Bristol-Myers Squibb Dr. Xuejun Cai: "Cosmic gravitational waves" allow patients to benefit from innovation

In 2020, a pharmaceutical company sent biologics into space to carry out advanced research in life sciences under zero gravity, exploring the infinite possibilities
of the human universe in the celestial universe.

It's Bristol-Myers Squibb
.

At the 5th CIIE, Bristol-Myers Squibb took cutting-edge exploration as inspiration and integrated the design of "cosmic gravitational waves" into the booth, showing the infinite possibilities
of exploring the living universe.
At the same time, Bristol-Myers Squibb also pioneered the use of data audibility technology + AI intelligent algorithm to compose music, exploring from the fields of oncology, hematology and immunology, bringing the audience the sound of
the human universe.

This year marks the 40th anniversary
of the global TOP multinational biopharmaceutical company rooted in China.
What innovations does Bristol-Myers Squibb bring to the Expo? What is the current effect of the company's "China 2030 Strategy" formulated in 2020? As the cornerstone of this strategy, what is worth paying attention to in Bristol-Myers Squibb's talent strategy?

With these questions in mind, Medical Trends interviewed Dr.
Cai Xuejun, Vice President of Global R&D and Head of R&D in China at Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Dr.
Xuejun Cai, Vice President of Global R&D and Head of R&D in China at Bristol-Myers Squibb

01 12 global innovative products/indications were unveiled at the 5th CIIE

At the 5th CIIE, Bristol-Myers Squibb showcased 12 globally approved or researched innovative products and indications in core disease areas such as oncology, hematology and immunology, most of which have the potential to become "first-in-class" or "best-in-class"
in related fields.

In the field of oncology, the world's first anti-LAG-3 immune combination preparation, Opdualag (nivolumab combined with relatlimab-rmbw), made its debut
in China through this Expo.
LAG-3 immune checkpoint inhibitors are Bristol-Myers Squibb's third emerging immune checkpoint inhibitor
to be shown to benefit patients, after PD-1 inhibitors and CTLA-4 inhibitors.
Bristol-Myers Squibb is currently the only biopharmaceutical company
in the world that has launched three immunotargeted inhibitors.

In the field of hematology, Bristol-Myers Squibb brings global innovations including Libloser (Roctecept), oral azacitidine (azacitidine), Inrebic (fedratinib), iberdomide (CC-220), mezigdomide (CC-92480) and more
.

Among them, the world's first and currently only red blood cell maturator, Libloze, is Bristol-Myers Squibb's first innovative product to "run" into China after participating in the 4th CIIE, bringing new treatment options for β-thalassemia patients, which is expected to reduce the burden of blood transfusion and the risk of iron overload and complications caused by blood transfusion, and bring positive social significance
to alleviate blood source tension.

It is worth noting that at this Expo, more globally approved and researched indications of Libloser (Rotesep) will "debut" in China, including myelodysplastic tumors, myelofibrosis and α-thalassemia
.

In the field of immunology, Bristol-Myers Squibb's two "protagonists" are Zeposia (ozanimod), the world's first S1P receptor modulator approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, and Sotyktu (deucravacitinib),
the world's first oral, highly selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) allosteric inhibitor.

Among them, the results of Deucravacitinib's first Asian multicenter psoriasis phase III clinical study focusing on Chinese patients will also be exhibited
at the Expo.
This study confirms that deucravacitinib has a significant and durable benefit, a well-tolerated safety profile, and a therapeutic advantage
in refractory areas (scalp) in Asian patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, mainly Chinese patients.

"I myself am a mild patient with psoriasis and I fully understand the needs of psoriasis patients and the burden
that the disease places on them.
This new product can be a good way to help patients with moderate to severe psoriasis improve their quality of life
.
Dr.
Cai Xuejun pointed out, "In the future, deucravacitinib is also expected to bring more treatment options
to patients in more autoimmune diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
" ”

"We hope that these innovative products and their more indications can be launched in China as soon as possible to meet the needs of
more Chinese patients.
" ”

02 After 40 years of deep cultivation in China, the "China 2030 Strategy" has accelerated innovation

Bristol-Myers Squibb's rapid advancement of global innovative products or indications in the Chinese market is due to two aspects: 40 years of experience in China and the company's commitment to the "China 2030 Strategy
".

Bristol-Myers Squibb's China 2030 Strategy is a long-term commitment
to China's healthcare industry and innovation.
As part of this 10-year strategic plan, Bristol-Myers Squibb has significantly increased its investment in China to fully integrate into China's thriving innovation ecosystem and strive to become an innovation leader
"rooted in China, born in China" through innovation in pipeline, access and talent strategy.

Dr.
Cai Xuejun said that Bristol-Myers Squibb's "China 2030 Strategy" and "Healthy China 2030" planning outline are highly consistent
.
By 2025, the goal is to introduce nearly 30 innovative products or indications
in China.

R&D presents "integrated advantages", paying more attention to the needs of Chinese patients

With 40 years of accumulation, Bristol-Myers Squibb can better understand the current unmet clinical needs
in the process of protecting Chinese patients.
At present, it has a strong and diversified innovative product and R&D pipeline in the three core disease fields of oncology, hematology and immunology
.

In addition to the innovative products and indications brought at the Expo, Bristol-Myers Squibb is conducting more than 30 immuno-oncology clinical studies in China, covering high-incidence tumors
in China.
In addition, there are 11 clinical studies
in the field of hematology and 15 in various stages in the field of immunology.

"Bristol-Myers Squibb's operating model has also been adjusted under the 'China 2030 Strategy' to connect early research, drug development, and late-stage commercialization
.
Such an architecture can better realize the advantages of 'integration', allowing us to always make the most strategic, big-picture and sustainable decisions
from R&D to commercialization.
" ”

Dr.
Cai Xuejun shared that in order to ensure the achievement of China's R&D goals, under the guidance of the "China 2030 Strategy", Bristol-Myers Squibb's China R&D has changed from reporting to the relevant global functions in the past to reporting to the relevant global departments, and he will report
directly to the Global Executive Vice President of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer.

"This ensures that China's needs and current situation can be reflected in the global development strategy in a timely, complete and comprehensive manner, and I can also mobilize global forces to support China's R&D work, and translate Bristol-Myers Squibb's innovative science into innovative products to implement in China as soon as possible to meet the needs of
Chinese patients.
"

He emphasized that paying more attention to the needs of Chinese patients is not only reflected in Bristol-Myers Squibb's high focus on the indications of its products in the areas of diseases with high incidence in China, but also in the establishment of mechanisms to ensure that China occupies a very important position
in the global development strategy.
Currently, all Bristol-Myers Squibb's Phase III clinical development programs worldwide include the Chinese market, ensuring that the benefits for Chinese patients can be fully demonstrated
through clinical data.

"Willing to establish cooperation with all aspirants"

In addition to clinical research, Bristol-Myers Squibb also has a comprehensive scientific cooperation team dedicated to external cooperation to promote win-win
cooperation with start-ups, professional colleges and research institutions.

For example, Bristol-Myers Squibb actively conducts scientific exploration through strategic cooperation with Tsinghua University, researching therapeutic drugs with new targets and areas
that have not been discovered or can be explored.

"The prosperity of innovation and technology in China has also injected impetus
into Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Adhering to an open mind, Bristol-Myers Squibb is willing to cooperate with all aspirants, use Bristol-Myers Squibb's global network and resources to accelerate their development in China, and also help promote innovation to the world, truly achieving a win-win situation
.
Dr.
Cai Xuejun said
.

03 "People are the root of everything"

People are the root of
everything.
Dr.
Cai Xuejun sees "talent" as one of
the reasons why Bristol-Myers Squibb has achieved fruitful results in the development of innovative drugs.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is undertaking a series of programs to create the culture and operational mechanisms that allow talent to reach their full potential and shape leadership
at Bristol-Myers Squibb.
For example, Bristol-Myers Squibb encourages young, talented employees to lead programs and develop leadership; Employees are encouraged to participate in industry conferences, speeches and topic discussions
.
At the same time, Bristol-Myers Squibb has also established a job rotation system, which gives employees the opportunity to try different work content from their own and explore their own infinite possibilities
.

On the other hand, Bristol-Myers Squibb also strives to help talents further refine their soft skills, including cross-cultural communication and teamwork
.
"Soft and hard skills are grasped with both hands, and both hands must be hard
.
"

"We hope to be able to send Chinese talent out, and also bring in foreign talent
.
" We welcome more talented people to join Bristol-Myers Squibb and realize their full potential through a more efficient operating model
.
Dr.
Cai Xuejun shared, "We put more emphasis on the strength of
teamwork.
Just want to go fast, just alone
.
But if you want to go far, you need the right team
.
”

The speed of Bristol-Myers Squibb's China team is also worth mentioning
.
After completing the first Asian multicenter psoriasis phase III clinical study of the TYK2 drug deucravacitinib, which focused on Chinese patients, the Chinese team completed the registration application
ahead of schedule.
"It gives us a lot of confidence"
.

"Bristol-Myers Squibb is adept at applying science to product development and delivering products to patients and doctors in a timely manner
.
All those involved in this process have great value to play
.
Such a positive search can create more infinite possibilities and stimulate unlimited motivation
.
”

Dr.
Cai Xuejun said bluntly, "Culture cannot be seen and touched, but it exists objectively, you can experience it, and the power of
culture is often infinite.
" ”

Bristol-Myers Squibb "Gravitational Waves": Technology + Platform + Like-minded People

In the Chinese pharmaceutical market, there is a shortage of talents who can lead the research and development of a multinational company in China
.

Faced with the question "Why did you choose to join Bristol-Myers Squibb?" When this question was asked, Dr.
Cai Xuejun answered frankly -

For R&D personnel, the company's scientific research ability and product portfolio are the focus of
evaluation.
In the pharmaceutical industry, these are equivalent to the human spine
.
Without this, people cannot stand up
.
Bristol-Myers Squibb's strength in the fields of oncology, hematology and immunology is evident
to all.
In 2018, the world's first PD-1 inhibitor was launched in China, and the world's first TYK2 product
was approved in the United States this year.
I myself have a great curiosity to try this
.

Second, Bristol-Myers Squibb provides a platform to integrate past interests with future interests
.
I've always emphasized that we seek fun in our work and work in fun so that you feel motivated from within
.

Finally, I think it's more important is whether you have the opportunity to find a group of like-minded people
.

Meeting three conditions is ideal
.
It was Bristol-Myers Squibb that created such an opportunity
for me.
I am also honored to work together with other colleagues at Bristol-Myers Squibb to hope that the goals of the 'China 2030 Strategy' can be achieved ahead of schedule, benefit more patients in China, and contribute to
the development of global life science clinical medicine.
"

(Reprinted from Medical Trends)