Read the Conversation
EF: What does your appointment to VP of the Interfarma board mean to you as a Brazilian, a woman, and someone who has devoted 25 years to the pharmaceutical industry?
AS: It's crucial for us, as a sector, to collaborate and bring more innovation to Brazil, ensuring quicker patient access and making the most of the time, energy, and resources we invest. We must join forces to ensure these innovations reach people promptly and improve their lives. As a Brazilian, it's my mission to contribute to this goal. Having females as president and vice president of Interfarma marks a significant step towards diversity in our sector. During my two-year tenure as Vice President, my priority will be fostering collaboration and accelerating innovation delivery to Brazil's patients. That's what matters most to us as an industry.
EF: What is Boehringer doing to convey the importance and benefits of innovation to the Brazilian population, government, and associations, and how are these innovations being received?
AS: Making the biggest positive impact requires shortening the delivery time of innovative medicines, especially for more than 70% of Brazilians relying solely on the public health care system, SUS. While some innovations are available to everyone, an effort must be made to extend these same benefits to everyone in the public system. We've highlighted how these innovations can transform patients' lives and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system by reducing hospital stays. Take stroke treatments, for example. Administering medication promptly can make a huge difference in patient outcomes and lessen the burden of stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in Brazil. When patients receive timely treatment, they recover faster and can return to society, preventing additional burdens on the economy. Demonstrating how our medications improve patient outcomes and support the healthcare system is vital.
We're focused on developing innovations and ensuring patients can access them, too. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved: the company, the government, and patients. We've collaborated closely with the government to streamline the navigation of the healthcare system. Diagnosis and access to care can be challenging, making timely treatment crucial for patients to benefit fully. For instance, in our ANGELS program, we've partnered with hospitals and cities across Brazil. Two cities, Ribeirão Preto and Sapucaia do Sul, have been certified as “Angel Cities”, the first in the world. Now, other countries are eager to replicate this model. Being a certified city means collaborating with local authorities and healthcare providers to implement protocols for stroke emergencies. We train hospital staff and ambulance crews to recognize symptoms, refer patients to appropriate hospitals and provide prompt treatment, which must be administered within the first four hours after the onset of symptoms. It's about improving patient care and outcomes, one city at a time.
We're also collaborating with the city halls and regional governments to train students in public schools to recognize stroke symptoms. In Brazil, grandparents often care for children while parents work, so teaching young people to spot stroke signs and call for help can save lives and prevent disability, something we have already seen happen. This collaboration benefits everyone in the city, reducing emergency room stays and allowing patients to return to society sooner. It also eases the burden on families, as fewer people need to stop working to care for stroke survivors.
We expect these positive effects to spread to more areas as other cities and governments recognize the benefits of our collaborations. In 2023, the program involved 548 new hospitals that were trained, and now, Governments are realizing the value of our innovations and are willing to partner with us to ensure patients receive the best care and access to innovation. While some partnerships take time, like our technology transfer to Fiocruz for Parkinson's medication, we're committed to accelerating the process. We aim to bring innovations to patients as quickly as possible, ensuring our investments and efforts truly benefit those in need.
EF: Could you elaborate on the agreement you recently signed with Fiocruz?
AS: This agreement marks the first step in our collaboration, with many more to follow as we work towards technology transfer. It's another example of how Boehringer supports access, especially in a vast country like Brazil. Initiatives like this support government priorities and ensure access to life-saving medicines, like those for diabetes and cardiovascular risks, which show a 38% reduction in the relative risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization. It's a source of pride to contribute to improving healthcare for millions of Brazilians through this collaboration.
EF: What are the benefits of national pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and how do you envision Brazil reinvesting the resources gained from an increase in the national production of medicines?
AS: The benefits are clear, primarily for patients lacking access to many medications in the public sector; this initiative will improve the country's health by providing access to essential medicines, reducing hospital stays, and lowering overall healthcare expenses. Additionally, it will enhance patients' well-being by reducing other health issues. In an economic sense, increasing production in Brazil will create more jobs, contributing positively to the economy. National drug self-sufficiency is a positive situation for both healthcare and the economy in Brazil.
EF: Could you explain the interconnection between animal and human health and the benefits that humans will experience from a proactive approach to animal health? How complex is the regulatory environment for animals when compared to humans?
AS: Animal health is crucial for us, especially in Brazil; Boehringer is one of the largest animal health companies worldwide, making Brazil a key market. We focus on preventing diseases in livestock animals and pets. Regarding the economy, Brazil's agriculture sector, including animal farming, is vital for global protein production. Our products aid farmers by reducing disease, improving productivity, and enhancing meat quality. Prevention measures also decrease antibiotic use, boosting meat quality and farm profitability. Thus, given its importance in agriculture, animal health contributes significantly to Brazil's economy.
Brazil ranks among the world's top meat producers and exporters of livestock animals, contributing significantly to our economy. However, Boehringer also focuses heavily on pets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed a surge in pet ownership, highlighting the bond between humans and animals. As a lifelong dog lover, I understand the importance of pets in our lives; they provide companionship, reduce stress, and improve mental health. That's why we prioritize preventive measures for pets, such as vaccinations for diseases like rabies, which, after having been eradicated in Brazil, unfortunately, is making a resurgence. The importance of vaccinating all animals to eliminate the disease is paramount for both animal and human health. Possibly the best example of our commitment to animal health is NexGard, our flagship product, consumed around the world and produced mainly in Brazil, which protects pets from external and internal parasites, safeguarding their health and preventing transmission to humans. Our mission to improve lives, both animal and human, has been underscored by products like these.
EF: What do you believe will be the impact that advanced technologies like AI or machine learning will have on Boehringer?
AS: We have formed multiple partnerships with AI and tech companies to accelerate innovation and learning. These collaborations focus on speeding up clinical trials and developing technologies to support treatments. For instance, we're working on an app to assist patients with schizophrenia, particularly those with cognitive impairment. This showcases the dual role of technology: aiding in early-stage development and supporting treatment in later stages.
We're delving into a unique area called CRM: cardio-renal-metabolic diseases. With our existing products for diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease, we're expanding into new indications, like Survodutide for obesity and MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). Our phase II trials for Survodutide have shown promising results, marking it as the very first medicine for MASH. This will be a global launch, expected for the next four to five years. Our innovation in MASH treatment represents a substantial breakthrough in addressing this challenge that is being faced in Brazil and around the world.
We are entering a period of increased innovation, with plans to launch 25 new products by 2030. Many of these are groundbreaking therapies that will revolutionize disease treatment in areas with significant unmet needs. Managing our high number of partnerships with various biotech and technology companies may be a challenge, but we're thrilled to have the opportunity and excited about the possibilities.
EF: Why is a dollar invested in Brazil worth more than in any other country? What is your pitch to global HQ to attract more resources for R&D and clinical trials?
AS: Brazil is an emerging market with vast opportunities in human and animal health. We're seeing significant growth potential here, especially in clinical trials. Brazil's diverse population makes it an ideal location for trials, including phase I studies. Compared to developed countries, Brazil's growth rate is faster, and its size offers unparalleled opportunities. In essence, Brazil presents a unique and promising landscape for healthcare innovation.
EF: What would you like to say to your colleagues and co-workers at your upcoming anniversary celebrating 25 years in the industry and 15 years at Boehringer? What is something you’ve learned that is true regardless of which country you're working in?
AS: I believe in the power of our culture, especially at Boehringer, where I've spent 15 years. Across four different countries – Germany, Sweden, Canada, and Brazil – I've witnessed a strong, consistent culture rooted in respect, collaboration, and connection to our purpose. The reason for this strong connection between our people is the passion that they feel; they feel like part of the mission.
Being recognized as a Top Employer for the eighth consecutive year in Brazil speaks volumes about our commitment to employee development. I've had the opportunity to grow in various roles, from marketing to global positions and presidencies in Sweden and Canada, and now, I'm back home in Brazil. This culture of empowerment extends to all employees, fostering career development and making Boehringer an attractive workplace. It's a key differentiator for Boehringer, making attracting and retaining talent easier. I'm proud of how we nurture this culture, especially in Brazil, where we have a young and talented workforce.
