Read the Conversation
Meeting highlights:
- The Importance of South Africa to BeiGene’s Global Operations: BeiGene has already initiated clinical trials in South Africa, giving local patients early access to innovative therapies. This expansion enhances the region's role in the global fight against cancer, positioning South Africa as a key contributor to the discovery and development of new treatments.
- To BeiGene, Collaboration is Key: The importance of collaborating with local stakeholders to innovate sustainably and have a more efficient delivery.
- BeiGene putting the Patient First: Focus on the entire patient journey (physical and emotional), early patient boarding project to include their input on clinical trials and pilot programs for data collection.
- BeiGene as a Partner of Choice for Oncology: One of the largest pipelines covering 80% of the world’s cancers by incidence. Conducted more than 130 clinical trials among more than 20,000 patients, and received regulatory approvals in more than 70 markets across three internally developed medicines in just over a decade.
- Amy Reddy’s Mission and Lessons Learned: “Leading with purpose” sharing the goal to put the patient first, managing an all-female team in South Africa.
EF: Could you elaborate on the state of cancer in Africa and how BeiGene is committed to the region?
AR: The burden of cancer across Africa is growing rapidly, with incidence rates projected to double by 2030. This poses a significant challenge, especially with current high mortality rates and insufficient infrastructure for early detection and treatment.
Unfortunately, most innovative therapies reach only about one-sixth of the global population, predominantly in developed regions like the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Our model, however, is designed to expand access to at least four-sixths of the world by reducing costs and accelerating drug development by up to 30%, thanks to our in-house clinical trial teams.
Incorporating South Africa into this model is a testament to our commitment to overcoming these barriers. We have recently introduced an innovative therapy for blood cancers to the South African market, marking one of the rare occasions where a treatment is made available almost simultaneously in South Africa, the U.S., and the EU. Typically, treatments reach South Africa much later, so this rapid availability highlights our dedication to delivering tailored, effective solutions in alignment with local healthcare needs.
EF: Given the success in the U.S. of delivering safe, cost-effective treatments, what are your expectations for replicating this model in South Africa? How does the upcoming pipeline align with the region’s needs, and what excites you most about the next steps for your portfolio here?
AR: South Africa presents significant opportunities for us, particularly given our current strategy. BeiGene has a remarkable portfolio and pipeline, and South Africa’s environment is ideal for clinical trials, especially with its diverse patient population. As we grow our clinical trial network in South Africa, new therapies will be brought to market faster and more efficiently.
This progress will be supported by collaborations with local policymakers, healthcare professionals, and experts in oncology and haematology, all of which are essential to our mission. Our focus in South Africa aligns with the local needs and with BeiGene’s broader strategic goals. As we work to expand our portfolio, we’re committed to leveraging a cost- and time-effective approach. This will allow us to deliver these treatments more affordably and quickly to South African patients, maximizing access and impact.
In selecting South Africa as our starting point, we recognized the significant opportunities it presents, particularly within the context of Africa. South Africa is among the more advanced African nations when it comes to cancer treatment, making it a prime location for companies in this sector. The country also offers substantial potential in the realm of clinical trials, especially for exploring treatments within specific subpopulations affected by conditions like HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B. While these conditions exist across the continent, South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure and the necessary skill sets, making it a strategic base to establish a footprint in Africa.
EF: What are the three critical pillars for developing a sustainable healthcare roadmap in our region?
AR: Our responsible business and sustainability strategy is grounded in several core pillars. First and foremost, we are dedicated to advancing global health. This means developing innovative cancer treatments that address the needs of more people and closing gaps in healthcare access and equity.
Secondly, empowering our colleagues is crucial. Our team is the foundation of our success in delivering these treatments. We’re committed to fostering a culture of innovation, mutual respect, and belonging, building a diverse workforce, and supporting employee well-being. Our talented global team has the expertise to bring these medicines to patients worldwide.
To ensure sustainable growth, we proactively work to minimize our environmental impact, particularly about climate risks that could affect our business. We also prioritize measures for business continuity and the reliable supply of essential medicines.
Finally, operational responsibility and accountability are vital. Acting with integrity and transparency, we maintain strong oversight, control, and risk management to meet the expectations of our stakeholders, starting with our patients and extending to society at large.
EF: How does BeiGene’s 'Patients First' approach influence your business strategies, especially in terms of market differentiation and building patient loyalty in competitive regions?
AR: 'Patients first' is a guiding principle for all of us in this industry. At BeiGene, we don’t just bring medicine to patients; we strive to enhance patient well-being, care, and the overall quality of life. Our approach is holistic, aimed at supporting patients through their entire journey and addressing the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.
At BeiGene, we’ve introduced an innovative Early Patient Onboarding project led by our Early Patient Engagement and Professional Partnerships team. This team actively includes patient perspectives in developing clinical trials, ensuring that our therapies are designed with the patient’s needs in mind. We maximize our treatments' relevance and impact by establishing the best patient engagement practices.
Additionally, BeiGene goes beyond just providing medication. Through pilot programs, we offer tools such as data support and technological devices to assist patients in disease management, enhancing adherence and empowering them to manage their health more effectively.
While BeiGene in South Africa is still in its early stages, we are committed to adapting and implementing these global strategies locally. We look forward to sharing more as we grow and expand patient access in the region.
EF: What makes you a partner of choice from College in South Africa specifically?
AR: In South Africa, BeiGene has recently established a presence, and our global profile is incredibly attractive for partnerships due to our impressive oncology research capabilities. With over 1,100 highly credentialed scientists, BeiGene has one of the largest and most productive oncology research teams worldwide, dedicated to addressing significant unmet patient needs. Additionally, we have one of the most comprehensive oncology pipelines in the industry, covering 80% of the world’s cancer cases by incidence.
In just over a decade, BeiGene’s model has built one of the industry's most robust oncology pipelines, with more than 130 clinical trials involving over 20,000 patients and regulatory approvals in more than 70 markets for three internally developed medicines. This rapid progress has strengthened our appeal as a partner for both research and development.
In South Africa, BeiGene is also becoming an increasingly attractive partner for healthcare professionals. We have initiated local clinical trials to provide patients with quicker access to our innovative medicines. We plan to expand our clinical trial presence to enable broader access to cutting-edge therapies.
One key strategic partnership is with the Max Foundation, a global nonprofit organization. Together, we provide access to Brukinsa, a treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), in 29 low- and middle-income countries. This partnership exemplifies BeiGene’s commitment to improving patient access and addressing regional healthcare challenges. We aim to make a high-impact difference in cancer care through collaborations like these, particularly for underserved communities.
EF: Could you let us know a little about the key lessons you have learned from management that you can share with other executives?
AR: One of my deepest passions is leading with purpose, building strong teams, and driving meaningful results. My journey in oncology has been inspiring, challenging, and immensely rewarding. This journey has taught me that investing in research and development is only meaningful if we make these therapies accessible to needy patients.
My commitment to advancing cancer care in South Africa is fuelled by seeing the profound impact that innovative oncology treatments have on patients, extension of life and its potential to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients. At BeiGene, we are dedicated to innovation and challenging the status quo to address existing gaps in care. However, achieving this requires purposeful leadership and collaboration with our global and local teams, clinical and funding stakeholders, and regulatory authorities. Only through this collective effort can we make these treatments accessible to patients.
Staying passionate is essential in this challenging field, and building a strong, motivated culture is the foundation for innovation and success. I foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. Working in an industry that transforms lives, I remind my team to stay connected to our mission to improve cancer patients’ lives. This purpose is what drives our passion and commitment.
I'm particularly proud to lead an all-female team in South Africa. Working with these talented women is a privilege, as we learn so much from each other. Reflecting on the progress in oncology—from early treatments like chemotherapy for lymphoma to more targeted therapies—I see how far we’ve come and it's why I’m so passionate about this work.
