Big science deserves a bigger story

JFK Communications brought a rare combination of life science communications expertise and a real understanding of clinical data, technology and computer science. In an increasingly crowded clinical software market, they helped Anju sharpen our positioning, clarify our messaging and communicate what differentiated our technology and our company.

Just as importantly, JFK helped elevate my voice as a thought leader in the industry and build greater visibility for Anju through a sustained corporate communications and PR program. Their work helped strengthen how the market understood Anju as we grew the business and ultimately entered our next chapter through the acquisition by Valsoft Corporation.

I've known John Kouten for nearly 30 years, going back to my time at ImClone Systems, during his work on the groundbreaking collaboration with Lance Armstrong to raise awareness of cancer clinical trials during his time at BMS. Beginning in 2020, John and the JFK Communications team became trusted communications partners to AVEO during one of the most important periods in our company's history. JFK supported us across public relations and corporate communications, including the FDA approval and commercial launch of FOTIVDA during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. John brought a rare combination of deep oncology experience, strong media relationships, strategic judgment and an ability to understand both the science and the business behind the story.

What I valued most was that John approached our relationship as a business partner, not simply as an outside PR agency. He understood what we were trying to accomplish, anticipated opportunities and challenges, and was always personally engaged when it mattered most. AVEO went through an extraordinary period of growth that ultimately culminated in our acquisition by LG Chem. JFK was an important communications partner throughout that journey, and I would recommend John and his team to any emerging life-science company looking for experienced and personal senior-level communications counsel.

John and his team at JFK have been a real asset to our communications programs. John has provided expert and sage advice for multiple issues, and outstanding media support for major initiatives. He and his team show initiative at all times and push hard for results. I’ve enjoyed working with John and the team, and recommend them wholeheartedly.

Since Prometheus acquired Proleukin five years ago, JFK Communications has been our PR agency of record. During that time, their extensive oncology and immuno-oncology experience has elevated not only the Proleukin brand but also served to support numerous patients who benefited from our treatment. JFK is a true partner to Prometheus.

Corporate communications for oncology product and technology companies should go beyond traditional investor relations to include synthesis of key pre-clinical and clinical information, insight into the development strategy and timing, the target patient population, and the clinical attributes of a new product relative to existing standards of care. John does this better than anyone I know. He has the technical oncology expertise, the functional expertise, and the relationships that really matter to support both brand and corporate objectives. Think twice before going elsewhere.

I know John as a savvy PR executive, with a broad-based knowledge of public relations and application within a strategic plan for the commercial development of “high science” oncology brands. I would recommend his services for strategic planning and tactical execution.