Heron Therapeutics faced significant cultural and operational challenges while developing HTX-011, an innovative pain management drug. By fostering a cohesive, transparent culture and embracing new communication methods, Heron accelerated its new drug application (NDA) process, achieving a critical milestone in addressing the opioid crisis.
- Outcome 1: Successful NDA submission for HTX-011
- Outcome 2: Enhanced organizational communication and teamwork
- Outcome 3: Established a cohesive culture focused on rapid, efficient decision-making
The challenge
Heron Therapeutics aimed to address the opioid crisis with its new drug, HTX-011. This investigational pain management drug showed promise in reducing or replacing opioid use post-surgery. With its previous success in developing chemotherapy-related drugs, Heron sought to expedite the FDA approval process for HTX-011. The company faced cultural and operational challenges that necessitated a comprehensive transformation to meet its ambitious goals.
Heron needed to consolidate its R&D operations and foster a unified culture after merging teams from different locations. Poor communication and differing work styles between the Redwood City and San Diego teams hindered progress. To meet the aggressive NDA submission timeline for HTX-011, the company had to overcome these cultural barriers and improve teamwork. This required significant changes in how employees communicated, collaborated and approached problem-solving.
The approach
Heron implemented a cultural overhaul, consolidating R&D teams and promoting transparent, respectful communication. Leaders focused on improving interdepartmental collaboration and accountability by adopting a common terminology and emphasizing timely, clear commitments. Work sessions and coaching helped employees embrace new principles and practices. Additionally, decision-making processes were streamlined, assigning strategic decisions to executives and execution-related decisions to specific teams, reducing unnecessary meetings and delays.
The value delivered
By fostering a cohesive, collaborative culture, Heron successfully met its NDA submission deadline for HTX-011, despite last-minute data challenges. The company’s new communication strategies and decision-making processes significantly improved efficiency and teamwork. These changes not only enabled the timely filing of the NDA but also positioned Heron for future growth, ensuring a unified approach as it expands its sales and marketing teams. The transformation underscored the importance of cultural alignment in achieving breakthrough results and addressing critical public health issues.
“Employees are incredibly inspired by the possibility of HTX-011 and passionate about helping patients and reducing opioid addiction. One employee said, ‘I feel a sense of responsibility to get this drug to market as soon as possible. Patients are waiting.'”