A Biopharma Company Focused on Pioneering meaningful Breakthroughs
Bristol Myers Squibb ( BMS) is a biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to help patients prevail over serious disease. What distinguishes BMS from other biopharma companies is its revolutionary approach to meeting unmet medical needs for Canadians.
Al Reba, General Manager at BMS, says: “I’m just as inspired today as the first day I walked through the door over 20 years ago. We’re always coming up with bigger and better ways to help patients.” Reba has family members who have suffered from serious diseases and appreciates BMS’ dedication to making a real difference to those he holds dearly, and others across Canada.
Further to the commitment to patients, BMS prides itself in having a diverse and inclusive workforce. The company recently committed $300 million, globally, to address health disparities, increase clinical trial diversity, and boost their spend with diverse suppliers over the next 5 years.
In Canada, BMS recognizes the importance of diversity and the company is taking action to encourage and support employees to bring their authentic self and perspectives to work. Reba adds: “An example in Canada is our Pride Alliance group who supports the needs of our LGBTQ+ community. And, in August of this year, we rolled out our identity and gender expression inclusive guidelines”.
It’s been exciting to watch the integration of employees and operations unfold this year, since the acquisition of Celgene in November 2019. Combining innovative treatments across both companies is enabling BMS to fulfill its mission in an even more meaningful way. “BMS has revolutionized care for patients with certain types of solid tumour cancers. Celgene has done the same for patients with blood cancers. Together, we’re able to contribute to patients living longer and better lives than ever previously imagined,” says Reba, who is also Vice Chair of Innovative Medicines Canada.
Another distinguishing characteristic of BMS is its impressive contribution to research and development. Rather than solely focusing on improving outcomes for Canadians with well- known, common conditions, BMS invests a considerable amount in finding innovative solutions for people with rare diseases, such as beta thalassemia ( a rare blood disorder with few treatment options).
“We’re really trying to seek out therapeutic areas where there is a true unmet medical need that we can help solve. To this end, our partnerships with research institutes and patient advocacy groups support the advancement of life-changing medicines,” explains Reba. The biopharma company currently has over 125 ongoing research studies, with almost 4000 patients enrolled across the country.
BMS received four approvals in Canada this year alone and, having joined forces with Celgene, really is one to watch in the drug development industry.
TOGETHER, WE’RE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO PATIENTS LIVING LONGER AND BETTER LIVES THAN
EVER PREVIOUSLY IMAGINED