Speed is the Need: Launch strategy with Hetal Patel
September 11, 2025
In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey talks with Hetal Patel, VP of Medical Affairs at Celltrion USA, about building a medical affairs function from the ground up while launching multiple drugs. Sounds like a hot pot of pressure, decision-making and sleepless nights, doesn't it? Well, don’t let this intimidate you just yet. From transitioning out of big pharma to scaling systems with limited resources, Hetal shares practical strategies for thriving in high-pressure launch environments and how to do so without burning out.
In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey talks with Hetal Patel, VP of Medical Affairs at Celltrion USA, about building a medical affairs function from the ground up while launching multiple drugs. Sounds like a hot pot of pressure, decision-making and sleepless nights, doesn't it? Well, don’t let this intimidate you just yet. From transitioning out of big pharma to scaling systems with limited resources, Hetal shares practical strategies for thriving in high-pressure launch environments and how to do so without burning out.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro & Morning Coffee Chat
01:34 Journey to VP Medical Affairs at Celltrion USA
05:58 Building Medical Affairs from Scratch: Startup vs Big Pharma
07:48 "Speed is the Need": Managing Multiple Drug Launches
14:24 Building the Right Team: Hiring Strategy in Startup Environment
00:00 Intro & Morning Coffee Chat
01:34 Journey to VP Medical Affairs at Celltrion USA
05:58 Building Medical Affairs from Scratch: Startup vs Big Pharma
07:48 "Speed is the Need": Managing Multiple Drug Launches
14:24 Building the Right Team: Hiring Strategy in Startup Environment
18:27 Creating an Insights Engine for Strategic Decision Making
21:56 Words of Wisdom: Taking Risks and Building Legacy in Medical Affairs
23:54 Closing Thoughts: Impact on Patient Lives
Oats Recipe:
1 serving:
1/2 cup rolled oats
2-3 chopped dates
A few dashes of spices - I use cinnamon and cardamom
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tbsp. ground flax meal
Stir, then stir in 1 cup almond milk (or whatever milk you'd like).
Refrigerate overnight.
Top with slivered roasted almonds before serving.
Oats Recipe:
1 serving:
1/2 cup rolled oats
2-3 chopped dates
A few dashes of spices - I use cinnamon and cardamom
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tbsp. ground flax meal
Stir, then stir in 1 cup almond milk (or whatever milk you'd like).
Refrigerate overnight.
Top with slivered roasted almonds before serving.
Episode Resources: