One of the trailblazers in the global pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, Lundbeck Italia is a prominent name among renowned multinational pharmaceutical companies. Lundbeck is an expert in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions and is steadfastly committed to restoring brain health so that every person can be their best. Renowned for having benefited hundreds of millions of individuals with brain diseases, it is one of the only pharmaceutical businesses in the world to focus purely on brain diseases.
Behind every successful innovation is a visionary with the skills and drive to accomplish something worthwhile. The creative mind behind Lundbeck Italia victorious journey is Tiziana Mele. She is an expert in life-science and her knowledge extends to well-known brands. She has extensive experience in the pharma sector, business administration and management. She began her career at KPMG in 2003 and later worked in pricing, market access, marketing, and sales at AstraZeneca. She has had the opportunity to work in several fields and has had the chance to gain insight into the industry’s efforts to develop and promote cutting-edge medications that can benefit patients.
Tiziana Joining Lundbeck – Journey Towards a New Beginning
When Lundbeck contacted me, I was in oncology at AstraZeneca. At that time the oncology pipeline was huge, but what attracted me to Lundbeck was the pure and genuine focus on the Central Nervous System (CNS), an area that is not necessarily an easy one. Focusing on the CNS implies concentrating on conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Due to the challenges of creating innovative medications, there aren’t many businesses working on the CNS. Hence, the dedication to and emphasis on this area was what ultimately persuaded me to leave a large corporation with multiple therapeutic areas and join a business that is solely focused on the central nervous system.
It is unusual to recruit someone who is pregnant in Italy, so I was surprised when I was hired in December 2014 at the age of 34 and five months pregnant. I began as a marketing manager and was subsequently promoted to marketing director after my maternity leave was over. Two years later, I was appointed commercial director I was elevated to managing director after serving in that position for one year, making me the first Italian woman to oversee an Italian affiliate. I oversee Lundbeck Italia, one of Lundbeck’s two operating companies in Italy, and Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals Italy.
Lundbeck at a Glance: Restoring Brain Health through Innovative Solutions
Since 1994, Lundbeck Italia S.p.A. has been operating in Italy; it is based in Milan. Four antidepressants developed by Lundbeck Global Research are among the more than 10 compounds that Lundbeck Italia has marketed in Italy throughout the years. When the Lundbeck Group acquired the 1929-founded VIS Farmaceutici (Istituto Scientifico delle Venezie) in 2000, it became Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals Italy (named LUPI, situated in Padua), which stands for a centre of excellence in chemical manufacture. It provides research, development, industrial process safety, technical, and regulatory support for the registration of novel products in the chemical phase and produces active ingredients in Italy that are exported throughout the world. Naturally, having both the commercial and production sides in Italy is a clear testament to how important Italy is for Lundbeck at a global level. Lundbeck is the only company that is tirelessly dedicated to restoring brain health so every person can be at their best.
Lundbeck Italy has gained a reputation for being a reliable partner in the neuroscience industry over the past few years. They have consolidated relationships with institutions and support significant regional and federal initiatives. In order to facilitate and provide the best therapies for those suffering from psychiatric and neurological diseases and combat the stigma associated with mental health, they frequently encourage extensive conversation amongst scientists, physicians, payers, and patient associations.
“In Italy, everything we do is inspired by our purpose and in line with the global strategy we are committed to optimising already-established brands and fostering the development of the late-stage pipeline, which entails the participation of Italian clinical sites in sponsored trials (phase II, phase III, phase III b and phase IV). Moreover, we support the largest number of no-profit studies in the field of psychiatry and neurology in Italy. At global level, the recent past has been focused on the key strategic acquisition, let me mention Alder’s, a biopharma company dedicated to migraine that has allowed us to enter into the migraine market whereas a commercial affiliate to which we are devoting a lot of work”, the magnificent woman apprised.
The Work Culture
“To do better business” means empowering all team members by respecting and appreciating what makes the team different regardless of age, gender, ability, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, parental status, management status, work location, etc. D&I enables the acceptance of diversity, which fosters creativity and improves decision-making. It’s crucial to have an inclusive culture.
An Integral Role Amid COVID-19
There is a wide consensus that the COVID-19 pandemic not only affects physical health, but also mental health and well-being. In addition to challenging the agenda of health professionals, including psychiatrists and other mental health experts, the present epidemic is redefining objectives for the general community.
Psychiatric clinics are changing their practices all around the world to ensure care and support for people with mental health issues as well as for individuals who are not mentally ill but are experiencing the psychological effects of the pandemic. In the coming weeks or months, there will be a rise in the number of people needing psychiatric assistance, necessitating a review of the current procedures.
Creating Impact on Brain Health
The Lundbeck team is fully committed to promoting brain health and helping those who are affected by brain illnesses. Their corporate endeavours, community involvement in advocacy efforts, and relationships with lawmakers and NGOs are all driven by a single, unwavering goal: restoring brain health so that everyone can perform to their highest potential.
Beyond developing transformative medical therapies, they strive to make a difference for people suffering from brain disorders, by working to increase support to affected families and engaging with communities to create broader social acceptance of people living with brain diseases.
They regularly participate in national campaigns and initiatives to increase awareness of mental illness in order to ensure the dignity of those who suffer from these conditions and guarantee the right to mental health for everyone, everywhere.
“We are not alone, because only together can we really make a difference for these people. Brain health is a priority, that’s the reason why we collaborate with the main scientific societies, patient associations, institutions and organizations operating even beyond the healthcare sector”, mentioned Tiziana.
Remarkable Initiative by Lundbeck
There are many initiatives that Lundbeck is carrying out, among these:
- The “People in mind” contest, at its 4th edition: An art competition aims to give light and colour to people living with mental illnesses.
- “Art that heals, health starts from the brain”: A cycle of artistic-cultural workshops focused on the importance of mental health and well–being for everyone, everywhere.
- Shedding light on the invisible is the idea of “Can you see me?” The story of Dafne symbolizes the experience of many young people, to whom the company gives a voice to overcome the stigma of mental illness. Lundbeck Italia, in collaboration with Giffoni Innovation Hub, acts as a spokesperson for this need to speak about depression directly to young people, as well as to their families, schools and institutions, with responsibility and courage.
- In May 2022 in partnership with CEOforLIFE, the company launched the project “CEOforLife Lundbeck Awards: health starts from the brain” – to encourage companies to share their best practice to promote mental health in the workplace.
- United for our future: a program born in May 2020 during COVID lockdown in collaboration with BancoAlimentare and HBA aimed to collect money for needy students and their families.
A Piece of Advice
Be yourself and do not wear a mask. Believe firmly that authenticity is the key.