This article has been written by Bristol Myers Squibb, winners of the 2024 Sir James Black Drug Discovery of the Year Award.
We are pleased to share a recent conversation with Dr. Corinne Sadlowski, a scientist who has carved an inspiring career path from academia into the pharmaceutical industry. With a PhD in organic chemistry and a post-doctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley, Dr. Sadlowski brings a unique blend of expertise to her role as Cardiology Disease Area Specialist at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she has played a pivotal part in the field of cardiology. Having previously worked at biotechnology company, MyoKardia, Dr. Sadlowski’s career trajectory took a different turn with Bristol Myers Squibb's acquisition of the company in November 2020.
In this interview, we delve into her journey, motivations, and her vision for the future of cardiovascular medicine.
Your career journey has been an interesting one! Can you tell us about your background and journey from academia into medical affairs within the pharmaceutical industry?
I completed my PhD in organic chemistry, specialising in the total synthesis of alkaloids, and pursued a postdoc at UC Berkeley in the bioengineering department. My journey into cardiology began when I joined MyoKardia, a biotechnology company dedicated to research and development in rare cardiac conditions.
While chemists typically maintain a disease-agnostic approach, I soon realised that an understanding of disease mechanisms significantly enhances our ability to design effective medicines. I embraced the challenge of this change, immersing myself in the complexities of cardiology. It has always been my view that nothing is impossible to learn, and the invaluable support and patience of my colleagues at MyoKardia were pivotal in shaping my journey into the field.
What motivated you to transition from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, and how has your academic experience benefited your work at Bristol Myers Squibb?
My transition from academia to industry was driven by a desire for impact and a shift away from the academic grind. I realised that my career aspirations aligned more with contributing to science on a broader scale, rather than making incremental progress in a small area over many years. My primary driver was the potential to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
Academia equipped me with a crucial skill that has been important to my work at Bristol Myers Squibb – the ability to embrace failure and adapt swiftly. In the pharmaceutical industry, where timelines are tight, adaptability is key.
What have been your biggest learnings after moving from academia to industry?
One significant difference I noticed was the need to work within tight deadlines and the increased need for effective collaboration with colleagues. In academia, the primary focus often revolves around individual publications. However, in industry, the spotlight shifts to collective progress. This collaborative aspect to my new area of work was refreshing.
I now work in a role outside the lab, where my responsibilities have evolved from developing a specific molecule to managing multiple projects and timelines. I've gained a new appreciation for the intricacies of bringing a drug from discovery to regulatory approval. Scientific innovation at the bench isn’t enough, and the hard work of research and development can go unrealised if regulatory approvals or reimbursements fall through. In industry, there may not be a Nature publication at the end but there could be patients helped, so for me, the stakes are higher.
What are the most exciting developments or trends in the field of cardiology, and how do you foresee them shaping the future of cardiovascular medicine?
The field of cardiology has seen remarkable progress, particularly in understanding the causality of diseases. Basic science has enabled us to develop treatments that are rooted in a clear understanding of disease aetiology and genetic implications that may alter prognosis. Importantly, there has been a shift from solely focusing on improving mortality rates to enhancing quality of life. This human-centric approach is pivotal for designing appropriate clinical trial endpoints.
In terms of future developments, tailored treatments based on a deeper understanding of target populations, a shift towards prevention, and the integration of innovative modalities like PROTACs, gene therapy, and cell therapy are likely to be pivotal in cardiovascular medicine.
Can you share some insights into your daily work at Bristol Myers Squibb? What are the current projects or areas you find most engaging or promising?
In my role I have the privilege of collaborating with patients, something I didn’t think was possible with a science-based degree. My team regularly collaborates with expert patients to seek their input on initiatives from disease awareness campaigns to educational content, to ensure what we provide is fit for purpose and addresses their needs. After all, we are working for patients, so it only makes sense for us to have the opportunity to engage with them first hand.
What advice would you give to those who aspire to make a transition from academia to the industry sector?
Transitioning from academia to industry can be intimidating, but it can open doors to tremendous opportunities. Remember that your path is not set in stone; people move between academia and industry regularly, and the experience diversifies your skillset. The first job may be the hardest to secure, but don't be discouraged if offers aren't immediate. Seek advice from those who have made similar transitions, and don't hesitate to share your CV and interview presentations for feedback.
Finally, as an expert in the field of cardiology, what advice would you give to other women interested in pursuing a career in medical affairs or pharmaceutical research?
A distinctive challenge that women often face is the reluctance to advocate for themselves due to concerns about appearing boastful. To overcome this hurdle, practice framing your accomplishments as objective facts rather than personal attributes. By separating what you've achieved from your identity as an individual, you can mitigate the feeling of self-promotion and focus on your accomplishments as stand-alone achievements. This approach can help women navigate this nuanced aspect of progression in a research career more effectively.
CV-GB-2300296 Date of Prep: December 2023
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