Speed is the Need: Launch strategy with Hetal Patel

Pharma Sessions

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey talks with Hetal Patel, VP of Medical Affairs at Celltrion USA, about building a medical affairs function from the ground up while launching multiple drugs. Sounds like a hot pot of pressure, decision-making and sleepless nights, doesn't it? Well, don’t let this intimidate you just yet. From transitioning out of big pharma to scaling systems with limited resources, Hetal shares practical strategies for thriving in high-pressure launch environments and how to do so without burning out.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro & Morning Coffee Chat

01:34 Journey to VP Medical Affairs at Celltrion USA

05:58 Building Medical Affairs from Scratch: Startup vs Big Pharma

07:48 "Speed is the Need": Managing Multiple Drug Launches

14:24 Building the Right Team: Hiring Strategy in Startup Environment

18:27 Creating an Insights Engine for Strategic Decision Making

21:56 Words of Wisdom: Taking Risks and Building Legacy in Medical Affairs

23:54 Closing Thoughts: Impact on Patient Lives
Oats Recipe:

1 serving:

1/2 cup rolled oats

2-3 chopped dates

A few dashes of spices - I use cinnamon and cardamom

1 tbsp. chia seeds

1 tbsp. ground flax meal

Stir, then stir in 1 cup almond milk (or whatever milk you'd like).

Refrigerate overnight.

Top with slivered roasted almonds before serving.

Episode Resources:

• Hetal Patel on LinkedIn
• Celltrion USA Website
• Jonathan Kaskey on LinkedIn

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