“Olivia” still remembers the moment in her childhood when she first noticed something
was off. “I started taking dance classes and after my class every week, I would have terrible
ankle pains. That’s when I realized, hey, I don’t think this is normal; other people don’t seem
to be having this issue; it’s just me.”
Olivia was showing symptoms of Hereditary Factor X Deficiency, a rare disease affecting
approximately 1 in 1 million people. Caused by a deficiency of Factor X, a clotting protein in
the blood, the disease can cause serious symptoms: bruising, nose and gum bleeds and
excessive bleeding from injury or surgery to bleeding into the joints, muscles, stomach or
intestines.
Olivia had limited options, but her doctors initially treated her with what was available. She
never anticipated a drug specifically for Factor X Deficiency, but that changed when her
hematologist introduced her to a groundbreaking new treatment developed in 2015.
“I haven’t had a nosebleed in many years, which is awesome. I don’t look all bruised up all
the time. I don’t really get random bruises anymore. I do get some joint pain, but it’s only
with really intense activity. So, my symptoms are a lot more controlled now.”
Stories like these are why Bob Rossilli, Chief Commercial Officer- Global Business & US
General Manager, comes to work every day at Kedrion Biopharma. Kedrion Biopharma is an
international biopharmaceutical company that collects blood plasma and specializes in
the development, manufacturing and worldwide commercialization of plasma-derived
therapies for use in treating rare and debilitating conditions.
“My team and I show up each day to work toward a future where patients with rare
diseases are recognized and heard. So many across the world are seeking diagnoses and
treatments, and when other companies overlook them, we slow down to take action and
address their needs.”
Today, there are over 7,000 rare diseases worldwide. While each condition impacts a
smaller group, the collective population is staggering: 300 million people across the globe,
many of whom are still on a challenging journey searching for answers for their rare
disease.
Bob Rossilli knows that addressing these needs requires significant investment and
resources, and it’s because of this understanding that he’s earned the trust of employees
and peers.
During COVID-19, when plasma shortages were exacerbated, Bob and his team worked
tirelessly to ensure patients maintained access to vital treatments. And when Kedrion was
poised to join forces with Bio Products Laboratory in 2023, Bob helped lead the major
business transformation.
“To me, Bob is the Tom Brady of our industry. He’s a true team player who lifts others up,
leads with integrity, and tackles every challenge with a championship mentality. His hustle,
sharp strategic thinking, and Moneyball approach consistently turn obstacles into
opportunities, and he inspires everyone around him to strive for greatness.”– Dmitry
Simkhovich, Sr Director, Global Business Intelligence.
Bob learned early in his career that effective leadership means empowering team
members to excel. Whether Bob is helping his team grow their skills or removing obstacles
to their success, his commitment resonates with employees who trust his vision for their
individual growth and the team’s collective achievement.
Bob’s servant-leadership style further solidifies this trust. He shares power, prioritizes
employee needs, and personally invests in his team’s development to maximize
performance. Known as “the ultimate player-coach,” Bob leads by example and readily
dives straight in to work alongside his team.
“At Kedrion, we go beyond just working together. We exercise, run races and walk together,
just truly caring about each other’s well-being. It’s this type of connection that allows us to
challenge one another to perform at our best. It’s how we deliver for the patients who
depend on our medicines.”
As a respected leader in rare disease treatment, Bob’s unwavering focus on patients has
earned him widespread trust and admiration from customers worldwide.
In the United States, Bob’s interactions with patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers
go beyond just transactions. He listens, empathizes, and collaborates to ensure the best
possible outcomes. From addressing fundamental concerns to celebrating treatment
successes, his compassion and care shine through each interaction.
The same is true globally, where Bob’s impact extends across borders to China, the
European Union and the United Kingdom. His understanding of diverse cultural contexts
and tailored approaches have fostered key stakeholder relationships, contributing to
expanded access to rare disease treatments worldwide.
Bob began his career working at major industry names like Sanofi and GSK, until 2015,
when he made a pivotal move to join Bio Products Laboratory. Since then, he has
cemented his commitment to patient care and innovation, spearheading critical
advancements and addressing urgent patient needs for rare disease treatment. His legacy
transcends medicine; it touches lives and instills hope in countless patients and their
loved ones.
As a member of the North American Board of Directors for the Plasma Protein Therapeutics
Association (PPTA), Bob advocates for patient access to rare disease treatment. The PPTA
works to advocate for access and affordability of therapies for patients by engaging in
constructive dialogue with regulatory agencies and collaborating with patient advocacy
organizations. Throughout his tenure, Bob has made numerous trips to Capitol Hill to
advocate on behalf of the rare disease community, ensuring patients with rare diseases
receive the attention and care they deserve.
Bob continues to help Kedrion make significant strides in rare disease treatment. The
company recently established the framework for a long-term agreement with Biotest AG
for the full commercialization and distribution of the immunoglobulin therapy Yimmugo® in
the U.S., following its Biologic License Application (BLA) approval by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) in June.
In April, Kedrion relaunched the first and only FDA-approved treatment for plasminogen
deficiency type 1 (PLGD-1). This rare genetic disorder, which affects plasminogen
production in the body can cause fibrous lesions on mucous membranes and organs,
among other serious symptoms. It is estimated to affect 500 people in the U.S., though
some experts believe it is underdiagnosed.
Kedrion’s mission extends beyond everyday achievements, focusing on infusing hope and
enhancing health to build bridges from plasma to therapies, from donors to patients and
from diagnosis to treatment.
“Rare disease drug development is a tough field, littered with drugs that fail to make it to
patients because of safety or efficacy issues.” Rossilli says, “But on the way home every
day after work, I remind myself that the work we do is changing lives for the better, and that
without us, so many patients around the world would struggle a little harder every day.
That’s all the motivation I need to keep my alarm set for 5:30am every day.”
