sale of Allergan’s generic drug business to acquired Schering-Plough, he was asked to preferring face-to-face meetings with custom- Teva for $40.5 billion in 2015. lead the integration team. ers and front-line colleagues to a never ending His astute business nature extends back to His first CEO role was at Bausch & Lomb parade of meetings in the office. the age of 13 when he set up a business cutting in 2010, where he built his reputation, help- With a view to reaching out to employees lawns in his local neighborhood with his iden- ing to rebuild the company, its team, and its and stakeholders more generally and authen- tical twin brother, Wayne.Compliments The business grew strategy before the company’s sale to Valeant tically, Mr. Saunders launched a blog in 2016 into a landscaping operation with more local Pharmaceuticals. and manages his own Twitter account, using boys brought into the fold. The brothers put His next CEO role was at Forest Labo- the channels to weigh in on important issues their earnings toward college and a few trips ratories and before too long he had acquired for the broader healthcare system. before selling the business to a professional Aptalis to expand Forest’s GI presence. He landscaper. then helped to bring about the sale of Forest
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Mr. Saunders later tapped into his entre- to Actavis and was asked to take on the role of Driven to collaborate by preneurial skills when he came to the Thomas CEO of the combined company. It was there Jefferson University Health System, where he that the move to Allergan began. At the time, PATIENTS
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 95 COMMANDERS DR. LEEN KAWAS Transforming Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases
een Kawas, Ph.D., dedicated herself to making a difference in healthcare after Getting to know... L losing her mother to a neurodegener- ative disease when she was 18. Just 10 years Leen Kawas, Ph.D. later, she became CEO of a start-up company designed to discover therapies to reverse the TITLE: President and CEO course of an array of neurological diseases, such PURPOSEFUL. COMPANY: M3 Biotechnology Inc. as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, EDUCATION: PhD, Washington State and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. University; PharmD, University of Jordan; Becoming a CEO was a move she hadn’t Executive Training Certificate, University of planned on, but it’s a move that is paying off
RESILIENT. RESILIENT. Washington Foster School of Business in a big way for M3 Biotechnology. Her capabilities became know to her FAMILY: Parents, siblings Ph.D. adviser at Washington State University HOBBIES: Hiking, swimming, exploring new (WSU) who suggested that Dr. Kawas become When Dr. Leen Kawas decided to change careers places and food involved in commercializing research from from pharmacist to entrepreneur, she also changed BUCKET LIST: Get a drug approved; see more the course of drug discovery for neurological WSU on treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, of the world; start a family and eventually M3 Biotechnology was born. diseases. “I started a company, learned about entre- AWARDS/HONORS: BIO International preneurship, helped to grow the company, and While current drugs for Alzheimer’s dis- Convention – Buzz of Bio Finalist, 2017; soon we will start our clinical trials,” she says. ease only provide symptomatic relief, M3’s Forbes – What Happens When Women Dream “I did not listen to what people thought of a small molecule therapeutics have the potential Big And Act Boldly?, 2017; Association of 28-year-old Jordanian woman trying to start to be truly disease-modifying. By re-establish- Washington Business – Entrepreneur of the a company and resolve Alzheimer’s disease.” ing lost connections between brain cells, these Year, 2016; EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women She says moving from academia to being therapies may halt the coursePharmaVOICE of the disease. an entrepreneur was the best move she could M3 is now in the process of planning a first- 2016 – Entrepreneurial Winning Women, have made for herself and her biggest career in-humans Phase Ia clinical trial for its lead 2016; EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 – highlight to date. candidate, NDX-1017,of to evaluate its safety Finalist as EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the According to colleagues, Dr. Kawas han- and determine optimal dosing range. Pacific Northwest Award, 2016; GeekWire dles “firsts” with aplomb and no fear. Mov- Driven to innovate by not accepting the Awards 2016 – Finalist as GeekWire Young ing to America at 21, she overcame many status quo, Dr. Kawas is a natural born leader Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2016; Life challenges, and now as a female, millennial, and disrupter. Dr. Kawas takes time to pay- first-generation American, and first-time CEO, it-forward and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs Science Leader – Hot New Therapeutics MOAs she has defied stereotypes and faced discrimi- frequently. Versus Neurodegenerative Diseases, 2016; nation head-on from established technology Her intense creativity and lack of fear when Forbes.com – Meet the Millennial CEO Taking investors in the Pacific Northwest. However, facing the difficult tasks of running a company Bold Steps to Cure Billion-Dollar Diseases, Dr. Kawas developed her entrepreneurial mus- focused on developing breakthrough therapies 2016; The Montgomery Summit – The Rise of cle, persevered, and succeeded. to meet crucial medical needs creates a moti- At 30, she completed more than 100 vational and passionate workplace. Colleagues the Female Entrepreneur, 2016; GeekWire – M3 investor meetings before closing an oversub- say her deep reservoir of courage is contagious. named one of Seattle’s Top 10 Hottest Startups, scribed $12 million Series A funding from Dr. Kawas stays motivated and calm 2016; Puget Sound Business Journal – CEO Washington State regional venture funds, during the chaos, and open to meeting chal- Leen Kawas honored as 40 under 40, 2016 Dolby Family Ventures, and the Alzheimer’s lenges and changing courses if needed. ASSOCIATIONS: Alzheimer’s Association, Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), as well “If it was easy everyone would do it,” she regional board member; Alzheimer’s Drug as private investors, all in one year. As one of says. “Challenges spur creativity and innova- the first investors in M3, the ADDF helped tion. We take challenges head on and always Discovery Foundation, scientific advisory validate the therapeutic potential of M3’s drug come out better informed and prepared for the board member; Life Science Washington, candidate for Alzheimer’sCompliments disease. With a sec- next challenge.” board member; Community Development ond investment of $1.4 million recently, the With more than 25 industry recognitions Round Table, member; Association of ADDF has now provided key funds to support and awards to her name to date, we think her Washington Businesses, board member; the launch of human trials this year. record speaks for itself. Governor’s Life Science Advisory Board, member
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Driven to collaborate by SOCIAL MEDIA: THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPACT TWEET AT: @leenkawas; @m3biotechnology
96 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE MENTORS QUITA HIGHSMITH Passion and Compassion — With Style CONGRATULATIONS ver the course of her career, Quita groups. She says in patient advocacy, VISIONARY. PASSIONATE. Highsmith has either promoted, inclusiveness is critical to engagement. O coached, or personally helped grow “Patients want to be heard and the careers of hundreds of employees. want a platform to share ideas,” she It’s what gives her greatest joy, and even says. “Working with diverse groups QUITA & JOHN 20 years later she is still in touch with people allows us to amplify their voice within from teams she once managed. the company so that we can partner to “That feeling of helping others succeed create better outcomes.” never gets old,” she says. Sustainability matters to Ms. Attracting and retaining top talent is Highsmith, who is highly invested imperative since the brightest minds are in- in making sure that she and her team strumental to a company’s growth and success, make systematic changes to patient she says. programs where and when they are Ms. Highsmith has seamlessly transitioned needed. across functions and has been successful in “Whenever I meet someone or hear leading a variety of sales/marketing and advo- how Genentech has personally im- cacy teams across many therapeutic areas. pacted patient lives, it makes a pro- Today, as head of alliance and advocacy found difference in how I do my work; relations at Genentech, Ms. Highsmith is and being able to work at one of the focused on engaging with patients and patient best companies in the world is a privi- lege,” she says. Quita Highsmith has been instrumental in building One of the big challenges she faced the careers of hundreds of people. Getting to know... early in her career was that as a Marine Quita Highsmith Corps spouse she and herPharmaVOICE husband moved Mentoring and commu- quite regularly. As a result, she had to take nity service are important to Ms. TITLE: Head, Alliance and Advocacy Relations ownership of her career and develop relation- Highsmith, who embraces her COMPANY: Genentech ships within her firm and other companies to mother’s ethos: “to whom much is EDUCATION: BA, University of Kentucky; keep her career onof track. In the end, she says given, much is expected.” MBA, Cornell being flexible helped her to grow her career, in “I wouldn’t be here without FAMILY: The Q crew, husband Quincy, her go- addition to making good friends, learning new mentors, and I have a sense of duty to advisor; her children, Quintin and Quinlyn, cultures, and enjoying different environments. to give back to help the next gener- Ms. Highsmith takes a visionary approach ation,” she says. “I love interacting who keep her tech-savvy; her parents, Gloria to leadership, saying it’s important to help with people and supporting their Beeler and James Beeler, who still provide teams take the “balcony view” to see what is development.” guidance, mostly unsolicited out there and ahead of them in order to pre- She advises everyone to have HOBBIES: Travel, Twitter, mentoring, pare. She says this perspective provides focus their own board of directors to act community service on the long game and not just short-term as professional mentors and con- gains. nectors. Ms. Highsmith says it’s BUCKET LIST: Visit all seven continents, still Innovation, she says, requires feedback on important to have people who can to go: Africa, Antarctica, South America, and what can be done differently or better from provide career advice about a Australia both internal and external sources. Innovation current role, guidance for future AWARDS/HONORS: MMM Hall of Femme, stumbles when companies aren’t willing to goals, or act as a consultant 2017; DTC Perspectives Top 25 Marketer of the challenge the status quo or when leaders are about people or business oppor- Year, 2009 surrounded by an echo chamber or where ideas tunities or problems. aren’t shared. Giving back is important to ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare “We must reward the collaborators, the Ms. Highsmith, and she serves Businesswomen’sCompliments Association, San Francisco people who speak up and think differently so on four nonprofit boards, add- chapter board, president; GenenPAC Board that we can innovate,” she says. ing that it’s up to each person of Directors; Girls for A Change, board of She inspires through genuine interest in to use his or her gifts to lift directors; Delta Sigma Theta, San Francisco others. others. Ms. Highsmith, who is “People can spot from a mile away when a leader in the Healthcare Busi- Peninsula Foundation, board of directors leader is not authentic,” she says. “Leaders also nesswomen’s Association, is
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA: have to have a vision, know what good looks committed to causes that en- TWEET AT: @execqstyle like, and, most of all believe in what can be hance gender parity and oppor- accomplished.” tunities for girls and women. CREATING BETTER OUTCOMES CREATING Driven by to collaborate
122 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE CONGRATULATIONS QUITA & JOHN
PharmaVOICE of
Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] MENTORS
INSPIRING. OPTIMISTIC.
BONNIE LAPPIN A Tireless Champion
Ms. Lappin’s professional goal is to con- Getting to know... tinue to impact the careers of as many people Bonnie Lappin as she can and help them move closer to their unrealized potential and feel better about what TITLE: President they do. COMPANY: The Lappin Company She says she tries to inspire others by il- EDUCATION: Wheelock College luminating their own strengths and FAMILY: Her father, who has been her most showing them a path they have not significant mentor considered. And she defines leadership as enabling someone “to walk through HOBBIES: Gardening a psychological door that they couldn’t BUCKET LIST: Going on a cruise around get through by themselves.” the world, living in several other countries, “I try to get people and organi- becoming a grandma zations to move out of their comfort PharmaVOICEzone and to take risks,” she says. Bonnie Lappin creates new opportunities for women AWARDS/HONORS: HBA Innovation Award, in pharmaceutical businesses, and she is committed 2017; HBA Boston CAP Volunteer Award, 2013 “There is a fear of the unknown. But to executing her vision of breaking the glass ceiling anything innovative requires the abil- ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare and ensuring gender parity within the industry. ity to be comfortable with the uncom- Businesswomen’sof Association, Women’s fortable and the untested.” n the 28-plus years of her very successful Foundation of Florida Ms. Lappin says her father has career, Bonnie Lappin has gained interna- SOCIAL MEDIA: been her most significant mentor. I tional recognition as an expert recruiter “He taught me how important it and advisor to companies in their search for the is to be confident, live life without best talent. She founded The Lappin Company career highlight has been the creation of the fear, and be grateful for what you in 1989, an executive search firm focused on HBA Ambassador Program. In 2011, she con- have,” she says. diversity and inclusion and on working with ceived and deployed a program that empowers Those Ms. Lappin has mentored candidates to develop their three- to five-year women working within HBA’s corporate part- wouldn’t be surprised to learn that if career plans. ners throughout the United States and Europe. she could pursue another profession, But it is Ms. Lappin’s deep commitment to The program enables HBA members within a it would be leading a nonprofit orga- mentoring — especially women — that draws company to build their internal and external nization dedicated to helping praise from those who know her. She is, they networks, enhance their brands, and move to single moms to advance their say, a visionary, a leader, and a true mentor. greater leadership roles. careers. Ms. Lappin empowers the women she mentors Ambassadors from Shire and Takeda, two “There are so many amaz- and advises, developing them into leaders who participating companies in Boston, report that ingly strong women in the go on to mentor and develop other women. because of their involvement with the program world, who could significantly Ms. Lappin has been driving innovation their senior leaders now know them, which has improve their lives with some for career advancement for women for more led to greater career opportunities. coaching and a targeted net- than decade. SheCompliments has served on the Healthcare Ms. Lappin continues to mentor long after work,” she says. Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) boards in formal programs have ended, and she is always When asked how she would Boston, Europe, and Florida chapters. In each available to provide support, advice, and guid- like to be remembered, she role, she has been at the cutting-edge of con- ance. In fact, many see her as a career navigator provides this quote by Maya ceiving, creating, and trying new approaches and trusted counselor. Angelou: “People will forget tied to the organization’s mission of advancing Her passion and energy are contagious. She what you said, people will for-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] the careers of women in healthcare. She is pours her resources, her vigor, and her com- get what you did, but people currently a global chair and corporate relations mitment to enlighten and inspire the women will never forget how you made
president for the southeast region. Her biggest she encounters. them feel.” ACHIEVING WORTHWHILE GOALS Driven by to collaborate
124 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE MENTORS
TRANSFORMATIONAL. COURAGEOUS. Getting to know... Alisha A. Alaimo TITLE: VP and Head, Cardiovascular Franchise COMPANY: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Driven to collaborate by Corp. EDUCATION: BS, Biology, Emory BRINGING University FAMILY: Fiance, brother, aunt, cousins HOBBIES: Traveling, personal growth and PEOPLE development, working out, collecting wine AWARDS/HONORS: CEO-Sponsored TOGETHER Novartis Excellence Awards for Business Results, Most Inspiring Leader Award ASSOCIATIONS: Board Member, American Heart Association, New York Chapter; Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association
Alisha Alaimo is an energetic and inspirational leader who takes “people first” to a whole new level.
says. “It means facing up to the realities of our businesses and making the tough deci- ALISHA ALAIMO PharmaVOICEsions. No one has all the answers, so courage is also about really listening to people and A Transformational Leader then saying what needs to be said and taking action on what needs to be done. Especially in ovartis’ Alisha Alaimo has an au- asking the team to shareof with the person next a fast-changing environment, it’s important thentic life purpose: to bring out to them what he or she is thankful for that day. to set a course — with an open mind — and N the good in everyone and help each She is a leader who challenges and moti- lead the way.” person to progress in their development not vates the people around her to be the best they She doesn’t think there is a clear recipe or only professionally but also personally. can be by recognizing and taking advantage formula for inspiring others. First and fore- Ms. Alaimo has been at Novartis for 17 of their unique strengths — or their super most, she says it starts with showing up as years, and has led a number of franchises, powers, she says. Ms. Alaimo recognizes that who you are not who you think others want both in the United States and internationally, performance and people are on equal footing. you to be. including neuroscience, respiratory, and Alcon She firmly believes that without taking care “People know when you are an imposter,” Pharma. In her current role as the head of the of people, a leader will never have sustainable Ms. Alaimo says. “Therefore, I believe au- cardiovascular franchise, she is responsible strong performance. She strikes that balance thenticity and telling the truth are critical in for Entresto, a flagship product for Novartis. consistently and authentically. establishing yourself as a leader. From there, Entresto, a cardiovascular medication, was “For me, transformational leadership is all you must listen to your team and show grat- launched in 2015, with high expectations. She about people and the environment created for itude for the work they do and who they are assumed responsibility for the brand in 2016 them,” Ms. Alaimo says. “If I can inspire peo- as individuals. Too often, people are taken for — about seven months after launch — and she ple to move beyond their comfort zone, learn, granted.” has been the driving force taking Entresto to and be at their very best, that’s success. I’m a She says a career highlight has been the its current success. fierce advocate for the people who work for me successful turnaround of both the performance Ms. Alaimo quickly instilled a winning because our best performances are together. and the culture of the business unit she is spirit to the CV organization.Compliments Colleagues say We like to have fun, too. I’m a big believer in leading. in only a short time after taking leadership loving what you do and who you do it with.” “My team and I have an awesome responsi- of the CV franchise, Ms. Alaimo has infused Colleagues say Ms. Alaimo is constantly bility to our organization and to our patients,” the team with positive spirit and energy, and out and about, circulating among her col- she says. “We were tasked with turning around associates are more confident — believing in leagues in the home office and working with an unsuccessful launch, no one could see a clear themselves and believing in a successful fu- them out in the field. She takes a high-touch path forward, and the environment was not
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] ture. She brings spirit and energy to everyone approach when it comes to people, and she favorable for success. I am proud to say in only she interacts with each and every day. For ex- likes to hear directly from associates. one year, we have achieved 400% growth in ample, she starts every leadership meeting by “Successful leaders take smart risks,” she sales versus prior year.”
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 125 MENTORS
CURIOUS. THOUGHTFUL.
JOHN STUART People Are His Business
ver the past 25 years, John Stuart has progressed through the ranks at O Genentech to lead the company’s breast cancer field team and help to develop countless team members to become leaders in their own right. Driven to collaborate by To Mr. Stuart, leadership can be summed up by a Goethe quote: “If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse… If I treat you as POTENTIAL IMPACT though you are what you are capable of becom- John Stuart is a transformative leader who has ing, I help you become that.” Getting to know... helped hundreds of people at Genentech tap into Mentoring matters to Mr. Stuart, who PharmaVOICEtheir potential. says every interaction is a two-way learning John T. Stuart experience. TITLE: Senior Director, National Sales “Sometimes I am able to help facilitate planning, and other classic metrics. However COMPANY: Genentech someone’s journey, even if just a little,” he of increasingly he believes success is about sub- says. EDUCATION: BA, Economics, University of jective achievements, such as the impact he Though a humble and unassuming leader Iowa and his management team have on growing at Genentech, Mr. Stuart has been tremen- FAMILY: Wife, Kris; two children, Samantha the skills of the individuals they lead. dously impactful in both the strategic direc- and Camden His leadership skills revolve around cre- tion of the business and, more importantly, as HOBBIES: Reading, music, and playing drums ating an environment where people can grow a fundamental developer of people. and develop, and where trust is built. He “I have always been fascinated learning AWARDS: Pharmaceutical Executive, thrives on working with dedicated and tal- about the uniqueness of individuals,” he says. Emerging Pharma Leader, 2011 ented individuals focused on making a dif- “We are all messy; I like to understand what it SOCIAL MEDIA: ference. is about someone’s messiness that makes him TWEET AT: @jstuartdna Mr. Stuart knows that discretionary effort or her who they are today. Healthcare is a peo- eclipses all other forms of engagement, which ple business, and the implications of people’s is why his teams are consistently rated at the decisions matter.” Activase, for restoration of function to cen- top of an organization whose engagement Mr. Stuart believes that people are the tral venous access devices occluded by blood scores are considered to be outstanding. He answer to almost any question. He believes clots. The company’s HER2 franchise includes hopes he would be remembered as a thought- in getting to the core — the why and what the ground-breaking cancer drugs Herceptin, ful individual who helped lead teams to consis- — about individuals to help inspire them and Kadcyla, and Perjeta. tently perform beyond expectations. motivate them to reach not only their personal He says his role as an innovator at Genen- Mr. Stuart doesn’t mind learning lessons goals but those ofCompliments the organization. tech is to challenge the status quo or push back along the way, and says he wouldn’t have any He says the opportunity to lead two of the on the tools, solutions, or processes that aren’t advice for his younger self because that would most extraordinary sales franchises in the bio- working. He is focused on how best to solve deprive him of the pleasure of the hard knocks. tech industry — the Lytics franchise and now problems by constantly striving to simplify Mr. Stuart loves music, especially the the HER2 franchise — are without a doubt strategy and processes. He helps his team to drums, almost as much as he loves the business career highlights. Lytics is the foundation for focus on two or three objectives rather than of biotech; so much so that he started what he
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Genentech’s Activase, indicated for treating many to get to the goal of treating patients. says might arguably be the first commercial patients with acute ischemic stroke, TNKase, Success, Mr. Stuart says, can be mea- biotech band in the world, Van Helix, 20 years for acute myocardial infarction, and Cathflo sured in part by revenue, growth, succession ago.
126 July/August 2017 PharmaVOICE MENTORS STEPHANIE DEVITERI Coaching Success
here are many things remarkable about onset and consistently delivers the exact results She hopes to implement a more formal Stephanie DeViteri, but one that they need. management training program in the coming T stands out in the constantly shifting As a result of her ability to form such long- year. This type of program would be a first for world of healthcare PR is her 14-year tenure standing and meaningful client relationships, the organization and would groom team mem- at Tonic Life Communications, where she was she has become a trusted sounding board bers to be effective communicators, coaches, recently promoted to managing director of the for some of the nonprofit organizations that and leaders. She strongly believes that profes- Philadelphia office. Her dedication, hard work, Tonic often works with on behalf of clients. sional development is extremely important for and attention to detail are just a few of the rea- For example, Tonic received an RFP from one both clients and staff. sons why she has been promoted up the ranks of these organizations and the agency moved “I believe it will greatly improve employee from her entry-level position to senior VP be- forward in securing more visibility for the satisfaction, retention, client service, and busi- fore reaching the executive level of the agency. organization when they needed it the most. ness development,” Ms. DeViteri says. Her responsibilities include managing the Just as important as her impact on business She functions as a role model both person- U.S. headquarters, building and sustaining has been, Ms. DeViteri has been instrumental ally and professionally, and stresses the impor- strong client partnerships, spearheading staff in driving the growth and development needs tance of listening, learning from others, and development, and developing wellness initia- of staff members at all levels. In addition, getting involved with committees at work, as tives for a staff of more than 40 people. She she has initiated staff surveys to uncover the well as within the community. also is in charge of programming, seeking out critical growth areas within Tonic and worked Within the past six years, Ms. DeViteri has opportunities to expand Tonic’s global offer- closely with the HR department to execute received numerous awards for her outstanding ings, customizing account teams and services an ongoing professional development plan. public relations work, including the PRSA to support client needs, and driving business She meets regularly with each team so she can Maxine Elkin Award for Distinguished Ser- development. gauge individual career goals and how she can vice, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Associ- Ms. DeViteri says it is the passionate peo- personally help make those goals a reality. ation (HBA) Rising Star Award, and the CEO ple and quality of the projects at Tonic that Global Leadership Award from Huntsworth keep her engaged in her role. PharmaVOICEHealth. Over her years at Tonic, she has initiated several first-of-their-kind, pa- Stephanie DeViteri tient engagement programs in chronic has earned numerous Getting to know... disease areas, including a dermatology awards for her public of Stephanie Lauren program that used a strategic market- relations work, but ing insight that linked physical activity she is equally DeViteri committed to to improved well-being of people liv- developing her staff. TITLE: Managing Director, Philadelphia (U.S. ing with a chronic immune-mediated COMPASSIONATE. Headquarters) condition appearing on the skin. Ms. COMPANY: Tonic Life Communications DeViteri helped put this marketing insight into practice by spearheading a multi-year EDUCATION: BA, Communications, Rowan campaign that engaged and motivated this pa- University GENUINE. GENUINE. tient population at a different level and moved FAMILY: Husband, Brian away from focusing on the purely cosmetic HOBBIES: Spending time with family and aspect of the disease. The program became friends, going to concerts, decorating, reading the second-leading driver of brand leads in its launch year. In addition, she fostered a 10-plus BUCKET LIST: Visit Australia; take African year client relationship, involving communica- safari tions support for six FDA approvals. AWARDS/HONORS: Rising Star, Healthcare Ms. DeViteri has been the lead on several Businesswomen’s Association; Maxine Elkin multi-million dollar accounts at Tonic. Col- Award for Distinguished Service, Philadelphia leagues say that she has an uncanny ability to Public Relations Society of America (PRSA); always understand her clients’ needs from the Compliments CEO Leadership Award, two-time recipient, Huntsworth Health Global Driven to collaborate by ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association SOCIAL MEDIA:
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] STRONG LEADERSHIP TWEET AT: @stephdeviteri
PharmaVOICE July/August 2017 127