Efe Can
Global Medical Affairs And Innovation Executive
Nieuw Beijerland
Summary
As a medical executive and healthcare innovation leader with over 15 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to advancing healthcare through strategic planning, innovation, and leadership. My journey encompasses global medical affairs, clinical development, and product innovation in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. From conceptualizing groundbreaking ideas to ensuring successful commercialization, I have led initiatives that resulted in regulatory approvals, market-leading product launches, and enhanced patient safety. Throughout my career, I have built and guided cross-functional teams, aligning R&D with business objectives while leveraging market insights and technological advancements to address unmet needs. Dedicated to innovation and patient-centered care, I have consistently delivered impactful solutions that enhance patient outcomes globally, while driving organizational growth and operational excellence. My commitment to advancing ophthalmology and beyond remains the cornerstone of my professional endeavors.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Global Medical Director
Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (DORC) International
01.2023 - Current
- Led global strategies, resulting in a 25% reduction in regulatory approval timelines
- Oversaw clinical programs impacting over 100,000 surgeries annually
- Secured MDR regulatory compliance for a portfolio valued at 200M EUR
- Spearheaded R&D initiatives that generated three new patents
- Took responsibility for the M&A process during the acquisition by Zeiss (for 1 B EUR), ensuring a seamless transition and alignment of organizational goals
- Led the Post-Merger Integration (PMI) process for medical and clinical affairs, effectively harmonizing operations and strategies with Zeiss’s standards
Director of Medical Affairs, Innovation & R&D
VSY Biotechnology GmbH
07.2020 - 12.2023
- Directed teams delivering a 30% increase in market penetration for flagship products
- Pioneered the development and successful launch of three innovative and patented intraocular lenses (IOLs), integrating advanced optical and material technologies, leading to a 30M EUR increase in market share and revenue
- Led R&D activities to establish in-house raw material production for hyaluronic acid-based products, including intraocular viscoelastic devices, dermal fillers, and intra-articular injectable gels, through a bio-fermentation microbial hyaluronic acid production system
- Developed a new IOL delivery system to enhance surgical efficiency
- Directed the development of an advanced anti-VEGF therapeutic agent a biosuperior of brolicizumab for wet AMD, employing cutting-edge single-chain variable fragment (scFv) Variable Heavy (VH) and diabody (dscFv) antibody formats
Ophthalmologist, Retina specialist
11.2010 - 07.2020
- Performed more than 5,000 ocular surgeries, including cataract, glaucoma, and corneal refractive surgeries
- Completed a retina fellowship, specializing in medical retina procedures, and performed over 10,000 intravitreal injections
Medico-Marketing Advisor
01.2016 - 12.2019
- Delivered strategic medical and scientific insights that supported the successful market entry of multiple pharmaceutical and medical device products
- Contributed to the design and execution of clinical evidence generation plans, aligning scientific narratives with market needs and regulatory expectations
- Played a pivotal role in developing promotional materials and training programs for sales teams, enhancing their ability to effectively communicate product value propositions
- Supported campaigns that achieved a 15% increase in product market share across diverse therapeutic areas
- Provided clinical and strategic guidance for product launches that collectively generated 25M EUR in sales growth, contributing to sustained competitive advantage in highly dynamic markets
Associate Medical Director
Alcon, a Novartis Company
05.2015 - 04.2016
- Enhanced clinical trial success rates by 10% through optimized protocols
- Successfully launched groundbreaking products including PanOptix, Centurion, Verion, LenSx, Dailies Total contact lens family, and Systane Ultra family, solidifying Alcon’s leadership in ophthalmic innovation
- Established a training center that mentored 200+ ophthalmologists annually
- Elevated brand visibility through KOL engagement, driving a 20% boost in scientific publications
Education
M.D. - Ophthalmologist, Retina Specialist
Sisli Etfal Training And Research Hospital
05.2010 - 04.2015
M.D. - Doctor of Medicine, Surgery
Gulhane Military Medical Academy
05.2000 - 05.2007
Skills
Executive Leadership in Global Medical Affairs and R&D
Board-Level Strategy Development & Execution
Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Innovation Management & Market-Driven Product Development
Medical device and Drug Development
Clinical Research Oversight
Risk Management and Patient Safety for Drug and Medical Device
Digital Health Innovations & AI in Healthcare
Budget Management for Strategic Resource Allocation and Cost Optimization
Market Access Strategy Development
Product Portfolio Management
Strategic collaboration with Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance
Launch excellence and ethical standards throughout the product development process
Advanced Professional Education & Training Programs
Cross-Functional Leadership & Organizational Development
Leadershiphighlights
- Built and led high-performing global teams across medical affairs, R&D, and innovation, managing teams of up to 50 professionals and overseeing budgets exceeding 20M EUR annually.
- Demonstrated the ability to lead with grace and resilience under pressure, ensuring timely decision-making and stakeholder alignment in complex and high-stakes environments.
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration to drive strategic initiatives, resulting in market-leading product launches and sustained organizational growth.
- Championed a culture of ethical decision-making and patient-centric care, enhancing trust and credibility among global stakeholders.
- Successfully launched multiple ophthalmic devices and treatments globally, generating an estimated 200M EUR in cumulative revenue.
- Recognized for thought leadership in retina, cataract, and glaucoma management, contributing to advancements in surgical techniques and patient care standards.
Patents and Scientific Publications
Inventor of 40+ patents, including advanced ophthalmic formulations, drugs, medical devices, and surgical innovations that have streamlined surgical procedures and improved patient outcomes globally.
For a complete list of patents, please visit this link https://bit.ly/3BN6SwA to see the details of all patents.
Published 15+ peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, significantly influencing clinical practices and advancing the science of ophthalmology.
For a complete list of publications, please visit this link http://bit.ly/3PgpgRQ to see the details of all publications.
Googlescholar
http://bit.ly/3PgpgRQ
Googlepatents
https://bit.ly/3BN6SwA
Affiliations
The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons ESCRS
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery ASCRS
European Society of Retina Specialists EURETINA
American Academy of Ophthalmology AAO
The American Society of Retina Specialists ASRS
Turkish Ophthalmological Association TOA
Timeline
Global Medical Director
Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (DORC) International
01.2023 - Current
Director of Medical Affairs, Innovation & R&D
VSY Biotechnology GmbH
07.2020 - 12.2023
Medico-Marketing Advisor
01.2016 - 12.2019
Associate Medical Director
Alcon, a Novartis Company
05.2015 - 04.2016
Ophthalmologist, Retina specialist
11.2010 - 07.2020
M.D. - Ophthalmologist, Retina Specialist
Sisli Etfal Training And Research Hospital
05.2010 - 04.2015
M.D. - Doctor of Medicine, Surgery
Gulhane Military Medical Academy
05.2000 - 05.2007