Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co

Wataru Momose

Dr. Wataru Momose, affectionately known as Dr. Momo, has made significant advancements in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing. He serves as the director of business strategy at Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a company known for its unique conglomerate business model and culture. His novel application of non-destructive analytical technology, process analytical technology (PAT), and AI technology/Chemometrics has led to substantial cost savings and quality improvements. He was influenced by his father, a former president of a semiconductor company, who believed that if manufacturing can be done affordably and safely, then systems from other industries can be used for the pharmaceutical industry’s manufacturing and quality assurance systems. This approach can reduce national medical expenses. Compared to the pharmaceutical manufacturing system around 2000, we are now incorporating a continuous production system into the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. With the tailwind of labor-saving and the use of AI accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Momo predicts that the industry will undergo further changes over the next 10 years. The innovation speed has been accelerated.

With national medical costs indicates a need to shift from a system that treats cancer or other illnesses after they develop to one that allows individuals to use their devices to monitor their health and ailments daily. A world where people can maintain their own health needs to be created. However, adopting a new business model in a silo-regulated industry will not be easy and will not be accomplished by limited contributions from pharmaceutical companies alone.

We firmly believe that exceptional leaders are pivotal in connecting the pharmaceutical industry with other sectors, thus shaping the future of the healthcare industry. Assuming a variety of business strategy roles, such as global project lead and strategic business planning, Dr. Momo demonstrates adaptability in his roles and responsibilities. His diverse experiences, especially his past role as a life-cycle project manager responsible for supplying products to over 100 countries, including complex regulatory environments like Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, have underscored the importance of diversity to him.

His leadership style values a shared sense of purpose over control. He strongly beleives in collective effort and collaboration, a philosophy encapsulated in his unique approach known as 'Catalytic Leadership.' This approach has earned him the Outstanding Leadership Award from Health 2.0.

To disrupt the ecosystem and link new industries with the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical companies sometimes need to listen to leaders from other industries and incorporate diverse thinking. For instance, it is anticipated that the business development department, which introduces new compounds and technologies from a short-term perspective, and the research department, which develops in-house compounds from a long-term perspective, may occasionally clash. They still have many common goals. These goals, akin to a balanced portfolio, cater to both the long-term nurturing of in-house developed 'baby' compounds and the short-term 'adoptions' of external product introductions and mergers and acquisitions. Dr. Momo perceives the growth of 'baby' in-house compounds and the 'adoption' of external entities as harmonious elements within the company's innovative and diverse culture. He humorously refers to Otsuka's leaders in research functions and business development as the 'godparents' of these 'babies' and 'adopted children,’ expressing faith in their ability to foster great synergies. In his words, "Maintaining a good portfolio balance between our own babies and adopted children is not only achievable but also vital for our corporate family's growth." It's a playful yet effective way of illustrating business strategy, making it more relatable and engaging for everyone involved.

In applying this mindset to disrupt the healthcare industry ecosystem, we can unite leaders from various industries, each with unique perspectives, while aligning with the shared goal of reducing medical costs and increasing healthy life expectancy. In some instances, this approach might even generate unique followers. It's vital to respect each other's expertise, promote diversity, equity and inclusion, and occasionally rotate leadership roles. Moreover, he believes that confining individuals to strictly defined job descriptions can stifle opportunities for our colleagues to enhance their leadership capabilities and lead ecosystem disruptions. We need to encourage innovation from unknown spaces, requiring us to foster an environment that is diverse and agile.

As a custodian of Otsuka Pharmaceutical's century-old philosophy, Dr. Momo is dedicated to driving innovation in the healthcare industry. His supportive boss, the global SVP of the pharmaceutical region, has cultivated an environment that encourages psychological safety and respect for unique ideas. Dr. Momo anticipates evolving as a leader, promoting cross-industry collaboration, and sparking boundless innovation.