Transformative Oncology Innovations, Ken Keller, President & CEO, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

06/06/24 • 28 min

Biotech 2050 Podcast

Synopsis: In this episode of BioTech 2050, Ken Keller, President and CEO of Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. provides an in-depth look into the company's transformation from a cardiovascular-focused organization to a leader in oncology. He discusses the groundbreaking advancements in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), particularly highlighting the success of their HER2-targeted therapies. Ken shares his career journey, emphasizing the importance of building a team of passionate individuals who are eager to innovate and make a difference. He also touches on the significance of strategic partnerships in accelerating drug development and ensuring global access to life-saving treatments. The conversation offers valuable insights into the future of cancer therapies and the dynamic landscape of the biotech industry. Biography: Ken Keller is the Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. He is also the Head of the Global Oncology Business responsible for leading the overarching company strategy of ensuring innovative medicines are available to patients with cancer around the world. With more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Ken has led multi-billion dollar businesses in both U.S. and Europe while working to unify cross-functional teams to create a global infrastructure – enabling the commercial success of Daiichi Sankyo oncology and specialty medicines. Through leadership roles in multiple markets, across cultures and within different healthcare systems, Ken has successfully launched numerous biologic products in therapeutic areas ranging from oncology to bone health to nephrology to inflammatory diseases, transformed businesses, and delivered sustainable revenue and profit growth. With more than 20 years of oncology experience, Ken had a longstanding career at Amgen where he held several leadership roles, with increasing global and commercial responsibility, including Vice President and General Manager, Bone Health Business Unit. Prior to joining Daiichi Sankyo, Ken served as Chief Operating Officer at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, where he held global responsibility for leading commercial operations, medical and clinical development, regulatory, quality, safety and pharmaceutical operations. Ken is motivated by passion for innovation and compassion for patients, which is at the core of everything he instills within his leadership teams. Developing and coaching high-performing global teams that can have a profound impact on patient lives and leading an organization that is responsible for helping to change the standard of care for the oncology community is a privilege he is incredibly grateful for.

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Strategic Leadership and Autoimmune Breakthroughs, Praveen Tipimeni, CEO

Synopsis: In this episode of Biotech2050, Praveen Tipirneni, CEO of Morphic Therapeutics, shares insights on Morphic’s strategic IPO, the rising interest in autoimmune treatments, the journey of their alpha 4 beta 7 program, and maintaining a conservative yet opportunistic approach in biotech. He also discusses the importance of building a strong team, navigating the complex biotech landscape, and the value of enjoying the journey. Biography: Praveen Tipirneni, MD, MBA is Chief Executive Officer of Morphic Therapeutic Inc. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Global Strategy at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, a position in which he served from 2002 until the company’s acquisition by Merck in 2015. In his time at Cubist, he was a member of the clinical group working on the Cubicin NDA (skin and skin structure infections) and sNDA (Staph. Bacteremia and Endocarditis) teams. He was head of business development since January 2006. Prior to joining Cubist, Dr. Tipirneni worked at Sun Microsystems in corporate strategy, Covad Communications in Corporate Strategy, and Deltagen in business development. He also served time as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Dr. Tipirneni received a bachelor’s degree from MIT in mechanical engineering and an M. D. from McGill University. After completing his post-graduate residency in Internal Medicine at University of Illinois, Chicago, he received his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in healthcare finance.

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Exploring Neuroscience, Psychiatry, & Rare Diseases, Bruce Leuchter, President & CEO, Neurvati

Synopsis: In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi, CEO and co-founder of Vibe Bio, speaks with Dr. Bruce Leuchter, President and CEO of Neurvati Neuroscience. They discuss capital markets, neurology, psychiatry, and Neurvati's work in ultra-rare diseases. Dr. Leuchter shares his journey from clinical training to leadership at Neurvati. The conversation covers the convergence of neurology and psychiatry, advanced technologies in drug development, and addressing unmet medical needs in neuroscience. Join us for insights into the future of biotech and developments in neuroscience. Biography: Dr. Bruce Leuchter brings deep-rooted, wide-ranging experience to his role as President and CEO at Neurvati, spanning neuroscience, clinical neuropsychiatry, biotechnology equity research, healthcare investment banking and entrepreneurship. His expertise captures all aspects of building and leading a neuroscience company, and his experiences have generated deep empathy for the patient journey. Across his many roles in the clinic, industry, and beyond, Dr. Leuchter has maintained a passion for knowledge and has aimed to purposefully apply that knowledge to help patients suffering from diseases of the brain and nervous system. A physician by training and neuropsychiatrist by specialty, Dr. Leuchter completed residency training in Neurology and Psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Leuchter served as Director of Clinical Neuropsychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and maintains a voluntary faculty appointment in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Leuchter has also held multiple financial services roles including biotechnology equity research at Goldman Sachs, healthcare investment banking at Credits Suisse, and biotechnology mergers and acquisitions at PJT Partners, all of which drive a nuanced understanding of the biotechnology industry and particularly the neuroscience ecosystem. Dr. Leuchter is Co-Founder and Founding Neuropsychiatrist of a digital therapeutics company, Click Therapeutics, which specializes in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. He serves as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Daedelus Fund for Innovation at Weill Cornell Medical College, as a member of the Life Science Institute Leadership Council at the University of Michigan, as a member of the Advisory Board at Michigan Drug Discovery, and as a Business Advisory Board member at FOXG1 Research Foundation.