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Post by scottiemac on Dec 24, 2015 9:55:44 GMT -5
Not all of us old codgers are social media inept - and he can hire an up-and-comer to handle the technical aspects of an online presence. Even the Pope tweets, for Pete's sake. This fogey had the first personal computer in my company back in 1985, took my first database building course in graduate school in 1974 and online searching in 1979 when the "portable" computer was wheeled in on a dolly and hoisted up onto a table so we could dial in via modem to UC Berkeley. All text of course, no images at that point.
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Post by scottiemac on Dec 24, 2015 9:57:08 GMT -5
13 (14?) years running a 2B medical device company making diabetic products. That seems like a great fit, as good as I dared hope for. I can't find anything on his age so far, but he doesn't appear especially old to me and it seems like to come out of retirement, he must be excited about the opportunity. A big element here is that this should demonstrate some confidence. He is 63 years old. So am I (for another couple of weeks, lol)
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Post by mnholdem on Dec 24, 2015 10:03:44 GMT -5
Anyone else concerned that this hire points to Sanofi dropping Afrezza? Just based on his background. If you consider both Al's & Duane's remarks about developing Afrezza's potential, I think that there is room for that interpretation:
"Duane is a respected industry veteran with a strong track record of developing and commercializing disruptive technology for the management of diabetes," said Alfred Mann, Executive Chairman of MannKind. "Duane's experience will be instrumental as we seek to enhance the commercial opportunity for Afrezza® and pursue additional product opportunities within our pipeline. We are excited to welcome Duane to the team and look forward to his leadership." "I am thrilled to be joining MannKind and I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help Afrezza realize its full potential," said Mr. DeSisto. "MannKind has world-class pharmaceutical technology that has the potential to address a large number of unmet medical needs, and I am excited by the opportunities at MannKind for creating significant value for our shareholders."
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I don't want to jump to any conclusions without more information but I think that it's possible that with this hire Alfred is sending a couple messages to Sanofi. One message could be that MannKind's Board of Directors considers Sanofi's effort to date to be lacking. Al clearly considers Technosphere (especially Afrezza) to be a disruptive technology. Mr. DeSisto's initial remarks are about Afrezza and that he intends "to help Afrezza realize its full potential."
I would not be surprised if Sanofi still is not willing to meet Al Mann's asking price for Afrezza and so Al, rather than appearing weak, is upping the stakes by hiring DeSisto and saying, in effect, "we are willing to take Afrezza elsewhere if you don't start getting serious about commercializing Afrezza to its full potential."
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We have one press release from MannKind. The fact that the PR mentions that Mr. DeSisto will be working toward better commercialization of Afrezza - which is Sanofi's contractual responsibility - is significant, IMHO.
My answer to your specific question is that I think it's more likely for Alfred E Mann to end the agreement than it is for Sanofi to end it. My read on this hiring decision is that it demonstrates Al's resolve to develop Afrezza into the blockbuster he believes it is.
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Post by kball on Dec 24, 2015 10:13:35 GMT -5
Anyone else concerned that this hire points to Sanofi dropping Afrezza? Just based on his background. If you consider both Al's & Duane's remarks about developing Afrezza's potential, I think that there is room for that interpretation:
"Duane is a respected industry veteran with a strong track record of developing and commercializing disruptive technology for the management of diabetes," said Alfred Mann, Executive Chairman of MannKind. "Duane's experience will be instrumental as we seek to enhance the commercial opportunity for Afrezza® and pursue additional product opportunities within our pipeline. We are excited to welcome Duane to the team and look forward to his leadership." "I am thrilled to be joining MannKind and I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help Afrezza realize its full potential," said Mr. DeSisto. "MannKind has world-class pharmaceutical technology that has the potential to address a large number of unmet medical needs, and I am excited by the opportunities at MannKind for creating significant value for our shareholders."
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I don't want to jump to any conclusions without more information but I think that it's possible that with this hire Alfred is sending a couple messages to Sanofi. One message could be that MannKind's Board of Directors considers Sanofi's effort to date to be lacking. Al clearly considers Technosphere (especially Afrezza) to be a disruptive technology. Mr. DeSisto's initial remarks are about Afrezza and that he intends "to help Afrezza realize its full potential."
I would not be surprised if Sanofi still is not willing to meet Al Mann's asking price for Afrezza and so Al, rather than appearing weak, is upping the stakes by hiring DeSisto and saying, in effect, "we are willing to take Afrezza elsewhere if you don't start getting serious about commercializing Afrezza to its full potential."
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We have one press release from MannKind. The fact that the PR mentions that Mr. DeSisto will be working toward better commercialization of Afrezza - which is Sanofi's contractual responsibility - is significant, IMHO.
My answer to your specific question is that I think it's more likely for Alfred E Mann to end the agreement than it is for Sanofi to end it. My read on this hiring decision is that it demonstrates Al's resolve to develop Afrezza into the blockbuster he believes it is.
Sums up my thinking as well. Maybe Al trying to get a ballpark deal done sooner rather than later...or Sanofi loses it
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Post by dpca10 on Dec 24, 2015 10:23:16 GMT -5
In fairness the press release said that he will work to enhance the commercial opportunity of Afrezza.
I don't think this points to commercializing the drug and overstepping Sanofi. It just means they want to make the drug as viable as possible. Working on labeling changes, studies etc.
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Post by slugworth008 on Dec 24, 2015 10:28:29 GMT -5
Anyone else concerned that this hire points to Sanofi dropping Afrezza? Just based on his background. If you consider both Al's & Duane's remarks about developing Afrezza's potential, I think that there is room for that interpretation:
"Duane is a respected industry veteran with a strong track record of developing and commercializing disruptive technology for the management of diabetes," said Alfred Mann, Executive Chairman of MannKind. "Duane's experience will be instrumental as we seek to enhance the commercial opportunity for Afrezza® and pursue additional product opportunities within our pipeline. We are excited to welcome Duane to the team and look forward to his leadership." "I am thrilled to be joining MannKind and I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help Afrezza realize its full potential," said Mr. DeSisto. "MannKind has world-class pharmaceutical technology that has the potential to address a large number of unmet medical needs, and I am excited by the opportunities at MannKind for creating significant value for our shareholders."
---
I don't want to jump to any conclusions without more information but I think that it's possible that with this hire Alfred is sending a couple messages to Sanofi. One message could be that MannKind's Board of Directors considers Sanofi's effort to date to be lacking. Al clearly considers Technosphere (especially Afrezza) to be a disruptive technology. Mr. DeSisto's initial remarks are about Afrezza and that he intends "to help Afrezza realize its full potential."
I would not be surprised if Sanofi still is not willing to meet Al Mann's asking price for Afrezza and so Al, rather than appearing weak, is upping the stakes by hiring DeSisto and saying, in effect, "we are willing to take Afrezza elsewhere if you don't start getting serious about commercializing Afrezza to its full potential."
---
We have one press release from MannKind. The fact that the PR mentions that Mr. DeSisto will be working toward better commercialization of Afrezza - which is Sanofi's contractual responsibility - is significant, IMHO.
My answer to your specific question is that I think it's more likely for Alfred E Mann to end the agreement than it is for Sanofi to end it. My read on this hiring decision is that it demonstrates Al's resolve to develop Afrezza into the blockbuster he believes it is.
I completely agree with your assessment. Well stated as usual.
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Post by vestful on Dec 24, 2015 10:37:58 GMT -5
In fairness the press release said that he will work to enhance the commercial opportunity of Afrezza. I don't think this points to commercializing the drug and overstepping Sanofi. It just means they want to make the drug as viable as possible. Working on labeling changes, studies etc. Speculation. To each their own. It will be interesting to hear his first CC and get a feel for his leadership and the way he represents mnkd. I would like to think he brings a little fire as one of these posts described him as scrapy. We need a scrapy fighter who will keep sny and BP on their toes.
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Post by biffn on Dec 24, 2015 10:42:27 GMT -5
The guy did very well by shareholders in his previous position.
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Post by mnholdem on Dec 24, 2015 10:48:30 GMT -5
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Post by suebeeee1 on Dec 24, 2015 12:17:46 GMT -5
Anyone else concerned that this hire points to Sanofi dropping Afrezza? Just based on his background. We finally get some good news and of course, we have a newbie that is working to spread some FUD. Never fails!
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Post by lakemann on Dec 24, 2015 13:07:15 GMT -5
Welcome mr Desisto, now show the shorts what you got, Merry Christmas and good luck in the new year. make us proud!!
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Post by longinvstr on Dec 24, 2015 13:13:02 GMT -5
Yes, makes me wonder if D didn't come before A. Maybe Duane was ID'd as a good/great fit prior to Haken's announcement
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Post by longinvstr on Dec 24, 2015 13:24:26 GMT -5
I'd be happy with YOY ave sales GR of 47% >>Insulet grew from an early-stage company to a market cap of more than $2 billion and was nationally recognized for its technology design and rapid growth, including being listed fourth on Forbes' "Most Innovative Growth Companies" in 2014 with five-year average sales growth of 47 percent.<< And, given his service w/ Foster Grant, he's obviously a man with vision.
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Post by mssciguy on Dec 24, 2015 13:33:04 GMT -5
I'd be happy with YOY ave sales GR of 47% >>Insulet grew from an early-stage company to a market cap of more than $2 billion and was nationally recognized for its technology design and rapid growth, including being listed fourth on Forbes' "Most Innovative Growth Companies" in 2014 with five-year average sales growth of 47 percent.<< And, given his service w/ Foster Grant, he's obviously a man with vision. You are making jokes.. lol, great!!! Foster Grant, vision... awww But we ALREADY have greater than 47% yoy growth, no doubt for many years to come. That's not good enough, not even close... 20+ monthly growth would work but Sanofi choked off their sales force effort recently. Sanofi holds all the cards at this point. Wishing "y'all" a better new year.
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Post by alethea on Dec 24, 2015 13:55:20 GMT -5
Anyone else concerned that this hire points to Sanofi dropping Afrezza? Just based on his background. If you consider both Al's & Duane's remarks about developing Afrezza's potential, I think that there is room for that interpretation:
"Duane is a respected industry veteran with a strong track record of developing and commercializing disruptive technology for the management of diabetes," said Alfred Mann, Executive Chairman of MannKind. "Duane's experience will be instrumental as we seek to enhance the commercial opportunity for Afrezza® and pursue additional product opportunities within our pipeline. We are excited to welcome Duane to the team and look forward to his leadership." "I am thrilled to be joining MannKind and I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help Afrezza realize its full potential," said Mr. DeSisto. "MannKind has world-class pharmaceutical technology that has the potential to address a large number of unmet medical needs, and I am excited by the opportunities at MannKind for creating significant value for our shareholders."
---
I don't want to jump to any conclusions without more information but I think that it's possible that with this hire Alfred is sending a couple messages to Sanofi. One message could be that MannKind's Board of Directors considers Sanofi's effort to date to be lacking. Al clearly considers Technosphere (especially Afrezza) to be a disruptive technology. Mr. DeSisto's initial remarks are about Afrezza and that he intends "to help Afrezza realize its full potential."
I would not be surprised if Sanofi still is not willing to meet Al Mann's asking price for Afrezza and so Al, rather than appearing weak, is upping the stakes by hiring DeSisto and saying, in effect, "we are willing to take Afrezza elsewhere if you don't start getting serious about commercializing Afrezza to its full potential."
---
We have one press release from MannKind. The fact that the PR mentions that Mr. DeSisto will be working toward better commercialization of Afrezza - which is Sanofi's contractual responsibility - is significant, IMHO.
My answer to your specific question is that I think it's more likely for Alfred E Mann to end the agreement than it is for Sanofi to end it. My read on this hiring decision is that it demonstrates Al's resolve to develop Afrezza into the blockbuster he believes it is.
mnholdem, wish I could give your post 10 thumbs-up! As I read this thread, I was thinking almost exactly along the same lines as you. However, you said it WAY better and WAY more concisely than I possibly could have. I think replacing Hakan with this new guy is a strong message. It's a shot across Sanofi's bow. It says, "shit or get off the pot". I think Al Mann negotiated the deal with Sanofi in good faith. He believed and trusted Sanofi and was happy to reward Hakan with the appointment to CEO. All Hakan had to do was babysit MNKD until Sanfofi was selling Afrezza like hotcakes or seeing for itself just how good Afrezza is. Sanofi would then purchase Afrezza or even MNKD as a whole. Now a year and a half after the partnership deal, it is clear to Al that Sanofi has betrayed MNKD and is trying to force or starve MNKD into a cheap sale. I think Desisto's hiring clearly tells Sanofi that MNKD is prepared to terminate the partnership and seek a much better sale of Afrezza or even MNKD, the entire company, to another party. I realize that the partnership agreement restricts MNKD's exit, makes it difficult. mnholdem, I think you "hit the nail on the head" with your cogent, incisive post. I am very happy with this development.
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