#46 – Frank Watanabe, President & CEO at Arcutis Biotherapeutics

About Arcutis Biotherapeutics’ Patient-Centric Mission

In a recent episode of Bio Breakthroughs, Frank Watanabe, CEO of Arcutis Biotherapeutics, joins Jared Taylor to share the company’s dedication to addressing dermatological inflammation and providing innovative treatments for skin diseases. Since its inception eight years ago, Arcutis has rapidly grown to encompass over 350 employees, launched three FDA-approved products, and is anticipating approval of a fourth. “We’re in the business of helping people, and the more people we can help, the better job we’re doing,” says Watanabe, reflecting the patient-centered ethos driving Arcutis’ work.

Achievements and Partnerships in 2023

Arcutis celebrated a pivotal year in 2023, achieving two FDA approvals that resulted in successful product launches in January and July. Beyond these product milestones, Arcutis announced a strategic partnership in July aimed at expanding their reach to primary care physicians. Recognizing that many patients with dermatological conditions are treated outside the specialty clinic, Arcutis collaborated with a larger sales network to access general practitioners and pediatricians, addressing a gap that smaller companies often struggle to fill. “Partnerships like this help us achieve our mission to support the primary care side of dermatology,” Watanabe notes.

Integrating Patient Insight in Every Stage

Arcutis’ commitment to patient needs is central to its innovations. The company employs dermatology specialists—including board-certified dermatologists and nurse practitioners—who continue to practice part-time, ensuring that Arcutis remains closely attuned to real patient experiences and challenges. Watanabe further emphasizes that the company frequently invites patients and clinicians to speak with staff, enabling direct feedback and insights that inform development. “Meaningful innovation is about focusing on what patients and practitioners genuinely need,” Watanabe asserts, explaining how Arcutis pursues solutions that address core patient needs rather than superficially attractive technologies.

The Role of AI in Dermatology Innovation

Though Watanabe acknowledges AI’s potential impact on drug discovery, Arcutis has yet to incorporate it into its processes. According to Watanabe, AI’s utility in fields like small-molecule research may indeed transform the discovery phase, but Arcutis’ focus on development means its role remains limited. “We don’t want to adopt AI simply because it’s trendy,” Watanabe clarifies. While their digital team continues exploring AI’s applicability, Arcutis prioritizes using resources for advancements that provide clear, practical value to patient care.

Expanding Access: Bridging the Medicare and Medicaid Gap

Watanabe is particularly excited about Arcutis’ recent efforts to extend the availability of their treatments beyond commercial markets, targeting Medicare and Medicaid recipients. “Half of the patients we aim to help are on Medicare or Medicaid,” Watanabe states, underscoring the company’s goal of reaching patients who traditionally face barriers to cutting-edge treatment. He highlights that many of those benefiting from these efforts may otherwise be excluded from advanced dermatological therapies, aligning with Arcutis’ commitment to inclusive and widespread patient support.

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, under Watanabe’s leadership, exemplifies a balanced approach between innovation, responsibility, and inclusivity. By maintaining a sharp focus on the patient experience and fostering industry partnerships, Arcutis aims to set new standards in medical dermatology and accessible healthcare.