An idea, a vision, is needed to ignite a movement that has the power to transform lives. For Diederik Kok, that vision has consistently extended beyond merely making an impact in healthcare; it’s centered on transforming how individuals live, particularly those confronting significant health difficulties. In his role as Head of GCC at Biogen, he has witnessed personally how innovation and science have the power to change lives, whether through novel therapies for Alzheimer’s, ALS, or recent breakthroughs in gene therapy. For Diederik, it’s not merely about addressing issues; it’s about transforming how we think about healthcare and creating a genuine, enduring effect.
In the GCC region, Diederik’s vision is materializing more quickly than he had imagined. When Biogen chose to venture into the Middle East, it wasn’t solely about accessing a new market—it was about entering a region experiencing remarkable transformations in healthcare. For Diederik, this presented a chance to engage with a rapidly changing healthcare system and deliver Biogen’s pioneering therapies directly to the patients who require them the most. It has been a process of fostering connections, dismantling obstacles, and, crucially, making certain that the patients in the region are given top priority in every aspect.
His position at the leading edge of Biogen’s growth represents not just a career milestone—it’s a personal dedication. With each step he takes, he is motivated by a strong conviction in the ability of healthcare to enhance lives. He is devoted to ensuring that patients, regardless of their location, can access the treatments they deserve. For Diederik, it’s not merely a business venture—it’s about humanizing healthcare, enhancing accessibility, and prioritizing the needs of everyone.
To explore how Diederik is shaping the future of healthcare in the GCC region and beyond, read on!
Journey from a Family Rooted in Healthcare to Regional Leadership
Diederik’s connection to the healthcare industry runs deep. Growing up in the Netherlands, he was surrounded by a family of healthcare professionals. His father, brother, and grandfather were pharmacists, while his grandmother and another brother were surgeons. This environment gave him a firsthand understanding of the impact that healthcare professionals can have on the lives of individuals. From a young age, he was inspired to contribute to this field, and it quickly became clear that his future lay in healthcare.
Starting his career more than two decades ago at MSD, he embarked on a journey that would take him through various commercial roles in Europe. His years at MSD allowed him to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of the pharmaceutical world. But it wasn’t until he moved to Moscow as Commercial Director for MSD Russia & Eurasia that he truly began to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with leading in diverse healthcare systems. Two years later, his journey took him to Cairo, where he assumed the role of General Manager at Zoetis, the world’s largest Animal Health company. Leading Zoetis in Egypt and the Middle East gave Diederik new insights into healthcare from a broader perspective, especially in animal healthcare, which broadened his approach to patient care.
Two years later, he found himself in Switzerland, joining Biogen and overseeing operations in Turkey, Russia, and the CIS markets. Yet, it was when Diederik and his family relocated to Dubai that his role truly began to take shape in the context of the GCC. As Head of Biogen’s GCC operations, his focus shifted toward expanding its presence in the region and ensuring that patients had access to innovative therapies. Today, he is not just a leader in the company but also a key player in transforming the healthcare environment.
Building a Strong Foundation
When Biogen first entered the region, the company’s strategy wasn’t merely about expanding its market presence; it was about creating a meaningful connection with the healthcare systems in each country. Prior to opening offices in Riyadh and Dubai, the company was represented by distributors. But recognizing the region’s importance, the company made the pivotal decision to set up a direct, local presence. This decision marked the beginning of its commitment to the region.
“Since opening our offices and establishing a direct presence, we’ve worked tirelessly to create a foundation for long-term growth,” he says. “In 2023, we took another important step by merging our operations into a unified GCC organization, with our regional headquarters in Riyadh. This move solidified our commitment to the region and laid the groundwork for the work we’re doing today.”
While the organization is still relatively new to the GCC, it has already made impressive strides. Diederik is particularly proud of the company’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia, where the company launched a risk-sharing partnership program to help patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). “SMA is a devastating disease, and this initiative allows us to work together with the Ministry of Health to ensure that early diagnosis and treatment reach those who need it most,” he shares.
Expanding Access to Treatment in the GCC
Diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Friedreich’s Ataxia are affecting a growing number of people, and Biogen is at the forefront of providing solutions. The company’s commitment to addressing these conditions is evident in the treatments it’s bringing to the region.
“We’ve recently introduced an innovative Alzheimer’s treatment in the UAE, which makes us the first company to offer this breakthrough therapy,” Diederik explains. “This treatment can make a significant difference in the lives of patients who are dealing with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage Alzheimer’s. It’s an example of how Biogen is meeting the unique healthcare challenges of the region head-on.”
The company has also expanded its presence in the treatment of rare diseases like Friedreich’s Ataxia. “We’ve secured regulatory approvals for a drug designed to treat Friedreich’s Ataxia in the UAE, KSA and Bahrain, and we’re working to extend this to other GCC countries,” he adds. “For a long time, there were no effective treatments for this debilitating disease, and we’re proud to be able to offer a solution.”
Building Strong Relationships and Partnerships
The company works closely with local healthcare providers, governments, and organizations to ensure that the region’s unique healthcare challenges are addressed effectively. This partnership-focused approach extends beyond just treatment and the company is committed to building long-term relationships that improve healthcare access for all.
“Partnerships are key to everything we do in the region,” says Diederik. “We’ve partnered with a company specialized in genetic diagnostics to provide genetic testing for SMA across the GCC. By working with local organizations, we’re able to ensure that more people have access to the care and diagnosis they need.”
Transforming Healthcare in the GCC
Envisioning the future, Biogen’s plans in the GCC remain focused on not just expanding its footprint but also transforming the healthcare system to meet the rising demand for advanced treatments. Diederik sees significant potential in the region, particularly as countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to push forward with ambitious healthcare and innovation-driven strategies.
“Both Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Vision 2040 have a clear focus on improving healthcare systems and patient outcomes,” Diederik explains. “These strategic initiatives align perfectly with Biogen’s mission to bring groundbreaking treatments to patients who need them most. We are proud to be a part of this transformation.”
A key part of the future in the GCC involves further collaboration with local stakeholders. In 2025, Biogen plans to introduce new therapies for Friedreich’s Ataxia and ALS SOD-1 across the GCC region. Additionally, the company is introducing an innovative Alzheimer’s therapy in the Gulf in collaboration with its partner, Eisai. These steps highlight the ongoing commitment to addressing both common and rare neurological diseases.
Looking beyond 2025, Diederik points to the exciting pipeline of therapies Biogen is developing, many of which are already undergoing clinical trials in the GCC. “We are focused on rare diseases Immunology and Alzheimer’s in the coming years, and the opportunities for clinical trials and early access programs in the region are growing rapidly,” he says. “The potential for innovation and progress is incredible.”
Biogen’s Impact
The company has positioned itself as a vital partner in the region’s broader healthcare evolution. Its commitment to research, education, and collaboration has made it a respected and trusted name in the pharmaceutical industry.
“One of the most important aspects of our work here in the GCC is education,” Diederik says. “We focus on increasing awareness about the diseases we treat, and we engage directly with healthcare professionals to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge. This isn’t just about providing treatments; it’s about making sure that the right diagnosis and the right care are available to all patients.”
In addition to its educational efforts, Biogen continues to support initiatives that address accessibility to treatments. Through partnerships with charities and payers, the company is working to develop affordability programs that help patients who are not yet covered by insurance programs access the medications they need. These efforts are part of Biogen’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare across the GCC.
A Collaborative Vision
With governments pushing for healthcare reforms, advancing scientific research, and fostering innovation, the GCC is quickly becoming a leader in medical progress.
“What’s truly inspiring about the GCC is the collaboration we’re seeing between government entities, private companies, and healthcare professionals,” he reflects. “This region is hungry for innovation, and there is a genuine commitment to bringing breakthrough therapies to patients. We are fortunate to be a part of that journey.”
Biogen’s role in this transformation is clear: to bring new therapies to the region, to collaborate with local partners, and to ensure that patients in the GCC have access to the best possible care. For Diederik, this mission is personal. His vision for the company is not only about business growth but also about making a lasting impact on the lives of patients throughout the region.
Pioneering Change
As Biogen continues to expand its reach and impact in the GCC, the company is driven by a vision that goes beyond simply providing healthcare solutions. The ultimate goal is to improve lives, to ensure that every patient, no matter where they live, has access to the treatments they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Through Diederik’s leadership and Biogen’s ongoing commitment to innovation, research, and collaboration, the company is shaping the future of healthcare in the GCC. With a focus on rare and neurological diseases, the company is not only addressing immediate healthcare needs but also building a foundation for long-term progress that will benefit generations to come.
“We have an incredible opportunity in the GCC,” Diederik says. “I’m excited about the future, and I’m confident that together, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of patients across the region. The journey is just beginning,” concludes Diederik.
