In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, technology plays an increasingly crucial role. From streamlining processes and improving diagnostics to empowering patients and revolutionising treatment delivery, healthcare tech solutions are transforming the industry. But with a multitude of companies vying for attention, identifying the most trusted provider can be a challenge. Ypsomed, once a niche player, has grown into a leading company in the field of devices for subcutaneous self-injection. Boasting the industry’s broadest device portfolio and a vast customer base, the company is currently experiencing a robust and sustained growth phase.
In an exclusive interactive session with The Lifesciences Magazine, Ulrike Bauer (Chief Business Officer, Ypsomed) shares her insights.
Could you please provide a brief overview of Ypsomed and its core business?
Certainly. Ypsomed is a globally recognized leader in developing and manufacturing innovative self-injection systems for self-medication. We have built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for pharmaceutical and biotech companies for developing and supplying self-injection devices that, in combination with pharma companies’ drugs, provide successful therapy solutions. With a rich history spanning over 40 years, we have built up a broad product portfolio and a proven track record on the market.
Our vision is to simplify self-care. We strive to create products that make it easier for patients with chronic conditions to manage their conditions effectively. Our mission is to significantly contribute to the success of therapies by delivering innovative, user-friendly, and reliable solutions that enhance patients’ quality of life.
Ypsomed celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. How has the company evolved over the past four decades, and what is your vision for the future?
Over the past 40 years, Ypsomed has grown from a small startup focused on insulin pump technology to a global leader in self-injection systems. We have expanded our product portfolio, strengthened our market position, and built a strong reputation for innovation and quality. Today, we offer a comprehensive range of self-injection devices, including autoinjectors, pens, and on-body injectors, as well as digital health solutions that support therapy management, catering to diverse therapeutic areas.We are proud of our position as a preferred partner for pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide.
Looking ahead, we aim to further consolidate our leadership position by expanding our product offerings, entering new markets, and deepening our customer relationships. We also intensively increase our manufacturing footprint globally to meet the increasing demand and to allow for a more sustainable supply chain (local for local).
What inspired the company’s founding and its initial focus on insulin pump technology?
Ypsomed’s origins can be traced back to the vision of Willy Michel, a pioneer in the diabetes field. Driven by a desire to improve the lives of people with diabetes, he founded the company in 1984 with the goal of developing the world’s smallest insulin pump. While this initial focus evolved over time, the company’s commitment to innovation and patient-centric solutions has remained unchanged.
What sets Ypsomed apart from its competitors in the market?
Our success can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost is our extensive product portfolio, which is unmatched in the industry. We offer a wide range of solutions tailored to diverse patient and therapy needs, giving us a significant competitive edge.
Secondly, our platform-based approach to product development and manufacturing has been instrumental in our success. By leveraging common platforms for different product variants, we achieve economies of scale, accelerate time-to-market, and maintain high quality standards.
Thirdly, our unwavering commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction has allowed us to build strong and enduring partnerships with our clients. We have a proven track record of delivering products and services on time, meeting the highest quality standards, and providing exceptional support.
Finally, our deep vertical integration, encompassing product development, tool manufacturing, injection molding and assembly, gives us unparalleled control over our supply chain and product quality. This enables us to deliver innovative and reliable solutions efficiently.
What are the key factors that have contributed to Ypsomed’s long-standing success in the market?
Our success is built on a strong foundation of reliability, customer focus, and innovation. We prioritize delivering high-quality products and services on time, which has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner. Our flexibility in adapting to customer needs and our consistent supply chain performance have been instrumental in building strong relationships with our clients.
Could you elaborate on Ypsomed’s product strategy and how it has contributed to the company’s growth?
Our platform-based approach has been a cornerstone of our success. By developing standardised platforms for our products, such as the YpsoMate autoinjector and UnoPen, we can efficiently meet the diverse needs of our customers. This approach enables us to offer customization while maintaining operational efficiency and speed to market. Our platform strategy has allowed us to support the launch of over 70 drugs by our customers.
How does this platform approach benefit your customers?
Our platform-based approach offers several advantages to our customers. It allows for faster time-to-market for new drug products, reduces development costs, and ensures product consistency. Additionally, it provides flexibility to adapt to evolving market needs and regulatory requirements. By leveraging our platform, our customers can focus on their core competencies while we handle the complexities of device development and manufacturing.
Could you summarise Ypsomed’s core business and value proposition?
Our core business can be summarized as follows: Ypsomed is a global leader in developing and manufacturing injection and infusion systems for self-medication. We serve a broad range of therapeutic areas, ranging from diabetes and peptide-based therapies to autoimmune diseases, cancer therapies, metabolic and rare diseases.Our value proposition lies in our ability to deliver reliable, innovative, and patient-centric solutions that make selfcare for patients worldwide simpler and easier.
How does Ypsomed differentiate itself from competitors in the market?
Our consistently implemented platform-based approach sets us apart. By developing standardized platforms for our products, we can offer a wide range of customized solutions while maintaining operational efficiency. Our strong focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction has built long-term partnerships and solidified our position as a trusted industry leader.
Our growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the shift towards self-medication, and the increasing number of biological drugs with the need for innovative injection systems.We are focused on expanding our product portfolio, entering new markets, and strengthening our digital health capabilities. By intensively investing in research and development, we aim to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the evolving needs of our customers and patients.
How does Ypsomed contribute to improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery?
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for patients through innovative self-injection solutions. By developing user-friendly and reliable devices, we empower patients to manage their conditions effectively. Additionally, our focus on digital health enables us to provide data-driven insights that can support healthcare providers in optimizing patient care and empower and support patients in their daily life.
Could you elaborate on your role as Chief Business Officer at Ypsomed and the structure of your team?
As Chief Business Officer, I oversee a cross-functional team responsible for driving our business forward. We’ve adopted a product-centric organizational structure, empowering teams with the autonomy and resources to deliver results. This approach fosters innovation, agility, and a strong focus on customer needs.
My role involves strategic leadership, business development, sales, marketing, and ensuring seamless collaboration across functions. We work closely with our customers, understanding their evolving requirements and tailoring our solutions accordingly. Additionally, I’m responsible for identifying new market opportunities and driving growth initiatives.
How do you foster a high-performance culture within your team?
Creating a positive and productive work environment is crucial for our success. We prioritize open communication, collaboration, and empowerment. By fostering a culture of trust and autonomy, we encourage employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the team’s overall goals.
We believe in the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements to support our employees’ well-being. We also invest in employee development through training and mentorship programs to enhance their skills and career growth. Ultimately, our goal is to create a workplace where people feel valued, engaged, and motivated to deliver exceptional results.
What are the key principles that guide your leadership style?
My leadership philosophy centers around three core principles: excellence, innovation, and collaboration. I believe in setting high standards for performance and inspiring my team to strive for excellence in everything they do. Encouraging a culture of innovation is essential for staying ahead in a dynamic market. Finally, fostering strong collaboration within the team and with cross-functional partners is crucial for achieving our goals. By embodying these principles, I aim to create a high-performing team that drives business success.
