#BIOSPAIN2023Interview | “We want to transform patients’ lives and look for partners willing to share this goal with us”

Innovation and collaboration. These are the two main pillars that underpin Almirall's Business Development strategy, a leading global pharmaceutical company focused on skin health and Platinum Sponsor of BIOSPAIN 2023, an international reference event in the biotechnological sector.

We spoke with Josep Maria Casanovas, Executive Director, External Innovation & Licensing at Almirall, who shares with us the key success factors of the company's strategy on the occasion of the upcoming edition of BIOSPAIN, which will take place in Barcelona from September 26th to 28th.

AseBio. Almirall has established itself as a key player in dermatology. Can you tell us about Almirall's approach to Business Development and how it sets the company apart?

Josep Maria Casanovas. At Almirall, our Business Development strategy revolves around two fundamental pillars: innovation and collaboration. We believe in the power of partnerships to drive progress in dermatological research and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Our commitment to seeking innovative solutions that put the patients at the center and to forging collaborations is what differentiates us in the industry.

AseBio. How does Almirall foster an environment that attracts top collaborators?  Can you explain the advantages of collaborating with biotechs?

Josep Maria Casanovas. Our primary focus is fostering an open and collaborative culture within the organization. We actively encourage cross-functional teamwork, allowing different departments to synergize their expertise and perspectives. Moreover, we invest in building strong relationships with academia, research institutions, and other pharmaceutical companies to access cutting-edge science and technology. By doing so, we create a vibrant ecosystem that attracts partners who share our vision and dedication to advancing dermatological treatments.

The contributions brought by collaborations with biotech companies are also incredibly valuable. Their unique perspective often offers a fresh and innovative approach to problem-solving. In well-established fields, various hypotheses are widely accepted as valid, but biotechs, equipped with novel technologies and fresh insights into disease biology, fearlessly challenge these paradigms. This fearlessness ignites a spark of new thinking, leading to groundbreaking solutions for the benefit of patients.

AseBio. Could you share some examples of successful collaborations that have exemplified Almirall's approach?

Josep Maria Casanovas. Partnerships and collaborations are also a fundamental part of our essence as a company. We have a long history of partnerships, and we base our collaborations on trusted relationships. We collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, biotech, and technology platforms, with the ultimate objective of finding the most appropriate way to bring solutions to patients.  

Some examples of deals done in recent years, including both late and early-stage collaborations are the following. On late-stage, we would like to highlight the collaboration with Sun Pharma on Ilumetri (tildrakizumab), an anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibody for psoriasis, currently our top-selling drug, and the collaboration with Eli Lilly on lebrikizumab, an anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody for atopic dermatitis, currently under regulatory process for approval. We hold European rights for both. 

On early-stage, we are seeking first-in-class approaches to address medical unmet needs not covered by current treatments.  Recent deals in this space include the collaborations with Simcere on an IL-2 mutein fusion protein for autoimmune diseases, with Ichnos Sciences on the anti-IL-1RAP monoclonal antibody for autoimmune diseases, and with Isolex on novel approaches for IgE-mediated diseases. We hold global rights (ex-China in the case of Simcere) for these projects. 

We also have concluded several research collaborations with technology platform companies, such as Evotec, Ablexis/Alivamab, and Wuxi Biologics, to strengthen our ability to generate new compounds.  

We have the ambition to become the greatest dermatology company ever, and we will leverage our resources to build on our objective.

AseBio. What specific criteria does Almirall consider when evaluating potential partners?

Josep Maria Casanovas. When evaluating potential partners, we look for alignment in values and objectives, as well as complementary capabilities. It's essential for both parties to share a common goal of making a positive impact on patients' lives. Additionally, we assess the partner's innovation track record as well as their commitment to scientific excellence. Ultimately, we also seek partners who can contribute with unique insights, expertise, and resources to accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies.

AseBio. How does Almirall plan to solidify further its position as the partner of choice in dermatology?

Josep Maria Casanovas. Moving forward, Almirall will continue to prioritize innovation and collaboration. We aim to build on our successful partnerships and expand our network of collaborators globally. By fostering an environment that values creativity, transparency, and trust, we seek to attract the best minds in dermatology, enabling us to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge research and transformative treatments.

At Almirall, we are continuously looking for excellence. We want to transform patients’ lives and look for partners willing to share this goal with us.