Initially, I was somewhat surprised by the appointment of Catherine Owen Adams. After all, Acadia has positioned itself as a CNS/rare disease-focused biopharma. Ms Owen Adams does not have a background in CNS or rare disease; her experience has been in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular and immunology.
However, what Ms Owen Adams does have is a deep, successful track record in international product launches, specifically in US, Canada, Europe and Japan, the precise markets into which Acadia is planning to launch DayBue.
Probably Ms Owen Adams’ most relevant previous role was at BMS as Senior VP, Head of Major Markets.
This role required oversight of commercial operations in 18 countries including Japan, Germany, France and others across Europe. Each required that she and her team take a unique approach to working with physicians, regulatory agencies and payers.
Interestingly, Ms Owen Adams took on the position in September 2019, while BMS was in the midst of a large-scale merger with Celgene. Rather than seeing this as a risky move, she says it was the very reason she took the job. She ultimately led the integration and transition of the two companies during the global pandemic whilst simultaneously launching nine products in just two years.
"The chance to work in international markets during the integration of two amazing companies and to help create a phenomenal new company was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said.
The following quotes from Catherine Owen Adams (known as Catherine Owen during her time at BMS) provide some insight into her likely approach to the new CEO role at Acadia.
"I'm a big believer in getting out there with the people who meet with prescribers and other decision-makers every day."
"Getting to know more about what it's like for doctors treating patients not only keeps me grounded, but it gives me valuable insight into what we need to do better to make things easier for them and for their patients."
“No matter my role, I’m always guided by the same sense of mission that inspired me from the beginning of my career: How can we get drugs to the patients who need them?”
Suffice to say, I am no longer surprised by Ms Owen Adams’ appointment.
https://www.bms.com/life-and-science/people/catherine-owen.htmlhttps://www.pharmavoice.com/news/bristol-myers-squibbs-integration-celgene-catherine-owen/628485/
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