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Vaccine Business Unit leader's path began in dengue ward | Takeda Stories

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Vaccine Business Unit leader's path began in dengue ward

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October 17, 2024

What inspires Derek Wallace, president of our Global Vaccine Business Unit (VBU)? The answer can be traced back two decades to a dengue outbreak in Thailand.

Approximately 1 in 4 patients infected with dengue are symptomatic, and about 5% of symptomatic cases may be severe and require hospitalization. Given the nature of dengue, patient experiences and symptoms will vary. Always seek appropriate medical help to address any symptoms, discuss medical concerns, and obtain proper diagnosis and care.

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“The decision-making framework we have at Takeda fits very closely with what I think is the right thing to do.”

That’s what guides Derek Wallace, president of the Global Vaccine Business Unit (VBU), and his work in our dengue vaccine program. Derek joined Takeda in 2013 as Medical Director of our Global Dengue Program and has been at the center of the dengue program for more than a decade.

For Derek, the moment he knew helping patients with dengue would become his passion happened when he visited a dengue intensive care ward in a hospital in Northern Thailand during an outbreak.

Derek Wallace

Derek Wallace, president, Vaccine Business Unit

“I’m a physician by training so I had plenty of exposure to hospitals and sick children,” Derek says, “but this felt very different to me. There was a general sense of anxiety and fear in the ward that I personally hadn't experienced before. When I spoke with the doctors, I understood a bit more and that really led to my own personal interest in dengue over the last 15 years.”

But it was also Takeda’s vision and approach to vaccine development, building on the company’s 200-year legacy of innovating on behalf of patients, that truly inspired Derek.

“The culture at Takeda is one that looks at the big picture and the end goal.” Derek says. “Takeda has this value system of patient, trust, reputation, business (in that order). And I think one of the reasons I'm so happy working here is that that's very closely aligned with my own personal value system.”

In all aspects of the job, Derek says his work is a true source of pride both personally and professionally.

“I’m certainly proud. My family’s proud. The people I work with are proud.”