Lotus Mallbris is a physician-scientist and executive leader with expertise in immunology, drug development, and global medical affairs. Currently SVP and Head of the Immunology Business Unit at Eli Lilly Japan, she combines clinical insight with strategic acumen to lead high-performance teams, drive innovation, and deliver transformative therapies across dermatology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology.
Leading with Local Insight: Driving Purpose-Driven Innovation in Japan
For me, localization isn’t just a strategy—it’s a responsibility. As a leader, I believe meaningful impact comes from listening first. In Japan, that means understanding the voices of patients, physicians, policymakers, and regulators to shape truly fit solutions.
I anchor our work on three principles:
• Deep Local Insight: I prioritize direct engagement with local stakeholders to ensure our direction aligns with the realities of Japanese healthcare.
• Agile Adaptation: With a strong local team, we quickly adapt global innovations—tailoring trial protocols, patient support models, or regulatory submissions—to meet Japan’s unique needs.
• Collaborative Execution: I work closely with partners across academia, government, and industry on projects like designing dementia-friendly communities, where science, access, and social systems must all connect.
Localization means leading with empathy, agility, and purpose so we can deliver the outcomes that matter most to patients in Japan.
Defining the Right Patients: Guiding Every Step from Development to Access
At Lilly Immunology, the way we define indications and patient populations is deeply personal. It shapes everything from how we design trials to how fast we deliver medicines to those who need them.
Innovation means nothing if it doesn’t reach the people who need it—so we lead with empathy, act with urgency, and never lose sight of our purpose
My approach centers on identifying where science can make the most significant difference, especially where patients have few or no options. We’ve brought forward dermatology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology treatments that reflect this focus. Today, we’re applying immunology insights to advance care in inflammatory bowel disease, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, and alopecia areata.
This work includes pediatric populations—an area I’m particularly passionate about. Children deserve the same urgency and innovation as adults. We accelerated development in polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and pediatric atopic dermatitis. Olumiant is just one example of how we’ve expanded indications with purpose and speed.
With nearly a quarter of our global workforce in R&D, we’re structured to move fast, with scientific rigor and bold intent—because innovation only matters when it reaches those who need it most.
Empowering Teams Through Leadership: Progress Over Perfection, Purpose Over Pressure
In this age of increasing complexity, we must simplify and focus on what truly matters—to create space for bold thinking, essential action, and meaningful progress.
The first step in empowering people is to show them their own potential, which often goes far beyond what they imagined possible. That’s how we build a culture of psychological safety and high performance.
Performance isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s not just about working hard—it’s about working with intention. And getting clear on our “why” is where real growth begins.
Patients can’t wait for us to recharge or realign in a fast-moving world. That’s why I see deep thinking as a leadership discipline, not a luxury. Leaders create the conditions for others to thrive, so they can, in turn, make life better for others.
Accelerating Access in Japan: Bold Leadership and Collaborative Systems Drive Impact
Delivering breakthrough therapies in a complex market like Japan takes bold leadership, urgency, and true collaboration.
We work closely with policymakers, regulators, and industry groups like PhRMA to ensure value-based pricing reflects the real impact of these innovations. At the same time, we partner with patient advocacy organizations to raise awareness around conditions like alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases— because access starts with understanding.
For me, innovation isn’t just about medicines. It’s about unlocking the full potential of systems, partnerships, and people to ensure patients receive the care when needed.
What’s Next for Immunology: Bold Science, Better Outcomes
The future of immunology can’t be just about managing chronic conditions—we must aim to prevent them.
At Lilly, we believe personalized, continuous care is the path forward. We’re investing in a broad portfolio of next-generation treatments, from small molecules to monoclonal antibodies, RNA-based therapies, and cellular and genetic innovations that can potentially reset the immune system.
Our teams are exploring new frontiers—like the role of incretins in immune health—and we’re designing medicines that fit more seamlessly into daily life, with patient-friendly dosing at the core.
With over 80 active investigator-led studies and deep collaborations with academic institutions, we’re committed to accelerating impact. From our work in pediatric development to our recent Alzheimer’s breakthrough and past progress in polio, we’re driven by a clear mission: to prevent immune-mediated diseases and improve lives worldwide.
Advice for Emerging Pharma Leaders: Lead with Empathy, Purpose, and Resilience
As a mother, a woman, and a pharmaceutical executive, I care deeply about empowering the next generation of leaders. Innovation must always stay grounded in its core purpose—improving lives.
My advice to emerging leaders is to embrace diversity, foster inclusive environments, and never underestimate the power of empathy in driving progress. Breaking barriers and reshaping healthcare requires not just vision but resilience.
Sustainable leadership starts with a healthy mind and body. You can only lead with full energy and clarity when you care for yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically.
To build a healthier future, we must pair innovation with empathy, ambition with service, and lead with both humility and boldness.
