From its decentralized R&D model and approach to commercialization, to the role of culture, talent, and long-term company-building, Neil sits down with Matt Gline for a wide ranging discussion on the past, present and future of BridgeBio.
Neil reflects on what it takes to serve patients well, build enduring capabilities, and create a sustainable biotech business in areas where others have historically been less focused.
On commercial execution…
‘The Attruby launch was really a salient and seminal moment for us, just to make sure that we can ultimately serve the customer base in a responsible and high-quality way, just as we’re doing R&D.’
On building a patient-centric culture…
‘One thing that people always talk about is when you launch, the culture is going to change — there are all these new FTEs around. And I actually found the culture got stronger after we launched because really the culture is all about patients. Here are folks that are actually on the front lines serving patients, serving the physicians that we’re out there to try to help.’
On the rare disease focus…
‘We are working in marketplaces that are so contrarian. ATTR cardiomyopathy happens to be a large one, achondroplasia probably another that people care about, but a lot of these markets are places where large pharma does not traditionally dwell. And so we see the opportunity to build a real business there over time.’
On expanding what’s possible…
‘As we drive down both the cost and the time to IND, there will be more markets that you can do in an economically viable way, which is exciting to me because I think a lot of the markets associated with Mendelian conditions are less than a billion dollars. There’s a lot of opportunity to help patients that is smaller.’
On talent, mission, and momentum…
‘It’s kind of funny that a smart MD, PhD might go to a consulting firm. There’s no real mission for patients there, but they’re doing it because it’s fun, exciting — the kinetics are interesting. So if you make biotech like that, then you ought to get them, because you have a wonderful mission: you’re serving patients. Plus it’s kinetic and exciting for them.’