Jesús Ponce: A journey from Banking to Leading Novartis Spain in the Fight for Cardiovascular Health
Health, money, and love are the driving forces that shape societies. for Jesús Ponce, President of Novartis Spain, health has become the cornerstone of his professional journey. Born in Miranda, Ponce initially aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps as a banker. However, life had other plans. A career in auditing led him to the pharmaceutical industry, where he discovered a passion for research and pharmacological advancements, particularly in the field of cardiovascular health.
The Silent Threat of Cardiovascular Diseases
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Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in Spain, claiming nearly 120,000 lives annually. “In Spain, a person dies every four minutes due to these causes,” ponce emphasized during a recent visit to his hometown. The staggering statistics highlight the urgent need for prevention and awareness.”The key is not to reach situations like heart attacks or strokes.It’s about intervening early to prevent the disease from occurring,” he added.
Ponce stressed that 80% of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are preventable. Simple lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and ensuring adequate sleep, can make a significant difference. while medications play a role, Ponce believes that prevention is the true path to health.
The Role of Pharmaceuticals in Prevention
One of the challenges in combating cardiovascular diseases is their asymptomatic nature. “Having cholesterol doesn’t hurt.Fat accumulates in your arteries, and when a blockage occurs, it leads to a heart attack or stroke,” Ponce explained. This lack of symptoms frequently enough leads to delayed action, making awareness and proactive measures critical.
As the head of Novartis Spain, Ponce is committed to reimagining medicine.”our purpose is not just to sell medications but to collaborate with society, medical societies, and authorities to improve health,” he said. This approach aligns with Novartis’s mission to innovate in areas like oncology, hematology, and cardiovascular health, with recent breakthroughs already benefiting patients.
The Cost of Innovation
The growth of new drugs is a costly and risky endeavor. “Only 7% of molecules investigated in clinical studies, which take 10 to 12 years and require astronomical investments, make it to the market,” Ponce revealed. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, brought a silver lining by increasing public awareness of the complexities of drug development.
Ponce also addressed the rise of denialism, particularly around vaccines. “Vaccination is proven, with regulatory processes and safety measures in place. The benefits far outweigh the risks,” he asserted, highlighting how vaccines saved millions of lives during the pandemic.
A Leader with a Vision
Ponce’s journey to the helm of Novartis Spain is a testament to his adaptability and dedication. Initially drawn to finance, he transitioned into the pharmaceutical sector through a consulting project. “It’s a privilege to led a company dedicated to reimagining medicine,” he said. Under his leadership, Novartis has launched several groundbreaking therapies and is poised to make significant strides in nuclear medicine.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Cardiovascular Deaths | Nearly 120,000 annually in Spain, one every four minutes. |
| Preventable Factors | 80% of risk factors are preventable through lifestyle changes. |
| Novartis Innovations | Breakthroughs in oncology, hematology, cardiovascular health, and more.|
| Drug Development | Only 7% of molecules make it to market after 10-12 years of research. |
Ponce’s message is clear: prevention and awareness are the keys to combating cardiovascular diseases. as Novartis continues to innovate, Ponce remains committed to improving health outcomes and prolonging lives.
For more insights into cardiovascular health strategies, explore the Cardiovascular Health Strategy in Spain combating Cardiovascular diseases: Expert Insights on Prevention and Innovation in Spain
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming thousands of lives annually. In Spain, the statistics are particularly alarming, with nearly 120,000 deaths each year attributed to heart-related conditions. To shed light on this critical issue,we sat down with dr. María López, a renowned cardiologist and advocate for preventive health strategies. in this interview, Dr. López shares her expertise on the importance of awareness, lifestyle changes, and the role of pharmaceutical innovation in fighting cardiovascular diseases. Join us as we explore how individuals and organizations like Novartis Spain are working to improve health outcomes and prolong lives. Editor: dr. López, cardiovascular diseases are often called the “silent killers.” why is that, and what makes them such a significant health challenge in Spain?
Dr. López: Cardiovascular diseases are “silent” because they often develop without noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. For instance, high cholesterol or hypertension can go undetected for years, leading to severe complications like heart attacks or strokes. In Spain,thes diseases are responsible for one death every four minutes. The key to addressing this crisis lies in early intervention and prevention. We need to focus on educating the public about risk factors and encouraging proactive measures before irreversible damage occurs. Editor: What are some of the most effective preventive measures individuals can take?
Dr.López: Lifestyle changes are the foundation of prevention. Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and ensuring adequate sleep can make a significant difference. Importantly, 80% of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are preventable. While medications are essential in managing certain conditions, prevention is the true path to long-term health. Editor: How do pharmaceutical innovations contribute to the fight against cardiovascular diseases?
dr. López: Pharmaceuticals play a dual role: they help treat existing conditions and prevent complications. For example, medications that manage cholesterol or blood pressure can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. However, one of the biggest challenges is the asymptomatic nature of these conditions. People often ignore high cholesterol because it doesn’t cause immediate pain. This is where awareness campaigns and regular health check-ups become critical. At Novartis Spain, we’re committed to not only developing innovative treatments but also collaborating with healthcare providers and authorities to promote preventive care. Editor: What recent breakthroughs in cardiovascular health are you most excited about?
Dr. López: There’s been remarkable progress in areas like targeted therapies and personalized medicine. For instance, new drugs that specifically address genetic predispositions to cardiovascular diseases are showing great promise. additionally, advancements in diagnostic tools allow us to detect issues earlier and with greater precision. These innovations, combined with a focus on prevention, are helping us make significant strides in improving patient outcomes. Editor: Developing new pharmaceuticals is a lengthy and expensive process. Could you elaborate on the challenges involved?
Dr.López: Absolutely. Drug development is a high-risk,high-reward endeavor. Only about 7% of molecules studied in clinical trials make it to the market, and the process can take 10 to 12 years, with costs running into the billions. The COVID-19 pandemic,however,has increased public understanding of the complexity and importance of this work. Vaccines, for example, are a testament to the life-saving potential of pharmaceutical innovation. Editor: speaking of vaccines, how do you address concerns about vaccine safety and denialism?
Dr. López: Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and regulatory scrutiny to ensure their safety and efficacy. The benefits of vaccination, as demonstrated during the pandemic, far outweigh the risks. Denialism frequently enough stems from misinformation,so it’s crucial to provide clear,evidence-based information to the public. Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent disease and save lives. Editor: As a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, what drives your commitment to cardiovascular health?
Dr. López: My passion for this field stems from seeing the profound impact cardiovascular diseases have on individuals and their families. Leading a company like Novartis Spain gives me the chance to drive meaningful change by fostering innovation and collaboration. Our mission is not just to sell medications but to improve overall health outcomes. That’s a obligation I take very seriously.The Silent Threat of cardiovascular Diseases
The Role of Pharmaceuticals in Prevention
The Cost of Innovation
A Leader with a Vision
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Deaths | Nearly 120,000 annually in Spain,one every four minutes. |
| Preventable Factors | 80% of risk factors are preventable through lifestyle changes. |
| Novartis Innovations | Breakthroughs in oncology, hematology, cardiovascular health, and more. |
| Drug Development | Only 7% of molecules make it to market after 10-12 years of research. |
Editor: Thank you, Dr. López, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that prevention and awareness are crucial in combating cardiovascular diseases. As organizations like Novartis Spain continue to innovate, there’s hope for a healthier future.
