NNews December 2023

29 December 2023 Although Sunovion Pharmaceuticals has been part of Sumitomo Pharma (SMP) for more than a decade, a formal consolidation including Sunovion and SMP’s other U.S. subsidiaries to form Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) took place in July 2023 to strengthen the treatment pipeline for conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS). “Sunovion has promising compounds in psychology and neurology. Our aim is to address CNS needs with a focus on filling the gap where treatment is limited or nonexistent,” explained Eric Rasmussen, Vice President of Government Relations. “Given our experience in the field, we bring to SMPA a deep understanding of complex and life-threatening CNS conditions.” On its website, Sumitomo highlights its strength of a “non-pharmaceutical (frontier) - to be developed in the mental resilience area.” The term “frontier” refers to new technologies being created, Rasmussen explained. Sumitomo Pharma America Focuses on Treating CNS with Medications and Technology “We believe in exploring a multi-faceted approach to challenging medical conditions. We created a frontier business internally with the aim of expanding our offerings to include newhealthcare solutions that utilize digital technologies as part of healing and building mental resilience, including detection and prevention of causes of neuropsychiatric disorders and promotion of mental resilience,” he elaborated. “Our hope is that patients with psychiatric disorders will have stronger support from prevention through all levels of care.” As with NJAMHAA and all members of its Life Sciences and Innovation Council, Rasmussen is undertaking initiatives to expand access to medications and all types of treatment. Also similar to the NJAMHAA staff, Sumitomo’s Government Relations group is “a small yet mighty team. We’re here to stop bad things from happening and make good things happen from a policy perspective. We work hard every day to promote access to innovative medications to address areas where options are limited or non-existent across CNS, oncology, urology, women’s health, rare disease, and cell & gene therapy,” Rasmussen said. “Government relations and advocacy are a partnership. Together, we go farther,” Rasmussen stated. “SMPA and NJAMHAA’s policy interests are aligned onmany issues. NJAMHAA has a great history of advocacy, visibility and relationships with state and federal legislators. We hope to leverage and partner with that great history and strength. NJAMHAA has added our voice to get the most care we can for people with lived experience.” “ NJAMHAA has added our voice to get the most care we can for people with lived experience.” Eric Rasmussen Vice President of Government Relations Sumitomo Pharma America “ “