Read the Conversation
EF: Could you briefly overview your current agenda; what are your key priorities for 2024?
OB: In my four years with the company, I have focused on hematology, immunology, and immuno-oncology, a key area. Cancer treatment is our top priority in the healthcare system. As the GM for BMS Mexico for the past two years, I have been dedicated to empowering our talented team to provide access to treatments for patients in need. Our mission is to transform lives through science and innovation, ensuring our advancements reach those who need them most.
For us, clinical trials are a way to innovate and provide access to treatments. We prioritize these studies to understand how our treatments work specifically for Mexican patients, considering their differences: genetic, race, gender, and age. This is crucial, as treatments may vary in effectiveness across different populations. However, we cannot achieve this alone, as health is a cross-area effort. Collaboration is essential among medical societies, government decision-makers, and private initiatives to ensure equal access to treatments for all people across the country, regardless of their circumstances. Our work goes beyond business; it is about making a meaningful impact on lives and helping to build a universal, participatory, sustainable, and equitable health system for all Mexicans.
EF: Can you explain how you build strategic partnerships across sectors to enhance access in Mexico?
OB: Our strategy has different aspects. When testing our molecules in Mexico, local investigators are our best advocates in clinical trials. We conduct our studies through IMSS, Mexico’s most important public health institution, which is essential for access.
We cooperate with medical societies to train and educate healthcare professionals for the transformational medicine that is coming, and we are involved with key players such as the Mexican Association for the Fight against Cancer.
We have established an alliance with All.Can, which was introduced in Mexico in 2022 and takes a comprehensive approach to identifying necessary products and innovations. Decision-makers engage in cross-functional discussions to ensure these innovations are accessible to patients.
This is important because all these efforts are in vain if the innovation does not reach the hands of the patients who need it most, considering not only the benefit for them but for the entire health system. Treatment is effective and efficient and offers, for example, reduced hospital care and long-term complications.
Our goal is for Mexico to become the leading country in Latin America, a goal we've already begun to achieve. Our strategies align with those of BMS globally but are tailored to Mexico's unique context. With a population of 130 million and proximity to the US, Mexico presents new investment opportunities in healthcare, contributing to its future success. We believe in the power of collaboration and welcome all stakeholders to join us on this journey.
EF: Why is a dollar invested in Mexico better than anywhere else?
OB: Mexico has a privileged location with talent, structure, and resources. The country has worked to take advantage of the present opportunities. Mexico has surpassed China in terms of exports to the US, and top tech companies are investing in local facilities, which speaks not only of the proximity to the US but also of the Mexican talent available.
At BMS Mexico, we have a huge research talent, with physicians from different specialties and well-known oncologists who participate in global clinical trials and make scientific advances. We have gastroenterologists and cardiologists with an outstanding level of knowledge and preparation. Mexico is ready for innovation.
EF: What medical education initiatives does BMS have in Mexico?
OB: We have digital resources (BMS On), as well as local, regional and international events on medical education, attended by experts to update them on significant advances in different therapeutic areas, and we try to maximize those opportunities.
In fields like immuno-oncology, specifically in melanoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and renal, lung and gastric cancer, physicians can see the latest and most relevant discussions and information on the matter on our media platforms. We also have excellent training programs for hematologists and oncologists within our medical teams.
EF: How does BMS collaborate with patients to make their journey more agreeable and engage in patient support?
OB: Different patient organizations have recognized the work of BMS for prioritizing patient-centred approaches. In our clinical trials, we emphasize diversity and inclusion, partnering with certified research centers nationwide, and ensuring representation in all entities and not just major cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, or Guadalajara. We offer patient support programs, providing registered patients with benefits such as access to talks and information sessions. Additionally, we actively engage with associations through initiatives like C2C4C (Continent to Continent for Cancer), a fundraising bicycle ride conducted in the US, Europe, Japan and now in Chile. For every kilometer ridden, donations are raised for cancer research, benefiting patients. As a company, we contribute to the Mexican Association for the Fight against Cancer, while individually, we undertake various efforts to address the significant challenges posed by cancer.
EF: Could you elaborate on BMS’ approach to personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes?
OB: BMS transforms patients’ lives through science. While people may suffer from the same disease, our genetics remain different. The treatment that may benefit one person might not be effective for another. BMS is working on translational medicine, which means considering specific genetics that respond to a particular treatment. We are trying to apply this concept even before the symptoms appear.
Genetics are crucial when studying future ailments, as they have more impact than external reasons. By analyzing our DNA's information, we aim to tailor treatments, ultimately reducing the risk of disease and healthcare costs. This is the principle of precision medicine.
Finally, CAR-T cells represent one of the most groundbreaking advancements at BMS. We extract T cells from the patient and reprogram them to target specific diseases, like multiple myeloma. This approach is incredibly personalized and has shown remarkable efficacy. While traditional treatments typically result in a survival period of four months for myeloma patients, CAR-T cell therapy extends survival to over a year. In the context of cancer treatment, an additional eight months represents a significant improvement in survival and quality of life.
EF: How do you promote preventive approaches and diagnostics for cancer in a country as extensive as Mexico?
OB: Despite Mexico being a huge country with many diagnosis centers, some regions lack access to these facilities. There is a pressing need to train physicians in accurate diagnosis. BMS offers products spanning hematology, immunology, and cardiovascular fields, but cannot reach the patient if physicians struggle to identify the disease.
Early diagnosis is paramount for optimal patient outcomes. Unfortunately, for stages of advanced cancer, treatment options are limited. Therefore, we are trying to accelerate diagnosis, but to be successful in the endeavor, it must be a cross-functional effort with many health players participating.
EF: BMS has been recognized as a very compliant company and a great place to work. What makes your company special?
OB: In our daily operations, compliance, ethics, transparency, and integrity are relevant topics. Last year, BMS Mexico received recognition as the most ethical company in the pharmaceutical sector and across other industries. Privacy protection is a top priority, and our systems are designed to safeguard patient information. We prioritize communication through physicians, discouraging self-diagnosis and self-medication. Our disease awareness campaigns for the general public, always emphasize the importance of consulting a healthcare professional. On an internal level, we actively recruit talented individuals, regardless of age or gender, and we continuously strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. For instance, over 60% of our leadership team are women. We implement specific programs, such as People and Business Resource Groups (PBRGs), including the B-Now project aimed at impulse female talent. Additionally, we are committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community through Pride initiatives.
Encouraging open dialogue and participation from all employees, regardless of tenure, is crucial. We value everyone's input, recognizing that diversity of thought drives innovation. Our inclusive approach is integral to our identity, supported by targeted strategies aimed at attracting, retaining and developing top talent.
EF: What are your proudest achievements and milestones you would like to celebrate with your team at the end of 2024?
OB: BMS Mexico leads the global group in employee engagement by 88%, a feat I'm particularly proud of achieving.
My goal is to position Mexico as a talent exporter to other countries and regions. In the post-COVID-19 era, people seek more than just a salary; they value work satisfaction, growth opportunities, recognition, and commitment to the communities where we operate. Thanks to our talent-focused strategies, our business has doubled in size since 2021.
For the fifth consecutive year, we have been recognized as a socially responsible enterprise. We engage in initiatives to inspire younger generations, such as forest protection and toy donations for children in December. Even through small actions, everybody can participate in making the world a little bit better. A project my sons enthusiastically take part in is the collection of plastic bottle caps to support cancer patients. Through their engagement in their baseball league last year, we contributed to impact positively many oncology patients’ lives.
