The Long Run with Luke Timmerman Ep192: Kate Haviland on Following the Science to Precision Immunology
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Jan 8, 2026 Kate Haviland, former CEO of Blueprint Medicines, shares her journey from a Glens Falls childhood to leading a $9.5 billion biotech acquisition by Sanofi. She discusses the strategic shift to precision immunology and highlights the importance of commercial thinking in drug development. Insights on patient engagement and the success of Avapritinib for rare cancers reveal her leadership philosophy. Haviland also emphasizes how a strong culture and adaptability contributed to navigating challenges and securing a successful partnership with Sanofi.
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Joining Early Shaped Strategy
- Kate joined Blueprint in January 2016 as chief business officer when the company had just filed its first IND.
- She built commercial, BD, IR, and portfolio strategy functions early to shape clinical and launch decisions.
Commercial Thinking Alters R&D Outcomes
- Early commercial input changes development choices like eligibility criteria and manufacturing.
- Those choices determine label, trial size, and feasibility of an expedited regulatory path.
First Approval Was Ultra‑Rare But Transformative
- Avapritinib (Avakit) was approved in January 2020 for a rare PDGFRA-mutant GIST with ~250 U.S. patients.
- It showed ~80% response rate and long durable responses in that ultra-rare population.