1. We admire the efforts of Gilead Sciences to
find right ways to overcome the major threats of human health, and challenges
of diversifying its areas into cancer, HIV, hepatitis and beyond. What are
Gilead’s major business philosophy and strategies?
“Gilead’s decision-making is guided by science
and by the needs of patients. By understanding the needs of patients, we can
focus research where our efforts will have the greatest future impact and apply
scientific knowledge to those areas.”
2. You have a science background and still,
you had been recognized as one of the best CEOs among Fortune 500 companies, by
many reputable media. What are the pros and cons of being a scientist trained
CEO in the biotech company?
“The biotechnology industry is unique in that
it is a blend of science and business. Having a foundation in science plus
business education and experience allows one to make sound business decisions
based on confidence in scientific data and principles.”
3. You recently had a huge success in launching
Hepatitis C medication and we’ve seen many innovative activities of Gilead.
What makes Gilead a better innovator than other companies? In addition to that,
what are your plans on launching Sovaldi in Korea, China and other Asian
markets?
“By focusing on science and patient needs, we
are able to identify the most important projects with the greatest likelihood
of success, and those that will have the greatest future impact on patients’
health. In the area of HIV, the once-daily medications and single tablet
regimens that Gilead has developed help to simplify treatment for patients. And
while simplifying treatment has significantly benefited millions of patients
worldwide, we continue to look at how we can improve on existing treatment
options. The ultimate goal is to find a cure. In the area of hepatitis B, we
introduced Viread in Korea in 2012. We have been working in partnership with
the medical community there, and around the world, to increase awareness of HBV
and its link to liver cancer, and to expand access to treatment. Hepatitis C is
an international health challenge, and we’re currently working to secure
approval for Sovaldi around the world, including in Asian countries. Over the
years, Gilead has focused on bringing together teams of talented people with
deep experience in their fields and a personal commitment to patients. When we
opened our Seoul office in 2011 and our Tokyo office in 2013, we focused on
recruiting experienced local professionals to lead our work in those markets.
This will continue to be a critical component of our success as we expand our
presence internationally.”
4. The World Korean Medical Organization
(WKMO) recently established a consulting subsidiary named W Medical Strategy
Group to maximize utilization of knowledge and expertise of our member
physicians in achieving our goals of enhancing quality of human life. What do
you think the roles of physicians and also roles of organization such as ours
are in developing new therapeutics?
“Scientific breakthroughs are almost always
the product of collaboration, which is why Gilead works with a broad network of
partners, including many researchers and clinicians who participate in clinical
trials that are essential to therapeutic innovation. Healthcare professionals
also play a critical role in identifying future needs, educating patients and
helping them access the best treatments. Healthcare advocates are a strong
voice in support of innovation.”
5. Gilead is also known for supporting
emerging countries to treat their major health threats. As the physician
organization, we also focus on outreaching programs to contribute to the
betterment of human health in emerging countries. What are your thoughts behind
Gilead’s huge support on those countries?
“Gilead makes it a priority to increase access
to its medicines for people who can benefit from them, regardless of where they
live or their ability to pay. Unfortunately, diseases like HIV/AIDS and viral
hepatitis are taking the heaviest toll in countries with limited resources and
limited healthcare infrastructure. In terms of treatment access, we apply the
same focus on innovation and collaboration that drives Gilead research efforts.
Today, 4.8 million people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries
are receiving Gilead antiretroviral medicines through our initiatives, and that
is the result of partnership with governments, public health experts, patient
advocates and generic manufacturing groups.”
6. As a scientist, a CEO, and a leader in
healthcare arena, what would be your advice to medical students in our
organization who are expected to be physicians in few years?
“The accelerating pace of technological and
medical innovation is very exciting. It’s critical to be agile – to be able to
seize new opportunities quickly and change direction when circumstances
warrant. It’s also critical to be perseverant. Effecting change – whether
through scientific innovation or delivery of healthcare – doesn’t happen
overnight. I’d say that these characteristics, and getting the right balance
between them, are a part of success in many different professions.”
7. WKMO is a global organization of physicians
with Korean heritage. Do you have any personal memories or relationships with
Korea or Korean?
“A close friend and colleague of mine, Choung
Kim, is a Korean national and chemist who worked at Bristol-Myers and Gilead
for more than 30 years. He is an inventor of Tamiflu, the first oral antiviral
for the treatment and prevention of influenza. Over the years I have
appreciated his insight and advice. Additionally, many of our therapeutic
advances have been in the area of liver disease, including hepatitis B, which
disproportionately affects Asians. I’ve had the opportunity to meet regularly
with Korean physicians around the United States and at conferences around the
world to seek their perspectives on the clinical management of chronic
hepatitis B and C. I’ve also traveled to South Korea and worked with leading
experts and health officials in the country to identify how we can partner to
meet the needs of physicians and patients in South Korea.”
John Martin, CEO of Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Dr. Martin joined Gilead Sciences in 1990 and
currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer from 1996 through
May 2008. Prior to joining Gilead, Dr. Martin held several leadership positions
at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Syntex Corporation.
Dr. Martin is a member of the Board of Directors
of the California Healthcare Institute. He also serves on the University of
Southern California Board of Trustees.
Dr. Martin previously served as President of
the International Society for Antiviral Research, Chairman of the Board of
Directors of BayBio and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the California
Healthcare Institute. He served on the National Institute of Allergy &
Infectious Diseases Council, the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology
Industry Organization, the Board of Trustees of the University of Chicago, the
Board of Trustees of Golden Gate University and the External Scientific
Advisory Board of the University of California School of Global Health.
Additionally, Dr. Martin served on the Centers for Disease Control/Health Resources
and Services Administration’s Advisory Committee on HIV and STD Prevention and
Treatment and was a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Martin holds a PhD in organic chemistry from the
University of Chicago and an MBA in marketing from Golden Gate University. He
has received the Isbell Award from the American Chemical Society and the
Gertrude B. Elion Award for Scientific Excellence from the International
Society for Antiviral Research. In 2008, Dr. Martin was inducted into the National
Academy of Engineering of the National Academies.