Ward Lantsheer
Tell us a bit about yourself.
“Hi, my name is Ward, and I am pursuing my master's in biopharmaceutical sciences at Leiden University. I have always had a preference for healthcare, having worked at a donor registration company and as a scientific research consultant in the aphasia landscape. Before starting in Leiden, I had studied at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio for a year, which already sparked my interest in the US.”
Why did you apply for the Internships in the Valley program?
“Throughout my life I've always had an inclination for exploring the world (and myself) through studying abroad, especially in the US. Such a mind-broadening experience brings an extra dimension to your personal development which is not easily found elsewhere. The dots instantly connected when I realized my master's program required an internship project. The process started getting traction through a close friend of mine who introduced me to IITV. The Bay Area was an easy and natural choice in my case. The great diversity in opportunities in strongly innovation-driven sectors – such as pharma – really provides a fast-paced environment and consequently a steep learning curve. And not unimportantly, the positive and optimistic nature of the US helped shape my decision.”
Can you tell us a bit more about your role specifically?
“My host company is Evommune, a three-year-old scale-up located in Palo Alto. The internship is in the corporate strategy and business development division of the company. The company’s focus lies in immunologic diseases, and we put our time and effort predominantly in preclinical and clinical research, which means our work spans from identifying new drug molecules to evaluating in-human effects. This process typically takes more than a decade and requires a shocking amount of financing.
The shortest discovery-to-launch period and maximal capital efficiency means quickest access to life-altering medication while protecting low medical costs for patients. Strategy plays a huge part in this. My job is to figure out what patient populations to address, which development route is most efficient, how to be as economically responsible as possible, and how potential drugs would position in the competitive landscape. The competitive landscape is a good reflection of underserved patient populations.
My day-to-day tasks range from evaluating opportunities in poorly addressed diseases, scouting through current and upcoming treatments, and engaging in cross-functional discussions with our internal experts. My background in pharmacology is helpful in every step along the way as this is such a high-expertise field.”
You have a strong science background but are working a business-type role within a biotech company. Can you talk more about this?
“This role is obviously very different from what I’ve studied, but in a way, it's just a different viewpoint on the same medical and scientific complexities. My study was based on the laboratory work related to drug development, my internship is focused on the strategic commercial aspect of drug development.
In meetings, we still discuss papers and novelties within the field. We still leverage cutting edge technology to solve scientific problems. And the end goal is still designing a drug that helps improve patients’ lives. It is the same objective observed through a different lens.
During my studies I was convinced about my enthusiasm for the pharmaceutical sector but could not find a profound motivation for laboratory work. The switch to business bridged that discrepancy. Providing a commercial-oriented mindset and technical knowledge to back it up.”
You’ve been at Evommune for almost five months now! What are your main takeaways?
“This experience has definitely shown me that my career path lies within the industry. The fast-paced environment is unparalleled and brings diversity and flexibility to my work. Additionally, I have greatly appreciated the open, positive, and welcoming nature of Evommune.
One key takeaway is that striving for a stimulating and constructive culture within a company encourages people to bring out the best in themselves. I have witnessed the importance of diversity and a wide range of skills and personalities among my colleagues. Everyone has their own expertise and contributes through their unique capabilities. It is invaluable to gather opinions and viewpoints from everyone across the board.”
What surprised you the most about the US or about working in an American company?
“People are surprisingly friendly, expressive, and talkative. While in the Netherlands, you might be greeted with a stern face and a discontented grunt in public, Americans tend to be energetic and will initiate conversations out of the blue. Sometimes it's a pro, other times it requires getting used to. The streets of San Francisco are a clear demonstration of people's tendency to express themselves, even if that means being a little eccentric.”
What is one of the cooler things you’ve experienced during your time in California?
“The amount of involvement with nature from the Californians is mind blowing. Everybody hikes, surfs, climbs mountains, or all of the above. There are lots of beautiful surf spots along the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I visited some with other interns from the IITV program. A perfect weekend trip. Also, whenever you have the opportunity, look up ‘the Garden of Eden’ near Santa Cruz. It is a hidden gem of a swimming waterfall – highly recommended. The short hike is definitely worth it.”
“Emerging yourself in an unknown, international environment brings a unique dimension to your personal and professional development.”
