In the latest episode of Medical Affairs unscripted, Peg Crowley-Nowick, PhD and Senior Advisor, Medical Affairs Consulting at Lumanity, engages in a compelling conversation with Eva Gallagher, PhD, CNMAP, VP, Head of Medical Affairs at Agios Pharmaceuticals. They explore the strategic role of Medical Affairs in the rare disease space, discussing best practices for building effective teams, engaging diverse stakeholders, and leveraging digital tools for education. Eva’s journey and success in the field offer a blueprint for how Medical Affairs can drive impactful change and enhance patient outcomes.
The discussion delves into the significance of starting Medical Affairs efforts early—sometimes as much as five to seven years before a product launch. Eva explains the critical need for educating healthcare practitioners about rare diseases, especially when those conditions are often not well-known. The episode also highlights the role of medical strategy, publication planning, and patient advocacy in creating a comprehensive approach to rare disease management. With practical examples and real-world insights, this episode provides a detailed roadmap for navigating the complexities of launching therapies in rare disease markets.
“What I realized is that the timeline has to be backed way up. So, whereas in oncology we think about Medical Affairs a year to two years ahead of launch, in rare disease, we think about that team or parts of that team being in place 5-6-7 years ahead of launch, at least a skeleton crew“
Eve Gallagher
Episode guest
Eve Gallagher PhD, CNMAP
VP, Head of Medical Affairs, Agios Pharmaceuticals
