Stefan Platz, Roche

Stefan Platz

Head of Toxicology, Non-Clinical Safety Global Head, Early Safety, Roche

I started off as a pathologist at Boehringer-Ingelheim in Germany. When I accepted the position as the head of Non-Clinical Safety in Palo Alto, CA, and moved from a classical German culture to Silicon Valley, I was amazed by the speed and the innovative culture around me. It was a very stimulating and interesting environment.

There is the expectation that younger leaders will come into the industry with a more creative mindset, open to new ideas and concepts of innovation. There are many exciting innovations likely to occur in the coming years, especially in the development of new technologies. One very interesting emerging technology is the field of small interfering RNA (siRNA). Compared to small molecules, siRNA offers the opportunity to be more selective and potent against a well-defined target.

I sought a career to find cures to diseases and help patients around the world. It was and still is enticing to be part of a team that develops drugs that one day will save lives.