Christopher Ngai
Vice President, Market Access
Calliditas Therapeutics
A Detailed, Data-Driven Approach
Every product launch requires careful attention to detail that can make or break the overall effort. For the launch of TARPEYO (budesonide), the first and only FDA-approved treatment to reduce levels of protein in the urine in adults with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), Christopher Ngai realized the bigger picture—and didn’t miss a thing—by relying on one of his strengths: Being driven by data.
With any launch, you must look at the effort from every angle. Through his obsession with data, Chris was able to understand and communicate the many important facets of TARPEYO with access stakeholders. He looked at the clinical data, the data for the current market, the data that drive the standard of care, the trove of customers insights, and so much more. What makes this effort special is that he wasn’t just launching the first and only product for IgAN. He had the vision to establish data-driven strategies and communications that would allow Calliditas Therapeutics to proactively prepare for post-launch initiatives and upcoming competition.
Chris started the launch as a literal team of one. Over time, he assembled an amazing launch team consisting of internal experts and external partners. Real leaders set their teams up for success, and that’s precisely what Chris did. By providing gentle guidance, data-driven perspectives, and constant stability, Chris created the ideal environment so that his outstanding team could execute the launch work efficiently, simply, and even happily.
When you combine Chris’ data-driven effort with his unparalleled understanding of the market access space, the industry, the stakeholders, as well as the inner workings of the company, it’s easy to see why Chris and his amazing team realized success, not only for the launch but for TARPEYO’s future efforts.
Andy Udell, President of Calliditas Therapeutics., summed it up best, “Chris understands the power of data. His ability to use data as a fuel for all major aspects of the business and use it as an actionable tool that inspires is remarkable. Plus, no one keeps it cooler under pressure than Chris, which is a ‘must-have’ for a launch of this magnitude.”
