Prof Alexander Egeberg, Vice President, Head of Global Medical Affairs, LEO Pharma, reveals how the company is tackling unmet needs in dermatology, fostering a culture of “thinking bigger” and seeking innovation both inside and outside its walls
Interview by Isabel O’Brien
What inspired you to pursue a career in pharma, and what drew you to LEO Pharma?
Throughout my previous career as a clinician and Professor of Dermatology, I have gained extensive experience collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry. My roles have included serving as a clinical trial investigator, participating in trial steering committees and safety boards and supporting companies with regulatory interactions. Earlier in my career, I also spent several years working for Pfizer before returning to academia and clinical practice.
In academia, my research encompassed dermatology, rheumatology and gastroenterology, with a focus on disease trajectories, biomarkers and the development of biologic, oral systemic and topical treatments. I have found great satisfaction in the innovation that arises at the intersection of public and private sectors, where both can mutually benefit from each other’s strengths.
LEO Pharma, with its 116-year legacy, is a name well-known to dermatologists worldwide. The company’s enduring commitment to dermatology has solidified its reputation as a leader in the field, and the company serves close to 100 million patients every year. I am inspired by how the company is looking out for the overlooked – and striving to transform innovative ideas into effective and easy-to-use medicines meeting unmet needs. They are in skin health for the long term. So am I.
I am inspired by how the company is looking out for the overlooked – and striving to transform innovative ideas into effective and easy-to-use medicines meeting unmet needs
What is the key challenge you have faced as a company, and how are you approaching it?
There are more than 1,500 skin diseases that still have no adequate treatment. Across medical dermatology, we – as clinicians, as companies and community alike – know more and more about how to treat skin diseases. Breakthrough advances in skin science have changed how we treat skin conditions. As soon as a new treatment launches, new challenges and novel ideas emerge. The competition is increasingly intense.
At the same time, healthcare has been changing radically – including rising costs for medicine, ageing populations and new expectations from people seeking treatment. For LEO Pharma, the scientific possibilities and market competition have created a clear need to prioritise how to best invest and focus our resources. Over the past couple of years, we have taken steps to adjust to these new realities.
Sometimes the most groundbreaking innovations come from beyond our walls. That’s why we have taken a bold step in expanding our innovation model, opening our doors to find and deliver innovative answers with external scientific partners. Our focus is on making a difference for those who need us most. That means improving what is currently available for people with unmet needs in medical dermatology or providing solutions for people who have no available treatments.
What does a great company culture look like to you?
To me, great company culture fosters an environment of inclusivity, innovation and continuous growth. It is a place where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. In such a culture, open communication and collaboration are not just encouraged but are foundational principles. That is what I see at LEO Pharma.
Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping this culture by setting audacious goals and providing the support and resources needed to achieve them. A great company culture also prioritises personal and professional development, recognising that the growth of its people is integral to the growth of the organisation.
Moreover, it is a culture that embraces change and is unafraid to challenge the status quo. It encourages employees to think bigger, push boundaries and innovate. Staying curious is a key component, as it drives continuous learning and exploration, ensuring that the organisation remains dynamic and forward-thinking.
Ultimately, a great company culture is one where people are inspired to do their best work, feel a deep sense of belonging, and are motivated by a shared vision of success and impact. It is a place where curiosity is nurtured, leading to constant discovery and improvement.
What are your key measurements of success, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, success for me is measured by the tangible impact we have on patient care and the advancements we make in drug development. This includes the successful development and implementation of innovative treatments that significantly improve patients’ lives. Seeing positive patient outcomes and hearing their stories of improved health and well-being are the ultimate indicators of success.
Additionally, mentoring and inspiring others is a significant marker of success for me. Seeing colleagues and team members grow, take on new challenges and reach their goals is incredibly rewarding. When the teams I lead are consistently pushing boundaries, thinking bigger and setting daring goals, I know we are on the right path. The recognition and respect from peers and the broader industry also serve as indicators of professional success.
Personally, success is about achieving a balance between my career and personal life. It means maintaining strong, meaningful relationships with my family and friends, and having the time and energy to pursue my passions and interests outside of work. Personal growth, such as learning new skills, staying curious and continuously challenging myself, is also a key measure of success for me.
What innovations in dermatology or beyond excite you most for the future of pharmaceutical R&D?
The future of pharmaceutical R&D in dermatology and beyond is incredibly exciting, particularly when it comes to innovation for the 1,500 dermatological diseases for which there are currently no approved treatments. One area that excites me is the development of advanced drug formulations for topical therapies. These innovations have the potential to enhance the efficacy and convenience of treatments, making it easier for patients to manage their conditions with fewer side effects.
Another promising area is the creation of drugs that can be administered intermittently rather than on a continuous basis. This could potentially not only improve patient compliance but also reduce the overall treatment burden, leading to better long-term outcomes. The ability to provide effective treatment with less frequent dosing could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients.
Additionally, I am excited about the potential of emerging technologies to fundamentally disrupt and transform how we manage diseases today. Innovations such as gene therapies and vaccines for immune-mediated diseases could revolutionise treatment paradigms. Imagine a future where we can prevent or significantly alter the course of chronic conditions with a single intervention—this would be a game-changer for patient care.
The true essence of leadership, in my view, lies in inspiring others to dream audaciously and providing them with the framework to turn those dreams into reality
If your life were a novel, what would the title be, and why?
“Whatever you’re thinking, think bigger.” This title encapsulates my belief in the boundless potential within each of us. Throughout my life, I have been captivated by the power of clear visualisation, strategic planning and diligent execution. Yet, time and again, I have witnessed how individuals often limit themselves with self-imposed boundaries.
I am convinced that we all possess a reservoir of untapped potential, far greater than we usually acknowledge. The true essence of leadership, in my view, lies in inspiring others to dream audaciously and providing them with the framework to turn those dreams into reality. By challenging limiting beliefs and encouraging expansive thinking, we can unlock extraordinary achievements.
In my journey, I have seen how transformative it can be when people are empowered to think beyond their perceived limits. It is this philosophy that drives me to motivate and support others in their pursuit of greatness. The title reflects this unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering a mindset where the impossible becomes possible.
