The ART of Market Entry: Navigating Japan’s Pharmaceutical Landscape

Yunke Song, PhD, is a scientist by training but has acquired experience in an industry-leading financial institution, pharmaceutical company and consulting firms. Born in Beijing, raised in Japan and earning his PhD in the US, Yunke brings a multicultural background to the table, together with unique experience acquired through his diverse career. Yunke currently leads the Syneos Health Consulting practice in Japan and North APAC and brings in Syneos Health collective capabilities in Japan to maximize customer value in areas such as commercial, medical affairs, R&D and value and access, digital and corporate strategies.

Before joining Syneos Health Consulting, Yunke was leading management consulting projects at PwC Japan, covering commercial advisory and medical advisory, among other areas of practice, and serving as a key thought leader. Yunke also led Keytruda biomarker marketing in MSD Japan, as well as serving in the internal strategy office. Prior to that, Yunke was responsible for executing and proposing IPO and M&A activities at Morgan Stanley Japan Investment Banking Division.

Yunke earned his PhD specializing in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. He graduated as valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude from the Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Keio University Faculty of Science and Engineering. Yunke is fluent in Japanese, English and Chinese.

With more than two decades of distinguished experience in executive search, Adam Kennedy stands as a preeminent figure in Asia-Pacific’s pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. His expertise spans diverse areas, notably excelling in rare diseases and collaborating with multinational corporations. As Vice President of TSP APAC, Kennedy spearheads efforts to identify top-tier talent, contributing to industry growth and organizational excellence.

Adam’s legacy is distinguished by his unique ability to curate leadership teams for pioneering orphan drug market entries and established rare disease firms. Beyond his profound impact within the industry, his global network sets him apart, enabling him to source exceptional candidates across borders and cultures. His prior engagement with the NHS in London further enriches his strategic approach, infusing a holistic perspective into his executive search strategies.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep-rooted understanding of the healthcare landscape, Adam Kennedy continues to redefine leadership in the pharmaceutical sector. As a driving force behind TSP APAC, his endeavors continue to shape the industry, placing exceptional leaders in roles that drive innovation and foster success.

Pascal Rigaudy, PharmD, PhD, MBA, is an international pharmaceutical executive passionate about science and patients with strong experience in Specialty Care, including Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rare Diseases, Transplantation, as well as significant operational experience across Asia, including more than 10 years in Japan.

Initially a scientist in molecular biology and pharmacology in France and in the US, he joined the pharmaceutical industry after completing an international MBA.

During his career spent at two major global pharmaceutical companies (Novartis, Sanofi), he had multiple strategic and operational positions. He was directly involved in the global launch and international development of major oncology products, led teams across multiple countries, especially in Australia, Asia Pacific and Japan.

Specifically in Japan, as Head of the Oncology Unit and then General Manager of Sanofi Genzyme, he led local development projects, built and managed teams for multiple successful product launches and had the opportunity to set up productive commercial partnerships.

He also led a major global acquisition project when working as Global Head of Transplant.

Over the recent years, Pascal has been supporting innovative companies that are either considering or actively entering the Japanese market, helping them across multiple activities, including market assessment, KOL engagement, medical education and setting up a local organization.