Transforming Pharmaceutical Access and Innovation: Insights from Moreno Perugini at Nestlé Health Science
By: Vera Kovacevic, PhD
Interviewee: Moreno Perugini, President of Active & Medical Nutrition, U.S. & President of Global Pharmaceutical Therapies at Nestlé Health Science
Transforming Pharmaceutical Access and Innovation: Insights from Moreno Perugini at Nestlé Health Science
By: Vera Kovacevic, PhD
Interviewee: Moreno Perugini, President of Active & Medical Nutrition, U.S. & President of Global Pharmaceutical Therapies at Nestlé Health Science
Nestlé Health Science, a global leader in nutritional science, is at the forefront of transforming healthcare with its innovative approaches to pharmaceutical and nutritional solutions. By integrating science-based nutritional therapies with pharmaceutical treatments, the company aims to enhance the quality of life for patients around the world.
Recently, Xtalks had the opportunity to speak with Moreno Perugini, President of Active & Medical Nutrition, U.S. & President of Global Pharmaceutical Therapies at Nestlé Health Science. Our conversation delved into the company’s holistic vision for making pharmaceutical products more accessible worldwide, its human-centric approach and the pioneering strategies it employs to navigate the complexities of the industry. Here are the key insights from the interview.
Holistic Vision for Accessibility
Nestlé Health Science is committed to ensuring that pharmaceutical products effectively reach the right patients. Perugini highlighted the importance of comprehensive services, such as copay assistance programs in the US, to aid healthcare providers and patients.
The company’s holistic approach looks beyond just delivering drugs; it involves understanding and addressing the broader needs of patients. For instance, patients undergoing chemotherapy not only require effective drugs but also support in nutrition and recovery. This vision ensures that patients receive complete care tailored to their specific health needs.
Human-Centric Delivery of Pharmaceutical Products
At the core of Nestlé Health Science’s strategy is a shift towards a human-centric delivery model. This means keeping the patient at the center of all pharmaceutical developments, addressing both medical and additional unmet needs.
Perugini illustrated this with the example of cancer patients who need not only chemotherapy but also nutritional support to regain strength and recover fully. “It starts with really keeping the patient at the center of what the drug is going to do, but also considering additional unmet needs that a patient might have,” he explained.
By integrating medical nutrition and consumer care products with pharmaceutical treatments, Nestlé Health Science differentiates itself in the industry and ensures a comprehensive approach to patient care.
Navigating Scientific and Regulatory Challenges
Bringing innovative treatments to market involves navigating complex scientific and regulatory landscapes.
“First of all, regulatory requirements differ significantly between approved drugs, medical nutrition and consumer products,” explains Perugini. “So, we have different teams dealing with the specific compliance details needed to successfully navigate the scientific and regulatory challenges.”
Despite the complexities, the company’s patient-centric approach remains consistent across all stages of product development, ensuring that the end products meet the highest standards of efficacy and safety.
“It starts with really keeping the patient at the center of what the drug is going to do, but also considering additional unmet needs that a patient might have.”
— Moreno Perugini, President of Active & Medical Nutrition, U.S. & President of Global Pharmaceutical Therapies at Nestlé Health Science
“It starts with really keeping the patient at the center of what the drug is going to do, but also considering additional unmet needs that a patient might have.”
— Moreno Perugini, President of Active & Medical Nutrition, U.S. & President of Global Pharmaceutical Therapies at Nestlé Health Science
Success Through Partnerships and Collaborations
Nestlé Health Science has a strong history of innovation, exemplified by the successful commercialization of VOWST, the first approved orally administered microbiome therapeutic to prevent recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). This groundbreaking treatment, developed in partnership with Seres Therapeutics, highlights the company’s ability to bring first-to-market treatments through effective collaborations.
The positive reception of VOWST among healthcare professionals underscores the market’s readiness for innovative therapies, as there is an unmet need in treatments for CDI, and Nestlé Health Science’s role in driving awareness and adoption.
Emerging Trends and Future Technologies
Looking ahead, Perugini identified several emerging trends that will shape the pharmaceutical industry. There is a noticeable shift towards remote healthcare interactions, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increasing emphasis on patient education and self-care.
Nestlé Health Science aims to support this trend by providing educational resources and tools that facilitate better patient-doctor interactions. Additionally, the company’s broad portfolio, including medical nutrition and consumer care products, positions it well to lead in this evolving landscape by offering comprehensive health solutions beyond just pharmaceuticals.
Measuring Impact on Global Health Outcomes
Nestlé Health Science measures the impact of its pharmaceutical products through clinical health outcomes and quality of life indicators. The company also monitors how healthcare providers perceive its products and communication efforts.
Success stories like the introduction of VOWST showcase the tangible benefits of Nestlé Health Science’s innovative approaches, contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced trust among healthcare professionals.
Nestlé Health Science is pioneering a holistic, human-centric approach to pharmaceutical care, focusing on accessibility, comprehensive patient support and innovative treatments. Through strategic partnerships, regulatory expertise and a forward-looking vision, the company is positioned to lead the industry in improving global health outcomes.
ABOUT Moreno Perugini
Moreno Perugini is President of Active & Medical Nutrition & Pharmaceutical Therapies at Nestlé Health Science. Leading a dedicated team of commercial and medical professionals, Moreno and his team actively shape the healthcare system through innovative approaches and a strong commitment to delivering pharmaceutical products with a human-centered focus. Grounded in independent thinking, scientific rigor and extensive research, Moreno’s collective teams develop solutions that prioritize a complete patient narrative.
Moreno Perugini is President of Active & Medical Nutrition, U.S. and President of Global Pharmaceutical Therapies at Nestlé Health Science U.S. In his role leading the Active & Medical Nutrition U.S. business, Moreno manages the P&L and strategic direction for a key product portfolio which includes BOOST®, Vital Proteins®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, Pure Encapsulations® and Compleat®.
As President of Global Pharmaceutical Therapies, Moreno provides oversight to an essential pillar of the organization. Leading a dedicated team of commercial and medical professionals, Moreno and his team actively shape the healthcare system through innovative approaches and a strong commitment to delivering pharmaceutical products with a human-centered focus.
Grounded in independent thinking, scientific rigor and extensive research, Moreno’s collective teams develop solutions that prioritize a complete patient narrative.
Prior to assuming the role of President of Pharma in December 2022, Moreno served as the Senior Vice President of Global Medical Affairs Pharmaceuticals at Aimmune Therapeutics, a company later acquired by Nestlé Health Science. His journey within the broader Nestlé organization commenced with a focus on crafting value proposition narratives. Over time, he undertook various responsibilities, including leadership of the Global Market Access team for the Nestlé Health Science portfolio, encompassing drugs, nutritional products, devices, diagnostics and consumer care.
With an extensive background spanning over two decades in the life sciences field, Moreno holds expertise in areas such as marketing, commercialization, market access and medical affairs. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions at esteemed pharmaceutical companies like AbbVie and Novartis. Notably, he has been instrumental in bringing multiple pharmaceutical technologies to market, across different therapeutic areas, all guided by his unwavering commitment to prioritizing patients and expanding access to treatment.
Moreno holds a master's degree in Pharmacoeconomics/Pharmaceutical Economics from Universitat Pompeu Fabra – IDEC and an MBA from Bocconi.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Moreno is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and demonstrates this commitment as the executive sponsor of the NHSC U.S. Pride ERG. For the past five years, he has chosen to put down roots, dedicating his time to raising his children alongside his husband. This experience brings him immense joy and contentment.