Medical Affairs Unscripted | Launch Readiness: Building, Planning & Execution with Chris Keir, MD, MS

Episode 8 of the Medical Affairs Unscripted podcast series recorded by Zipher, now part of Lumanity

Drs Crowley-Nowick and Keir set the stage for a successful launch as they consider the key components of a medical affairs team and their contributions on the road to launch and beyond, from the formation and training of the Medical Science Liaison Team (MSLs) to the early inclusion of medical information, to developing best practices for scientific communications while also engaging with patient advocacy groups as part of the planning process. They also address the importance of a robust data generation program with the Medical Director at the helm gaining insights and trends from these data which allows the organization to pivot as necessary.

In this episode of Medical Affairs Unscripted, our host Peg Crowley-Nowick, PhD, MBA, met with Chris Keir, MD, MS. Dr Keir’s extensive experience and understanding of the dynamic nature of the peri- and post-launch environment has lead to successful outcomes. He was instrumental in leading the launch of the first globally, commercialized chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, tisagenlecleucel-T, for Novartis. Most recently, he built a medical affairs organization for Array BioPharma, Inc., and led the US launch of binimetinib and encorafenib in combination for advanced BRAF-mutated, unresectable, or metastatic melanoma. During the acquisition of Array BioPharma by Pfizer, Dr Keir was responsible for the medical transition while also preparing for a second launch for encorafenib in combination with cexutimab in BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer. Dr. Keir has recently shifted into the diagnostic space as the VP of MA at GRAIL, Inc., and is leading the launch of their new technology for early cancer detection.

Podcast Series: Medical Affairs Unscripted

Hosted by Dr Peggy Crowley-Nowick, in Medical Affairs Unscripted we explore a range of topics related to the strategic role of medical affairs from the perspective of industry experts. Through these conversations with our guests we will share first hand experience to provide the listener with insights and knowledge about the evolving role of medical affairs.