The 2016 Trends Novartis U.S. President Christi Shaw Is Closely Watching: Trendsetter Series Part 3 of 4
By Rob Wright, Chief Editor, Life Science Leader
Follow Me On Twitter @RfwrightLSL
From The Cutting Room Floor: December 2015 Issue
Read the full magazine article: What Nine Of Biopharma’s Biggest Trendsetters Expect For 2016?
This is installment three of Life Science Leader magazine’s 2016 four-part Trendsetter series. In part 1, we learned about the key trends of focus for Mr. Paul Hasting, chairman and CEO of OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, a publically traded biotech (NASDAQ: OMED). Part 2 involved 2016 insights gained from the perspective of Mark Timney, CEO of a 123 year old privately held pharmaceutical company, Purdue Pharma. Another seasoned executive who responded enthusiastically to participating in our comprehensive 2016 industry outlook issue, published in December 2015, was Christi Shaw, US Country Head, president of Novartis Corporation & president of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. With oversight responsibility for 23,500 Novartis associates in the U.S., and previous experience with the likes of J&J, Ms. Shaw provides insight from the big pharma point of view. Here are her previously unpublished thoughts as to what key trends Shaw is intent on keeping her eyes on for 2016.
Which nontraditional biopharmaceutical companies do you expect to have the biggest impact on our industry in 2016 and why?
“I think we’ll continue to see companies with digital expertise expand in the healthcare industry. For example, at Novartis, we’re partnering with Google to develop a smart lens to treat presbyopia (age-related vision loss) and diabetes via remote monitoring, and we’re planning to begin clinical trials for the product in 2016. While tech companies have a lot to offer our industry, I anticipate it will take some time before we can realize the full potential of these relationships. Regulatory procedures have not yet evolved to accommodate health-tech that uses real-time information, and technology companies are not used to the stringent regulations for healthcare products (relating to clinical trials, compliance, etc.). Given these hurdles it may take more than a year for the Googles and Apples of the world to demonstrate significant impact in healthcare, but I believe 2016 will serve as an important stepping stone for them,” she says.
What global macro trends do you think are going to have the biggest impact on biopharma in 2016 and why?
“I believe that demographic trends will continue to shape the healthcare landscape dramatically. The global population is aging rapidly. Within the next five years, for the first time in history, the number of people over 65 will outnumber children under the age of five. At the same time, young adults, more than ever before, will be eligible for medical coverage. This group is demanding a more holistic approach to healthcare that looks beyond treating specific illnesses, to one that supports good health and well-being more broadly, and uses tools that are convenient, personalized and customizable. In tandem with these demographic shifts, the global disease burden is also changing. The prevalence of chronic, non-communicable diseases such as cancer and heart failure is on the rise. In the U.S. alone, it is expected that by 2030 at least 60 percent of baby boomers will be managing more than one chronic condition. These trends are putting health systems under great pressure and demanding we deliver true innovation that improves outcomes for patients. Our industry needs to work with government, insurers and others not just to lower overall costs, but also to deliver positive patient outcomes and ensure the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems,” stresses Shaw.
If you like what you are reading and would like access to more executive level insights throughout the year, be sure to become a Life Science Leader magazine subscriber by clicking here.