How we help
Competition is stiff: internally for money and priority, externally for share and retention. Since specialty pharmaceuticals are our only focus, we understand the landscape. We deliver confidence-inspiring strategy and rapid tactical execution.
Finding hidden differentiation
Interesting, difficult problems are rarely one-dimensional. Internally, we seamlessly move between formulation, clinical development, device teams, and commercial teams. Externally, we speak with thousands of patients and HCPs each year across chronic diseases. A broad perspective delivers clear opportunities and a path to capitalize quickly.
Making new connections
Oftentimes, there’s plenty of existing information, but it’s poorly connected. We’re equally comfortable with peer-reviewed articles, market research, strategy decks, or technical reports. A fresh look helps us hone in on the important issues. The result is new connections, sharper hypotheses, and clear knowledge gaps to close.
Asymmetric patient and HCP insights
End-users often have a good grasp of the issues, often inventing their own solutions. The trick is drawing out insights beyond the ordinary and obvious. Existing research approaches don’t work well enough, so we created our own. As experienced practitioners with deep knowledge, our tools give a high-resolution view. The result is asymmetric information – potent raw material for strategy and innovation.
What opportunities have greatest differentiation and impact?
With the unmet needs clear, the challenge is focusing time, energy, and investment. Our tools quantify differentiation potential for pharma programs, devices, and digital tools. We're known for clearly framing the problem and constraints. The result is crisp, specific opportunity statements that push thinking beyond the obvious.
Inventing and refining new products and services
At Matchstick, there is no innovation theater. We've had a hand in over a hundred patents and a thousand invention disclosures. We bring creativity, an appreciation of pharma, and subject matter expertise. We build market leadership, protect competitive advantage, and improve patient experience.
Clever product and service concepts
We’re at our best inventing in tightly constrained situations. Our creative thinking spans physical products, digital tools, packaging, and PSP components. Often, our work crosses several of these areas at once. The result is concepts integrated into complex product ecosystems within regulated environments.
Translating insights to innovation, faster
"We know what we want to do, but not how (or the best way) to do it." To solve these problems, we invented the Rapid Innovation Challenge (RIC). It's based on the science of innovation, team psychology, and competition. We’ve cracked "impossible" problems across physical products, digital services, patient experience, market access, and diagnosis. The result is novel intellectual property faster and more diverse ideas to choose from, all in less time.
Refined ready-to-launch concepts
Anyone can have a concept, but it’s just the start. Few have the rigor and discipline to ready it for market. What will it take to get a concept launched? We’re expert in identifying the gaps, laying out a clear plan, and doing the work. In some cases, that means concept testing, financial modeling, or quant research. In other cases, it's working with agency partners or design firms. The result is designs that hit the mark and have outsized market impact.
Building the strategy and investment case
Few if any ideas sell themselves. Corporate experience has taught us what works – and what doesn't. Our approach is a purposeful blend of heart and mind. We illustrate the possibilities, build excitement, and inspire confidence.
Building internal consensus and support
Formulation, clinical development, device teams, and commercial teams each have “wins” and constraints. These exert powerful forces on what solutions will work. We're adept at getting the best out of cross-functional teams, despite their differences. The result is organizational buy in, shared purpose, and broad support.
Communicating the new, making the business case
We've presented to senior leaders hundreds of times, often with our clients. We know new ideas can’t rely on hunches, gut feelings, or bold concepts. We help communicate the new: vividly, but with with rigor and structure. We weave concept, strategy, market, competitive, technology, clinical, and regulatory factors together. The result is a rock-solid story and confident investment.
Where you'll find us
You can find us anywhere devices and specialty pharmaceuticals are developed, dispensed, or used. We work with big pharma, patients, and clinicians.
We’ve solved “impossible” problems with…
- Autoinjectors and prefilled syringes
- Onbody and wearable injectors
- Infusion pumps
- Oral medication packaging
- Nebulizers and inhalation
- Mobile applications (non-SaMD/SAMD)
- Training or “demo” devices
- Instructional/troubleshooting materials
- Packaging for convenience or adherence
- Connected devices and features
- Reconstitution, pooling, dose setting
- Adherence features, programs, services
- Patient support program elements
- Disease diagnosis (speed and specificity)