Maximizing patient access to life-saving cancer treatments

What happens when you combine a doctorate in pharmacy with a master’s degree in public health? It’s like having the power to look at the world with the lens of a telescope or a microscope—and it’s a good vantage point for gaining insights into how Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is shaping the future of health.

Here’s how one such hybrid PharmD-MPH, Alex Marshall, is working to build a world where life-threatening diseases like cancer can be prevented, treated and even cured.

Applying rigorous science with purpose and compassion

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare blood cancer that occurs when the body’s healthy white blood cells—ordinarily the watchful sentinels and front-line guardians of your immune system—turn into abnormal cells and begin multiplying. While the exact cause is unknown, it results in cascading medical conditions, severe impairment of major organs and ultimately death. Indeed, more than 12,000 people die from MM in the U.S. each year, and there is no cure.

Yet hearing that coda as a call to action is part of what differentiates the scientists, physicians, researchers, economists and experts across specialty areas at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. People like Alex.

“Right now, I’m working to lessen the impact of multiple myeloma from a life-threatening disease to a chronic condition through maximizing patient access to our medications” he says. “I’m convinced that we can one day make cancer curable. I envision a day when patients won’t hear a cancer diagnosis as a death sentence, but rather as a treatable disease that allows for a high-quality life.”

Alex continues, “By optimizing the entire research, development and delivery process, major breakthroughs are becoming part of the culture of our team, and they’re happening faster and more frequently than you might think.”

MM is a case in point.

“When I started my career, there were fewer treatment options for patients with MM. Today, we have four different groundbreaking therapies in our portfolio to treat MM and we’re working to ensure that the best treatments are available to patients,” Alex says. “But until all of our patients are able to access treatments and lead longer, healthier and higher-quality lives, our work remains unfinished.”

Be yourself, help us change the world

Our culture of support and inclusiveness is among the defining features of Johnson & Johnson in Alex’s eyes, which he says means “being part of a community and being empowered to be your authentic self where your opinion matters and your voice is heard.” And far from being accidental, it’s a powerful differentiator in terms of what we’re able to achieve. 

He continues, “Our culture at Johnson & Johnson opens up a world of opportunity and possibility. It’s the backdrop that allows for candid exchanges, for game-changing ideas to rise to the surface and for people to ask important questions—and know they’ll get honest feedback. It’s an inspiring culture to work in every day. I envision a day when patients won’t hear a cancer diagnosis as a death sentence, but rather as a treatable disease that allows for a high-quality life."

Will your next big idea change or save lives?

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is bringing to life the transformational medicines of tomorrow while addressing the most pressing areas of unmet patient need today. If you share Alex’s compassion, rigorous approach to science and broader sense of purpose, check out all of the ways to join Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, and sign up for our global talent community to get updates about jobs that might interest you in the future.