Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. is a leader in the specialty generics market, known for its strategic focus on high-value therapeutic areas such as oncology, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases. However, the rapidly changing pharmaceutical landscape presents challenges in maintaining this focus as the best path for value creation. The current business challenge involves determining whether their therapeutic focus continues to drive superior economics or if it has become a constraint to growth. With new competitors entering the market and shifts in pricing dynamics, Breckenridge must assess if a strategic pivot is necessary to sustain its competitive edge.

The impact of this challenge is significant; an inability to adapt could lead to diminished market share and profitability. By validating their therapeutic focus and designing a pivot engine, Breckenridge can proactively manage these risks. This capstone project offers students the opportunity to contribute to this strategic initiative by developing a decision tool that incorporates real-time data analysis, machine learning models, and a structured framework for evaluating therapeutic area attractiveness.

The project is structured into several phases: back-testing the current therapeutic focus using historical data, conducting cross-therapy benchmarking to identify potential missed opportunities, performing sensitivity analysis on key economic variables, and building the decision logic for the tool. Each phase offers students a chance to explore different aspects of strategic planning and data analysis, making it an ideal learning experience that bridges academic theory with real-world application.

This project is particularly meaningful for students as it allows them to apply their skills in a practical setting, preparing them for careers in consulting, data science, and strategic planning. By working directly with industry stakeholders, students will gain insights into the intricate decision-making processes that drive business success, enhancing their ability to make data-driven recommendations. The project not only addresses a critical business need for Breckenridge but also equips students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in the dynamic field of AI and machine learning.