Building Resilient Supply Chains

For the magazine Pharma Tech Outlook, she shared invaluable insights on how values driven leadership, resilient global supply chains, and patient first innovation have defined Dottie Barr’s journey and Lantheus’ industry leadership in radiopharmaceuticals.

1. Could you share key milestones or experiences that shaped your journey to your current role at Lantheus?

My journey to Lantheus has been shaped by more than two decades of experience in global manufacturing, supply chain, and technical operations across the life sciences industry. Early in my career, I learned the importance of integrating quality and efficiency in operations while leading cross-functional teams across geographies. One of the most formative experiences was navigating complex supply chain transformations and operational turnarounds that required equal parts strategic thinking and cultural sensitivity.

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to spearhead global harmonization of manufacturing and supply chain processes during multiple acquisition integrations, ensuring best practices, shared learnings and differentiated customer service worldwide. Leading a three-year, multi-country ERP rollout further deepened my understanding of end-to-end operations across a complex global distribution network and six manufacturing sites. At Lantheus, these experiences culminated in initiatives such as launching an onsite manufacturing facility to enhance capabilities and drive sustained growth and innovation for the company’s DEFINITY® microbubble product, strengthening supply diversity and cost efficiency, and designing and scaling the supply chain for PYLARIFY, ultimately establishing the industry’s most diverse radiopharmaceutical distribution network serving imaging centers nationwide and supporting continued expansion.

These experiences, combined with a personal commitment to values-driven leadership, laid the foundation for my role at Lantheus. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to not only lead operations but help build a culture that champions collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

2. What critical challenges have you faced in leading complex manufacturing and supply chains and how did you address them to ensure seamless operations and patient-focused outcomes?

One of the greatest challenges in our field is managing global supply chain complexity while maintaining consistency, quality and regulatory compliance, especially in the radiopharmaceutical space, where shelf life is short and patient need is urgent. At Lantheus, we’ve built robust, resilient supply systems by investing in cross-functional integration, risk management and predictive analytics. Our patient-first mindset ensures every decision, whether technical or logistical, is rooted in how best to serve those relying on our products.

3. Given your expertise, what emerging trends do you see in the medical device, pharmaceutical and radiopharmaceutical industry? How is Lantheus positioning itself to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape?

Several exciting trends are redefining our industry. The convergence of diagnostics and therapeutics, the growing impact of artificial intelligence in operations and an increasing emphasis on sustainability are important. In radiopharma, precision diagnostics are becoming more critical in treatment pathways, particularly in oncology and neurology. Lantheus is at the forefront of this shift, with a pipeline that reflects our commitment to innovation and a track record of operational excellence. We’re also embracing digital tools to improve forecasting, quality control and supply chain visibility, while fostering a culture of agility to adapt quickly in a dynamic global market. Our recent strategic acquisitions of Evergreen Theragnostics and Life Molecular Imaging additionally enhance our capabilities across the radiopharmaceutical value chain by adding scalable radioligand therapy manufacturing infrastructure and innovative new assets to our pipeline to meet changing market dynamics and deepen our radiopharmaceutical leadership.

4. Could you talk about some of the best strategies you have employed to maintain quality and regulatory compliance with safety across global supply operations?

Quality and compliance are foundational to everything we do. Our approach starts with embedding our corporate values into the daily fabric of our operations. This includes clearly defined expectations, routine training, rigorous audit processes and a culture that encourages people to speak up and take ownership. We also tailor our regulatory and quality strategies to meet both global and local standards, ensuring alignment with evolving requirements. Tools like the StrengthsFinder assessment, which is designed to identify and applaud the unique strengths each team member contributes to our daily work, have helped us build well-rounded teams who understand their unique roles in maintaining compliance. By recognizing and developing individual strengths, we foster accountability, drive performance and ensure our global operations are aligned with the highest standards of safety and quality.

5. What advice would you offer to your peers based on your extensive experience? What qualities or skills are essential for success in supply chain management and technical operations?

Success in this field requires more than technical acumen; it demands adaptability, strategic thinking and a deep respect for people. My advice is to lead with curiosity, invest in your team’s development and stay relentlessly focused on the patient. The ability to translate complex challenges into simple, actionable strategies is critical. Also, never underestimate the power of collaboration, as some of the best solutions come from diverse teams working together with mutual respect and a shared mission. Finally, understand that today’s workforce spans multiple generations with unique perspectives. Cultivating a culture of inclusion, flexibility and continuous learning isn’t just good leadership – it’s essential for long-term success.