Bristol Myers Squibb's Karen Costello enhances patient access to innovative treatments

In the rapidly evolving biopharma sector, Karen Costello serves as the general manager for the commercial affiliate of Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in Ireland. Her role entails aligning local strategies with BMS's global vision to ensure that innovative treatments reach patients effectively. One significant aspect of her responsibilities includes collaborating with the health system to facilitate reimbursement processes, thus ensuring that patients gain timely access to essential medicines. Furthermore, she works closely with healthcare professionals to educate them about available treatment options, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Costello emphasizes that strong collaboration with government officials, industry leaders, and healthcare practitioners is vital for enhancing patient access. This proactive and solutions-focused approach is necessary to navigate the numerous challenges that arise in the biopharma landscape, including the urgent need for new medicines. As she reflects on her two decades of experience, she notes that significant advancements in medicine development have bettered health outcomes and improved the quality of life for many patients. Importantly, she acknowledges the role of mentorship, particularly from women in leadership positions, in guiding her career journey. Throughout her time at BMS, which spans over 24 years, Costello has held approximately 15 different roles, highlighting the value of lateral moves as a means to fuel professional growth.