Annual General Meeting Replay (in French only)

Watch the replay

Annual General Meeting Speakers

Marc de Garidel

Chairperson of the Board of Directors

David Loew

Chief Executive Officer

Aymeric Le Chatelier

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

In March, we were proud to see Florence Dal Degan, Senior Director of External Innovation, participate in a panel discussion with different stakeholders, from consulting firms, pharma companies, investors to startups at BioEurope Spring entitled “Towards a Greener Globe: Biopharma’s Path to Sustainable Futures.” Here, Florence shares her thoughts on the influence and impact of pharmaceutical companies on sustainability efforts and the importance of embedding sustainability into partnership strategies.

Sustainability isn’t an end-goal, it’s a multi-faceted journey presenting companies, and individuals, with opportunities for transformation.

“At Ipsen, we have adopted a proactive approach to sustainability with ambitious goals, and targets because we want to do more than just doing the right thing,” said Florence Dal Degan. “Our sustainability strategy is called Generation Ipsen, and we encourage each employee to contribute so our strategy should not only be a company mission, but a personal mission where each employee can contribute to, better, higher sustainability for our business.”

Generation Ipsen, launched in 2022 is anchored by four pillars —Environment, Patients, People, and Governance and aligned to the UN’s sustainable development goals, Generation Ipsen allows us to take a holistic view of what it means to be a sustainable pharmaceutical company. From ensuring that all Ipsen manufacturing facilities use 100% renewable energy to fostering a diverse workforce, with 54% of our leadership team comprising women, we take pride of the progress we are achieving on our sustainability journey.

Generation Ipsen underscores our commitment to transition from ambition to measurable objectives, and benchmarking and consistent evaluation are crucial for fair comparisons and improvement in sustainability. Without consistency, it’s hard to gauge true impact or identify areas for improvement. Introducing common KPIs aligned with regulations like the CSRD enhances reporting consistency, making continual learning and improvement easier.

Whilst we don’t claim to have all the answers, we know that a proactive, nuanced, approach to sustainability is needed to safeguard the health of our planet and people. As a global mid-sized pharmaceutical company operating across 80 countries, we understand the significance of our role and actively work to embed sustainability into all aspects of our operations, from commercial activities to R&D and manufacturing processes. Sustainability can’t be considered in silos, especially as a company whose pipeline is built exclusively on external innovation and partnerships.

As we continue on our next phase of growth as a company, we exclusively build our pipeline through external innovation. As we forge these new partnerships, we must connect our partnering and sustainability priorities to continue to take the right decisions. Bringing sustainability into the discussion as we establish our collaborations can identify shared goals and opportunities for us to improve and enhance our impact, with like-minded partners. Our teams also look for other ways to drive the sustainability agenda throughout the innovation ecosystems. We are proud to be doing this across a number of activities; for example the inclusion of sustainability assessment criteria within Ipsen’s golden ticket competition at BioLabs France, and sharing through mentoring young companies how ensuring sustainability is central to your strategy and can change the impact of your company for the better.

By embracing proactive sustainability and clear measurement across our operations, we can shape a better, healthier world.

Key highlights

24 April 2024

24 April 2024

LinkedIn Facebook

Ipsen delivers strong sales in the first quarter of 2024, driven by growth platforms & new medicines, and confirms its full-year guidance

Investor and analyst conference call

An investor and analyst conference call, complete with presentation and a subsequent interactive Q&A session took place on 24 April 2024 at 1:00 PM CET.

Webcast replay

Investor and analyst conference call speakers

David Loew

Chief Executive Officer

Aymeric Le Chatelier

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

Q1 2024 sales presentation & highlights

Q1 2024 – sales presentation

Q1 2024 – highlights

If you are experiencing difficulties registering for the investor and analyst conference call, please contact: nicolas.bogler@ipsen.com

At seventy-one-years young, Gill, a devoted mother and grandmother from Nottinghamshire, loves spending time with her grandchildren and gardening. She also has a real passion for her volunteering work, to raise awareness of the ‘invisible, and isolating disease she has lived with for over twenty years, called Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC).

PBC is a rare, autoimmune, ‘cholestatic’ liver disease, where the body attacks and gradually destroys the liver’s small bile ducts. If not properly managed, it can lead to a build-up of bile and toxins, ultimately causing liver scarring and it can eventually result in liver failure.^1,2

The symptoms of PBC vary from person to person, but typically include severe itch, fatigue, brain fog, upset stomach and bone and joint aches. These symptoms can be painful and disruptive, yet those affected can appear healthy. Added to the fact that the progression of the disease varies in speed and severity, this results in those living with PBC often having a long journey to diagnosis and even then, being misunderstood by doctors and sometimes even friends and family.

Gill was diagnosed with PBC when she was 50, and busy juggling her work as a teacher with raising her three teenage children. She went to her doctor after experiencing ‘awful aching bones and joints’ which she first assumed was tennis elbow.  The doctor put her symptoms down to menopause.  A diagnosis of PBC was finally determined several years later through blood testing recommended by Gill’s doctor. Gill recalls her doctor’s words: “You’ve got something I’ve never heard of before. So, you and I are going to go on this journey together.”

While some of Gill’s symptoms have improved with treatment, she has developed what she calls the ‘dreaded PBC itch’. She says, “It’s so dreadful you can’t actually do anything about it. You’re itching and you scratch it and you rub it and it doesn’t matter. It’s still there. It’s like ants crawling all over the inside of your body. And it can get worse and worse.”

Gill counts herself lucky to have an understanding and supportive doctor, and a very caring liver specialist. But, like many people with a rare disease that is poorly understood, her condition left her feeling lonely and isolated.  Luckily for Gill, with her husband’s support, she was able to find a support network, called the PBC Foundation.  “I realised I needed to meet other people with PBC, which was going to be a hard thing to do. And the reason I wanted to meet with other people living with PBC was because it’s very difficult to explain to others how you feel.”

Since joining the network a decade ago, Gill has ‘found a family’ and has overcome the loneliness of PBC.  Through collaborating with the foundation, Gill plays an integral role in raising awareness of PBC, including introducing healthcare professionals to the disease. Gill still can’t believe the number of doctors who have never heard of PBC before. She anticipates that this initiative will assist undiagnosed individuals with PBC, particularly men who often go unnoticed (as PBC predominantly impacts women) in obtaining timely diagnosis and early treatment.⁴

When asked what she hopes for the future of PBC, Gill responded, “My hope for the future is that, people with PBC can get diagnosed more easily, I want people to understand it more… doctors to work better with their patients like I’ve had on my journey, as I know others haven’t… and of course, that there will also be a cure for PBC. But in the meantime, for someone to please stop my PBC itch.”

Sabrina is a lover of nature, mother and grandmother, whose outlook on life is to make every moment count. Sabrina lives with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), which means every day is different depending on the severity of her symptoms, but this doesn’t stop her from doing the things she loves the most. 

Sabrina’s favorite ways to pass the time include family time and enjoying the great outdoors. Growing up in rural Washington state and growing her own family with her husband Jason, the place she calls home is a true source of love and adoration. Sabrina finds herself spending weekends with family camping, hiking, barbequing, and enjoying the natural beauty of where she grew up ─ when she has the energy to do so, and on top of her full-time job and responsibilities as a mother and grandmother. 

“You need to make every moment count,” describes Sabrina on her ambition to live life to the fullest. “I want to live life while I can live it. I want to have those experiences with my family. I want to do those things with my kids and my grandkids. Don’t give up hope.” 

PBC is a rare, progressive, autoimmune cholestatic liver disease in which bile ducts in the liver are gradually destroyed. The damage to bile ducts can inhibit the liver’s ability to rid the body of toxins, and can lead to scarring of liver tissue, known as cirrhosis.¹ The symptoms that impact Sabrina on a daily basis are severe itching (pruritus) and debilitating fatigue. Every day is different but on a typical day, Sabrina lives with symptoms that tend to be invisible to others. 

“It can be downright awful,” Sabrina describes her PBC. “I have upper right quadrant pain quite frequently. I have itching. It can happen during the day. There’s no rhyme or reason.” 

Sabrina also experiences challenges in her personal ability to access care while living in a rural area. Her local hospital does not have any PBC specialists and Sabrina, similar to many other people living with PBC, often finds herself educating healthcare providers on the disease and advocating for herself. When Sabrina needs to see her hepatologist in Seattle, she and her husband take a seven-hour drive from her home. Advocating for herself includes monitoring her symptoms closely, including checking her blood pressure daily.  

Life with PBC for Sabrina has not been easy, but she has developed a support system and leaned on her family and loved ones. Finding a community of other people, especially women, living with PBC has been very important for Sabrina’s journey.  

“I’ve met so many people I would have never known that I love dearly,” shares Sabrina on finding her community of others living with PBC. “They’ve become family.” 

Learn more about Sabrina and hear her story:

References

1. Kimagi T, et al.. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2008; 3:1

©2023 Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved.  08/2023  DS-US-000037

We are pleased to share a recent conversation with Mary Jane Hinrichs, Senior Vice President, and Global Head of Early Development. Mary Jane spearheads the strategic direction and execution of early-stage programs at Ipsen, guiding them from drug candidate to first-in-human proof-of-concept clinical trials. In this interview, Mary Jane describes the crucial role that early-stage partnerships play in the pharmaceutical development process.  

Hi Mary Jane! Could you shed some light on why early-stage partnerships are crucial in the pharmaceutical development process at Ipsen? 

Absolutely! Early-stage partnerships are integral to building our future. These types of partnerships can be the difference between an idea, and the delivery of new therapies to patients with few of no treatment options. It’s about building a strong pipeline from the ground up and shaping the trajectory of potential new therapies. We recognize that biotechs and academic centers are the trailblazers of scientific innovation, especially when considering areas with the greatest patient need. By merging their cutting-edge research with our team’s skills and experience at an early stage, we can accelerate the delivery of new therapies to patients who might otherwise be without treatment options. 

It seems like there’s an element of risk involved. How do you navigate the challenge of selecting the right medicine targets in early development? 

Indeed, there’s always an element of risk, but we’re not taking shots in the dark. Our strategy involves building a balanced pipeline of best-in-class assets in proven pathways and innovative, first-in-class assets backed by strong science. Our robust, data-driven decision-making process ensures that we take risks mindfully, choosing high-potential molecules, balancing portfolio risks and collaborating with the right partners. Taking the right steps and generating the right data during early development can change the course of clinical programs to deliver the best chance of success for patients. We move forward with confidence that we are pursuing the right target, in the right patient population, and are proud to have seen low double digit attrition rate across our early development programs since 2021. There are no guarantees in science, but we continue to adopt our data-driven approach to reduce risks where we can.  

Early development can be a challenging journey. How do you prepare for the unknowns when developing new therapies? 

Science is a business of failure, but it is important to remember that even a negative outcome is rewriting the textbooks that will teach tomorrows scientists and guides the next door we try to open, as we look to create a new medicine. From entering clinical development to reaching commercialization, laying the right foundations through a robust early development program can significantly boost the likelihood of success. At Ipsen, our experience and heritage serve as our compass, allowing us to look ahead and foresee future challenges to help inform and validate early development strategies. By collaborating with world-class experts in the complex MAPK pathway at a critical stage—late lead optimization—we are able to propel these high potential compounds to clinical development. It’s all about having the right expertise and anticipating the twists and turns ahead. 

Engaging with regulators early on sounds like a smart move. Why is that so crucial for the development process? 

Absolutely. Early and transparent engagement with regulatory bodies allows us to foresee and address hurdles that often arise in the later stages of medicine development, and which can delay bringing these potential medicines to patients. As I mentioned earlier, it’s so important to be proactive and foresee potential roadblocks. In anticipation of the intricate regulatory landscape, we are proactively preparing to navigate new guidelines. Our strategy involves meticulous Phase I design to maintain a rapid execution pace while thoroughly investigating optimal doses. We have mapped out the swiftest pathways to approval submissions and scheduled early consultations with regulators upon completing dose escalation. We’re always looking to strike the right balance – navigating the complexities of development, building a solid foundation, and delivering innovative solutions with a strong evidence base, in a timely and effective manner. 

If you could say one thing to a potential early-stage partner, what would it be? 

I would say…Together, we can accelerate the delivery of innovative therapies to patients.  

Mary Jane Hinrichs

Senior Vice President, and Global Head of Early Development

As part of our commitment to accelerating transformative research and development, we’re excited to announce that our annual Golden Ticket competition is now open! Through our continued partnership with BioLabs, we’re delighted to be offering the brightest minds in biotech a chance to secure free laboratory space at a cutting-edge facility in the heart of Paris, France, close to Notre-Dame, at Paris Hopital Hotel Dieu, AP-HP.

Ipsen is a founding sponsor of BioLabs-Hôtel Dieu, which is a life science entrepreneurial community focussed on fuelling the next generation of innovators and life-saving technologies. Participation in this Golden Ticket competition in no way restricts your opportunity to partner/collaborate or seek funding from other routes.

Who should apply?

We believe that supporting early innovation is crucial to advancing the life-changing therapies of the future. We also believe that great partnerships create great possibilities, which is why we’re opening this opportunity up to all biotech start-up companies working across our three areas of focus for research and development. We’re encouraging applications from those working with:

• Innovative therapeutic approaches in rare diseases, neuroscience or oncology
• Novel biomarker discovery platforms in rare diseases, neuroscience or oncology
• Innovative technology platforms, including targeted delivery of therapeutics

Apply now!

Visit the BioLabs website here to submit your application before the closing deadline on April 30^th 2024.

The Golden Ticket competition is subject to specific terms and conditions available on the BioLabs website. By submitting your application to the Golden Ticket competition you confirm that you have read and agree to be bound by such terms and conditions.

Any questions?

If you would like more information about the competition, please reach out by emailing one of our competition ambassadors below:

Ipsen’s Senior Director of Global Partnering for Oncology, Madee Gooriah, is part of the team leading efforts to expand Ipsen’s oncology franchise through external partnerships at every stage of development. But in an industry marked by complexity, how do we approach identifying, evaluating, and securing partnership opportunities? Madee describes what she believes are the building blocks of shared success – for Ipsen, our partners and ultimately patients.  

1. Precision Focus  

At Ipsen we play to our strengths by taking a ‘little r & big D’ approach to research and development. By exclusively sourcing our pipeline through external innovation, we can focus our sole attention on guiding drug candidates through every stage of development. Unlike many other pharma companies of our size, we have no competing internal pipeline, meaning every partnership is a priority for us and very quickly “your babies become our babies”.  

We also focus our efforts where we can have the greatest impact. Instead of following trends we follow the science – focusing on specific indications and underserved patient populations. Big pharma often shy away from these smaller patient populations but Ipsen’s size, global capabilities and unique strategy means it is able go where others have not and, as a result, bring innovative therapies to patients with few or no existing treatments. 

2. Considered Confidence 

Drug development is an inherently risky business, so it is important that every partnership is built on a foundation of mutual trust and confidence. At Ipsen, our strength is our ability to conduct mindful risk taking, backed by confidence in our science-driven strategy. We invest early in the development – to ensure each program is set up for the best chance of success – from target validation and patient population selection to clinical trial design and submission pathways. There will always be things out of our control but with a thoughtful and efficient approach, we can be confident we are entering new therapy areas with the conviction to overcome any challenges on the way.  

3. Unparalleled Commitment  

Commitment is the guiding principle that transforms partnerships from transactions into collaborative journeys that can accelerate development and bring life changing innovation to patients. Ipsen’s size and agility means that our partners can have direct access to Ipsen’s executive leadership team, who are fully committed throughout the program lifecycle, starting right from the early stages of evaluation. To every partnership Ipsen also brings a dedicated team, handpicked for their appropriate skill set, expertise and experience, to ensure that the value derived from each partnership is maximized and patient access is expedited. 

By prioritizing shared goals, navigating challenges with confidence, and delivering on our commitments, together we can unlock the true potential of collaborative innovation.  

Madee Gooriah

While 2023 saw us reach gender balance amongst the 170 top leaders of our organization, we know that our work towards the inclusion and empowerment of women doesn’t stop there. For International Women’s Day 2024, we’ve invited some of the Ipsen women to share what advice they have for their younger selves. This is what they said.

Aurora Berra, General Manager Iberia, Member of the Global D&I Council and Sponsor for Gender Equity

“Be always brave and go out of your area of comfort.”

Kimberly Baldwin, Vice President, Value & Access and Executive Sponsor of Elevate North America

“Always believe in yourself and keep pushing the boundaries. Trust your instincts and know that you have the strength and determination to achieve remarkable things. You’ve got this!”

Shahrzad Amirani, Vice President, Head of New Products & Innovations and Sponsor for DE&I

“To build a meaningful career it is imperative that you know who you are and what drives you in life. Then choose a workplace that is aligned with values. Once you are in the right environment be bold, brave and resilient.”

Audrey Schweitzer, GM Korea and Member of the Global D&I Council and Sponsor for Gender Equity

“Surround yourself with positivity. Spend as much time as you can with people who make you feel good about yourself, who make you laugh, and who support you. Celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there—speak up. Embrace imperfections, learn from failures, and keep moving forward. Remember that progress often comes from taking imperfect steps rather than waiting for flawless ones… And most importantly, break free, be daring, and explore uncharted territories!”

Robyn Busby, Vice President, Global Asset Lead and UK&I Sponsor for Gender Equity

“Be bold, trust your instincts, and believe in your abilities. Don’t overthink or doubt your worth. Focus on what truly matters and remember to pause, reflect, and enjoy the journey. Success is not just about reaching goals but also about embracing the experiences and lessons learned along the way.”

Every four years, Rare Disease Day lands on the ‘rarest’ day of the year, 29^th February. Due to leap years, this day is normally celebrated on 28^th February, but this year means it is taking place on its intended day. While people around the world recognize, celebrate, and come together this time of year to spotlight the rare disease community, we cannot forget that those with a rare disease experience this every day from the months and even years before diagnosis. Life with a rare disease is challenging for those both living with it and caring for someone.

At Ipsen, we stand alongside those living with and caring for someone with a rare disease. Each and every individual is unique and that’s why our approach is unique. This year we were joined by Alexandra Heumber Perry, CEO of Rare Diseases International (RDI) who shared her insights and thoughts on the challenges in the international rare disease environment.

Watch our fireside chat, where our Global Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy, Jan Swiderski and Alexandra discuss the role of patient organizations like RDI in supporting patients. Alexandra and Jan talk about how we can work together to create positive change in the next four years, when Rare Disease Day next lands on the ‘rarest’ day, to improve the lives of people with a rare disease.

This year, Ipsen employees around the world also united together to support EURORDIS’ ‘Rare is Many’ theme, to recognize the challenges faced by those living with a rare disease. Our colleagues shared their own messages of support on the many challenges, and decisions that the rare community face each day.

We see each and every person living with a rare disease and will continue to advocate for the cause: rare but not alone.

Watch the video below to hear from our colleagues this Rare Disease Day: