As the daughter of two chemists who had long careers in the world of pharmaceuticals, Marie-Josee Toutounji grew up with the promise of medicine incorporated into her daily life. But she never suspected that her own career would follow a similar path.  

“My dad always told me I was going to be a pharmacist and work in pharma,” recounts Marie-Josee. “And I kept saying, ‘No, no, no, no, no, no.’ Then, the day I filled out my university request, I ended up putting pharmacist as one of my choices. My dad said, ‘See, I told you.’” 

In the end, following in her family’s footsteps led Marie-Josee to the pharmacy and eventually into biopharma, and her role at BioMarin as Medical Director in Canada. She oversees all of the company’s medical activities in Canada, providing medical support to the company’s product development strategy and post-marketing commitments. 

Marie-Josee shared her story in our employee profile series, “The DNA of BioMarin,” which draws inspiration from the four bases that constitute DNA – A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine) and G (guanine) – by asking employees to reflect on the role that Aspiration, Translation, Connection and Gratitude play in their everyday work. 

Learn more about Marie-Josee and a career defined by an unwavering belief in the transformative power of science. 

ASPIRATION
How did you get your start in the biopharma industry? What do you aspire to accomplish through your work at BioMarin and in your career?

From an early age, I was surrounded by the world of pharmaceuticals, as both my parents dedicated more than four decades to the industry. I wouldn’t say that my career was born right away, but over the course of my life. My own journey into biopharma began organically. Early in my career, I worked as a pharmacist, gaining deep knowledge of therapeutic areas and patient care, and held roles in quality assurance and validation, as well as leadership in pharmacy education at Université de Montréal.

After a year in the pharmacy, I found myself wanting to do something that made even more of a difference, something that offered the opportunity to change patients’ lives on a bigger scale. I was fortunate to find that in pharma. Just two weeks after I applied to a pharmaceutical company, I was offered my first job in the industry and stayed there for 18 years. I served in a variety of roles, starting in Pharmacovigilance before moving into Medical Affairs. Beyond my core responsibilities, I also aimed to champion diversity and inclusion as head of the company’s employee resource group for women, fostering mentorship and cultural transformation.

A few years ago, an opportunity came up to join BioMarin, and during my interviews, I fell in love with the people here, and the shared passion to make a difference and change the lives of patients. It was clear that all of my potential future colleagues really cared about their work and its impact. That continues to be evident every day in my work with colleagues across BioMarin and constantly reaffirms mt decision to join the company. 

My aspiration is to advance access to BioMarin’s innovative therapies for patients in Canada and to ensure that our medical activities meet the highest standards of care and compliance. I am driven by the goal to bring and maintain medications in Canada, always focused on serving the needs of patients, their families, caretakers and broader communities.

CONNECTION
What role does connection play at BioMarin?

Relationships are really at the heart of my work, both within BioMarin and across the entire medical landscape. Working closely with my Canadian and international team, physicians, patient advocacy groups and all internal departments, I have seen firsthand how collaboration fuels progress. 

These connections enable us to understand the unique needs of patients in Canada and to deliver solutions that truly make a difference. My interactions are guided by a genuine desire to listen, share and learn. Our aim is to build trust and foster a spirit of partnership that strengthens BioMarin’s impact. 

GRATITUDE
Tell us about something you’re grateful for in your career, and why.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and support I have received throughout my career. Having dedicated team members by my side and the chance to work with passionate colleagues and mentors has enriched my professional journey.  

I appreciate the trust placed in me to lead medical activities in Canada and am thankful for the collaborative spirit at BioMarin that empowers us to navigate challenges together. 

Every day, I am reminded of the privilege it is to contribute to improving patients’ lives and to be part of a community that values integrity and compassion. 

TRANSLATION
How do you hope your work will translate into impact for the patient communities BioMarin is working to support?

My hope is that the work we do translates into tangible benefits for patient communities across Canada. By helping ensure that our therapies and medical activities comply with national regulations and truly address patient needs, I aim to make a positive and enduring impact. 

I want our efforts to provide not only access to essential medicines but also reassurance and support for patients and their families. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world outcomes, helping patients live fuller, healthier lives.