1. In Vivo
  2. >>Leadership

The Value Of Being Decisive On Strategic Needs – Through One Pharma CEO's Lens

 
• By Ashley Yeo

After a promising research program failed to deliver, London-listed Circassia changed from being an R&D-based allergy company to one focused on commercial respiratory therapies. Rapid decision-making averted a crisis and earned the company a US deal and equity partnership with AstraZeneca. As an exercise in Plan B readiness, it's surely up there with the best.

Steve Harris has probably told this story more times than is good for his health: about the day in June 2016 when he had to go to the market and announce the kind of decision that all CEOs dread. LSE-listed Circassia Pharmaceuticals PLC had been pressing ahead nicely with the beginnings of a platform of allergy products, had good data and positive anecdotal feedback. But Phase III study results of the initial product, a cat allergy immunotherapy, unexpectedly showed very marked placebo results. The study did not reach its primary endpoint, and investors had to be told.

The other part of Circassia's business, developing the proprietary NIOX POC FeNo platform for asthma monitoring, was progressing well, but...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Leadership

Rising Leaders 2025: Kura Oncology’s Mollie Leoni On Setting Precedent, Not Following It

 
• By Jo Shorthouse

Kura Oncology's new chief medical officer discusses her path to leadership, the company's advancing AML pipeline, and her methodical approach to developing treatments for underserved oncology indications.

Finding The Fire: AltruBio’s Novel Approach To Autoimmune Disease

 
• By David Wild

CEO Judy Chou brings big pharma experience to tackle chronic inflammation with the company's first-in-class PSGL-1 targeting therapy.

Rising Leaders 2025: Metsera’s Whit Bernard’s Musical Path To Biotech Leadership

 
• By David Wild

Metsera CEO Whit Bernard applies an unconventional leadership philosophy to develop next-generation obesity therapeutics, including monthly GLP-1 injections and oral peptides.

Rising Leaders 2025: Pedro Valencia’s ADC Vision At AbbVie

 
• By Jo Shorthouse

From chemical engineering to cancer innovation, AbbVie's rising oncology leader is advancing next-generation ADCs to tackle difficult-to-treat tumors with a patient-centered approach.

More from In Vivo

AI In Health Delivery: Patients Most Confident When HCPs Are In Charge

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Annual survey of patients and professionals shows how attitudes to health system transformation are evolving and what stakeholders are demanding as acceptance of AI tools accelerates.

Medtech Innovators Court London-Based Investors At BioWales 2025

 
• By Ashley Yeo

BioWales in London 2025 showcased the efforts healthtech innovators are making to meet investors on their own turf, illustrating changing attitudes and evolving needs.

Rising Leaders 2025: Metsera’s Whit Bernard’s Musical Path To Biotech Leadership

 
• By David Wild

Metsera CEO Whit Bernard applies an unconventional leadership philosophy to develop next-generation obesity therapeutics, including monthly GLP-1 injections and oral peptides.