In this episode we discuss:
What you’ll get out of this episode:
- Introduction to Dr. Helen Torley, CEO and president of Halozyme.
- Halozyme’s mission to reduce treatment burdens for patients and create innovative drug delivery solutions
- The revolutionary Enhanze technology: Transforming IV infusions to subcutaneous injections.
- The significant impact of Halozyme’s innovations on healthcare systems.
- The power of partnerships in driving Halozyme’s success.
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Introduction
In a recent episode of the Bio Breakthroughs podcast, host Jared Taylor sat down with Dr. Helen Torley, the CEO and president of Halozyme. Their conversation shed light on the company’s groundbreaking approach to drug delivery and its impact on the healthcare industry.
Dr. Helen Torley’s Journey to Halozyme
Dr. Torley, originally from Scotland, began her career as a physician specializing in rheumatology. Her passion for drug development led her to the pharmaceutical industry, where she has served in various roles for over three decades. In 2014, she took the helm at Halozyme, a company poised for significant growth and innovation.
Halozyme’s Mission: Reducing Treatment Burden
Halozyme’s primary focus is on developing disruptive solutions that alleviate the treatment burden for patients. Traditional intravenous (IV) infusions, often used for conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases, can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Halozyme’s technology enables these drugs to be administered as subcutaneous injections, drastically reducing treatment times. For instance, a drug like Darzalex, which typically requires a 4-6 hour IV infusion, can be administered in just 3-5 minutes using Halozyme’s method.
The Science Behind the Technology
Central to Halozyme’s technology is an enzyme that targets and degrades a sugar called hyaluronin found in the subcutaneous space beneath our skin. This enzyme creates channels allowing for larger volumes of drugs to be injected under the skin, facilitating faster and more efficient drug absorption. This innovative approach has led to partnerships with 12 leading pharmaceutical companies, resulting in six globally approved products and 13 more in development.
Patient Experience and Healthcare Impact
Surveys indicate that 85-90% of patients prefer the subcutaneous method over traditional IV infusions due to its convenience and reduced treatment time. Moreover, the shift to subcutaneous injections can lead to significant savings for healthcare systems. With the increasing demand for IV infusion suites, Halozyme’s technology offers a timely solution to capacity constraints.
Forging Ahead: The Future of Halozyme
Dr. Torley expressed excitement about Halozyme’s upcoming high-volume auto injector, which promises to deliver up to 10 milliliters of medication in under a minute. This development aligns with Halozyme’s mission of providing disruptive solutions for patients. Additionally, the company is actively exploring acquisitions to further expand its drug delivery technologies.
Conclusion
Halozyme’s innovative approach to drug delivery is set to revolutionize the healthcare industry. With a commitment to reducing treatment burdens and improving patient outcomes, the company is poised for continued growth and success.
WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS:
Our sponsor for this episode are Sage Growth Partners.
Sage Growth Partners accelerates commercial success for healthcare organizations through a singular focus on growth. The company helps its clients thrive amid the complexities of a rapidly changing marketplace with deep domain expertise and an integrated application of research, strategy, and marketing. For more information, please go to www.sage-growth.com & follow Sage Growth Partners on social media – @sagegrowthpartners
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