Biotech leader champions targeted cancer treatments and diversity

In the world of biopharmaceuticals, Dr Catherine Pickering stands out as a pioneering leader. As the CEO of iOnctura, an innovative oncology biopharmaceutical company she co-founded in 2017, Catherine has played a key role in advancing the development of highly targeted small molecules aimed at revolutionising cancer treatment. Her journey in drug R&D and business development has been marked by significant achievements, including leading groundbreaking efforts to treat neglected cancers and breaking barriers for women in the biotech industry. In this interview, she reflects on her experiences, the challenges she has overcome, and the exciting future of the biopharmaceutical field.

Can you tell us about your journey in the field of STEM and the challenges you encountered along the way?

I started my career with a degree in biomedical sciences from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK. At this time, the course was very male-dominated, with a similarly male-dominated career path typically following. I went on to complete my MBA and PhD at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in drug development. At this point, I knew that I wanted to join the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, so I moved to a small biotech company in London, where I spent three to four years learning the fundamentals of the biotech industry. This suited my personality and constant curiosity more than academic research. I also felt that the so-called glass ceiling had disappeared – I felt equal and really enjoyed that.

Afterwards, I moved to Germany to work for Merck KGaA, where I headed up the licensing and business development team. Working in a new country, as a woman and with a different native language, I had to learn new techniques to get my ideas heard and my deals done. This was a steep learning curve. While there, I saw an opportunity which others didn’t, to develop a small molecule targeting a well-known cancer pathway, a master switch of cancer. This pathway, called the PI3K pathway, had been largely researched and discarded. But I still believed in its potential and had identified a highly specific, differentiated next-generation molecule. So, with a huge amount of courage and commitment, I co-founded iOnctura in 2017.

Could you share an example of a specific project or research that you have worked on and the impact it has had in your field?

One of the most exciting scientific advances that I have been involved in was reinvigorating interest in the PI3Kd oncology pathway. The PI3K pathway is a master switch of cancer, but first-generation inhibitors are associated with numerous side effects and poor long-term safety, which led to their withdrawal from the market. We are developing a next-generation, highly selective inhibitor of PI3Kd, which is very exciting. We are encouraged by the clinical activity observed in early-phase trials, including uveal melanoma, a rare eye cancer with limited treatment options.

What potential future applications or implications do you foresee based on your work?

The PI3K pathway is implicated in several types of cancer. Initially, we are developing roginolisib, a drug that inhibits PI3Kd signalling to treat uveal melanoma. Additionally, we are preparing to launch several other trials over the coming months. Roginolisib will be investigated in non-small-cell lung cancer and myelofibrosis, which are two much larger cancer indications that remain difficult to treat.  These trials offer significant potential to help even more patients.

Another exciting potential application of roginolisib is its ability to be combined with other standard-of-care drugs. Due to its favourable side-effect profile, it could be used alongside chemotherapies and immunotherapies. This is exciting because often resistance builds up to these other treatments. We believe that combining them with roginolisib has potential to overcome resistance mechanisms and provide even more benefit to patients.

As a woman in STEM, what unique perspectives or strengths do you believe you bring to your work?

I believe I bring high emotional intelligence (EQ), which allows me to understand and connect with people. As a CEO, I must bring together the right team, nurture their talents, adjust my leadership style and be quick to act. My ability to relate to others enables me to do this effectively.

I read people well and I do wonder whether I see things that some of my peers don’t. If I see someone in the team grappling with something at work, or perhaps something is happening in their personal life, I pick up on that. I instantly try and help to fix things. Certainly, I try and lead by example. My inspiration came from a senior female manager, who mentored me while at Merck. I remember how I felt, and I empathise with more junior team members who may be going through a similar situation. I lead, listen, and always strive to advise and guide them.

What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in STEM but may be hesitant due to societal stereotypes or perceived challenges?

Find a mentor or sponsor, ideally more than one, across different geographies, functions, and even industries. When I left Merck, I felt isolated for a while, as leadership can be a lonely role and my mentors helped me through this. I would also advise anyone, young women and men included, to always believe in themselves. Believe that you can do it and keep that belief. Personally, I went from working in licensing and business development in big pharma straight to being a CEO. I didn’t ‘climb the corporate ladder’ so to speak and indeed that isn’t always necessary – you can make your own path. Work hard. Trust your instincts. Believe in yourself: you can do it.

How do you see the representation of women in STEM changing over the years, and what further progress do you believe is needed?

Interestingly, at least in biotech, I don’t feel that there is the huge inequality we see in other industries. However, we do need to actively ensure we have balanced female influence at the leadership level. I am making a concerted effort to attract female C-level executives/board of director members as I grow the company.

Women in STEM with Charlotte Owens

One thing I believe is missing in the biotech industry, and which could add value, is the emotional intelligence I referred to earlier. In my experience, this is often predominantly women-led. Anyone in a senior position – men and women – need to be more transparent around their development areas. We all need to continue to develop, right? There is no weakness in admitting when you don’t know something, if you take it upon yourself to go and find out. Do the work and come back next time with insights. For me, this is one of the fundamental areas that we can easily put right.

In your opinion, what can organisations and institutions do to create greater diversity and a supportive environment for women pursuing STEM careers?

I am part of several organisations and networking groups which are female driven and set up to champion and empower women. These networks are great at promoting inclusive and supportive environments within industry. We are finding that membership of these organisations is on the increase, which points to the swell of women in STEM careers. One example in my industry is the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, which brings together women in healthcare from across the globe.

However, for me, it’s also important to be involved in gender-agnostic organisations that champion talent, not gender. We need to focus on the skills that individuals bring to industry and build a healthy, diverse industry. I am delighted that iOnctura’s Chairperson of the Board, and other BOD members, champion diversity and emphasise the importance of strong personality traits.  This has empowered me.

Looking ahead, what exciting developments or advancements do you foresee in your field of STEM, and how do you envision your own research contributing to those future innovations?

Gender diversity is at the forefront of my mind as we grow the company. We’ve just completed a gender diversity analysis within our team. It is important to maintain a gender balance and ensure diversity within senior leadership and the board. This will then naturally translate into our hiring practices.  

Gender diversity is a hot topic in pharmaceutical and biotech drug development. It used to be the case that drugs were tested only on men. Isn’t it surprising that diseases affect both men and women equally, yet many older drugs we use daily may not have been tested on women, as they were not enrolled in the clinical trials? Cancer doesn’t discriminate between men and women and it’s important to ensure clinical trials are balanced.  Interestingly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is starting to enforce diversity policy in clinical trial recruitment regulations.

In conclusion, I will continue to champion women in STEM careers. It’s an incredibly rewarding career path and I can’t imagine working in any other industry.