Astellas(US:ALPMY) 财富FORTUNE·2025-11-26 13:07Core Insights - The article highlights the transformative leadership of Shirley Zhao, the first local female president of Astellas in China, emphasizing her philosophy of "win-win" and her significant contributions to the company's growth and cultural transformation in the Chinese market [1][4][5]. Group 1: Company Growth and Performance - Under Zhao's leadership, Astellas China has achieved continuous growth, with a double-digit increase in fiscal year 2024 and a remarkable 32% growth in the first half of fiscal year 2025, making China a new growth engine for Astellas globally [4][5]. - The employee count increased by 50% from under 800 to 1,200 within a year, and the company was recognized as a "Great Employer in China" in early 2025 [5]. Group 2: Cultural and Strategic Transformation - Zhao faced challenges in cultural transformation, including employee acceptance, inter-departmental collaboration, and the need for speed and agility in a competitive market [7][8]. - She emphasized the importance of a unified vision among the management team and introduced a new cultural philosophy called "winning culture," focusing on patient value [9][11]. Group 3: Innovation and Product Development - Astellas China experienced a surge in its innovative product pipeline, particularly in oncology, with the introduction of groundbreaking therapies such as the first antibody-drug conjugate targeting Nectin-4 and the first monoclonal antibody targeting CLDN18.2 [13][14][15]. - The company achieved a record of seven product approvals in the previous year, showcasing its accelerated innovation [15]. Group 4: Market Access and Patient Accessibility - Zhao highlighted the importance of market access for ensuring that innovative therapies reach patients, sharing successful cases of therapies being included in national insurance programs [17][18]. - Astellas is also exploring innovative payment models to reduce patient financial burdens [18]. Group 5: Focus on Women's Health - Astellas is venturing into women's health, particularly focusing on managing menopause symptoms, addressing a significant unmet medical need in China [19][21]. - Zhao advocates for a societal shift in the perception of menopause, emphasizing the need for understanding and support for women during this transition [21]. Group 6: Strategic Localization - Astellas announced the establishment of its first contract manufacturing project and innovation research center in China, marking a significant step towards a complete localized supply chain [23][24]. - This localization strategy aims to enhance efficiency and ensure a stable supply chain while aligning with global headquarters [24][25]. Group 7: Future Outlook - Zhao stresses the importance of patent and data protection for fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, welcoming recent government initiatives to enhance these protections [29]. - The vision for Astellas China includes increasing its global business share and securing more resources for Chinese patients [29][30].