Flexibility at Genentech: Developing Versatile Domain Experts and Deploying Flexible Resources at One U.S. Medical Affairs Unit

Abstract

The Genentech Spectrum case is about infusing flexibility in a medical unit of a global biotechnology company. The protagonist is Mauricio Silva de Lima, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President of U.S. Medical Affairs for the unit. The case focuses on his team’s key challenges in a highly uncertain, fluid context. These include deploying a team of specialized domain experts through program terminations (starts and stops), allocating resources efficiently during a program’s life cycle, and measuring the concrete impact of key strategic initiatives.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Resources

Exhibit 1: Clinical Trial Phases

Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases. Each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.

Phase I: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.

Phase II: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.

Phase III: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.

Phase IV: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug’s effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.

Source: Quoted directly from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/services/ctphases.html

Exhibit 2: Spectrum’s Original Investment Model

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Exhibit 3: Spectrum’s Flexible Investment Model

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Exhibit 4: Spectrum’s Mapping of Key Core Competencies to the Molecule/Medicine Lifecycle

Figure

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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