Response: If a life sciences product I managed received overwhelmingly negative initial feedback, my first priority would be to thoroughly understand the root causes of the dissatisfaction.

1. **Immediate Assessment**: I would start by gathering and analyzing all the feedback to identify common themes and specific issues that users are experiencing. This would involve reviewing customer reviews, conducting follow-up interviews, and analyzing usage data to pinpoint where the product is falling short.

2. **Internal Brainstorming and Root Cause Analysis**: Once the key issues are identified, I would convene a cross-functional team, including product managers, developers, UX designers, and customer support, to conduct a root cause analysis. The goal would be to understand why these issues occurred and how they can be addressed effectively.

3. **Prioritize and Develop a Response Plan**: Based on the analysis, I would prioritize the issues based on their impact on user experience and business goals. For each issue, we would develop a clear action plan, which could include product updates, bug fixes, or even a redesign of certain features. It’s crucial that we communicate transparently with our users about the steps we are taking to address their concerns.

4. **Engage with Customers**: I would also engage directly with the customers who provided the feedback to acknowledge their concerns and keep them informed about the improvements we are making. This helps in rebuilding trust and showing that we are committed to delivering a product that meets their needs.

5. **Iterate and Improve**: After implementing the necessary changes, I would ensure that we continue to monitor the product’s performance and gather feedback to confirm that the issues have been resolved. If needed, we would iterate further to refine the product until it meets the expected standards.

6. **Post-Improvement Communication**: Once the product has been improved, I would launch a communication campaign to inform all users about the updates and enhancements. This would include detailed release notes, tutorials, and possibly webinars to help users get the most out of the improved product.

By taking these steps, we can turn negative feedback into an opportunity to enhance the product, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction and a stronger market position.