“Our commitment to redefining women’s health and addressing their unique medical needs marks the beginning of a promising journey”
Organon is a global healthcare company dedicated to making a difference in women’s health. Hospitals magazine had the pleasure to meet with Kevin Ali during the Beirut panel discussion event on activating an ecosystem approach to advancing women’s health in Lebanon and the region, where he spoke about his career journey and organon’s culture among other topics. Below is the full interview:
Can you walk us through your career journey leading up to your current role?
For nearly 35 years, I’ve been deeply involved in the pharmaceutical industry. My career began as a sales representative in the San Francisco area with Merck, also known as MSD, right after university. Joining Merck was a significant achievement, especially during their seven-year peak when they were recognized as one of the most admired companies in the U.S. by Fortune magazine. Out of an astounding 25,000 applicants, I was among the 25 selected. Interestingly, while the majority had a scientific background, my unique blend of economics and business education stood out.
After six years as a representative and completing my MBA in California, I had to choose to either follow the conventional career path to the East Coast headquarters, or diverge onto a more unorthodox route to the Middle East. I chose the latter and made my way to the region in 1994, spending several years as a product manager. During my time there, I gained a deep understanding of the region, particularly Lebanon, which was known for its medical excellence despite the civil war. From there I moved to Egypt into a Marketing Director role, and then to Germany as a Business Unit Director. My connection to the region drew me back to Turkey where I held my first managerial role.
Subsequent positions took me back to Germany and the U.S., culminating in my leadership of emerging markets for MSD.
How did Organon’s journey begin?
Organon was carved out of Merck two years ago. Recognizing that over 60 products were being overshadowed by Merck’s focus on oncology and vaccines, the birth of Organon aimed to give these products a new lease on life. Today, Organon is still in its early stages, but our commitment to redefining women’s health and addressing their unique medical needs marks the beginning of a promising journey.
How would you describe Organon’s company culture?
When we founded the company, we made a conscious choice to differentiate ourselves from the traditional hierarchical structures prevalent in institutions where we had previously worked. Flatter, more democratic structures typically outperform their conventional counterparts. In today’s interconnected world, I believe the traditional hierarchy is becoming obsolete as there are alternative methods to foster business growth within an institution. Given the swift and ongoing evolution of technology, we required a system that could swiftly adapt to market changes. Some of our core values include flexibility and empowering employees to freely share their ideas, which can significantly influence the company’s future direction. I’m convinced that autonomy coupled with effective communication, can enhance job satisfaction and boost productivity.
Why prioritize women’s health, and why is it crucial?
I was aware of the challenging position we were in regarding the shortage of funds to establish ourselves as an oncological company, especially in a market where many were investing. Competing with larger companies was out of the question. Therefore, I selected a medical field that was both intriguing and had future potential. This choice was ambitious and came with its risks, particularly since we were introducing a novel concept to attract potential employees. I settled on women’s health. Historically, our industry had prioritized scientific research without considering gender differences. Most medical studies have been centered around the biological male body. However, it has become evident that being male or female significantly impacts health due to the biological and gender-related differences between the two. We understand that women encounter a range of distinct health issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, preterm labor, preeclampsia, menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, postpartum hemorrhage, and postpartum depression. All these conditions share a common factor: they are related to being a woman. In contemporary times, women are often viewed as the pillars of their family’s health, and ensuring they receive quality care can lead to the betterment of society as a whole. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the distinct health needs of women were recognized, and by 1990, the National Institutes of Health established the Office of Research on Women’s Health to delve into diseases and medical conditions affecting women.
Reflecting on Organon’s achievements over the past two years, what are your insights?
I’m immensely proud of our progress. However, building a company in our industry is a long-term endeavor. From product development to market release, the process can span over a decade. Thus, while Organon is still in its infancy at two years, our consistent financial growth and achievements are promising indicators of our future trajectory.
Women often prioritize others’ health over their own. What’s your perspective on this?
Women often prioritize their family and career to such an extent that they overlook their own health needs, and this is concerning. It’s crucial for women to take their health seriously. We need to help them understand that prioritizing their own well-being is essential to ensuring they remain healthy for their loved ones. This problem was exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic where women were suddenly taking on multiple roles including being teachers, homemakers, and caregivers. They became the linchpin, which ultimately pushed their own needs further down the priorities list. Today, if we analyze the frequency of women visiting health providers for annual check-ups, it’s still 30% less than pre-pandemic levels.
This trend suggests that women’s overall health could deteriorate even more. Recent data from the National Institute of Health (NIH) indicates that maternal deaths, defined as women dying from complications during and after pregnancy and childbirth, have regressed to levels seen in the 1960s.
Organon has engaged in various partnerships and initiatives, such as the Women Deliver conference. Can you elaborate on these collaborations?
Our mission is vast and can be better achieved through collaborative partnerships. We’ve recently partnered with the Bellevue Medical Center (BMC) in Lebanon to raise awareness and educate both medical staff and women about the significance of their health. Our strategy encompasses forging robust alliances with numerous medical centers, including global entities like the UNFPA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and regional institutions like the UAE University.
What are Organon’s primary focal points in women’s health?
We’re championing innovations tailored for women with our focus on preterm labor, non-hormonal contraceptives, minimally invasive hysterectomies, and non-hormonal therapies. Additionally, conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are on our radar. Numerous emerging companies are doing commendable work in women’s health, and we believe Organon can be an ideal home for such innovations. Our proactive approach is evident in the eight-business development deals we’ve secured in just two years, and the many more we are perfectly poised for.
