PPM's Candid Conversations | Exclusive Interview with Dr. Ike Ogbaa
- premierpharmamentors
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
PPM had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Ike Ogbaa, the Vice President & Global Head of Medical Affairs at Immunovant, about the dynamic challenges and opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. His insights are invaluable for anyone navigating this space or interested in its future. Here are the key takeaways from the interview:
Innovation Amidst Uncertainty
Despite regulatory and policy uncertainties, Dr. Ogbaa emphasized that this is an exciting time in pharma. Groundbreaking advancements are transforming how we tackle serious diseases, though these innovations must balance patient access with economic feasibility.
Navigating Drug Pricing Challenges
The increasing scrutiny on drug pricing and reimbursement is reshaping market access strategies. Dr. Ogbaa highlighted the importance of demonstrating the value of therapies through data-driven outcomes while addressing the role of intermediaries, such as PBMs, in pricing complexities.
AI and Technology in Pharma
The potential of AI in drug development and commercialization is enormous. Dr. Ogbaa pointed to clinical trial recruitment, operational efficiency, and regulatory processes as areas where AI can reduce costs and accelerate timelines—when implemented thoughtfully to prevent bias.
Advancing Patient-Centricity and Equity
One critical area for improvement is the inclusion of underrepresented regions, like sub-Saharan Africa, in global clinical trials. Dr. Ogbaa underscored the need for diverse, high-quality data to make findings generalizable and equitable while ensuring these regions benefit from the therapies developed.
Future Opportunities
Beyond current advancements, leveraging AI in later-stage processes, such as regulatory filings and medical affairs, offers untapped potential to further streamline and enhance the impact of pharmaceutical operations.
Dr. Ogbaa's vision for the industry is inspiring. He fosters innovation that benefits patients while navigating complex systems with integrity. A big thank you to him for sharing his expertise and for his thoughtful reflections on the future of pharma.
What are your thoughts on these opportunities and challenges?
Disclaimer:
The opinions, views, and statements expressed by Dr. Ike Ogbaa, Vice President & Head of Medical Affairs at Immunovant, during this interview are solely his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, positions, or policies of Immunovant or any of its affiliates. All comments are made in his personal capacity and should not be interpreted as official statements, endorsements, or representations of the company. Any reference to Dr. Ogbaa’s professional background is provided for contextual purposes only and does not imply Immunovant’s involvement or endorsement of the views expressed.
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