Strategy and Planning

Over the past 20 years, The NemetzGroup has been involved in the launch of more than 50 different drugs and has had input into the strategic commercialization plans of many more. While no two launches are ever exactly the same — based on the team, company, and unmet need the drug hopes to address — there are certain patterns and similarities that we see repeating. Unfortunately, not all of these are positive.

When it comes to team performance and adherence to “best practices,” what works on paper or in a teambuilding workshop and what actually occurs are often two very different things. Not for lack of trying (in most cases!), the practical constraints of time, resources, and human nature often get in the way.

Historically, biopharma companies developed drugs for patients with an illness — but the illness was the primary focus. In recent years, much has changed. As drug development has become more enlightened, understanding the experience of people living with health conditions — their needs, goals, and the practicalities of daily life — has become integral to the process of developing innovative medicines.

Like so many seasoned industry professionals, we eagerly seek thought leader perspectives — on the current biopharma industry landscape; the investment strategies purported to be in play; and (of course) the likely true impact of the Inflation Reduction Act in both the near- and mid-term.

Regardless of your company or drug development stage, congress events are critical undertakings; they represent both a substantial opportunity and a significant investment of time and resources. These events provide an occasion to engage with a wide range of HCPs (including KOLs) to introduce new products, present data, gather insights, and more. Depending on your role in the company, the objectives that get you excited about attending one of these meetings will vary — you may not even be aware of some of the happenings outside your functional area.

When biopharma executives or business development leaders think about developing their “partnering story,” the focus is often on the innovation. That’s understandable. These are science-based organizations, and without question, the innovation is fundamental to the work.

When it comes to patient recruitment and retention for clinical trials, the bottom line is simply this: It is important and challenging in all scenarios… the difference is in how significant the focus and effort will need to be.