After a video presentation lauded him with accolades from colleagues and industry leaders — and after Dr. Sol J. Barer, the man for whom the prestigious award he was receiving, saluted him with a touching on-stage tribute — Genmab CEO Jan G. J. van de Winkel stood before hundreds at BioNJ’s annual Innovation Celebration and … thanked everyone else.
His team at Genmab. Industry colleagues. Patients. Advocates. Caregivers. BioNJ. And the state of New Jersey.
Van de Winkel was receiving the sector’s highest honor for his incredible work at Genmab, which, through novel use of antibody innovation, has created eight cancer-fighting medications with many more in the pipeline.
But while everyone was praising him, he was thanking everyone else as told the tale of Genmab, which makes its North American home at new facility that recently opened in Plainsboro.
“Genmab was built on the aspiration that antibody medicines could be made differently and better for patients, not by following the well-worn paths, but by challenging the status quo, pushing boundaries and asking how we could help unlock the power of antibodies to help more patients by doing things differently,” he said.
“That spirit of curiosity, collaboration and constructive discussion has stayed with Genmab ever since. It shapes how we approach science, how we work with partners, and how we stay focused on patients.”
Then, he told a sold-out room at the Hilton in East Brunswick what he called the true secret to the success of the company.
“Over the years, my role has been less about having the answers and more about creating the conditions for others to succeed,” he said. “What became clear very quickly in my career was that bold ideas alone are never enough. Real impact depends on finding the right people, the right partners and the right innovation ecosystem, one where science collaboration and purpose come together.
“And for Genmab, and you will not be surprised that environment ecosystem is New Jersey.”
A state that long has viewed itself and known globally as the Medicine Chest of the World was getting its due.
Van de Winkel called New Jersey a haven for world-class scientific talent, leading academic institutions, engaged patient advocacy groups, strong industry partnerships and — most of all — a community that understands how to translate science into real world impact.
“Looking back, choosing New Jersey as a home base in the United States was a defining decision,” he said. “It shaped who we are and how we work, and gave us access to people, partnerships and environment and the environment we needed to grow — from a team of 10 to no more than 1000 colleagues here in New Jersey today, from discovery and early development to now eight FDA-approved medicines fueled by our innovation.
“That growth was made possible by the life sciences community across the state, a community grounded in collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing science for patients.”
Barer, the legendary former chair and CEO of Celgene and current chair of Teva, made sure the spotlight shined on Van de Winkel and his persona, too.
“Jan’s success is defined not only by scientific breakdowns; it is equally reflected in his leadership,” he said. “He recognizes the power of partnership across the innovation ecosystem, fosters an inclusive and diverse culture at Genmab, and leads with authenticity and humility.
“From one-on-ones over coffee with new employees, to empowering teams across continents, Jan has shown that true leadership is not about hierarchy, but about purpose, relationship, connection and shared success.”
While the award recognized all that Van de Winkel and Genmab has done, Van de Winkel told the room he is excited about what is to come.
Noting the company’s nearly 3,000 employees worldwide, he said Genmab is entering a new phase of our journey.
“This year is very exciting,” he said. “We have multiple important clinical catalysts ahead, and by 2027 next year, we expect multiple new launches with the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients living with advanced cancers.”
Those discoveries cannot come soon enough, Van de Winkel said.
“Behind every milestone and every data point are patients and families who are waiting,” he said. “That urgency continues to guide our decisions every day. That focus is only possible because of the ecosystem around us and because of the people within it who believe that science, when pursued with purpose, can truly change lives.”
Working together.
Van de Winkel said all of his success was made possible by his extraordinary colleagues, noting the dozens of Genmab employees who were there to celebrate the occasion.
“Thank you very much for supporting this company,” he said. “You’re the basis of this success. I dedicate this recognition to all of you.”
