Dr. Mikael Dolsten, the former chief scientific officer and president of R&D at Pfizer, has been a prominent figure in the pharmaceutical industry for over three decades. Throughout his career, he has witnessed significant changes driven by technological advancements like AI and the increasing use of data-driven approaches. Despite these changes, Dolsten believes that the fundamentals of leadership remain consistent, with curiosity playing a key role.
According to Dolsten, leaders must embrace technological advancements and stay curious about how these changes are shaping the industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of technology in driving incremental innovation and the convergence of technology, data-driven biomedicine, and personal curiosity. Dolsten’s fascination with these elements has driven his career, and he remains optimistic about the future of the industry.
Since stepping down from his role at Pfizer, Dolsten has taken on new challenges, including joining the board of Immunai, an AI drug discovery and development company focused on mapping the immune system to find new treatments for various diseases. This move reflects Dolsten’s belief in the importance of technological advances in shaping the future of the industry.
In navigating the rapidly changing landscape of pharmaceutical research and development, Dolsten advises leaders to adopt a proactive approach, embracing both human and artificial intelligence. He emphasizes the need to manage risks and biases associated with these technologies effectively. By combining human and artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical companies can overcome biases and limitations in decision-making processes.
Dolsten draws inspiration from his mentor, Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman, who emphasized the importance of mastering biases in decision-making. He believes that AI, when used correctly, can augment human intelligence and provide valuable insights for drug development. Dolsten highlights the significance of knowledge in drug development and the role of computing power in generating valuable data for research.
Immunai’s innovative platform, which includes an atlas of immune cells and a development-focused immunodynamics engine, has the potential to address challenges faced by drugmakers in the industry. Collaborations with companies like AstraZeneca and Teva Pharmaceuticals demonstrate the value of Immunai’s technology in oncology and immunology research.
As leaders navigate the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical research and development, Dolsten encourages them to approach new technologies with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn. By staying informed and embracing technological advancements, leaders can drive innovation and shape the future of the industry. In the world of biopharma, putting two letters ahead of a business proposal doesn’t automatically give it value. This is the sentiment shared by Mikael Dolsten, a prominent figure in the industry. Dolsten emphasizes the importance of digging deeper before making decisions, whether it’s filling a board seat or exploring a partnership. He stresses the need for real case reports and references to assess the credibility of a proposal.
As a seasoned biopharma leader, Dolsten believes in asking questions and challenging assumptions, especially in a time of technological advancement. He encourages his peers to look ahead and identify the key questions that will shape the industry in the next five years. Dolsten advocates for stepping out of comfort zones and embracing change to foster innovation and collaboration.
Since stepping down from Pfizer, Dolsten has been actively involved in various board appointments and advisory roles in companies at the forefront of biopharma innovation. His goal is to create a personal ecosystem that bridges the gap between the industry’s past and future. By connecting companies and promoting communication across different sectors, Dolsten aims to drive breakthroughs and advancements in biopharma.
Driven by his scientific curiosity, Dolsten is focused on exploring future technologies and finding new ways to enhance the drug development process. He believes that AI holds the key to unlocking new possibilities and improving patient outcomes. Through his involvement with companies like Immunai, Dolsten hopes to decode the language of diseases and facilitate better communication within the industry.
Reflecting on his time at Pfizer, Dolsten acknowledges the challenges and successes he experienced in bringing innovative products to market. While he values his past experiences, Dolsten is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in his post-Pfizer career. He sees his role in shaping the future of biopharma as a chance to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in the industry.
In conclusion, Dolsten’s journey post-Pfizer underscores the importance of continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration in the biopharma sector. By embracing new technologies and fostering connections across different companies, Dolsten is paving the way for a more innovative and dynamic future in biopharma.
