Leading at the Intersection of Implantable Device and Biopharma: Meet Brian Hills

When Brian Hills joined Biogen to lead the newly created Implantable Device Unit (IDU), it felt like the culmination of over two decades of experience and a deeply personal mission. The cross-functional team – spanning clinical development, safety, commercial, and device expertise – was established to help advance Biogen's work in implantable therapies. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Brian began his career in IT solutions engineering and strategy consulting before transitioning into the biopharmaceutical industry. Over the course of his career, he has worked across global pharmaceutical organizations, emerging biopharma companies, startups, and medical device organizations, leading both commercial and clinical teams. His initial path into medical devices began while working with a therapy that was delivered through an implantable device, sparking a passion that would shape the next chapter of his career.

Biogen's pursuit of implantable drug delivery began years before the IDU was established. Through a longstanding collaboration with Alcyone, teams across both organizations shared a conviction that patients deserved an alternative to repeated lumbar punctures and that reducing treatment burden was worth pursuing, despite the scientific, technical, and operational complexity involved. It required a willingness to invest in a challenging path because of a shared belief that a more patient-centric treatment experience was worth striving for. The creation of the IDU, and Brian's appointment to lead it, built on that foundation, bringing dedicated leadership and expertise to help advance that vision.  The progress made to date reflects the contributions of many individuals across Biogen and Alcyone whose commitment, persistence, and belief in that vision helped create the foundation on which the IDU was built.

When Brian first received a call from a former colleague about an opportunity at Biogen, what made the role especially meaningful was Brian’s personal connection to rare diseases. Some of his close friends and loved ones have been directly impacted by conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), cystic fibrosis, and Angelman syndrome. “My wife and I have been closely impacted by families in our lives that were affected by rare diseases,” he says. “When I found out about this role, my background in implantable devices, building and leading teams, and my personal connections to rare diseases all came together.”

Today, Brian leads a team focused on addressing a critical challenge for patients receiving potentially life-changing therapies. While many treatments can help improve outcomes, the burden of repeated intrathecal administration can become increasingly difficult for some patients and families over time.” The IDU is developing implantable drug delivery options aimed at reducing treatment burden while helping patients maintain access to disease-modifying therapies. 

What excites Brian most is the opportunity to build something entirely new inside a global biopharmaceutical company. “We’re taking a medical device, which is typically siloed from biopharma, and integrating it within a biotech company,” he says. “That’s incredibly hard to do. And this team likes to do really challenging things.” Equally important is the culture he and his leadership team are creating. “We’re focused on making this a place that people will remember throughout their careers,” he says. “Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or nearing the end, we want this to be an inspiring place to work.”

For those interested in joining the team, Brian believes success starts with trust. “In my opinion, the way you build trust comes down to three things: being consistent, being transparent, and being empathetic,” he says. “Individuals who can demonstrate those behaviors are the types of leaders we are looking for to join this team.”

Looking ahead, Brian sees tremendous hope, not only in the potential technology, but in the impact it could have on patients, families, and the people driving this innovation. He says, “We’re working to address complicated problems for families facing central nervous system diseases, and there’s an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference. That’s what makes the future so exciting.”

While much work remains ahead, the team is united by the same belief that inspired the effort from the beginning; that pursuing drug delivery options that may better support the patient’s experience is a goal worth striving for.