ADCs Ignited with Daiichi Sankyo Inc.'s Ken Keller
Jun 3, 2024
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Ken Keller, Senior Executive at Daiichi Sankyo, shares the story of Daiichi Sankyo's leap into oncology with ADCs. He discusses the evolution of the ADC market, challenges faced in the transition, scaling a global oncology team, navigating internal challenges, embracing innovation, addressing employee resistance to change, and revolutionizing cancer treatment with ADCs.
Ken Keller led Daiichi Sankyo into oncology through ADC technology, transforming the company's direction and success.
Daiichi Sankyo's ADC breakthroughs set new standards in oncology treatments, inspiring collaborations and advancements across the industry.
Strategic partnerships with Merck and AstraZeneca accelerated Daiichi Sankyo's ADC program, expanding innovative treatments for patients.
Deep dives
Ken Keller's Career Trajectory from St. John's College to Amgen and Daiichi Sankyo
Ken Keller's career began with an undergraduate degree in business finance from St. John's College. Influenced by his father's advice about the importance of sales in understanding business, Keller pursued a career in pharmaceutical sales. He started at Amgen, one of the first biotechnology companies, where he witnessed its growth from zero revenue to a leading biotech firm over the years. Keller's strategic moves within Amgen, from sales rep to district manager, and his transition to marketing revealed his passion for shaping products and building relationships with key opinion leaders.
Ken Keller's Transformation of the Inflammation and Bone Health Divisions at Amgen
During his time at Amgen, Ken Keller demonstrated his ability to lead with a focus on people development and strategic insights. He highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities for growth and adaptability within the company. Keller's experience as the country manager in the UK and Ireland allowed him to enhance his leadership skills and prepare for broader responsibilities. His success in transforming the inflammation and bone health divisions showcased his commitment to innovation and creating a positive working environment.
Ken Keller's Leadership and Success in Daiichi Sankyo's Oncology Business
Ken Keller's tenure at Daiichi Sankyo marked a significant shift towards oncology, where he played a pivotal role in developing the company's embrace of oncology and antibody drug conjugate technology. Keller's visionary leadership led to the successful launch of ADCs, positioning Daiichi Sankyo as a prominent player in the oncology space. By forming strategic partnerships with companies like Merck and AstraZeneca, Keller accelerated clinical studies and expanded the reach of innovative treatments for patients.
Impacts and Growth of Daiichi Sankyo's ADC Program in the Pharmaceutical Landscape
Daiichi Sankyo's breakthroughs in antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology have invigorated the pharmaceutical industry, triggering a surge of interest and investment in ADC research and development. The success of Daiichi Sankyo's ADC program has set new standards in oncology treatments, inspiring collaborations and advancements across the sector. With a portfolio of potential ADC therapies in the pipeline, Daiichi Sankyo is poised to make a substantial impact on cancer care and patient outcomes.
Future Outlook and Milestones for Ken Keller and Daiichi Sankyo
Looking ahead, Ken Keller envisions Daiichi Sankyo becoming a major player in the global oncology market, with a focus on expanding the company's oncology portfolio and obtaining multiple indications for ADC therapies. By leveraging strategic partnerships and fostering a culture of innovation, Keller aims to position Daiichi Sankyo as a leading oncology company worldwide. With ambitious growth projections and a commitment to transformative healthcare solutions, Ken Keller and Daiichi Sankyo are poised for continued success and impact in the pharmaceutical landscape.
Just a few years ago, Daiichi Sankyo wasn't considered a player in the oncology therapeutics space, and it certainly wasn't a player in ADCs. But then, just a few years ago, who was? Fast forward to 2023, and we see an ADC arena that drove nearly $100 billion in M&A, licensing, and partnership deals, and a Daiichi Sankyo that can rightfully lay claim to lighting that fire. In fact, it was our guest on this episode of the Business of Biotech, Ken Keller, Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. who made the bold move to jump headlong into oncology armed with ADCs that, at the time, weren't exactly the darling of biotech. On this episode, Ken shares the story of his climb from "carrying the bag" all the way to the Big Biotech C-Suite, how and why Daiichi Sankyo pivoted from its roots in cardiovascular therapeutics into Oncology and ADCs, his reflections on the antibody-drug conjugate market, and a whole lot more.
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