CHANGE AGENTS
Optimistic.Pragmatic. Alison Little’s vision for the future of the life ALISON LITTLE sciences keeps her focused on how to deliver the best Raising the Bar solutions with clients.
or Alison Little, measuring results is about more than simply benchmarking; Getting to know... F successful results are created by thinking Alison Little forward and making sure everyone is raising the bar. TITLE: Principal, Advisory Industry Leader for Ms. Little is a principal at KPMG as the Life Sciences advisory industry leader for life sciences within COMPANY: KPMG LLP the management consulting practice special- EDUCATION: BS, Materials Science & izing in transformation. Her extensive expe- Engineering, Johns Hopkins University rience in delivering strategic transformation FAMILY: Parents; husband; two children initiatives from strategy through to solution implementation has helped lead many clients HOBBIES: Cooking, yoga, spending time with to achieve greater results. family and friends “A big part of my role is to bring together BUCKET LIST: Travel with family to see all the the diverse sets of skills within our firm to Wonders of the World help our clients tackle their most critical ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare challenges,” she says. “Clients tend to engage us when they want to go into something new Businesswomen’s Association; Hopkins Alumni — whether that’s implementing a new tech- SOCIAL MEDIA: nology, launching a new product, or entering a new market. My role is to make sure we are Driven to innovate by anticipating the needs of our clients so we can help them navigate these challenges.” PharmaVOICE Her vision for the future of the life sciences CURIOSITY AND keeps her focused on how to deliver the best solutions for clients. She believes that the industry needs to look at the ways compa- of nies are working, the practices and processes companies have, its technologies and whether OPPORTUNITY companies are really geared to be successful in anxieties outside and rise to the challenge pressure to transform the overall healthcare the future. She has often said it is important to ahead. ecosystem is acute. think forward and think about how everyone is “I try to make sure that my teams are “I have a great vantage point on one of the raising the bar, not just simply benchmarking, engaged in setting a vision for success and most dynamic industry transformations which focuses on the past. for defining the plan to achieve that vision,” ever,” she says. “I am energized by the op- Ms. Little says her goal is to build a prac- Ms. Little says. “The visions that we create as portunity to work with great people and tice that is known for the insight and profes- a team reflect the diversity of thought of the great clients on some very exciting projects.” sionalism of her teams, the collaborative way team and each individual becomes personally She would like to see the industry and her company works, the quality of the work invested in the outcome. Then I give them healthcare system transformed to focus on product, and the value she and her teams de- the space they need to achieve the vision, and creating wellness rather than treating sickness. liver to clients. support when they need it.” Still, in the absence of that, there are very fea- “When working on transformational proj- Challenges, she says, are the norm. sible steps she believes can be taken to improve ects, there’s a balance between bold vision and “I try to get my clients and teams to expect the health and well-being of everyone. practical limits,” she says. “It’s important to the unexpected,” she says. “What’s critically “I would make sure that people — from set bold but achievable goals and have a plan important is for the whole team to commu- preschoolers to the elderly — have the knowl- that is aggressive but reasonable.” nicate when there’s an indication something edge to make healthy choices about food Colleagues sayCompliments Ms. Little stands out for her unforeseen is happening. Early warning and and exercise, and that everyone has access to ability to elevate the performance of a group early intervention minimizes the disruption. healthy food, housing, and safe communities that may not believe they are the right team. There are times when I may worry — privately that support making good choices,” she says. Sometimes a task is bigger than what a team — but I never panic. I gather the right people She credits her father and his compassion has tackled before, sometimes the team is to focus on the facts, evaluate the options, and and dedication as an attorney for providing her wounded from a past project that went poorly, we deal with it.” with professional inspiration.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] and sometimes the fear of failure paralyzes the Keeping her motivated is the potential “I have tried to bring the same kind of group. She understands that people need to for life-sciences companies to significantly compassion and dedication to my work as he have the support of their leader to park their improve the quality of life, and she says the did in his,” she says.
86 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE CHANGE AGENTS
BRION BRANDES Eye on the End Goal
he best and most powerful strategic ership in his company and with the co-promo-
solutions are uncovered through col- tion partners. Collaborative. T laboration, according to Brion Brandes. “Most of the time there were different He marshals resources, uses the expertise ideas and perspectives on how strategies and around him, and draws on his own experience tactics needed to be implemented,” he says. to solve customer challenges. “My approach was to always put the brand first “Talking and working closely with col- and do what was best for the business, which leagues helps me gain the most well-rounded ultimately resulted in the strongest business perspectives to be successful,” he says. “A decisions and highest sales growth.” collaborative approach will usually uncover He cites as career highlights quickly turn- that ‘ah ha’ moment, or, at a minimum, serve ing around a struggling business development Innovative. as confirmation to a well-planned and diverse department and leading his team to consec- Brion Brandes provides solutions in a positive, approach.” utive years of record-breaking sales resulting can-do fashion and combines outstanding Since joining the contract sales organiza- in 134% and 148% above annual goals and, business acumen with the ability to build long- tion Spectra BioPharma Selling Solutions, the secondly, being part of the Rezulin launch term relationships. commercial division of The Medical Affairs team at Parke-Davis, which was responsible Company as executive VP, business devel- for bringing to market one of the first new Getting to know... opment, Mr. Brandes has been tireless in his molecular entities to treat diabetes. Brion Brandes efforts to ensure Spectra was successful from His professional goals extend the approach the get go. The respect, trust, and relation- he has adopted throughout his career: to be TITLE: Executive VP, Business Development ships he has fostered over his 27 years in considered the best in the industry, to con- COMPANY: Spectra BioPharma Selling the pharmaceutical industry ensured Spectra stantly learn, continue to have the highest eth- Solutions was immediately included in numerous key ical standards, to focus on collaborationPharmaVOICE while pitches and considered a strong competitor in maintaining empathy, and build and maintain EDUCATION: BA, Technical Marketing, the marketplace trusted partnerships with all colleagues and University of Connecticut He earns the respect of his colleagues, business partners. of FAMILY: Wife, Lisa, and son, Benjamin, and peers, and business partners by focusing on The proof of success lies in an extensive brother-in-law, Alan M. Blassberg, whose service and what provides the best value to list of satisfied customers that are profitable award-winning documentary (Pink & Blue: pharmaceutical clients rather than focusing on and seeing consistent revenue growth. He Colors of Hereditary Cancer) on male and short-term financial goals, and he never loses has also been successful in leading teams to sight of being part of a process that ultimately achieve goals, while focusing on morale and female breast cancer has increased awareness improves the lives of people across the world. employee engagement, commitment and ded- about this devastating disease. HOBBIES: Golf, kayaking, tennis, UConn Driven to innovate by basketball BUCKET LIST: Visit all of the U.S. National Parks, whitewater rafting, golf at Pebble Beach, COMPLACENCY and learn to play the guitar Indeed, if resources were no barrier, he ication, employee retention, repeat business, AWARDS/HONORS: Top Business would want to find a cure for all forms of and trusted partnerships. Development Colleague multiple President’s cancer and tackle the challenge of providing Those who work with Mr. Brandes note and Director’s Club awards; named founding all Americans access to the most current medi- his warmth and ability to connect with others. member of Susan G. Komen North Jersey “Pink cines and treatments for their diseases. They are continually inspired by his creative Mr. Brandes recognizes that there is a thought process and ability to adapt to the Tie Guys” continuous need for innovation and transfor- ever-changing challenges facing the pharma- ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare mational change to Complimentsnot only succeed but also ceutical industry. Businesswoman’s Association; University achieve revenue growth. Mr. Brandes leads by example by being of Connecticut Alumni Association; Board He thinks outside the box and always an- authentic, building strong personal relation- Member, Dover Faith Kitchen, Dover, N.J. alyzes customers’ specific situations to bring ships, being hands on, creating an environ- nontraditional thinking to solutions. As he ment of open and honest communication, and SOCIAL MEDIA: says he is never willing to settle. being up front and honest. He motivates by
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] When he took his first strategic alliance calmly assessing the challenge, determining trusted, they gain a level of confidence and role, his greatest challenge was gaining con- the end goal, and then working backward. conviction that allows them to stay focused sensus among sales and marketing senior lead- “When team members feel appreciated and and motivated,” he says.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 87 CHANGE AGENTS
APRIL MULRONEY Breaking the Paradigm of a Broken Payment Process Congratulations to
pril Mulroney doesn’t rely much on process unmanageable. And, without modern, chance. A certified public accountant automated technologies, sponsors and CROs A by trade with designations in the are challenged to address high volumes of in- Medidata’s April Mulroney United States, the U.K., and Canada, she’s had voices and complex payment terms using man- a knack for numbers since the young age of 4. ual data entry systems, such as spreadsheets. “I was drawn to the challenge of solving This time-consuming, error-prone process intricate problems and computations,” she delays payments to sites, which lead to high and all of this year’s recalls. turnover rates among clinical investigators. Currently the managing director of Medi- That is the reason, under Ms. Mulroney’s
data’s global investigator payments solution Collaborative. leadership, the Medidata Payments team has and recently named a 2016 Rising Star by created an EDC-driven solution, one that auto- PharmaVOICE 100 honorees! the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association matically triggers and disburses site payment (HBA), Ms. Mulroney’s innovative work is in real time based on data captured throughout disrupting the broken site payment process, a clinical study. transforming the way the industry runs clin- “It’s only a matter of time when clinical ical trials and strengthening stakeholder rela- sites will no longer be faced with delayed or Intense. tionships along the way. April Mulroney’s love of numbers and distain inaccurate payments, enabling both sites and That love for numbers has served her well PharmaVOICEsponsors to focus less on financial administra- for inefficiency motivated her to create an in her career, where she has spent a tremendous automated payment system that disburses tion and more on the truly important aspects amount of time helping clients across different clinical site payments in real time. of clinical research,” Ms. Mulroney says. “I April’s knowledge, technical expertise and leadership is transforming fields navigate their financials, maximize their enjoy breaking the paradigm of perpetuating resources, and not leave the success of their It should run likeof a well-oiled machine. Yet, the same old inefficient processes, and I am the very foundation of the clinical trial site payment process. businesses to luck. pain points in today’s reimbursement model honored to be part of this movement.” She landed in the life-sciences industry have broken by taking a job as the chief financial officer what should be for CFS Clinical, where she spent three and a seamless pro- Driven to innovate by We thank her for her passion, innovation, and steadfast dedication, ahalf years overseeing all aspects of the compa- cess, resulting in inaccu- ny’s accounting, financial, tax, audit, budget- rate and late payments. which is helping the industry conduct better, more efficient and ing, and HR requirements. Despite knowing While the life-sciences INEFFICIENCY cost-effective clinical research. very little about clinical trials, Ms. Mulroney industry has come a long way in terms of dig- jumped at the opportunity to incorporate her itizing the clinical trials process (think of the Getting to know... strong accounting and tax background with shift from paper to EDC), paying clinical trial April Mulroney the unchartered waters of clinical finance. She sites has been challenging for sponsors and then moved into an operational role heading CROs to get right, and it’s a dilemma that has TITLE: Managing Director, Payments up investigator payments in Europe for an- persisted for decades. COMPANY: Medidata Solutions other three and a half years. Ms. Mulroney compares the situation to EDUCATION: BComm, University of Toronto, Before joining CFS Clinical, she spent nine the payroll process. CPA-CA, CPA, ACCA years in public accounting, the majority at “The payroll process is so automated and Deloitte, where she focused mostly on interna- so intuitive that we don’t even think twice HOBBIES: Running, cooking, and eating April Mulroney tional corporate tax. about it,” she says. “But what would the ram- AWARDS/HONORS: Healthcare “Deloitte wasCompliments my first exposure to taxes, ifications be if we didn’t get paid on time or Businesswomen’s Association Rising Star 2016 Managing Director, Payments and where I really fell in love with its foun- accurately? We wouldn’t be able to pay our ASSOCIATIONS: Institute of Chartered dational building blocks,” Ms. Mulroney says. bills, and our credit card debt would pile up. Accountants of Ontario (Canada); Illinois Certified “I know financials can seem boring to some, This is the nightmare that clinical trial sites Public Accountants (US); Institute of Chartered but I was and continue to be energized by the face every day.” complexity, creativity, and expertise required Complex requirements, including pre-pay- Accountants of England and Wales (UK)
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] to be successful in the space.” ments, holdbacks, split payments among dif- SOCIAL MEDIA: Ms. Mulroney’s vision for the administra- ferent payees, payments in multiple currencies TWEET: @MulroneyApril tion of clinical site payments is a simple one: and accruals, tax issues and more, make the [email protected] | mdsol.com | +1 866 515 6044
88 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE Congratulations to Medidata’s April Mulroney and all of this year’s PharmaVOICE 100 honorees!
PharmaVOICE April’s knowledge, technical expertise and leadership is transforming the very foundation of the clinicalof trial site payment process.
We thank her for her passion, innovation, and steadfast dedication, which is helping the industry conduct better, more efficient and cost-effective clinical research.
April Mulroney ManagingCompliments Director, Payments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
[email protected] | mdsol.com | +1 866 515 6044 CHANGE AGENTS
Getting to know... CINDY CETANI Cynthia “Cindy” Cetani Compliance Meets Collaboration TITLE: Global Integrity & Compliance Head, Function Change COMPANY: Novartis International AG indy Cetani, recently appointed global Ms. Cetani was promoted last year to her integrity and compliance head, func- current position and is a member of the No- EDUCATION: BS, Commerce, Finance, Magna C tion change, at Novartis International vartis I&C compliance leadership team. In this Cum Laude, Rider College AG, previously served as the chief compliance role, she maintains relationships with diverse FAMILY: Wife, Marcie; children, Cailey and Jack officer for the U.S. Novartis Pharmaceuticals company departments and functions globally, HOBBIES: Running — two marathons business. In this latter role, Ms. Cetani not including regulatory, legal, medical, human completed; traveling; photography; projects, only transformed the way the compliance resources, marketing, and manufacturing, to “making things;” helping others program worked, but also created tools that name just a few. have become models for other companies as Her U.S. colleagues say Ms. Cetani’s lead- BUCKET LIST: Cage dive to see great white well. Her innovative and strategic focus on ership with her team has changed the per- sharks; experience Orcas in the wild evolving the task at hand into a more part- ception of the compliance function from sales ASSOCIATIONS: Ethic & Compliance nership-driven function has improved how suppressor to a strategic partner with a clear Initiative; Fordham Consortium for Trustworthy the department interacts with the many other impact on the bottom line. Organizations; Healthcare Businesswomen’s internal and external stakeholders involved. An example of her U.S. teams’ ground- Today’s environment requires collabora- breaking work under her leadership includes Association tions, which can come with extra challenges. bringing forward a Web-based interactive SOCIAL MEDIA: “In the past, the predominant focus needed policy tool for Novartis Pharmaceuticals that to succeed would be to unleash the potential has become a model for other companies. The within your own company,” Ms. Cetani says. tool communicates the “why” behind the com- tegrity standards. She believes that compliance “Today, given globalization and the healthcare pany’s compliance policies and enables broader professionals play an important role today in challenges we face, this will increasingly re- learning and application. It is available on lap- fostering and guarding the trust and reputa- quire partnerships and collaborations beyond tops and smart devices with intelligent search tion in the companies they serve. our doors and borders. These are complex but functionality, offering valuablePharmaVOICE insights that “I have been involved in co-leading many necessary issues to tackle.” enable compliance to target communications re-organizations across various roles and have to certain functions or areas of the always found those times to present the most business. challenges and conflicts to manage,” she says. Tenacious. Optimistic. Underof her direction, the com- “These situations are inevitable, a necessary pliance team also developed tai- part of growth and change, and must be han- lored learning tools with interac- dled effectively for long-term sustainability. tive and engaging content. The In many cases, the change creates enhanced game-themed tool provides feed- opportunities for growth for the organization back loops to capture stakeholder and individuals.” reactions to compliance-related The short-term attention this type of vigi- content, confirm relevance, and lance requires, the balancing of bigger picture plan future learning needs. priorities, staying true to transparency and When Ms. Cetani joined the open communications to the extent possible, industry in a managed markets and wrestling with the potential impact on position more than a decade ago, individuals can be challenging, she says. there wasn’t even a compliance As a member on the board of the Health- department. As the needs of stake- care Businesswomen’s Association’s Leadership holders became more demanding Project for MLRC, a program committed to and complex, Ms. Cetani saw the showcasing the value of medical, legal, regula- compliance function grow and tory, and compliance functions to its business evolve to include a more inte- partners, Ms. Cetani has helped women in grated, 360-degree view of the the compliance, legal, regulatory, and med- Complimentscustomer and business priorities in ical functions to advance their careers. Her the context of the regulatory envi- strategic mind and inspiring personality have ronment and external expectations. helped to advance the project. Risk mitigation in these often un- “I pursued pharmaceuticals to lead within chartered new areas is achieved an industry that is so essential to our health Cindy Cetani has transformed the perception of the through solutions-focused partner- and well-being,” she says. “Having the great OPPORTUNITY (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] compliance function from sales suppressor to a sales ing with organization leaders who opportunity every day to bring quality health- partner with a clear and strategic impact on the collectively help drive company care products and solutions to patients is a bottom line. Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate culture and growth with high in- driving inspiration.”
90 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE CHANGE AGENTS DrivenCURIOSITY to innovate by KILIAN WEISS Getting to know... Kilian Weiss Turning Data TITLE: General Manager, KOL Solutions COMPANY: Veeva Systems Into Value EDUCATION: Business Administration, Goethe University FAMILY: His wife for joining him on multiple ilian Weiss has spent the better part transatlantic moves of his career pushing the envelope and Optimistic. K developing game-changing new ways HOBBIES: Running, sailing, golfing, traveling to capture and analyze unstructured health- BUCKET LIST: Sail across the Atlantic, care, combining crowdsourcing techniques camp with his kids in a national park, and if with artificial intelligence. he survives these two outdoor adventures, With a vision to identify all stakeholders recover in a beach house with his wife critical to a drug launch and beyond, Mr. Weiss created an approach that was ahead of SOCIAL MEDIA: its time. TWEET: @KilianWeiss The traditional approach for pharma com- panies was to purchase key opinion leader data Founding his company in his early 20s, from multiple different sources — up to 50 Kilian Weiss achieved success and sources per large pharma company. PharmaVOICErecognition for providing new ways to
Today, however, the number of people and Entrepreneurial. analyze healthcare data. organizations that directly influence whether or not a new drug reaches patients is larger Mr. Weiss founded his company, Mederi a result Veeva KOL Data continues to grow and more diverse. During a product launch, for AG, directly after college,of based on an ear- increasingly sophisticated. He envisions a mas- example, a complex system of different stake- ly-stage customer targeting analytics product sive, organic information network that helps holders, including global medical experts, in partnership with one of the largest data the industry uncover critical insights — from regulators, formulary decision makers, local providers in the world. Initially, it was a chal- health economics researchers to payers, phy- community leaders, and social media influ- lenge to get going — it took two years to win sicians, and researchers. His vision is already encers all have an impact. What’s more, Mr. his first customer — but he soon expanded becoming a reality in various key markets. Weiss believes the relationships these influenc- the company and launched in the United Success for him lies in the success of his ers have with one another and the larger mar- States with the help of BelHealth Investment customers. ketplace is just as important for drug launches Partners. He says one thing he learned from found- and beyond. And life-sciences companies must By 2014, at the age of 33, his innovative ing a company is how important mentors are. find a way to capture, make sense of, and share company was acquired by Veeva and he was “I also believe that mentoring is more than this information across teams, including med- recruited as Veeva’s general manager of KOL providing information,” he says. “Great talents ical affairs and commercial. solutions. He describes the acquisition by need access to the right people and resources.” On top of these complex networks, the Veeva as a career highlight, one that provided He inspires with optimism having seen data that companies were acquiring had to be all of the employees at his company with the how many things are possible with great “stitched together” to create a complete view wings to fly, innovate, and execute smart ideas. people and hard work. He is motivated by the of any single thought leader, he says. By the end of 2015, Veeva — under Mr. incredible potential of analytics in healthcare Mr. Weiss brought together a deep view Weiss’ leadership — launched Veeva KOL and most importantly working with great of all stakeholders important to a drug launch Data. The solution provides comprehensive people. And he motivates by taking the right and ultimate successCompliments in the market in terms stakeholder data as a subscription for deep people on the journey, initiating the right of getting the drug to the right patients. He information that’s always up to date and ac- journey, and providing Swiss chocolate when delivered on his vision with a single source of curate. Robust profiles and sophisticated ana- the journey gets tough. global stakeholder data. lytics maximize coverage and save hundreds of His goal is to change how the industry uses The benefit to companies is having access hours for medical teams. unstructured data. to stakeholders beyond KOLs, less time spent Less than one year since launch, Veeva “If we can access and connect more and
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] searching for and profiling thought leaders, KOL Data is already being leveraged on an en- more information in healthcare, there will be and a lower overall cost for companies by terprise scale by major life-sciences companies. incredible benefits for patients and the indus- consolidating information into a single source. Mr. Weiss is constantly innovating, and as try,” he says.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 91 CHANGE AGENTS
Getting to know... PHIL MANN Philip Mann Motivate. Inspire. Influence. TITLE: Group Account Director COMPANY: MicroMass Communications Inc. EDUCATION: Business Management, North If only changing patient communicator, a translator, and some- viewing, and cognitive restricting techniques Carolina State University one who listens to each and every to deliver positive patient and provider out- FAMILY: Wife, Maureen; son, Kyle person, Phil Mann inspires creativity comes. While these approaches are common- behavior were this easy. A HOBBIES: Running, camping, playing golf among his colleagues at MicroMass. place in public health interventions, they are He is a trailblazer, who bridges the gap groundbreaking within the branded pharma BUCKET LIST: Traversing the U.S. in an RV; between creative and account, project manage- environment. attending the NCAA Final Four ment and finance, client and med legal, and He cites as his career highlight the devel- AWARDS/HONORS: Industry: DMA International patient and brand. opment of iPlan, a patient-support program Echo Awards Bronze — Pharmaceutical As group account director, Mr. Mann is a for Edarbi, a high-blood pressure medication Healthcare; Medical Marketing & Media Gold, positive force, who inspires creativity and in- from Arbor Pharmaceuticals. novation. He knows that the best and most ef- “With an extremely tight deadline we were Best Use of Direct Marketing to Consumers; Rx fective solutions come from working together. able to deliver a patient-support program from Club Award of Excellence, Patient Education; He values the opinions, perspectives, expertise, soup to nuts, including the creative develop- Rx Club Award of Excellence — Single Sponsor and commitment of every person, and in so ment of all materials and the technical devel- Publication; DTC National Advertising Awards: doing drives everyone to be better. opment of a customizable Web platform,” he Silver - Best Patient Engagement, Support or CRM His goal — and also one of the biggest says. “iPlan drove incredible engagement with Program; International Awards of Excellence (IN- challenges — is to find the best way to make 40% of site visitors visiting nine-plus times.” the most out of a diverse group of people, all Mentoring is more important than being AWE) Gold, Medical Education/Patient Education; of whom have different talents to bring to the a supervisor or part of a leadership team, Mr. Gold, Consumer Print/Direct Mail; PM360 Pharma table. He believes success is measured not only Mann believes. Choice Awards, Finalist Consumer Website; Digital in the impact the agency has on its clients, “Mentoring provides the opportunity to Health Awards, Bronze — Web-based Digital but even more so on the lives of the people the help someone grow as a person, not just as an Health; Summit Awards, Bronze — Consumer industry is trying to help. employee,” he says. PharmaVOICE Mr. Mann understands that most com- He seeks to inspire through deeds and ac- Campaign (Regional/National); Personal awards: panies are built around relationship-driven tions, developing relationships built on trust. MicroMass Communications, Best Attitude and engagement, and so he encourages cohesive, He motivates thoseof around him by staying Light a Fire organic partnerships with clients and contin- calm and positive. ASSOCIATIONS: American Marketing uously achieves results, all while maintain- “It’s easy to get dejected when things start Association ing accountability, integrity, going south,” he says. “It’s all about recogniz- SOCIAL MEDIA: humor, and an upbeat atti- ing what you can and can’t control, and put- tude. Under his leadership, ting your energy into what you can.” TWEET: @philmann52 clients have implemented He fosters innovation by pushing his health coaching, mindful- teams to think outside of the box, embrace ness, motivational inter- their behavior roots, and use these insights suring that what MicroMass offers is seen as to further improve patient outcomes for relevant, differentiated, and meets the ev- Phil Mann inspires colleagues clients. He listens to everyone’s ideas and er-changing challenges clients face,” he says. through his deeds and actions, makes sure that the end results fully leverage And one of these major challenges for the and developing relationships the contributions from a diverse team. industry is to have meaningful engagements But it’s not. Changing behavior built on trust. Next on his agenda is to help with patients in the digital space. MicroMass write its next chap- “The pharmaceutical industry as a whole requires a specialist like MicroMass. ter by driving use of innova- — pharma companies and agency partners tive and industry-changing — have to put forth the effort and resources solutions that showcase a necessary to meet the expectations people have More than 20 years ago, MicroMass introduced the idea of using evidence-based behavioral strategies to shift attitudes, Fun. new approach to health when they engage in the social space,” he says. build skills, and improve patient outcomes for pharma brands. Our award-winning creative translates behavioral science behavior. “Even though we continue to evolve, we also into compelling programs that change the lives of patients. Compliments “As our industry continue to fall further behind.” continues to evolve, my Mr. Mann would like to be remembered as Why trust your patient marketing to anything less than a specialist? biggest challenge is en- someone who challenged the status quo and el- Email Jude today at [email protected] to find out how our specialized expertise can lead to more effective evated the work done by the industry and as Driven to innovate by someone who always asked, “Why not?” patient support and marketing initiatives. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
Collaborative. THE POSSIBILITIES WeAreSpecialists.com
92 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE
16MKT002-MKT-Jrnl-Ad-PhmVc_Jly-M.indd 1 7/5/16 5:31 PM If only changing patient behavior were this easy.
PharmaVOICE of
But it’s not. Changing behavior requires a specialist like MicroMass.
More than 20 years ago, MicroMass introduced the idea of using evidence-based behavioral strategies to shift attitudes, build skills, and improve patient outcomes for pharma brands. Our award-winning creative translates behavioral science into compellingCompliments programs that change the lives of patients. Why trust your patient marketing to anything less than a specialist? Email Jude today at [email protected] to find out how our specialized expertise can lead to more effective patient support and marketing initiatives. THE POSSIBILITIES (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] WeAreSpecialists.com
16MKT002-MKT-Jrnl-Ad-PhmVc_Jly-M.indd 1 7/5/16 5:31 PM CHANGE AGENTS
Getting to know... Marianne D. De Backer, DR. MARIANNE DE BACKER Ph.D. Incubating Innovation TITLE: VP, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Janssen Business Development COMPANY: Johnson & Johnson arianne De Backer, Ph.D., VP of Also, when the Ebola crisis emerged, Dr. Johnson & Johnson Innovation, De Backer and her team leapt into action, EDUCATION: MSc, Molecular Biology, MJanssen Business Development, is forming collaborations with external parties to University of Brussels; MBA, Rotterdam a deal-maker extraordinaire, helping to forge support the development and manufacturing School of Management; Ph.D., Biotechnology, fruitful business partnerships that result in of an Ebola prime-boost vaccine regimen. University of Ghent innovative new therapies. Johnson & Johnson now surpasses other FAMILY: Partner Geert; sons, Jonathan and As a young woman, Dr. De Backer was pharmaceutical companies in the number of Mattice very close to never attending college. Yet 25 infectious disease deals, thereby increasing the years later, she’s served as a scientist and R&D likelihood of successful treatments reaching HOBBIES: Hiking with the family and group leader — a role through which she was patients in the fastest-possible time frame. gardening named inventor on five patents, led a commer- Colleagues say Dr. De Backer’s knowledge BUCKET LIST: Forever retain the ability to be cial business unit, and held various licensing of what it’s like both “at the bench” and “at in awe for the little things in life; help sons to and business development roles across mul- the bed of a patient” has enabled her to build grow up to be happy adults, and independent tiple franchises and regions resulting in over bridges across groups in a large organization, 200 external alliances. which is evidenced by the strong internal and thinkers; teach at Stanford Over just the past three years, Dr. De external partnerships she has been able to ASSOCIATIONS: Women in Bio, Backer has played a central role in building a forge. Dr. De Backer is someone who is liked Licensing Executives Society, Healthcare robust infectious disease pipeline for the com- and respected both by the partners with whom Businesswomen’s Association, Watermark pany, evaluating with her team more than 170 she interacts and by the internal stakeholders SOCIAL MEDIA: opportunities, and forming 36 deals involving within J&J with whom she works. TWEET: @MDDBACKER promising treatments for hepatitis C, hepa- She views each alliance through the lens of titis B, influenza, HIV, and other infectious how it can make a difference for patients and diseases. always urges her team neverPharmaVOICE to lose focus on this end goal. and guiding influence of her mentors and Dr. De Backer overcame challenges supervisors. Because of this, Dr. De Backer Driven. Curious. early in her life to be able to obtain her is extremely impassioned about mentoring educationof and ultimately make such a and is active in advocating for young talent, meaningful impact through her role from different areas within Johnson & John- at Johnson & Johnson. She was very son. She implemented a six-month rotational close to never attending college. In program within the global Janssen business her family, going back generations, development group to give young, talented in- getting a college education was not dividuals opportunities to learn, grow, expand something considered of any relevance their network and build experience in business to women. Her grandmother and development. great grandmother had been gifted Members who participated in the rotation students, yet they did not get the per- program found the opportunity to fully ex- mission needed from their parents to plore a different part of the business without get a higher education. After express- risk making a huge difference in their careers, ing an unrelenting desire to attend some decided to continue on in business devel- college, Dr. De Backer was granted opment, others valuing the additional insights exactly four years of study time to get gained from the experience. a degree. She obtained an engineering Current and past mentees say Dr. De degree with high honors, and started Backer has made them better bosses and she working immediately after. has given them the confidence to step up for Her first job was as a lab tech at new roles and has opened their minds on a ComplimentsJanssen, but she didn’t stop there. professional level by learning about the impor- With her passion ignited, she ob- tance of mentoring and coaching. tained a Ph.D., an MBA, and an addi- “We have so much talent that could re- tional master’s degree while working main untapped unless we touch them on the
Through her visionary deal-making and ability full time and taking classes at night shoulder,” she says. “I hope my story can be an to create collaborations that result in tangible and on weekends for eight years. inspiration for young women or anyone who (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] PARTNERSHIPS healthcare innovations, Dr. Marianne De Backer However, Dr. De Backer attri- needs that little extra support to continue to has made significant contributions to the areas of butes her success not just to her edu- strive to level the playing field in the work- global infectious diseases and vaccines. cational feats, but also to the positive place.” Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate
94 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE CHANGE AGENTS Tenacious. Strategic.
successes, which translated into the com- Colleagues credit Driven to innovate by pany’s Catalyst Program. According to her Jean Chitwood and colleagues, this is by far one of her greatest her strategic vision as accomplishments at INC, as this program a key driver of INC’s formalizes innovation and change processes to success. PACE OF advance site relationships for more efficient, high-quality clinical research. The progress on that initiative in just a short time has been ex- ceptional, growing key site relationships while CHANGE keeping the program aligned with where the industry and INC are headed. Additionally, the growth of that program has become a part of INC’s culture, and internal awareness is equally as impressive as the external visibility of this new program. Ms. Chitwood’s more than 25 years of experience in healthcare with a variety of roles across academia, pharmaceutical, and CRO sectors, influences her work every day. Her diverse background allows her to understand the marketplace from each key stakeholder’s perspective, from shareholders to customers to employees. She has the ability to keep each JEAN CHITWOOD person’s perspective in consideration at all times as she guides the company, and it takes Driving Strategy that Improves Business a high-level of skill and wisdom to address all those diverse interests simultaneously. Her PharmaVOICEexperience and vision is why she sees industry ean Chitwood, executive VP, corporate change coming before many others in her field strategy and development at INC Re- Getting to know... and guides INC in the right direction from a Jsearch, is the consummate strategist. Jean S. Chitwoodof strategic perspective as a result. While colleagues use complimentary lan- “I have a passion for healthcare that drives guage to describe her, Ms. Chitwood is more TITLE: Executive VP, Corporate Strategy and me to improve health and treatment options straightforward with her own assessment. Development for patients around the world,” she says. “I’ve “I’m like a dog with a bone when presented COMPANY: INC Research spent most of my career in pharma and clinical with an issue or challenge,” she says. “I just EDUCATION: MBA, University of North trials for this reason. We really make a differ- can’t let it go. It’s part of my nature.” Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School; BS, ence in the lives of so many people and I’ve Her ability to examine any situation from always been proud to work in this endeavor.” all sides and to envision many possible options, Medical Technology, Radford University Ms. Chitwood says she has had the good combined with her unwillingness to let go FAMILY: Husband, Mike Chitwood; two grown fortune of having strong women mentor her until multiple solutions have been explored, children throughout her career, so it is important to have served her — and INC Research — well her to give back by supporting other women SOCIAL MEDIA: in her career. When Ms. Chitwood was hired, in science and business. she was told her role was to “make the com- “We’ve come a long way, but we still pany better.” And that is just what she has Her vision extends fully across the busi- need more capable women at the highest/most done. ness; she has embedded the value proposition senior levels of organizations, so I think it is “We’ve driven hard against our strategy of a genuine relationship with sites into the important to help others with coaching and and have built a successful global enterprise,” fabric of the organization and that differenti- guidance wherever I can — the way I was sup- she says. ates INC from its competitors. Ms. Chitwood ported throughout my career,” she says. For instance, she capitalized on INC’s not only saw the importance of these relation- Ms. Chitwood describes her focus as “all openness to elevatingCompliments the importance of sites ships, she seized the opportunity to ensure the about what’s next,” and fortunately she says and patients as key elements of INC’s business company was adapting to the industry’s shift she married a poet who keeps her grounded on strategy. This move reinforced the strong rela- in site relationships. She found a way to fit this the other important aspects of life. tionships the company has built with sites and intangible concept into the hard box of busi- “Without what he does, I couldn’t do what renewed its commitment to groups that raise ness, to show a return on investment without a I do,” she says. “I am the businessperson in the the voice of sites globally. A primary focus for dollar figure or metric, and demonstrated real family and he reminds me of all the other parts
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] the company is working to make clinical trials value in the progress made with sites. of life that make it meaningful. Living with a better for patients and the clinicians who work Ms. Chitwood also perceived an initiative poet literally forces me to see the world more on the front lines with them. that would allow for great sites to scale their broadly.”
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 95 HCB-303_Concept2_HR.pdf 1 6/24/16 11:16 AM
CHANGE AGENTS
H Agile. Enthusiastic. E A
AMY DOWELL L Unstoppable, Results-Driven T
her commitment and enthusiasm, H while she breaks the complex into Getting to know... bite-sized understandable pieces. Amy Dowell “Making complicated stuff C seem simple is actually my hidden TITLE: Associate Partner, Executive VP talent,” she says. “Sometimes this Strategy takes the form of teaching, a way COMPANY: HCB Health A of giving others digestible access EDUCATION: BS, Advertising, University of to complex information, and some- Texas at Austin times it’s just about tackling com- FAMILY: Wife Deann, firefighter; daughter R Amy Dowell redefines problems into insightful plicated tasks and getting them Remy, 3, and another daughter expected in and solvable parts, and then produces successful done.” solutions seemingly overnight. September E
Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate In terms of getting things ENTHUSIASM done, Ms. Dowell is called one of HOBBIES: Outdoor music shows, weekend the hardest working account per- runs at the lake, spending time with family and ccording to the staff at HCB, inspiration sons in the medical advertising industry, not friends has a first and last name: Amy Dowell. only from the number of hoursPharmaVOICE she invests, but B To experience insightful exuberance, also from the results she produces. BUCKET LIST: Take an improv class, learn to A sail, take a sabbatical and live abroad with her A you only have to sit with her for five minutes. Her biggest career highlight was helping The associate partner, executive VP of strat- an A-list healthcareof client consolidate a wide family to truly immerse herself in a foreign egy, at HCB exudes enthusiasm and embodies and disparate brand portfolio that was built culture D inspiration, and is also incredibly smart. through acquisition into a unified offering SOCIAL MEDIA: Colleagues say not only is Ms. Dowell with a simple and sticky value proposition — good, she’s unstoppable. They say she is ca- one that really connects with customers. TWEET: @HCB_Amy A pable of learning the most complex medical “I worked with the team to give the fran- categories quickly and finding the precious chise a newly branded facelift,” Ms. Dowell nugget of strategy in the blandest sea of indi- says. “It took an incredible amount of orches- focusing on two quotes. The first is from for- S cations. She is beloved by her clients because tration across brand teams and a multitude of mer British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, they know she will nail it, and she won’t rest stakeholders. It was an awesome experience who said: “Every production of genius must be S until it’s right. and one that I’m very proud to have been a the production of enthusiasm.” “I try to be a cheerleader of enthusiasm,” part of.” “I have that quote tacked to my wall and Ms. Dowell says. “You can’t get creative if you How did Ms. Dowell become so savvy? She reference it regularly,” she says. “It speaks to aren’t truly interested in the subject matter. had a crash course when she started her career my soul, because nothing gets me more fired You wear the title well. Often we are solving complicated problems working on a small medical device account up than apathy.” that exist in complicated markets for our that catapulted from a $300 million brand to The second quote came from a post-gradu- clients. I try to tease lateral thinking out of a $1.3 billion business over the course of just ate commencement speech she heard given by people because the solution is rarely found by six years. comedian Jim Carrey. He said: “Your effect on looking within the industry we are serving.” “I learned so much during that time, start- others is your most valuable currency.” Clients describe Ms. Dowell as one of the ing with hyper-focused professional targets “Since the day I heard that quote, I’ve best agency peopleCompliments they have ever worked in order to develop proof of concept, through adopted it as my personal mantra,” she says. with. She adds value to every conversation and expanding indications and customer segments, And that is evident, as in the more than 12 is considered by all to be a trusted partner. and eventually through loss of patent and years she’s been with HCB, she has mentored Amy Dowell, Associate Partner/EVP Strategy She is more than a vendor, they say, she is a continued brand leadership in the face of real many upcoming account service stars and consultant, thinker, and friend. competition,” she says. “I will forever carry helped creatives understand the benefits of a Congratulations on being named one of PharmaVOICE's Top 100. She redefines problems into insightful and the invaluable lessons I learned during the clear and precise strategy. Her impact starts You bring strategic style, stellar storytelling and impeccable service
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] solvable parts, and then produces solutions dozens of successes — and some failures — we with the HCB staff, extends to her growing to everything you do. and customized marketing programs virtu- experienced.” client base, and is expanding throughout the ally overnight. Her presentations demonstrate Ms. Dowell maintains her lively spirit by industry. Find out more about Amy and the agency at hcbhealth.com.
96 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE HCB-303_Concept2_HR.pdf 1 6/24/16 11:16 AM
H
E A
L T H C A R E
PharmaVOICEB A of D A S S You wear the title well.
Compliments Amy Dowell, Associate Partner/EVP Strategy Congratulations on being named one of PharmaVOICE's Top 100. You bring strategic style, stellar storytelling and impeccable service
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] to everything you do. Find out more about Amy and the agency at hcbhealth.com. CHANGE AGENTS
the external partners perform as an integrated team with a shared mission of optimizing the DEIRDRE BEVARD clinical study experience for sites and patients. “At the heart of all of this was a sea change Creating a Culture for Clinical Innovation to always keep patients, who give of them- selves in these clinical trials, at the center of our focus and how the impact of our choices Getting to know... and decision affects them,” she says. “Hearing Deirdre F. BeVard people bring up the patient perspective as a first concern rather than an afterthought is a TITLE: VP, Development Operations meaningful cultural shift.” COMPANY: Nektar Therapeutics Inc. Success for Ms. BeVard is when both the EDUCATION: BS, Ursinus College project and the people have achieved their FAMILY: Husband Warren; children, Aileen, goals and delivered a meaningful treatment Optimistic. Aidan, Liam; Mom and Dad, Nuala and Dick option to patients who need it. She is focused on improving the way the (deceased) Fulton industry collaborates to bring new therapeutic HOBBIES: Travel with her family, reading, options to patients who need them. organizing, and hosting events/parties “I want to be in a position where I can BUCKET LIST: Skydiving; hiking to some of connect the multifaceted participants in this the world’s most impressive waterfalls; singing process to understand one another because on a Broadway stage; seeing real change in I believe that can lead to transformational change,” she says. the industry, including not needing to explain Her concern is that the industry isn’t mov- what clinical research is to most people ing fast enough. AWARDS/HONORS: 2010 HBA Rising “I also think we are constrained by our
Straightforward. Straightforward. Star; Endo Accelerated Leadership own false boundaries and perceived security Deirdre BeVard strives to create an environment Program; IIR Special Recognition for blankets,” she says. “By that I mean the things, where individuals can stretch their skills and methods, and processes that we think are re- Contributions to Partnerships in Clinical Trials seize opportunities. PharmaVOICEquired and reduce risk, but really don’t.” Conference; IIR Partnerships in Clinical Trials She is inspired by patients who remind her here are many things Deirdre Biopharmaceutical Leadership what is important, and in particular those who BeVard can be proud of in her career; ASSOCIATIONS: DIA Linking Leaders participate in clinical trials and who are advo- he has been part of the leadership team of cates for advancing medical research. T SOCIAL MEDIA: for numerous product approvals at Otsuka, TWEET: @deebev1 “These are people who have literally given Endo, and now Nektar Therapeutics, and of themselves for the betterment of others, helped to increase company growth and other through their participation in clinical trials,” business metrics. But what really stands out is she says. “They have also taken that experience her role in shaping organizational cultures that and are sharing it with a broader population allow others to perform at their best. Driven to innovate by so the importance of medical re- Innovation thrives where there is the cul- search is understood — they are ture, freedom, and space for people to inno- true heroes.” vate, she believes. IMPATIENCE When challenges arise, she Being able to help an organization look at support and encouragement, and then get out helps those she leads by breaking down the things differently and translate those insights of their way and get on with it,” she says. “So challenge into manageable pieces. into new approaches that have meaningful many people are capable of so much more than “It is my job to remain calm and optimistic impact has been incredibly rewarding for Ms. they realize; they just need to have someone but not so much so that it’s disingenuous,” she BeVard. believe in them and give them an opportunity says. “Buffering a team from the noise and the “The best aspect of these experiences are to shine. It is my responsibility as a leader to emotion of a challenge can help keep them when I have been able to identify talent and look for the potential in someone and match it focused on what really matters.” potential in people that they did not know with a business need.” Ms. BeVard always makes herself available they had,” she says. Ms. BeVard challenges her teams to find to support others in their career journey. Ms. BeVardCompliments inspires others by creating creative approaches to design and implement “I want to give back to the field and to a culture in which it is acceptable or even clinical trials with a constant focus on innova- help others discover what they can achieve,” expected, to respectfully challenge the status tion and improvement. she says. “I learn as much from any mentoring quo, enabling people to safely explore different Most recently a great highlight for Ms. relationship as the person I am mentoring. I approaches, solutions, and strategies for meet- BeVard has been watching her team at Nek- enjoy the discovery of new skills and helping ing their goals, both personal and professional. tar achieve true integration with external people to see things in a way they had not pre-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] “I think the most effective way to inspire providers — CROs and others — to create a viously considered. It is an honor to be asked others is to provide the opportunities for them “one team” concept that focused on sites and to be someone’s mentor and a privilege that to achieve and to stretch their skills, provide patients. Through this model, sponsors and should not be taken for granted.”
98 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE CHANGE AGENTS
BRAD HARDY Creating a Can-Do Culture
high-level strategist, Brad Hardy is in- vested in what it takes to be successful. Positive. Driven. A As VP of sales at Kowa Pharma- Driven to innovate by ceuticals America, Mr. Hardy has been instru- mental in guiding the team in its mission to maximize sales operations efficiency with an CREATIVE approach that goes beyond software. Mr. Hardy and the sales leadership team have implemented an agile approach to help the Kowa sales teams calibrate their perfor- mance with fast, actionable information they THINKING use in real time to seize opportunities. Just two weeks after starting the relationship with Op- He approaches his work with intense en- tymyze Sales Operations as a Service (SOaaS), ergy, passion, and positivity, and in turn, Kowa began to take immediate corrective ac- he has created a culture of camaraderie and tions to increase sales performance and better PharmaVOICEfun at Kowa. Whether he’s implementing engage its salesforce. exciting quarterly incentive opportunities or The increased capabilities help Mr. Hardy establishing lasting personal connections with and his sales teams to better visualize sales Brad Hardy is completely engaged in and committed his staff and their families, Mr. Hardy truly is results, plan solutions, and react to market to the success of his teamsof and Kowa as a whole. a well-rounded executive. His level of emo- changes. tional intelligence has enabled him to build Mr. Hardy is completely engaged in and committed to the success of his teams and unmatched credibility and loyalty. In all, he Kowa as a whole. His enthusiasm has consis- is dedicated to his people, the products, and tently encouraged his use of the technology. In the company. Getting to know... fact, using Optymyze’s Rewards & Recogni- He seeks to mentor and help others succeed David “Brad” Hardy tion platform, he created a fun program where just as others have mentored and helped him. sales team members can recognize others with He inspires through encouragement and TITLE: VP, Sales Fist Bumps. This has further enhanced Kowa’s a positive attitude that will not allow people COMPANY: Kowa Pharmaceuticals America culture of recognition, with nearly 20 Fist to give up. EDUCATION: BA, Biology, University of Bumps being awarded in the Optymyze plat- Mr. Hardy’s commitment to excellence Richmond form each day. was recognized with the President’s Circle of FAMILY: Mom, Dad who passed away of Mr. Hardy has said that the use of the plat- Excellence club as an Area Development Man- form has helped to create an air of excitement ager — a newly created award that he won in cancer 13 years ago, and sister; three children that permeates his salesforce. His colleagues the first year of its existence. Additionally, Mr. Susannah, Marissa, and Griffin say he has been able to help guide behaviors Hardy and Kowa Pharmaceuticals won the HOBBIES: Running, lifting weights, cycling, in a fun, innovative-Brad Hardy kind of way. 2015 Ventana Research Award for Sales Excel- tennis, golfing Working at a small company, Mr. Hardy lence. This prestigious award is in recognition BUCKET LIST: Run one more marathon in recognizes that innovation requires a willing- of Kowa’s efforts to build a scalable and best- ness to try new things: sometimes they work in-class sales operations model. his 50s Compliments and sometimes they don’t but it’s important to His goal is to continue to grow Kowa to AWARDS/HONORS: President’s Circle of not be afraid of failure. become a well-known and respected phar- Excellence; 1995 Eagle Award; 2005 Top Area The one issue that worries Mr. Hardy is the maceutical company and grow the salesforce Business Director continued pressure on the industry and the im- through new product launches. ASSOCIATIONS: CMR Institute pact on the long-term prospects for sales reps. He would like to be remembered as a (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA: “Health and hospital systems buying up great leader and someone who instills trust physician practices and restricting access to and respect based on his solid work ethic and reps gives me angst,” he says. positive demeanor.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 99 (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. CHANGE AGENTS For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] DISRUPTION Driven toinnovateDriven by W 100 nance committees withinR&D.Heisamem- activities, andhe servesonanumberofgover- in manyprojectandstudylevel peerreview ing andwhy. ing, andjustasimportantly,what’s notwork- developments andtechnologies thatarework- the industryandoutsidetolearn aboutnew that challengethestatusquo,lookingwithin and peerssayheisalwaysaskingquestions ical trialexperienceforpatients.Colleagues been deeplycommittedtoimprovingtheclin- transform thewayclinicaltrialsareconducted. which isfocusedondigitaltechnologies,to heads uptheinnovationforplatform, pharmaceutical clinicalorganization.Healso and projecttechnologyinfrastructureforthe with sustaining thestate-of-the-art clinical management for PCPS. He is also charged business strategyandoperations,change Jenkins overseesperformancemanagement, pharma R&D.Inhiscurrentposition,Dr. platforms andsciences(PCPS)groupinGSK of scienceandmovingtheneedleforpatients. about beingpurposefullyboldinthepursuit taking risksoroffailureandheispassionate tion, performanceandtechnology. GlaxoSmithKline’s VPandheadofinnova- cess, especiallysuchleadersasDr.Jenkins’ cally important to the industry’s future suc - are alsoaccomplishedscientistscriti- up tospeedwitheveryoneelse.” ing forwardtoimplementingthembringus address someofthesechallengesandI’mlook- health appsandtechnologiesemergingthat gaged,” hesays.“Therearenewdigitalmobile faster andwithalowerburdenforeveryoneen- erational and clinical data from research much where wecancollect,analyze,andpresentop- information onourpersonaldevices. essence, thesamewayweaccessoureveryday thoughtful and more user-friendly way —in and investigatorstoenteraccessdataina sponsoring pharmacompanies,universities, patients inclinicalstudies,researchers, mobile computing, there isanopportunityfor Ph.D. Dr.Jenkinssayswiththeubiquityof He is a medicine mentor and participates He isamedicinementorand participates From theverybeginning,Dr.Jenkinshas He is a leader within the projects, clinical Colleagues sayDr.Jenkinsisn’tafraidof Inspiring and nurturing leaders, who “This presentsasoon-to-befuturestate July/August2016 and peers say just ask Julian Jenkins, and peerssayjustaskJulianJenkins, trials have in common? Colleagues trials haveincommon?Colleagues Compliments hat dofootball,apps,andclinical
PharmaVOICE participants with two wearable devices: Vital participants with twowearabledevices:Vital Human Performance Lab,equippedproject laborative project,whichtook place atGSK’s needed inaregulatedenvironment. Thecol- devices, whilemaintainingthekind ofcontrols tually beingcollectedintrials using mHealth an experimenttoseehowmuch datawasac- Laren Racing,Dr.Jenkinswanted toconduct method developmentproject,alongwithMc- (mHealth) strategy. shape partner Medidata’s mobile health commitment toactiveexperimentationhelped Rotten moment,somethingtodisrupttheway in arecentblogit’ssimple:“WeneedJohnny ical trialanalyticsmightbe,Dr.Jenkinssaid thought ofbefore. and creativitytohelpmakeconnectionsnever most profoundtopics,Dr.Jenkinsuseshiswit and colleagues say even when tackling the scientist andleaderinclinicalpharmacology. candidate selectiontomarket,andasaclinical development organizationsandprojectsfrom which haveincludedleadershipofclinical served inrolesdiscoveryanddevelopment, GlaxoSmithKline formorethan18years,has within GlaxoSmithKline. committee, andsponsorstheeSourceproject ber oftheTranscelerateBiopharmaoperations Creating Disruption mHealth JENKINS JULIAN DR. with aneyeonmovingtheneedleforpatients. way inwhichclinicaltrialsareconducted,all Dr. JulianJenkinsiscommittedtoinnovatingthe When GSK and Medidata embarked on a When GSKandMedidataembarkedona When examiningwhatthefutureforclin- R&D isacomplexandintricateprocess, Dr. Jenkins,whohasbeenwith Innovator. Mentor. proach to problem solving and tory forthefuture.” we doitnowandchangethetrajec- Dr. Jenkins’innovative ap- of PharmaVOICE blaze apathforward. experiment with mHealthtoolsishelpingto transformation isathand.His willingnessto talent for disruption, the next level of clinical standard practice. a futureinwhichmHealthstudies willbe changer forDr.Jenkinsandthe industryand visits toclinicaltrialsites.Thisisagame- eliminating unnecessaryones,andreducing in studiesbystreamliningroutineprocedures, lessening theburdenonpatientsparticipating bile devices can support the long-term goal of Additionally, theinitiativeshowedthatmo- uous insightintothewell-beingofpatients. analysis-ready, andprovidereal-time,contin- objective data that are reliable, secure, and to comprehensivelycollectlargevolumesof that mHealthtechnologieshavethepower ticipant, perday,thepartnersdemonstrated data pointsonactivityandvitalsignsperpar- In gatheringanunprecedented18million only atthestartandendofeffort. routine andcheckinwiththeperformancelab ticipants were asked to go about their daily and thenmappedtotheclinicalrecord.Par- were thenpulledintotheMedidataplatform data fromthemHealthdevices.These participants carriedsmartphonesthatcaptured mobile appforpatient-reportedoutcomes.The pants usedMedidataPatientCloudePRO,a (ECG) dataandactivitylevels,partici- ously measuredvitalsigns,electrocardiogram wGT3X-BT Monitor.Thedevicescontinu- Connect’s HealthPatchMDandActiGraph’s Getting toknow...Getting Professionals,Transcelerate Biopharma ASSOCIATIONS: HOBBIES: Medicine, University ofNottingham Virology, University ofSurrey; Ph.D., Cardiovascular University of Wolverhampton; MSc, Clinical EDUCATION: COMPANY: TITLE: Julian Jenkins, Ph.D. With leaders like Dr. Jenkins who have a With leaderslikeDr.Jenkins who havea Dr. Jenkins’instinctswereprovenright. VP, Innovation Performance & Technology Fantasy football, cycling GlaxoSmithKline BSc, Sciences, Biological The Digital Health,Digital Clinical Research CHANGE AGENTS
DR. BILL TROMBETTA The Educator’s Educator
Getting to know... William Trombetta, Ph.D. TITLE: Professor of Healthcare/Pharmaceutical Marketing ORGANIZATION: Saint Joseph’s University EDUCATION: BS, Marketing, Saint Joseph’s University - Erivan K. Haub School of Business; MBA, Marketing, Temple University - Fox School of Business and Management; JD, Cleveland State University — Cleveland-Marshall College of Hard working. Loyal. Law; Ph.D., Marketing, The Ohio State University Dr. Bill Trombetta is an academic superstar, who not only provides expertise on healthcare pharmaceutical FAMILY: Wife, Dolores; two daughters, Lauren marketing but as an attorney he also counsels on healthcare litigation. Halonen and Jade Trombetta nyone who knows Bill Trombetta, he says. “I am motivated to help students at HOBBIES: Running, ballroom dancing Ph.D., also knows that he is the hard- an early stage to think about their careers. I BUCKET LIST: Learn the Argentine Tango A est working man in higher education. am also motivated by learning something new ASSOCIATIONS: American Marketing Whether he is speaking at any number of everyday.” industry conferences on the topics of “the new Dr. Trombetta is very activePharmaVOICE in the class- Association, American Health Lawyers alphabet soup” — Accountable Care Orga- room and is a fixture at all PILOT meetings Association, New Jersey and New York State Bars nizations — or pharmaceutical marketing or hosted by the university’s student group. Col- SOCIAL MEDIA: teaching pharmaceutical and healthcare mar- leagues say he is a common and consistent link keting at Saint Joseph’s University or serving back to the universityof among alumni and he as the newly appointed co-editor of The Jour- sets himself apart as the consummate life-long worked with the doctors on developing Ac- nal of Medical Marketing, a UK-based refereed learner. Always striving to get better at what countable Care Organizations and patient-cen- research journal — he brings his whole self to he does in the classroom, Dr. Trombetta rel- tered medical homes. And he was invited to be the task at hand. ishes sharing new information, new threaded an adjunct faculty member for Lake Erie Col- Colleagues say since Dr. Trombetta took concepts, and out-of-the-box innovation exam- lege of Osteopathic Medicine’s online health- on the role as the first chair of Saint Joseph’s ples and case studies with his students. care strategy/marketing doctors program. pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing pro- With both a law degree and a Ph.D., Dr. As an attorney with expertise in market- gram, which was granted status as a major in Trombetta brings a unique perspective to his ing, Dr. Trombetta is an expert in healthcare 1997, he has been a clear stand-out among approach to innovation, which is to contribute litigation matters. Before entering academia, faculty members. He also served as the first di- original, application-based research to address he served for six years as a Deputy Attorney rector for the executive pharmaceutical MBA the virtually infinite problems the industry General in the New Jersey Department of program. During his time at Saint Joseph’s, faces, especially in global healthcare. Public Safety, Div. of Criminal Justice, Anti- Dr. Trombetta has seen the undergraduate and Thus far he has published one book — trust Section, specializing in antitrust law, a graduate programs grow in size and prestige. Consumer-Driven Pharmaceutical Marketing position that he says is a career highlight. His dedication to his students is evident in Strategy — and more than 70 articles and/or Dr. Trombetta is invested in moving the the support and mentoring he provides while conference proceedings in refereed academic industry forward and is committed to address- in the program and after graduation; he has journals and proceedings. ing the vast problems the industry faces, such provided many with recommendations as they A sought-after consultant, Dr. Trombetta as the cost of healthcare. pursue various careerCompliments opportunities. worked with the Pennsylvania-based Lancaster “A strategy that is ideally suited to how “I am a mentor for our undergraduate General Hospital and with 21 doctors going healthcare delivery is transitioning is: category pharmaceutical/healthcare marketing majors,” for their MBA online. In that capacity, he captain management (CCM),” he says. “CCM deals with partneting among all entities of a healthcare channel. A partner does not sell Driven to innovate by anything; rather partners work together to (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] aim for the Triple Aim: lower costs, improve patient outcomes, and enhance patient access INFINITE PROBLEMS and satisfaction.”
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 101 CHANGE AGENTS
GIL BASHE Galvanizing Solutions Through Communications
everything and then uses his Courageous. Collaborative. rabbinical storytelling skills Getting to know... Gil Bashe’s focus on creating clients for life is also reflected to add the emotional element Gil Bashe that drives people to take ac- in how he treats colleagues. TITLE: Managing Partner, Health tion. He defines his role as a cat- COMPANY: Finn Partners alyst for collaboration among EDUCATION: BA, Fairleigh Dickinson University; the company’s 12 global Government Affairs and International Relations, health practice offices, noting Clark University that encouraging great people FAMILY: His wife, an amazing child psychologist; with varied expertise results in big, game-changing ideas. his daughter, who is an imaginative writer focused At the same time, his in- on the rights of individuals sights are anchored in deep HOBBIES: Reading and teaching (he trained as prior experience of what a rabbi and enjoys studying texts and drawing works. He launched a success- from commentaries and lessons to be shared and ful health PR agency, which applied) ommunications is part of the cure. This was later acquired by Medicus, where he was approach is at the heart of how Gil named by Inside PR as “Health PR All-Star.” BUCKET LIST: In many ways, he lives his “bucket C Bashe works to bring together pharma, He was the first global practice director of list” — in personal and professional paths — and providers, policymakers, and payers to help Hill and Knowlton’s health and pharma- chooses not to say “I wish I had...”, adding that patients. ceutical practice and later he was a leader in “waiting for that day” assumes there is all the time With an unstoppable curiosity, Mr. Bashe WPP Group’s integrated PharmaVOICEmarketing agency in the world, whereas every moment is precious is 100% invested in creating a healthcare CommonHealth. Afterward, he became an environment where patients, companies, and operating company CEO and limited partner AWARDS/HONORS: American Heart Association not-for-profit organizations can flourish. at one of the nation’sof largest private-equity Volunteer of the Year; selected as chair of the A highly credentialed, passionate, and en- firms, GTCR and led acquisition efforts tar- American Heart Association Founders’ Affiliate, gaged professional, he has accomplished just geting health marketing and communications Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Health about anything and everything a seasoned firms. He joined New York-based Makovsky Academy Excellence in Communications Award; pharmaceutical communications executive in 2002 and was named by PR News as one of Holmes Report Health All-Star; PR News Crisis could have. the nation’s “Leading Crisis Communicators” He joined Finn Partners in 2015 as man- and inducted into its PR Hall of Fame. Communicator; PRSA Silver Anvils and Big Apples; aging partner in health, and he has galvanized Mr. Bashe has learned the value of asking Breslov Research Institute “Man of Honor”; PR his colleagues within the health side of the great questions, listening actively and carefully News Hall of Fame; Fairleigh Dickinson University business, leading the organization to become to the response, and translating the infor- Pinnacle Award ... and others the sixth largest independent health practice mation into actionable strategies. He blogs, ASSOCIATIONS: American Heart Association, group. tweets, reads, and seeks to push the boundaries He loves complex, challenging problems of conventional thinking with his clients and Let’s Win for Pancreatic Cancer, Galien Foundation, and coming up with solutions. Whether solv- colleagues. Breslov Research Institute, Public Relations Society ing a CMS reimbursement issue, launching “Expansive thinking and behaviors enable of America a major cardiovascular drug, or working on us to draw upon others’ insights and talents to SOCIAL MEDIA: a thought leadership platform, Mr. Bashe is achieve bigger goals,” he says. TWEET: @Gil_Bashe analytical and compassionate. He researches His impact has been felt on the countless brands he has launched or turned around, lead- ers who earlier in their careers learned from to him for advice. Indeed, many memes have Driven to Complimentsinnovate by his guidance and are now shaping the been created with Mr. Bashe as Yoda. industry, and colleagues who have Not only is Mr. Bashe phenomenal as a deep loyalty for Mr. Bashe and will go leader in health communications but he is also MAKING A anywhere, do anything, and take on an extraordinary volunteer leader. He spent every challenge because they know he more than 25 years as a board member for believes in them. the American Heart Association. He has also
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] A mentor to many in the industry, served as a member of the American Academy Mr. Bashe’s thoughtfulness and prob- of Pain Medicine Foundation board and Prix DIFFERENCE lem-solving skills lead many to turn Galien Foundation executive committee.
102 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE ENTREPRENEURS
Getting to know... Susan Flinn Cobian SUSAN COBIAN TITLE: Executive VP, Managing Director COMPANY: HYC Health Shattering Perceptions EDUCATION: BA, Kenyon College FAMILY: Husband, Randy Robert Cobian HOBBIES: Golf and paddle tennis operations for the 250-person agency. During Eventually, I was given the green light to hire BUCKET LIST: To spend two weeks in Ireland her tenure, she restructured and rebranded the experienced healthcare agency people, many of agency, securing five new clients within the whom I have worked with before, and we have and Scotland playing golf; to sing on the stage first six months and increasing annual revenue more than tripled the business as a result.” of the Grand Ole Opry; to complete a half- by 22%. In addition, she created an internal Part of her secret to success is that she Ironman Triathlon recognition program that reduced the attrition always looks at challenges from different per- AWARDS/HONORS: 2016 PM360 Elite rate by more than 50%, recharged the creative spectives. Entrepreneur team, and ended up with 12 industry awards. “I turn a challenge around and upside-down Three years ago, Ms. Cobian took on her to figure out what caused the issue in the first ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare most challenging assignment. She was hired place,” she says. “Then, I determine what the Businesswomen’s Association; The Lakeside by the Chicago-based consumer agency HY most opportunistic outcome would be and Association Women’s Athletic Club of Chicago Connect to pitch and win the agency’s first work backward to see where it fell apart and SOCIAL MEDIA: true healthcare account and then use that core how to fix it.” TWEET: @flinncobian business to build a new complementary agency Her never-say-never attitude is backed by focused solely on healthcare. a magnetic, larger-than-life personality that “The founders had the foresight to recog- instills a sense of loyalty among her team and f opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. nize that the healthcare business would drive her clients, and an unwavering desire to go That Milton Berle quote succinctly sums growth for the entire company, but firmly above and beyond. I up Susan Cobian, who is driven by the believed we could staff that business with con- She approaches building an agency with thrill of achieving the unachievable and shat- sumer advertising professionals,” she says. “It the same passion and competitive spirit she tering preconceptions. took me eight excruciatingly painful months approaches her golf game. Ms. Cobian is a Ms. Cobian embodies the entrepreneurial to convince them that wasn’t a smart plan. shrewd strategist who becomes an expert on spirit, bringing together in-depth industry PharmaVOICEthe client, its product or products, and the know-how, a willingness to take risks, and industry sector to take down any competition an unwavering sense of purpose with creative Loyal. and exceed sales goals. thinking. She is motivated by the opportunity to Over the course of her 30 years in health- of learn something new. care advertising, she has built two agencies “I’ve been in this business for more than 30 from scratch and rebuilt three others that were years and still learn something new every day, on the verge of shutting their doors by relying which makes my job fun, exhilarating, and on her instincts, her knowledge, and her insur- never dull,” she says. “When that stops, I’ll mountable drive to succeed. retire and work on my golf game.” In 2002, Ms. Cobian was charged with Loyalty, she says, is key. opening a Chicago office for a fast-growing “I’ve built a wide network of people upon New York-based agency. Armed with only her whom I can depend, because they know I’ll Rolodex, a shared office suite, and zero clients, always have their backs.” Ms. Cobian went door to door pitching her Entrepreneurial. Her energy is apparent time after time, vision of a new type of agency. Her tenacity such as when she flew from a pitch in NY to paid off with assignments from three former another pitch in San Francisco on the same day clients and the Chicago headquarters for Euro and won them both. RSCG Life (now Havas) was officially opened. A hands-on leader, Ms. Cobian works She hired a core team of people chosen specif- alongside her staff at all levels, sharing with ically for their shared sense of entrepreneurial- them her belief that perseverance and hard ism, dedication to exceeding expectations, and work can solve any issue. adventure. She never wavered in her approach The biggest challenge she says is finding to delight customers,Compliments and in so doing, grew Susan Cobian is focused on building an talented, dedicated people who are willing to the office from a single-person start-up to a innovative, respected agency that everyone jump off a cliff with her, and finding a non- 35-person agency with annual revenue of $15 wants to work with or for. self-serving way to communicate an agency’s million and average gross margins of 36% all value to clients. in less than three years. Next she was asked to turn her talents Driven to innovate by (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] toward rebuilding an agency. As president at Lyonheart Communications (now LLNS), Ms. Cobian led business development and total NEVER SETTLING
72 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE ENTREPRENEURS
Driven. Playful. Driven to innovate by is proud to have built a company that efficiently meets a growing need for expertise as the pharma- WHAT’S ceutical sales and marketing model evolves. “I am equally proud of pro- viding the growing numbers of independent consultants with a POSSIBLE platform to realize their entrepre- He engages clients not only through his neurial ambitions and maintain a conversations and ideas, but also through Gregg Fisher is a thought leader and innovator, who is driving his high-quality work-life balance,” he asking questions that lead to conclusions that organization and teams to perform at the highest level. says. might not otherwise have been reached. He has picked some of the most He’s able to really help people dream and talented people in the field and be lofty with their goals and strategy, but then assembled great virtual teams that also bring them back down to reality and focus GREGG FISHER can be scaled up or down as projects on the nuts and bolts that are required to get require, providing flexibility to cli- them there. Digital Engagement ents and to consultants. Ultimately, Mr. Fisher would like to be According to Mr. Fisher, digital remembered as an innovator and a change technology in all forms is disrupt- agent who envisioned and implemented better ith his finger on the pulse of ing the commercial model of life-sciencesPharmaVOICE firms and smarter ways to engage with customers, what’s happening in pharma and and disrupting the care delivery model. No- and as an entrepreneur who has empowered Win digital, Gregg Fisher is driving table examples are remote care technologies, fellow consultants to pursue their ambitions, changes in how healthcare companies leverage mobile medical devices, applications of social and do great work, without sacrificing their emerging media and technology. analytics, wearables, digitizedof patient support quality of life. In founding The Stem, Mr. Fisher drew programs, care social networks, marketing He is motivated by the work The Stem upon his deep experience and strategic insight automation, among others. does at the intersection of health/customer and and executed his vision of building a consul- “What all these technologies have in com- experience/technology, and by leading a new tancy that would offer clients efficient access mon is the promise to make the delivery of approach to organizing talent. He inspires to deep specialty expertise in health customer healthcare and health information a more per- those around him by keeping the big picture engagement, drawing on the industry’s stron- sonal, accessible, and supportive experience,” in mind and having a sense of perspective. gest network of independent talent. he says. “Circumstances are dynamic — today’s He has a passion for digital media and its The convergence of mobile technologies, setback is tomorrow’s victory,” he says. ability to drive more meaningful engagement diagnostics, and personalized medicine will with patients and healthcare professionals and bring about a future where it will be possible Mr. Fisher is committed to making it work for to fluidly receive the information to prevent Getting to know... healthcare companies. disease and enhance well-being every day, Mr. Gregg Fisher A strategic and innovative thinker, Mr. Fisher maintains. Fisher is able to see a much bigger, broader “I envision a future where health data and TITLE: Founder and Managing Partner picture where it cuts across the spectrum support is present at the moment we need it COMPANY: The Stem within the commercial world to develop multi- across multiple touchpoints,” he says. “So, EDUCATION: BS, Communications, Cornell layered, multifaceted, and global strategies. with unlimited resources, I would seek to University; MBA, NYU Stern School of Business He has been a pioneer who has been tire- incubate companies that would accelerate the FAMILY: Wife and children lessly working at the intersection of health development of technologies that empower Compliments HOBBIES: Kayaking, playing tennis, biking customer engagement and digital technology consumers and patients with information and for more than 15 years. Before establishing support.” BUCKET LIST: Live in a foreign country, learn The Stem, he launched LBi Health as a stand- For Mr. Fisher, innovation is best fostered another foreign language, master a musical alone digital healthcare marketing agency, in an environment that celebrates calculated instrument significantly expanding the practice and serv- risk, or “smart failures,” continuous learning, SOCIAL MEDIA: (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] ing some of the world’s leading healthcare examining how new technologies alter en- TWEET: @GFish_ and @TheStemconsults companies. trenched processes, and by spending time with In founding The Stem, Mr. Fisher says he customers to find out what’s broken.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 73 ENTREPRENEURS Risk-Taker. Innovative. In an industry that constantly struggles to innovate as quickly as technology is evolving, Rishi Shah CONGRATULATIONS has challenged everyone around him to change that status quo. RISHI SHAH DrivenHEALTH to innovate by 2016 PharmaVOICE 100 OUTCOMES
Mr. Shah left Northwestern to pursue Con- to-end control, and best address the needs textMedia:Health full time, and to date, he has of physicians, patients, and pharmaceutical RISHI SHAH built the largest and fastest-growing health marketers. Each product addresses a unique information services company in the industry. need, for example The Digital Exam Room Born Entrepreneur He maintains a steadfast commitment to Wallboard drives a physician-led dialogue, innovation focused on identifying new needs Patient Mobile Connect allows geo-targeted “ I love having the opportunity to work ishi Shah, CEO and co-founder of for patients, healthcare providers, and pharma messaging on a patient’s mobile device, and ContextMedia:Health, was born to be marketers. the Infusion Room Tablet delivers messaging R an entrepreneur. His first foray into In the 10 years that ContextMedia:Health to the patient in the infusion room. alongside people who have energy, business was at the age of 5, when he decided has been in business, five PharmaVOICEproducts have been ContextMedia:Health was named to Inc. to sell his own watercolors door to door, get- created, all of which have pushed innovation 5000 fastest growing companies in America ting the idea when an art dealer came to his forward in the industry to better serve the list in 2013 and 2014 and to Forbes 50 Most positivity, purpose...we really believe we parent’s door. He was working in investments needs of all stakeholders. Promising Companies in America 2014. In with his father at the age of 11 —— turning The initial product,of which was launched 2014, the company had 46 full-time employ- $30,000 into several million in junior high in 2006, was Waiting Room TV, a suite ees, and as of March 2016, it has grown to 325 can improve health outcomes for patients
school — and started a home computer con- of educational TV networks delivering hy- full-time employees. sulting service at age 12, which expanded to per-targeted health information while patients On top of all these achievements is a warm by delivering actionable information. “ more than five states before he sold the firm to waited for the doctor. At this time, Mr. Shah and caring person, eager to mentor and help Best Buy, just four years later. was the company’s sole salesman, driving from others achieve their goals. While attending Northwestern University, doctor’s office to doctor’s office with Waiting Colleagues describe Mr. Shah as someone THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT. he started the school’s publication, Northwest- Room TVs in his trunk. who has given his life to be at the service ern Business Review, which is still publishing By 2015, Mr. Shah had moved to custom of others, and most importantly, he aims to today, and he also developed a funding plan manufacturing ContextMedia:Health’s prod- change the world for the better. to support the Institute for Student Business, ucts so that its designers could have end- Mr. Shah’s team members and colleagues which is also ongoing. say they have never met someone who is so ― Rishi Shah In 2006, as an undergraduate, Mr. Shah genuinely willing to help them — no strings CEO & Founder, ContextMedia:Health co-founded ContextMedia:Health, which digi- attached, and for many they have never met a tally delivers actionable healthcare information Getting to know... leader more dedicated to building, creating, when and where it can improve health out- Rishi Shah influencing, and positively affecting those comes — most commonly in the physicians’ around him. He has served as an inspiration, a TITLE: CEO and Founder waiting room. He observed relatives strug- mentor, and a role model for many who work gling to learn more about their chronic condi- COMPANY: ContextMedia:Health with and for him. tions and decidedCompliments to come up with a solution. AWARDS/HONORS: Crain’s Business In addition to building a company that Constantly inventive, Mr. Shah develops plat- 40-Under-40 Class of 2009 helps millions of patients live healthier lives, forms with the patient and doctor experience ASSOCIATIONS: Young Presidents it is Mr. Shah’s selfless commitment toward in mind, ensuring a productive, contemporary Organization (YPO); the Institute for Student improving the lives of those around him that and meaningful customized media experience impresses colleagues the most. unlike anything the industry has seen before. Business Education at Northwestern While his life continues to be increasingly Delivering Health Outcomes
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] He is having a notable, positive impact on University; the Academy for Global Citizenship; busy, he always makes time to help his em- patients coast to coast, through a variety of Animals Inc. (AZA) ployees grow, mentor other entrepreneurs, and specialty offices. give back to the community. Visit partner.contextmediahealth.com to learn more.
74 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE CONGRATULATIONS RISHI SHAH 2016 PharmaVOICE 100
“ I love having the opportunity to work alongside people who have energy, PharmaVOICE positivity, purpose...we really believeof we
can improve health outcomes for patients by delivering actionable information. “ THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT. ― Rishi Shah CEO & Founder, ContextMedia:Health
Compliments
Delivering Health Outcomes (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Visit partner.contextmediahealth.com to learn more. ENTREPRENEURS
NORM GOLDFARB Creating Positive Clinical Connections
ith a drive to find ways to advance the practice of clinical research, Creative. Committed. WNorm Goldfarb helps to educate researchers by giving a voice to research sites and a platform that creates a win-win for both sites and sponsors. Mr. Goldfarb founded and leads Model Mr. Goldfarb started MAGI 13 Agreements & Guidelines International years ago, when he realized that ne- (MAGI), which has more than 10,000 mem- gotiating clinical trial agreements bers representing clinical research sponsors, was taking months and creating sites, and CROs. MAGI is a voluntary organi- significant delays for the industry zation, operated by First Clinical Research, a and for the patients the industry company dedicated to advancing the practice serves. In an open, collaborative of clinical research. process, hundreds of people from MAGI has led the industry in creating a PharmaVOICEsponsors, sites, and CROs have standard clinical trial agreement, an initiative helped create a standard CTA that is rapidly gaining momentum in the template for the industry. industry. Mr. Goldfarb has been instrumen- of Additionally, under Mr. tal in the creation of more than 150 forms, Norm Goldfarb is focused on helping everyone in the Goldfarb, MAGI produces the checklists, and other standard templates that practice of clinical research to communicate with monthly Journal of Clinical are freely available to MAGI members, and each other in a positive way. Best Practices, a free online which are saving countless hours for clinical publication that highlights researchers, as well as improving consistency thought leadership and break- and quality. The First Clinical Research web- Getting to know... throughs in the area of clini- site includes a searchable database of more Norm Goldfarb cal research. The journal has than 680 regulatory documents, a searchable more than 100,000 subscribers database of more 7,300 FDA and GCP Q&As, TITLES AND COMPANIES: Founder and and Mr. Goldfarb has authored 11 industry directories, and two glossaries Chairman, MAGI; Managing Director, First more than 400 practical and with more than 9,000 terms. Clinical Research LLC insightful articles in the jour- MAGI also conducts two conferences each EDUCATION: BA, Economics, Yale; MBA, nal and other publications. year to bring together sponsor, CRO, and “With MAGI’s Clinical LIVES SAVING site personnel to discuss how to improve and Stanford Research Conferences and the streamline clinical operations, with a focus on ASSOCIATIONS: MAGI, ACRP, DIA, PRIM&R Journal of Clinical Research Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate training and practical solutions. These clin- SOCIAL MEDIA: Best Practices, I try to stimu- ical research conferences set the standard for late the development, sharing, and adoption of excellence. best practices,” he says. For Mr. Goldfarb, his greatest career high- Mr. Goldfarb provides an accessible venue Mr. Goldfarb co-founded and co-leads the light is the factCompliments that 99% of participants are to bring clinical trial sites, sponsors, service Joint Task Force on Clinical Trial Compe- satisfied with the conferences, which allows providers, and government agencies together tency, and he organized and led the Rethink MAGI to offer a money-back satisfaction guar- to engage in enriched discussions around the Research! competition to rebrand clinical re- antee, perhaps the only one in the conference hot topics the whole industry struggles with search. industry. day to day. Giving back to the community matters to A hands-on leader, Mr. Goldfarb’s main He recognizes that a good idea is not Mr. Goldfarb and he organized the Clinical
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] goal is to bring everyone in the industry to- enough to achieve industrywide innovation; Research Relief Organization, which raised gether to work more efficiently. He embodies rather it requires help from many people and $5,000 for clinical researchers in New Orleans MAGI’s slogan: We can agree to save lives. potentially many years of work. after Hurricane Katrina.
76 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE ENTREPRENEURS
vast amount of data that was disjointed and care industry, which ultimately impacts the WILLIAM KING the time, people, and money it took to glean patients we are all working so hard to help. through it all to make sense of it and make There will be 400 new product launches over better decisions. With 80% of health data the next three years, but more than 50% of Connecting Data for being unstructured, the obstacle was not about these will achieve only half their sales forecast getting the data — J&J had tons of it — it was due to inaccurate, outdated, or disconnected Meaningful Insights about managing it, creating connections, and data. Mr. King and his company of 100 em- extracting valuable insights. ployees worldwide are working toward im- His focus with Zephyr Health, which he proving these statistics. n appetite for innovation and entrepre- founded in 2011, has been to make it the Mr. King says Zephyr Health represents neurship to improve the status quo has leading Insights-as-a-Service company for the not only his biggest career highlight, but also A always been at the crux of whatever life-sciences industry. The company’s lead some of his most challenging experiences. William King put his mind to. product, Zephyr Illuminate, was designed “Bootstrapping, finding product and mar- In founding Zephyr Health, Mr. King is to find the signal through all the data noise ket fit, hiring the right people and teams have helping life-sciences companies find better — weakly connected or disconnected data — all been tremendously rewarding, but also ways to connect their treatments, diagnostics, and help companies make confident decisions uniquely challenging in their own right,” he or medical devices to physicians and their faster across the entire product lifecycle. says. patients faster through efficient use of global According to Mr. King, too much oppor- To inspire others, it’s important to first be health data and predictive insights based on tunity is being left on the table in the health- inspired yourself. He tries to take the energy this data. In other words, he is making it easier that he receives from speaking with customers, for healthcare companies to make decisions investors, and visionaries in the industry and based on data insights to gain a competitive Getting to know... beyond, and share that big picture view of the advantage. William King future with others. He realized early in his career that data was “I also look to connect with people emo- at the heart of decision making for life-sciences TITLE: Founder and Executive Chairman tionally, which then opens us both up to being companies. He began his career at Johnson & COMPANY: Zephyr Health inspired, and being inspirational,” he says. Johnson where he was struck by the staggering EDUCATION: BS, BA, International Business, Success for Mr. King is measured in two amount of data the company was purchasing University of Denver ways: delighted and evangelical customers, and producing. What became clear was the FAMILY: Wife, Christine; children, Keira and and employees who continue to learn, raise PharmaVOICEtheir own professional bar, and are imbued Quinn; mother and father, Bill and Barbara; with confidence to be tremendous at their job. siblings: Jessi, Lauri, Stephen, Beckey and, He would tell his younger self not to get Kristey Anne of so caught up in the highs and lows of work HOBBIES: Fitness and sports, golfing, surfing, and life, but to be patient and confident that skiing, food and wine, with an emphasis on old when things are bad they will get better, and world wines, video and film editing when things are good spend the time to really be present in those moments. BUCKET LIST: Travel, dip a toe in every ocean, At a broader industry level, Mr. King says skydive, and learn to appreciate his childrens’ the biggest challenge is the cost of and access music to healthcare. Industrious. AWARDS/HONORS: PM360’s Most “We need to spend less and get healthier; Innovative Start-ups, 2015; Insights Success, 20 instead we keep spending more and getting sicker as a society,” he says. Most Valuable Enterprise Big Data Companies; He hopes to be remembered as an inno- Gartner’s Cool Vendors in Life Sciences, 2015 vator and inventor with a great passion for ASSOCIATIONS: Various education and data and technology that created news ways to alumini associations; American Heart advance and consume care.
Energetic. Association Research Roundtable Mentoring is important to Mr. King, who SOCIAL MEDIA: says when Tom West sponsored his Interna- tional Development Program assignment at J&J — an opportunity that changed his life – he asked how he could repay the endorsement. Compliments “He was simple with his response: ‘pay it As an innovator, William forward’,” Mr. King says. “Mentoring is not King is prewired to find good only immensely enjoyable, but it helps me in every challenge. stay true to that commit- Driven to innovate by ment.” (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] OPPORTUNITY
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 77 ENTREPRENEURS
STU LIBBY Transforming the Prescription Delivery Model
average wait time at the phar- disrupt the status quo using new technologies Determined.Thoughtful. macy for a prescription is 45 that create efficiencies and conveniences. minutes, and mail-order pre- His belief in his team, his constant engage- scriptions take an average of two ment with the organization, and his ability to three days to arrive. Zipdrug to motivate colleagues along the way inspire eliminates time spent traveling those who work for him. to the drugstore and waiting for He also inspires others by being transpar- Stu Libby has a prescriptions. ent and present, and he motivates his team clear-cut vision A user simply downloads the by reminding everybody to stay rational and on how he wants app, creates a profile, and enters avoid being emotional. to disrupt the in details of the prescription and “Innovation can only happen when the pharmacy field. pharmacy. Within an hour, one basics in life are taken care of,” he says. “You of Zipdrug’s messengers will be cannot have a clear head to innovate if you live at the consumer’s door, prescrip- beyond your means, do not have your house tion in hand, sometimes for less in order, etc., so to speak. If you covered the money than if the consumer basics you leave room for creativity.” visited the pharmacy. He describes as his greatest career achieve- Zipdrug has its technology ment to date convincing people smarter than in more than 100 medical facil- him to join Zipdrug when it was no more than ities in New York City, helping an idea on a napkin. doctors makePharmaVOICE the patient expe- He is dedicated, energetic, and bold about rience a one-stop-shop for those how to provide better services for customers who don’t have time to wait at a and reshape the whole industry. pharmacy or for those who sim- Before founding Zipdrug, Mr. Libby was ply ofdon’t feel well enough to go co-founder and chief revenue officer for Solve to the drugstore. Media, which puts ads in Captchas, where Mr. Libby was able to as- users prove they are human. Before that, he semble funding and a team to was an executive at DoubleClick and Google. effectively leverage new technol- Mr. Libby believes the life-sciences in- ogy and existing infrastructure dustry needs an easier platform to launch Driven to innovate by to quickly get his platform to innovation. market in a very short amount “We need to make it easy for healthcare of time. In the past five months, innovators to showcase and pilot their prod- DISRUPTION the company has doubled in ucts,” he says. size month over month. Since He would like to be remembered for tu Libby, CEO and founder of Zipdrug, its launch, Zipdrug has been growing rapidly assembling and leading a team that made realized there was an unmet need for a deliveries every week in the metro New York pharmacies more effective and important than Scompany such as his when a hospital City area. In addition, in September 2015 ever before. failed to deliver his father the medication Zipdrug partnered with the on-demand doctor he was prescribed after an incident last year. service Pager to help patients get treatment Forced to go back and forth between the hos- and prescriptions drugs without leaving their Getting to know... pital and pharmacies, he realized there had to home. This partnership is the first of many to Stu Libby be a better way. help expand Zipdrug expand its footprint. TITLE: CEO and Founder Mr. Libby developedCompliments Zipdrug, the first His disruptive innovation has delivered on-demand prescription drug delivery com- benefits to patients, pharma companies, pay- COMPANY: Zipdrug Inc. pany, which launched in July 2015 in New ers, and a range of ancillary stakeholders. EDUCATION: BS, Quinnipiac University York City. Forcing patients to wait at pharmacies to pick FAMILY: Wife, Jamie Recognizing that the on-demand econ- up prescriptions resulted in one out of three HOBBIES: Cycling and spinning omy is revolutionizing consumer behavior, he prescriptions never being picked up, translat- SOCIAL MEDIA: (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] formed Zipdrug to save patients a trip to their ing into medication non-adherence. preferred pharmacies. About 70% of the U.S. Mr. Libby is a highly accomplished inno- TWEET: @stulibby population takes prescription medications, the vator who is not afraid to push boundaries and
78 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE ENTREPRENEURS Getting to know... Passionate.Innovative. Stephany Lapierre TITLE: Founder and CEO COMPANY: tealbook EDUCATION: Bachelor of Commerce, Guelph STEPHANY University FAMILY: Husband, three daughters Chloe, LAPIERRE Emma, and Sophie HOBBIES: Skiing, traveling, food, baking, photography Supplying a Need BUCKET LIST: Take her daughters to see the world to open their minds to possibilities and Her goal is to change the archaic adventure way companies share intelligence with their peers and find and iden- AWARDS/HONORS: Female Innovator of tify qualified suppliers. For suppli- the Year Award, Women in Business ers, tealbook makes it possible for ASSOCIATIONS: MaRS Discovery, Healthcare them to focus on what they do well Businesswomen’s Association for clients and focus their time and resources on opportunities that gen- SOCIAL MEDIA: TWEET: @slapierreceo erate greater ROI. Career highlights for her include: taking a chance and launching teal- book; getting the first supplier on visionary innovator, Stephany Lapierre the platform; getting the first client has the ability to identify a need in the to agree to pilot and the first head of industry and fill the gap. Stephany Lapierre works relentlessly to disrupt supplier procurement willing to pay money to A intelligence and the supplier identification process. She possesses the observational skills needed subscribe to tealbook; formalizing a to recognize a challenge, the orientation skills PharmaVOICEpartnership with Dun & Bradstreet; needed to understand the problem and begin again moved the needle for the industry. She getting the first large biotech company to to formulate the solution, and the conceptual is committed to establishing the company as select tealbook for an enterprisewide subscrip- skills needed to marry this understanding with the leader in supplier intelligence, discovery, tion; and getting the company’s trademark a desired user experience that transforms the and identification. of approved despite Facebook’s opposition. way the industry sources suppliers. Ms. Lapierre has a way of making her She is committed to her teams’ needs and Back in 2007 she accurately assessed the clients feel respected and informed. She cuts motivations, to making sure tealbook has need for a streamlined procurement process through the clutter and helps companies focus appropriate resources to support its growth, for identifying and engaging suppliers for on key issues to effectively engage their sup- making sure clients get the most value out of pharmaceutical and biotech clients. More im- pliers. tealbook as the company continues to grow, portantly, she did so in a way that was efficient Well-informed, straight-talking, and and inspiring her daughters’ personal devel- and effective for clients and suppliers alike. thoughtful with her comments and critiques, opment. Her Matchbook process finds the best fit of she understands suppliers’ strengths and areas “The tealbook journey has been highly supplier and client using an efficient vetting of expertise and helps them grow their busi- gratifying so far but there is still a lot to do method that helps to identify the best suppli- ness by finding suitable clients that will bene- and the learning curve is steep,” she says. ers that are right for the specific company or fit from and value their new partnership. She fosters innovation by listening, ob- task at hand. This saves time and money and, Ms. Lapierre is passionate in her mission to serving, asking questions, challenging, and more importantly, ensures that when a strate- connect life-sciences companies to the stron- finding solutions. gic partner is selected it is a business relation- gest supply partners so that together they can Given her own entrepreneurial journey, ship that will be sustainable for years to come. make a difference for patients. Ms. Lapierre would like to help others build By introducing tealbook in 2014, she’s She is motivated by the unique opportu- their vision. She is inspired by dreamers, doers, nity to exponentially improve the supplier and visionaries — people who are not afraid to discovery process, and she is always eager to challenge things, take risks, and remain true Driven to innovateCompliments by seek others’ perspectives. to themselves. “There is always someone who “Innovation is everywhere,” she says. “I’m sees things differently and brings constantly surrounded by innovation: clients IMPROVING a new perspective with a positive that are developing innovative therapies and light,” she says. health technologies to advance the standard of care; suppliers that are evolving to contin-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] uously bring innovative solutions to their cus- tomers; and start-up companies that are taking INEFFICIENCIES risks and disrupting our industry.”
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me to exercise their creative muscle and take calculated risks,” she says. KERRIE BRADY To Ms. Brady there are so many true in- novations and medical advances taking place, but the one that stands out is big data to more Transforming Pain Therapies fully inform the development of new drugs. She inspires others with her courage to take s the pioneering force behind Centrex- pies for a number of moderate-to-severe pain on challenges and her resilience to inevitable ion Therapeutics, Kerrie Brady has targets in both humans and canines. setbacks. She motivates her colleagues by mod- A made it her mission to build a com- Early in her career while training to be a eling positive, collaborative, and solutions-fo- pany aimed at changing the face of pain treat- pharmacist in Australia, the hospital pharmacy cused behavior in the face of challenges. ment and help the millions of patients suffer- where she worked provided methadone to As an executive in a field where men out- ing from inadequately treated chronic pain. patients with narcotic addiction, and the phar- number women in leadership roles, Ms. Brady Pain affects 1.5 billion people worldwide, macists were required to oversee their taking of feels a tremendous sense of responsibility to and despite that, there has been a paucity of the drug before the patient could leave. There mentor and empower other women working meaningful therapeutic innovations to curb were a staggering number of patients who in pharma, biotech, and life sciences to aspire the epidemic. came into the pharmacy, a susprising number to become future leaders. “One of our biggest challenges is to deci- of whom had been prescribed an opioid-based She played a mentorship role with Women pher the many languages of pain transmission, medicine to treat pain became addicted. Those in Bio for five years, providing advice and pinpoint the right target for each patient, and memories stayed with Ms. Brady and fuel her sharing insights and best practices with other match that target to a novel drug,” Ms. Brady drive to build a company that can help solve female entrepreneurs. explains. “The good news is that we’re work- this growing problem. “I’ve been fortunate to mentor some of ing on several promising therapies that address She has a unique leadership ability to the brightest and most driven women in my various types of chronic pain, but we have a translate science into business and vice versa. industry, and hope to instill the same work long way to go before we can get these treat- Intelligence is the price of entry to the life-sci- ethic, confidence, and visionary thinking that ments into the hands of people who currently ences industry, Ms. Brady says, but perception helped me advance in my career,” she says. lack suitable alternatives to opioids.” and critical thinking drive successful deci- Ms. Brady has also been an active member Centrexion was founded in 2013 by Ms. sion-making and distinguish leaders from the of the Licensing Executive Society for more Brady and chief scientific officer Jim Camp- rest of the pack. than 20 years and previously served on the bell, M.D. Ms. Brady led the company’s recent Ms. Brady is praised byPharmaVOICE colleagues for her Technology Council of Maryland. acquisition of three new developmental anal- leadership skills and understanding of how to gesic therapies from Boehringer Ingelheim. build a successful company. She has had influ- Her passion and conviction for innovative ap- ential roles at several pharma and biotechnol- proaches to pain treatment continues to drive ogy companies overof her 30-year career. the future direction of Centrexion’s portfolio In the healthcare industry, the most im- and prospective commercial endeavors. In the portant measure of success is having a mean- three short years since the official formation of ingful impact on people’s lives and well-being, Centrexion, the management team has estab- Ms. Brady says.
lished a robust pipeline of non-opioid thera- “For me, specifically, success equals trans- Perceptive. forming today’s opioid-centric pain manage- ment paradigm with a broad array of non-opi- Getting to know... oid therapies targeting unique transmission Kerrie Lynn Brady pain pathways,” she says. Ms. Brady left Australia 18 years ago to TITLE: Chief Business Officer, Executive VP
move to the United States, leaving behind Driven. Strategy, Co-Founder friends and family in pursuit of her dual loves: COMPANY: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp. science and business. EDUCATION: MS, Biopharmaceuticals, “Today, I’m proud to say I’ve successfully University of New South Wales, honed my skills in the clinical and corporate world, and look forward to focusing my efforts Bachelor of Pharmacy, Victorian College of toward developing safe and more effective Pharmacy; MBA, University of Melbourne therapies for the millions of people worldwide FAMILY: Husband, two daughters, mother Complimentssuffering from chronic pain,” she says. Kerrie Brady is focused on bringing safe, HOBBIES: Reading and traveling Innovation thrives where there is curiosity, non-opioid treatments for chronic pain to the BUCKET LIST: To see the Aurora Borealis and collaboration, and commitment to a cause, millions of patients in need. Australis Ms. Brady believes. It is stifled by a fear-based culture, which discourages creativity and out- ASSOCIATIONS: Women in Bio; Licensing side-of-the-box thinking and penalizes any Driven to innovate by (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Executive Society degree of risk. SOCIAL MEDIA: “I believe the notion that fear of failure im- pedes success, I want to empower those around PATIENTS
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Getting to know... Lisa Boyette, M.D., Ph.D. Compassionate. DR. LISA TITLE: CEO and Founder COMPANY: Curable (formerly Save Jon Inc.) BOYETTE EDUCATION: M.D., Ph.D., Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia; B.S. Fratrem Remedium Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth Klug, professional basketball player DeMarre
University Unyielding. Carroll, and Robert Redford’s son screenwriter FAMILY: Husband Juan; son Henry; parents James Redford, are also actively involved. In Richard and Susan; brother, Jon; sister, Katie addition, Dr. Boyette works closely with many AWARDS/HONORS: NIH Fellows Award for families who have a member with PSC. Research Excellence, 2009; Christine Mirzayan Within five years, Dr. Boyette intends to have several new therapeutic options and an Science and Technology Policy Fellowship at the Dr. Lisa Boyette won’t let barriers early diagnostic in Phase II trials for PSC. National Academy of Sciences, 2009 stand in her way of building a cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis To achieve her ambitious goals, Dr. Boyette ASSOCIATIONS: The Biomedical Engineering and saving her brother’s life. created a full-time team of professionals with Society, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, diverse backgrounds and skill sets to oversee American Association of Immunology, the Curable is an organization with a true sense a multi-layered platform of targeted research, Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies, of urgency, which is palpable in everything it which includes both new discovery to fill in does. Dr. Boyette’s brother was diagnosed with knowledge gaps and integrated analysis of the American Association for the Study of Liver PSC about five years ago and patients often existing datasets to identify connections that Diseases, the American Society of Transplantation progress to liver failure in about 10 years. may have been missed previously. The team SOCIAL MEDIA: Dr. Boyette credits her brother with iden- is now working to harness a group of super- tifying her role in life and with her endless computers capable of cognitive analysis and isa Boyette, Ph.D., M.D., CEO of the dedication to building a cure. At the same machine learning to find, compile, organize, nonprofit organization Curable (for- time, her brother, co-founder and vice chair- and network known data for the human team. merly Save Jon), and an adjunct assis- man of the executive board at Curable, believes Dr. Boyette’s efforts reach far beyond her Ltant professor at the Starzl Transplantation that it is more than serendipityPharmaVOICE that he has a brother; she is greatly motivated by the pa- Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, is a rare disease and his sister is a doctor and scien- tients and families who are depending on young physician scientist on a critically im- tist. Dr. Boyette was a first year medical stu- science to do something that’s never been done portant mission: to save the life of her brother, dent when Jon first became ill, and he says his before. Jon, and fellow patients with primary scleros- sister was born to makeof a great contribution Families who have had the chance to inter- ing cholangitis (PSC), many of whom will die to society, and he was born to be her catalyst. act with Dr. Boyette say they are encouraged without a liver transplant. PSC is a rare liver Their endeavor is a true family affair; their sis- and hopeful that she will develop a therapy or and bile duct disease that is thought to have an ter Katie also works for the foundation. a cure for PSC. autoimmune component that causes scarring “My brother was the catalyst for what has “I won’t let barriers, no matter how insur- of the bile ducts, resulting in narrowing and become a laser-focused, purpose-driven career, mountable they seem, stop me from building eventual blockage of those vessels. The result- and he has made that possible through his in- a cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis,” ing trapped bile starts digesting liver cells, volvement in my work,” she says. “My love for Dr. Boyette says. “Patients living with a which often results in cirrhosis, necessitating him is one of the biggest drivers to keep going life-threatening disease every day inspire me to a liver transplant. The patient advocacy group, when the work gets very hard.” work smarter and keep finding a better way to PSC Partners, estimates that 21 in 100,000 Dr. Boyette’s skill move us all forward.” men and six in 100,000 women have this as a strong collabo- A compassionate disease. There are as many as 50,000 patients rator has paid huge Driven to innovate by with PSC in the U.S. today. PSC most often dividends. Before affects men who are 30 to 40 years old, al- launching Curable, though it can be diagnosed as early as infancy. she made a point of UNMET NEEDS No one knows what causes PSC, and there are meeting with all of the PSC stakeholders — woman, who is always looking for ways to currently no effective medical therapies. pharma companies, researchers, and patient give back to the community, Dr. Boyette has Combining a sister’s love, a doctor’s re- advocacy groups — to explain her mission and provided medical care at both the Mattaponi solve, and a scientist’sCompliments ingenuity, Dr. Boyette ways in which they could work together most Healing Eagle Reservation Free Clinic and founded Curable as a research accelerator in effectively. In a very short time, Dr. Boyette the Remote Area Medical Free Clinic. She also 2014 with Dietrich Stephan, PhD, chairman has been able to recruit an impressive cadre of served as a Grand Awards Judge at the Intel of the Department of Human Genetics in PSC spokespeople. They include former NFL International Science and Engineering Fair. the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka, who serves Dr. Boyette is also a mentor inside her or- Health. While her initial focus is on PSC, she as a Curable board member in honor of his ganization and out, providing encouragement
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] is also creating a blueprint that can be applied friend and star running back Walter Payton and strength to many, particularly women, to other diseases affecting both large and small who died of PSC-related cancer. Several PSC and is credited with contributing to their suc- patient populations. patients, such as Olympic snowboarder Chris cess in the scientific field.
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linking resources and people working on simi- lar projects, sharing information, and bringing MIKE MARETT long-term value to his clients, colleagues, and friends. On the Edge of Technology Innovation Mr. Marett enjoys being on the edge of innovation. he founder of Confideo Mike Marett is other entrepreneurs as they aim to disrupt the “I aim to identify and harness emerging an entrepreneur who has successfully industry and commercialize new products and trends to support the development of trans- T launched multiple new businesses and services.” formative products and unlock new technol- guided the commercialization of award-win- He wants to be remembered as someone ogies to better engage and educate healthcare ning digital products/platforms within health- who took risks; pioneered innovative products stakeholders,” he says. “I enjoy crafting plans care and technology. and services; was collaborative, honest, and to guide strategic commercialization and de- His current venture, Confideo, has two constructive; and exceeded expectations. velopment. Typically this transcends strategy, divisions. Confideo Labs advances progressive “I would like to think that I inspire others corporate development, marketing, branding, and immersive engagement platforms and by working hard, ethically, and efficiently to and business development efforts.” channels, such as virtual reality, having created eclipse goals and set an example,” he says. “I He stays motivated by the opportunity to the industry’s first to market VR platform, am fortunate to work with a range of inventive grow and learn, and the potential to make a DoctorVirtualis. Confideo Ventures accelerates clients, partners, and products so inspiration is meaningful impact. the commercialization of health tech startups all around me. I use that energy and enthusi- “I am incredibly fortunate to run a business to ensure viability and success. As a result, asm to motivate me, so I try to pay it forward that fosters progressive platforms — i.e., vir- Mr. Marett also functions as chief commercial through exemplary teamwork, communica- tual reality — and support the strategic com- officer of Cohero Health, senior VP of Gobiq- tion, transparency, and creativity. I hope this mercialization of a range of groundbreaking uity, and consultant/advisor to a range of other in combination inspires others to work smarter companies; it’s a blast,” Mr. Marett says. award-winning early-stage health tech, mobile and be happier.” health, media, and digital health companies Colleagues say Mr. Marett always looks focused on a variety of sectors. to support the broader technology, market- Technology’s rapid advancement, Mr. Ma- ing, and life-sciences communities, constantly Diligent. Optimistic. rett says, has been a major catalyst for enabling
expedited innovation. Colleagues say Mr. Ma- Mike Marett rett possesses insightful knowledge of the Getting to know...PharmaVOICE has a pulse on evolving digital landscape, combining a deep Michael Marett which emerging understanding of specific technologies with platforms meet TITLE: Founder broad market trends and channels. His ability consumer demand COMPANY: Confideoof LLC to synthesize information and define oppor- and marketing tunity helps clients confidently understand EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Boston College performance. emerging platforms and navigate FAMILY: Parents; brother; fiancé new business models. HOBBIES: Surfing, soccer, skiing, auto racing, Mr. Marett is also an inspiring traveling the world leader, bringing strong personal values of trust, teamwork, and in- BUCKET LIST: Race a vintage Alfa Romeo in tegrity to often stressful and chal- the Mille Miglia; climb Mount Kilimanjaro; pilot lenging work. an airplane (solo flight) He says his biggest career high- AWARDS/HONORS: AdAge Small Agency of lights come from teaming up with The Year, 2010; DM News Thirty Under 30, 2011; talented and motivated colleagues to spearhead the successful global PM360 Pharma’s Outstanding Innovators, 2012; launch of two previous businesses PM360 Exceptional Innovators, 2013; that built compelling products PM360 Trailblazer Gold Award, 2014; PM360 that generated meaningful value Outstanding Innovators in Pharma Marketing, for stakeholders and achieved hy- 2014; PM360 Digital Healthcare Startups You per-growth revenue. Really Should Know About, 2015; “The formation and evolution of theseCompliments ventures enabled me to SXSWi Impact Pediatric Health Pitch Contest earn humbling accolades, which Winner, 2016; PM360 ELITE Entrepreneur Award I am proud of, but mostly I am Winner, 2016 grateful for the experience,” he ASSOCIATIONS: Sports Car Club of America — says. “As a result I learned more Barber Formula Race Series Driver than I could have ever hoped, SOCIAL MEDIA: (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] formed fantastic relationships, and gained the tools needed to launch TWEET: @mikemarett
Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate Confideo, and effectively guide OPPORTUNITY
82 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE ENTREPRENEURS
Innovative. Strategic. Dr. Jay Lichter has successfully created and nurtured many pharmaceutical companies and he continues to drive innovation in many healthcare fields. DrivenNATURE to innovate by on addressing the unmet needs in otology. Since it’s creation, Otonomy has overcome the drug delivery limitations that had been plaguing the otology market, and launched its first product approved by the FDA for the treatment of pediatric patients with bilateral DR. JAY LICHTER otitis media with effusion undergoing ear tube placement, and has advanced multiple product Making Innovation Happen candidates into development. He also holds more than 260 patents and patent applications for six Avalon portfolio ay Lichter, Ph.D., is a healthcare innova- PharmaVOICEcompanies, including 78 issued patents and tor who has an incredible track record in Getting to know... has been involved in licensing or merger and J establishing companies that meet unmet Jay Lichter, Ph.D. acquisition deals valued in excess of $1 billion. medical needs. He has been one of the Dr. Lichter has continued to support — via visionaries around a novel collaboration model TITLES: Managing Directorof (Avalon), President investment and invention — a critical phase for venture capture to work more closely with and CEO (COI) of biopharma, early drug discovery. When companies within the pharmaceutical indus- COMPANIES: Avalon Ventures and COI many investors have abandoned early projects, try. As managing director at Avalon Ventures, Pharmaceuticals Avalon Ventures has started some of the most he created COI Pharmaceuticals in 2013, an innovative and important companies in the EDUCATION: Ph.D., University of Illinois; BS, unconventional venture-pharma entity that last five years. These are companies across the provides life-sciences inventors with an envi- University of Illinois therapeutic area spectrum. ronment where entrepreneurial and scientific FAMILY: Wife Sue; daughters Elle and Erin Colleagues say he choses innovation as the risks are encouraged and rewarded. HOBBIES: Road bike riding guiding principle for investment in this space. A strategic collaboration between Avalon BUCKET LIST: Ride a bike on every continent Without courageous investors such as Dr. Ventures and GSK is the first of its kind in SOCIAL MEDIA: Lichter, the industry would eventually not be the industry, a build-to-buy concept, with a the source of improved human health. At the portfolio approach to managing the progres- same time, he applies just as much emphasis sion of companies through drug discovery. Dr. tical space began with the founding of his and empowerment to the individuality and ca- Lichter is very active in managing the collab- first company, Sequana Therapeutics, which pabilities of his management teams as he does oration, expanding the model, and delivering specialized in the discovery of genes that were to the technologies and business structures. new therapies to patients. associated with certain diseases, a novel idea Those who have worked with Dr. Lichter Dr. Lichter calls the collaboration with for a biotechnology company at the time. say he applies the same creative, unrestricted, GSK and the COI incubator a career high- He also founded Otonomy, after he was and open-minded mentality to working with light. The collaborationCompliments has resulted in eight diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, a disorder of his management teams. He acts as both the new companies. COI now has more than 50 the inner ear that causes severe dizziness, ring- lightening bolt and the rod for issues and op- employees and is a model for incubator devel- ing in the ears, hearing loss, and a feeling of portunities. He is willing to let people think opment in San Diego and beyond. fullness or congestion in the ear. He recognized outside of the box and discuss what is possible. He has been instrumental in the founding, the opportunity for an efficient drug delivery And, importantly, he demonstrates what he development, and the success of companies approach to address the unmet needs in hear- expects of his management teams.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] such as Otonomy, Avelas Biosciences, Afraxis, ing and balance disorders. Founding Otonomy “Building teams that function better is RQx, Aratana, and AristaMD. resulted in a publicly traded, fully integrated good for business and good for a fun working Dr. Lichter’s influence on the pharmaceu- commercial pharmaceutical company focused environment,” he says.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 83 ENTREPRENEURS
Getting to know... DR. KATE HERSOV Kate Hersov, MBChB TITLE: CEO and Co-founder A Superhero for Kids’ Health COMPANY: Medikidz EDUCATION: MBChB, Medicine, University of Otago r. Kate Hersov, who after working than-life superheroes, each of whom specializes FAMILY: Husband Rob; daughter Inara, 4; son in pediatrics, became frustrated with in a different part of the human body. The su- Finn, 1; teenage stepsons Alex and Luke the lack of engaging education for her perheroes are from Mediland, a living, moving D BUCKET LIST: Build a Medikidz theme park ride young patients. During her time as a doctor, planet shaped just like the human body. The she was unable to provide children with re- characters are designed to be fun and appealing that allows children to zoom around inside blood sources to help educate them about their new to young people so that entertainment and vessels, breathing lungs, a beating heart diagnoses or medicines in their language, and education can happen in tandem. AWARDS/HONORS: DTC National Advertising at their level. So far, Medikidz has covered more than Awards, 2016; Desmond Tutu Global Achievement This led her in 2009 to create — along 120 therapeutic areas, educating young people Award for Excellence 2015; CNBC’s UK’s Tech with a colleague from medical school — Medi- on conditions they may be affected by such as kidz, a children’s medical education company leukemia, asthma, and epilepsy, or helping Industry Top Women Entrepreneurs; Demeter that provides unique learning materials, har- children overcome the fear and anxiety that Award; NatWest Everywoman 2013; Entrepreneur nessing the power of superheroes. More than 4 is faced when an older loved one is ill such of the Future Women of the Future Awards million Medikidz comic books have been dis- as with breast cancer, stroke, dementia, and 2012; Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35; tributed globally, into 50 countries and 30 dif- multiple sclerosis. A core pillar of Medikidz is Management Today 2011; Start-Ups 100 Shortlist ferent languages, involving more than 6,400 collaboration, and clients include hundreds of leading specialist physician peer reviewers and leading healthcare companies, such as Amgen, 2010; London Business Innovation of the Year more than 100 endorsing partners worldwide. Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Novar- Archant London Business Awards 2010 The Medikidz are a group of five larger- tis, Pfizer, and Sanofi. SOCIAL MEDIA: “We believe in the power of the collective and doing better together,” Dr. Hersov says. “We collaborate across a disease community, in care from pediatrics to adult. Recently, Me- and across the world. CollaborationPharmaVOICE increases dikidz formed a collaboration with the Child the chances of associations between ideas that Mind Institute to provide education resources result in an innovative combination.” for those with mental health and learning As CEO, Dr. Hersov’s goal for the com- disorders. pany is to touch theof lives of 100 million young Dr. Hersov says she has been inspired by people globally to help them be healthier and Jim Henson, for his creativity and passion that happier and to be the most recognized and enriched the lives of countless children, and trusted global brand for children’s health. by knowing that we can change the world by In developing these programs, she makes changing the attitudes of our children. Compassionate sure to bring the whole disease stakeholder “Jim Henson set out to make the world a community together to ensure the credibility better place,” she says. “He wanted to change of the programs. The content is all written attitudes, he wanted to change lives. He by doctors and co-authored by comic book wanted to inspire laughter, he wanted to have writers. What started off with comic books a positive impact.” has now evolved into digital formats such as She works to inspire others by reminding apps, augmented-reality, and games. And her colleagues that their goal is to empower brave souls don the white Lycra superhero children to lead healthier and happier lives. Passionate. Passionate. costumes as Medikidz during company-hosted “I feel truly passionate about Medikidz, its Dr. Kate Hersov created Medikidz superheroes to disease awareness days, school programs, and goals, and the work itself,” she says. help the real superheroes fight their big battles hospital visits. For Dr. Hersov, a career highlight was with disease. The company is also developing a platform when Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as the to provide a special in-patient digital Medi- spokesperson of the launch of Medikidz, said: kidz series for children’s hospitals so patients “This empowerment of children is one of the Driven toCompliments innovate by can access the education at the most splendid things to have emerged in mod- bedside. The company is look- ern medicine.” ing to drive patient-centricity The transition from doctor to entrepreneur CHILDREN’S in pediatric clinical trials by has been one of her biggest challenge sos far, providing multiformat educa- saying she had to go from reading blood test tion and retention programs results and X-rays to P&L sheets and cashflow
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] and is developing a platform to forecasts. And it looks like she followed her support young patients affected own advice: Be bold; be kind; be fearless; be WELL-BEING by chronic diseases transition grateful; be you.
84 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE