In the realm of healthcare, the urgency to address unmet medical needs is paramount. For countless patients around the world, the search for effective treatments can be a daunting and disheartening journey. However, amidst these challenges, individuals like Rebu Ninan, the Head of Commercial & Market Access at Immuneel Therapeutics Private Limited, are spearheading transformative initiatives to bridge this gap. Immersed in the world of Cell and Gene therapy (CGT), Immuneel Therapeutics is a dynamic clinicalstage startup based in Bangalore. Committed to providing innovative, high quality, and cost-effective therapies, the company is dedicated to revolutionizing the landscape of healthcare, not only in India but on a global scale.
At the forefront of this mission stands Rebu, driven by a relentless passion to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients with unmet medical needs. By meticulously evaluating the unique medical requirements of diverse regions, understanding the challenges faced by patients, and identifying growth opportunities, Rebu ensures that the transformative therapies developed by Immuneel reach those who need them most.
In an interview with Insights Care, Rebu talks about how his efforts are driving the company closer to the goal of bringing effective and innovative treatments within reach for individuals in desperate need.
Following are the excerpts from the interview:
Brief us about yourself and shed some light on your journey so far. What inspires you to serve the healthcare industry?
Throughout my professional journey spanning nearly 25 years, I have had the privilege of working in the specialty pharmaceuticals industry with renowned global companies such as AstraZeneca, Novartis, Dr. Reddy’s Labs, and Alkem Laboratories. Additionally, I held the position of Director of Life Sciences Consulting at GlobalData PLC, where I spearheaded market research and strategy initiatives in the areas of Oncology and CGT. This diverse experience has shaped my passion for serving the healthcare industry.
What truly inspires me is the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of patients in regions with high unmet medical needs. The prospect of introducing innovative and complex therapies to address these challenges energizes me. By leveraging my expertise and collaborating with healthcare professionals, I aim to contribute to the advancement of healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately make a difference in the lives of individuals who require specialized treatments.
Can you describe the services that your company offers? What role do you play in ensuring that these services are aligned with the vision and objectives of the company?
Immuneel Therapeutics is a Bangalore-based Cell & Gene therapy clinical-stage startup company committed to providing innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective CGT products to India and the world.
By thoroughly analyzing the healthcare landscape, understanding the challenges faced by patients and identifying gaps in existing treatment options, my team and I gain valuable insights that inform our strategic commercial planning.
Please highlight your roles and responsibilities at the company.
As a leader in the Commercial function at Immuneel Therapeutics, my roles and responsibilities encompass a wide range of crucial areas. Here are some of the key aspects I oversee:
a) Strategic & Digital Marketing: Responsible for developing strategic marketing plans that effectively position our products in the market. This includes identifying target markets and devising innovative marketing strategies. Additionally, I oversee strategic marketing initiatives, leveraging disruptive technologies and digital platforms to enhance our brand presence and engage with key stakeholders.
b) Commercial Operations: Play a role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our commercial operations. This involves managing sales and distribution channels, optimizing supply chain processes and establishing efficient systems for order management and customer support. By streamlining these operations, we enhance our ability to deliver products promptly and effectively meet customer needs.
c) Key Accounts: Oversee the management of key accounts, including healthcare institutions, hospitals, and strategic partners. This entails building strong relationships, negotiating contracts, and collaborating closely with key stakeholders to ensure optimal product utilization and customer satisfaction.
d) Market Research: Lead market research activities to gain deep insights into target markets, competitor analysis, and unmet needs. By staying updated on industry trends, customer preferences and emerging therapies, we can make informed decisions regarding product development, pricing and market entry strategies.
e) Market Access: One of my core responsibilities is to oversee market access initiatives. This involves assessing the pricing and reimbursement landscape, engaging with payers and regulatory bodies, and developing strategies to ensure our therapies are accessible and affordable to patients.
f) Collaborations and Partnerships: To further enhance awareness and education efforts, we actively seek collaborations and partnerships with patient advocacy groups, healthcare organizations and other stakeholders.
Share with us some of the strategies that have helped you in your position as a leader. How do you keep up with specific responsibilities at the company?
One of the most impactful strategies has been my focus on identifying, recruiting, training, and developing exceptionally talented individuals to form a strong team. By assembling a team of skilled professionals who are aligned with our goals and values, we create a foundation for success and enable the organization to scale effectively.
To implement this strategy, I prioritize a thorough recruitment process that identifies candidates with the necessary expertise and cultural fit. I emphasize assessing not only technical skills but also qualities such as teamwork, adaptability and an innovative growth mindset. This ensures that the team members can collaborate effectively and contribute to the overall success of organization.
Once the team is formed, I invest in their ongoing development through training programs, mentorship opportunities and continuous learning initiatives. This enables team members to enhance their skills, stay up to date with industry trends and grow personally & professionally.
Furthermore, I stay updated with market dynamics and emerging technologies through continuous learning, conferences, participating in professional networks, and engaging with thought leaders. This helps me stay informed and agile in my decision-making and ensures that I can effectively guide the organization in a rapidly evolving industry.
