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SPAIN - Health & Education

Jaime López de la Osa

General Director, Nordic Pharma Spain

Bio

Jaime López de la Osa, with over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, brings a diverse background spanning biotechnology, international trade, food, and banking. This unique perspective allows him to challenge traditional industry norms and embrace opportunities driven by emerging technologies to improve health outcomes. Jaime holds a PhD in Chemical Sciences, an MBA in Biotech Business Management, and Master’s degrees in International Trade and Digital Marketing.

"Our healthcare system stands among the world’s most robust, despite facing significant challenges due to an aging population."

TBY talks to Jaime López de la Osa, General Director of Nordic Pharma Spain, about the evolution of the company, the Spanish pharmaceutical sector in general, and goals for the coming year.

How has Nordic Pharma evolved in recent years?

We have achieved remarkable growth, doubling our turnover in just four years. Our expansion into the transplant arena marks a significant milestone, with two key poles established and 18 months of successful distribution. Following the merger with Draupnir, a new era has dawned, marked by the appointment of a new CEO and ongoing organizational restructuring. Throughout our journey, people have remained our top priority. Our invaluable assets extend beyond tangible resources; they encompass our dedicated representatives covering Europe, the US, and Japan. These individuals play a pivotal role, diligently articulating the benefits and unique qualities of our products and services. We recognize the pivotal role of our team and prioritize their well-being, affirming our commitment to nurturing and supporting our human resources.

What is the potential of the Spanish pharmaceutical sector?

Our healthcare system stands among the world’s most robust, despite facing significant challenges due to an aging population. A key strength lies in our esteemed physicians in Spain, renowned as key opinion leaders globally across various disciplines. The excellence of our medical education system is evident, supported by rigorous hospital practices. Moreover, Spain boasts a formidable capacity for conducting clinical trials, ranking among Europe’s leading countries in this regard. This success is attributed to the caliber of our professionals, the efficiency of our system, and the capabilities of our hospitals, all contributing to the execution of high-quality clinical studies.

What are the key factors driving innovation in healthcare, and how do they intersect with the commercial aspects of pharmaceutical development and research?

Innovation in healthcare demands top-tier expertise and resources. Fields such as oncology and immunology are inherently intricate, requiring the best specialists, which necessitates robust investment in education and cutting-edge infrastructure—a significant societal commitment. The path to introducing new medical molecules or treatments involves substantial investments, particularly in extensive clinical trials, a process often criticized for its perceived commercialization of health; however, private companies are essential drivers of innovation in this landscape, operating on profit-driven models vital for sustainability. It is important to acknowledge that for every successful healthcare project brought to market, nine others may not make it—a reality that underscores the financial risks involved. Embracing profit as a motive for investment in healthcare innovation is essential, as it fuels ongoing research and development, driving progress and societal benefit. By shifting perspectives to recognize the positive role of private companies in advancing healthcare, we foster a climate conducive to innovation, economic growth, and ultimately, improved health outcomes for all.

What initiatives has Nordic Pharma undertaken to enhance environmental sustainability and promote gender equality?

We have partnered with Ecovadis to enhance our environmental sustainability efforts. Having secured a bronze certification months ago, our aim now is to elevate our standing to silver or gold. Our initial focus was on establishing a baseline—across our nearly 400-person team spread globally, each with varying standards, offices, and environmental footprints. Evaluating our travel practices, procurement processes, and emissions was a formidable task, but we have successfully defined our current status and are now devising a comprehensive improvement plan. The first crucial step in this journey is accurate measurement. Gender equality is a core value for us. With a female CEO leading the way—a trailblazer in our industry—she embodies the potential of women in leadership roles. Notably, in Spain, over the past decade, more than 90% of new physician students have been women, signaling a shifting paradigm where we anticipate a rise in female experts and senior leaders. While the gender ratio in certain roles may have been imbalanced in the past, today, many hospital leaders are women, and we foresee a future where female representation dominates. As part of our commitment to gender equality, we have conducted an equality ratio audit, achieving a balanced representation of 50%. Looking at other companies and industries, I can attest that Nordic Pharma stands out as a pioneer in gender equality initiatives.

As AI continues to gain traction in manufacturing, what approach does your company take toward digitalization, and how does AI factor into your operations?

While AI has garnered significant attention, blockchain technology and process automation are equally vital. AI’s greatest potential lies in research, particularly in handling vast datasets. However, a key challenge lies in ensuring the availability of accurately labeled data. In clinical trials, there’s a wealth of secondary data often overlooked, but AI can uncover valuable insights and potential indications, significantly impacting future advancements. AI’s strength lies in its ability to swiftly analyze data, making it invaluable in research. In our company, our current focus is on content creation. Unlike traditional sales, our representatives provide information and educate rather than securing purchase orders directly from physicians. Creating informative materials can be time-consuming, but AI streamlines this process by generating content based on approved studies—a groundbreaking application of AI in marketing. Blockchain technology also holds immense promise, particularly in optimizing supply chain operations. By eliminating intermediaries and streamlining documentation processes, blockchain has the potential to revolutionize efficiency and save significant resources across industries.

What are Nordic Pharma’s key goals and objectives for 2025?

Our top priority is to develop products, solutions, and services that positively impact patients. This principle permeates every aspect of our operations. Recognizing that our most valuable assets are our team members, we are fully committed to providing them with optimal working environments to maximize their contributions. At the core of our focus is always people. Building on these foundational principles, we anticipate that future challenges will primarily revolve around supply chain management, which has experienced significant disruptions. Thus, ensuring the resilience and efficiency of our supply chain is paramount. Innovation remains pivotal in the areas we specialize in, particularly in rheumatology, pediatrics, transplants, and ophthalmology. Ophthalmology, in particular, presents a promising frontier for growth, with potential game-changing products poised to enter the market.

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