Navigating pharma partnerships: Insights from KYE’s John McKendry
The boss of KYE Pharmaceuticals says strategic alliances are shaping the future of ADHD management in Canada (Issue #322, 1,115 words, 5.3 minutes)
Good morning, and welcome to the NPC Healthbiz Weekly e-newsletter from the National Pharmaceutical Congress and Chronicle Companies.
In the competitive pharmaceutical industry, especially for smaller companies, having a clear strategy and understanding the rules is critical to success. John McKendry discussed this in an episode of the National Pharmaceutical Congress Podcast. He is the President and CEO of KYE Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian company focused only on the Canadian market. KYE specializes in licensing and selling medications already approved in the U.S. or Europe but not yet available in Canada. The company is committed to providing "medicines that matter" to Canadian patients.
One therapeutic area where McKendry [pictured below] says KYE Pharmaceuticals is making a significant impact is in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Recognizing the growing prevalence of ADHD and the limited therapeutic options available in Canada, KYE partnered with Hyloris Pharmaceuticals to introduce an atomoxetine oral solution for ADHD treatment. “Atomoxetine was launched many years ago in a traditional format, a pill, a solid oral formulation,” he said. “In other parts of the world, it had been made available as a liquid, a solution, but not in Canada. So we saw an opportunity to bring forward the first and only liquid non-stimulant ADHD medication.” He added this formulation offers greater flexibility in dosing and ease of administration, particularly for children who have difficulty swallowing pills.
In addition to the atomoxetine oral solution, Health Canada has also approved KYE’s Quillivant XR, an extended-release chewable tablet and oral suspension, for ADHD treatment. This medication, which has been available in the U.S. for a decade, is a result of the company’s partnership with Tris Pharma. “The liquid XR delivery technology is proprietary to Tris Pharma, and we’re pleased to bring that to Canada,” McKendry said. “It offers a smooth and consistent release of medication throughout the day, simplifying management for families.”
McKendry says identifying suitable medications and establishing strategic partnerships are critical to KYE’s success. While identifying essential medicines is relatively straightforward, forming partnerships requires a comprehensive assessment of regulatory requirements, commercial viability, and long-term sustainability. He noted that it’s not just about meeting Health Canada’s regulatory requirements for safety and efficacy but also ensuring a strong commercial case that supports the sustainable supply of medications for the long term. “These are meant to be enduring partnerships,” he said. “It’s up to the team at KYE to demonstrate every day that they’ve selected the right partner in Canada, and I’m encouraged to see the partnerships forged in the first four or five years. I’m bullish about what we can deliver to Canadian patients and healthcare practitioners in the years ahead, and I look forward to future conversations where we can report on progress.”
As for the stringent regulatory environment of the pharma industry, McKendry said he views these requirements not as an impediment to innovation but as a necessary framework for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medications. He emphasized the importance of clarity of purpose, autonomy, and accountability within the KYE team to find innovative solutions within the regulatory landscape. He acknowledged that team members often wear multiple hats to accomplish things in a fast-paced startup environment. However, as the company grows, McKendry stresses the need for clarity of purpose and alignment, ensuring that every team member is self-motivated and understands what’s most important.
THIS WEEK 03/11/25
AbbVie’s risankizumab (Skyrizi) is now available in Canada for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response, loss of response, or were intolerant to conventional therapy, a biologic treatment, or a JAK inhibitor.
Health Canada issued marketing authorization with a Notice of Compliance with Conditions for Biogen Canada’s tofersen injection (Qalsody) to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in adults with a mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene.
The U.S. FDA approved Celltrion’s CT-P41, denosumab-bmwo (Stoboclo). a biosimilar referencing Prolia (denosumab), for all indications of the reference product including osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women, and to increase bone mass in prostate and breast cancer patients.
Celltrion also announced that the U.S. FDA has approved CT-P41, denosumab-bmwo (Osenvelt), a biosimilar referencing Xgeva (denosumab), for the treatment of giant cell bone tumours in patients with fully matured bone structures to prevent bone fractures and other skeletal conditions in people with multiple myeloma, and to treat high blood calcium levels caused by cancer.
NOW LISTEN UP: HERE’S LISA MULLETT OF SUMITOMO PHARMA
In season 13 of the NPC Podcast, Lisa Mullett, Senior Vice-President of Sumitomo Pharma America, gives insights into the importance of diversity in companies and patient trials, stepping out of your comfort zone to further your career, and accelerating development with AI. Hear her in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. You can listen to the podcast here.
Stephanie Veyrun-Manetti
General Manager Specialty Care and Country Lead Canada
Sanofi
Season 12, Episode 04
Listen to this episode here
(This episode was recorded in May 2024)
How do management and leadership ensure that millennial and Gen Z employees are properly led?
Even though I’m far from the Gen Z population, we genuinely want to foster an inclusive environment for all employees. Regardless of age or background, leadership opportunities should be the same for everyone. Of course, each generation evolves in a different landscape. Gen Z, for example, has grown up in a world of digital tools and constant communication, which changes how people collaborate. It’s very different from when I started my career.
We don’t make a massive distinction between generations regarding opportunities. What matters is providing autonomy and empowerment for career growth. As long as we have strong talent management processes and development support, employees of all generations can thrive.
One notable shift has been the rise of flexible work. I’m not sure if it’s purely a generational conversation, but it’s clear that today’s workforce values both collaboration in the office and the flexibility to work remotely. Finding that balance is key.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t separating employees by generation—it’s about fostering an environment where everyone can bring their best selves to work. The most important thing is learning from each other and embracing a culture of exchange and shared objectives.
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