The pharmaceutical industry’s role in addressing global health challenges
What works so well in many aspects of the life sciences just isn't working to get medicines for the world's poorest populations (Issue #311, 1,280 words, 6.2 minutes)
While the pharma industry has been able to leverage global connectivity and technology to combat pressing health crises and pandemic threats, ensuring equitable access to therapies remains a challenge.
According to The Lancet, programs such as COVAX, designed to distribute vaccines globally, have faced criticism regarding transparency and accountability; despite efforts such as tiered pricing models, disparities persist, with wealthier nations often securing a disproportionate share of products. Addressing these issues requires ethical pricing strategies, knowledge sharing, and hybrid distribution models that prioritize accessibility for low- and middle-income countries while maintaining sustainability and incentives for innovation, the authors report.
The World Economic Forum reports that collaboration between pharma companies and healthcare systems would be another critical step in addressing the growing global burden of chronic diseases. Many health systems, originally structured to manage acute conditions, struggle to adapt to chronic disease prevention and management. Partnerships such as the collaboration between Novartis and the UK National Health Service for cholesterol management highlight the potential for pharmaceutical companies to reshape care pathways, enhance prevention, and improve health equity through innovative approaches.
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations notes that strategic alliances extend to global health initiatives. The Global Health Progress platform highlights 270 collaborations between the biopharmaceutical industry and more than 1,200 organizations, focusing on strengthening healthcare capacity and advancing R&D for diseases prevalent in developing regions. These collaborations align with Sustainable Development Goals and emphasize integrating health security and sustainability efforts to address interconnected global challenges.
Frontiers in Public Health reports recent crises, including the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the global Covid-19 pandemic, have highlighted the industry’s capacity to develop life-saving vaccines at unprecedented speeds. These advances prove the industry’s ability to contribute to resilience and health security through innovation, partnerships, and aligned global strategies.
THIS WEEK 12/10/24
The U.S. FDA approved Biocon Biologics’ ustekinumab-kfce (Yesintek), a biosimilar to Stelara, for treating Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Merus, a clinical-stage oncology company, announced that the U.S. FDA had approved zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri) for the treatment of adults with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma or non–small cell lung cancer who harbour a neuregulin 1 gene fusion and have disease progression.
The U.S. FDA approved the commercial production of Edo’s vasopressin injection (Vasostrict) at the company's newest aseptic manufacturing facility in Indore, India. The company notes that the 20,000-square-foot site will increase Endo's sterile injectable production capacity and expand the future growth potential of its Injectable Solutions business.
The U.S. FDA
hasgranted a Breakthrough Therapy Designation to AstraZeneca’s datopotamab deruxtecan for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small cell lung cancer with disease progression on or after treatment with an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy.
NOW LISTEN UP: HERE’S KENNETH CUSTER OF ELI LILLY CANADA
In season 13 of the NPC Podcast, Kenneth Custer, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly Canada, gives insights into his background in neuroscience, innovation in healthcare, and progress in therapeutics for obesity and Alzheimer’s. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.
CANADIAN HEALTHCARE MARKETING HALL OF FAME
The Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame awards were established in 2002 to honour healthcare marketers who have contributed to our vocation and inspire others.
More than 100 honourees have been selected during the past 22 years. In the selection committee’s view, they represent a cross-section of the qualities that make our business unique and fulfilling. NPC Healthbiz Weekly will acknowledge the 2024 Hall of Fame Honorees over the next few weeks. Nominate a colleague for the 2025 Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame by clicking here.
2024 Inductee
Colleen Coxson
Country General Manager
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Mississauga, Ont.
Colleen Coxson is a firm believer in leveraging one’s strengths for success. Early in her career, while working as a GP rep at Boehringer Ingelheim in the early 2000s, she quickly discovered that traditional relationship-building activities like bonding with clients over rounds of golf or hockey games weren't for her. “I wanted to discuss science, features, and benefits,” she recalled. Recognizing her aptitude for conducting in-depth territory analysis around sales and prescribing data, her manager moved her to a primary market research role. This shift, coupled with her later experience in Boehringer’s marketing department and her role in launching Pradava, laid the groundwork for her current leadership position as Country Manager at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
Alynlam is a leading RNai therapeutics company that developed the first five approved RNai therapeutics. Joining the company in 2019 as the commercial lead just six months before the regulatory approval of its first product, she quickly adapted to a wide range of responsibilities, including sales, marketing, forecasting, and patient support programs (PSP).
Launching Alnylam Canada in the rare disease category became a milestone in Coxson’s career. “I learned so much about rare disease marketing—how to triangulate data, find new physicians with relevant interests, connect with genetic testing, and establish referral pathways between neurologists and cardiologists. It was an intense two years, but I literally felt that I was building something amazing.”
Like many of her colleagues, Coxson is embracing Al's advances in the pharmaceutical sector, especially in rare diseases, where specialist wait times can exceed 12 months. “Al can make a tangible difference in helping patients get diagnosed for conditions that may have plagued them for years,” she said. “With so many rare diseases linked to genetics, Al has the power to mine through structured and unstructured EMRs, helping physicians narrow diagnoses and identify the best path forward for patients.” When managing stress, her go-to remedy is physical activity—and plenty of it. “I’ve been known to take meetings on a treadmill or the bike trainer,” she said.
Being inducted into the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame is a source of great pride to Coxson. “While I was at Boehringer Ingelheim, two marketing team members were inducted, and I thought it was wonderful to be recognized beyond one's organization for making a difference in what you did and how you did it. Having worked at only two companies, I am honoured to count myself among so many amazing leaders in our industry.”
INTRODUCING DERMATOLOGY.BUSINESS and the DERMATOLOGY.BUSINESS DEEP DIVE PODCAST
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