NGM Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing a robust pipeline of drug candidates to address a spectrum of large, unmet medical needs. The company is leveraging its biology-centric drug discovery approach to uncover novel mechanisms of action and generate proprietary insights that will enable it to move rapidly into proof-of-concept studies and deliver first-in-class medicines.
“The company aspires to operate the most productive research and development engines in the biopharmaceutical industry, with multiple programs already in clinical development,” explains David Woodhouse, CEO of NGM Bio. “Our primary areas of focus include cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic diseases. We intend to continue growing our pipeline of experimental medicines and building our proficiency in discovery research.”
How has this pandemic shifted the way your business operates, and how have your people responded to the crisis?
“Our business has temporarily shifted to a primarily remote working approach where most of our employees are working from home while only about 15% of our workers, some lab and certain support functions, are onsite a few days a week. Our employees are responding well by supporting each other, sharing their stories, and lending a helping hand where needed. We recently partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank and raised $15,000 to help those in need.”
What are you most proud of that your company has achieved over the last year?
“In addition to an IPO in 2019, so far this year, we have successfully completed a 24-week Phase 2 study (Cohort 4) of aldafermin in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients, and announced topline results demonstrating a positive effect on all key liver histology and biomarker measures of disease. We commenced our Phase 2b ALPINE 2/3 study of aldafermin in patients with F2-F3 liver fibrosis and made significant pipeline progress; five additional clinical programs now underway across cardio-metabolic and liver disease, ophthalmic disease and cancer.”
How would you describe your workplace culture, and what attributes are you looking for when determining who gets hired there?
“’Follow the science’ is a phrase often expressed at NGM. We are intensely science-driven and committed to having a profound impact on addressing some of today’s most urgent medical needs. We have really smart team members who enjoy working together to pursue great science and to discover and develop breakthrough biologics that treat serious diseases. When hiring, we focus on highly-qualified individuals who are both driven and compassionate and who we know can make a contribution to our success.”
Are there any guiding principles that you or your company live by?
“Our scientific values serve as a framework for our differentiated approach to drug discovery and development, this includes: focusing on transformative impact, being fearlessly open-minded, having uncompromising standards, supporting collaborative engagement, and promoting workplace democracy.”
What has been the biggest challenge to overcome as a business, and how did you rise to the occasion?
“The biggest challenge we have overcome as a business was transitioning to a distributed working environment and maintaining as much business continuity and employee connectivity as possible. Communication is the key. It is a work in progress, but we are impressed by how the whole organization has kept its eye on the ball and risen to the occasion.”
What are some of the best practices you and your staff do to stay connected, in general and in times of crisis?
“At NGM, our team of incredibly bright, talented scientists and industry professionals is the foundation and fuel for our accomplishments. We encourage everyone to take the time to check-in on each other and share tips and ideas for managing through this crisis. Our leadership team has gone above and beyond to ensure safety protocols are communicated, sending out daily emails to keep everyone informed and provide clarity across the company. These emails have provided a sense of peace and calm for all employees during a time that can feel overwhelming and uncertain.”
NGM Bio is actively hiring and would love to hear from interested candidates. Check out their careers page: https://www.ngmbio.com/careers/
