A healthcare company trying to launch a new headache curing drug. Should or shouldn't they invest when they already have a general painkiller in the market
Back to overview
20
How would I approach this? Possible Framework?
2
4.8k
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi,
Hi,
I recommend starting with clarifying the objective - Which metrics you need to achieve with the product? Most probably it will be ROI.
I would also clarify whether it's our painkiller on the market or the product of the competitors since competition and cannibalization are the two different cases. Then I will follow up with the structure:
Analyze our product:
- The value proposition of a product compared to the painkiller
- Different use cases of a product compared to the painkiller
- Unit economics (Current unit costs and costs in relation to scale, Investments, ROI targets, Competitor / substitutes pricing)
- Key capabilities to compete (Patent, distribution, etc)
Analyze the market:
- Size and growth rates of the painkiller market
- Size and growth rate of headache drugs
- Regulation - are they both OTC? Prescribed? Is it different by geography?
Analyze the competitors:
- Market shares, growth rates, profits
- Product (Value proposition)
- Unit economics (Value proposition vs. price vs. costs)
- Key capabilities (Distribution, supply, assets, knowledge, etc)
investment decision:
- Costs, benefits, and investments
- ROI
- Risks
Best!
0 comments
Sidi
on Jun 5, 2018
Coach
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 500+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous,
the new drug should be launched if the net value associated with this move exceeds the investment cost over the client's target investment horizon. Morover, Risk needs to be manageable.
So you have 4 buckets to investigate:
- Net value (expected profits of new drug + impact on profits of current painkiller (potential cannibalization!))
- Investment Horizon
- Investment need for launch of the new drug
- Wider risks associated with the new drug (regulation? competitive responses? consumer sentiment?...)
Cheers, Sidi
Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Final Round with BCG for Senior Analyst Role
17
on Sep 26, 2026
USA
5
200+
Top answer by
Franco
Coach
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate
5 Answers
200+ Views
+2
Networking per firm
14
on Sep 28, 2026
Middle East
7
200+
Top answer by
Carlos
Coach
Free 15 min intro | Engagement manager | 5+ yrs interviewing candidates | 90%+ success rate
7 Answers
200+ Views
+4
How to prepare for Strategy& video interview?
17
on Sep 29, 2026
UK
9
200+
Top answer by
Hatem
Coach
Ex-Manager at BCG | INSEAD MBA | +10yrs strategy experience at BCG, Uber and PwC
9 Answers
200+ Views
+6
Oliver Wyman Dubai - Principal and Partner rounds advice
17
on Sep 30, 2026
Middle East
10
200+
Top answer by
Boris
Coach
Ex-McKinsey | Haas MBA | PhD in behavioral science | Proven method with 95% success rate
10 Answers
200+ Views
+7
Bain Interview Prep
18
on Oct 2, 2026
DACH
10
200+
Top answer by
Carlos
Coach
Free 15 min intro | Engagement manager | 5+ yrs interviewing candidates | 90%+ success rate
10 Answers
200+ Views
+7