Client background
This clinical-stage biotech company is developing precision medicines for genetically defined neurodegenerative and immunological diseases. They are a privately-held company with their lead program going into Phase 2 trials by the end of 2024.
Challenge
The company was seeking a Vice President of Regulatory Affairs to develop and lead global regulatory strategies for their portfolio of programs and serve as the primary contact with health authorities. This was to replace the previous Head of Regulatory who recently left the organization.
Their ideal candidate needed to have a strong Regulatory background in neurology as well as Phase 2 clinical trial experience in both the United States and Europe. In addition, they preferred someone with prior companion diagnostics experience. They wanted a candidate located on the West Coast who could come into the office regularly, who would be comfortable in a small start-up environment, and integrate well with their team culture. Finally, they wanted someone who could start in less than two months to be up to speed for their upcoming FDA meeting. A failure to meet all of their criteria would have either forced them to delay their Phase 2 trials or start the trials without a completed strategy in place.
Approach
Dennis Partners had a kickoff meeting in early June to understand their requirements and preferences. In addition, we reviewed the interview process to make certain we could meet the required timeline and had the necessary commitments from their internal decision-makers.
We focused our search on senior Regulatory leaders on the West Coast who had neurology backgrounds and were able to narrow our search down to 161 candidates. We then reached out to that pool of candidates to screen against their additional job requirements, previous experience, and availability.
Result
Within a week from starting the search, we identified, screened, and submitted 7 candidates who met the qualifications for the role, five of which were selected for interviews by the CMO. Three weeks from our kickoff call the client was able to narrow their search down to their final two candidates and begin onsite interviews, including meetings with the Executive team.
Forty-five days from the start of our search, references were checked and an offer was accepted with plenty of time to prepare for their FDA meeting.