Vice President, Medical Affairs

Medical Affairs United States


Description

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company preparing to launch AtzumiTM (dihydroergotamine (DHE) nasal powder), a novel therapeutic product approved in the US for the acute treatment of migraine. AtzumiTM incorporates proprietary advanced powder and device technology (SMART – Simple MucoAdhesive Release Technology™) and is designed to be easy-to-use, easy-to-carry, and for quick self-administration.

Position Summary:

The Vice President, Medical Affairs, will develop, implement, and lead the medical affairs strategy and organizational structure that supports the launch of AtzumiTM (dihydroergotamine) nasal powder in the US. The ideal candidate will provide thought leadership and tactical execution across medical publication planning, medical education, medical information system development, and medical communication. This role will be pivotal in developing and executing the medical affairs strategy, building operational capabilities, ensuring launch readiness, and supporting a successful launch.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a member of the Commercial Leadership Team and contribute to the development and execution of scientific, clinical, commercial, operational, and organizational strategies and plans.

  • Lead the design and implementation of medical strategies, medical affairs department organization & infrastructure, tactical plans, and related budgets while providing thought leadership and tactical execution for medical publication strategy and execution, medical education, medical information system development, and medical communication.

  • This role will work closely with safety, pharmacovigilance, and compliance.

  • The Vice President, Medical Affairs, is responsible for ensuring the medical communications plan aligns with other cross-functional teams and meets the informational and educational needs of healthcare providers, payers, policymakers, and patients.

  • Leads the development and implementation of medical education and medical liaison strategies, with an emphasis on meeting the market requirements and unmet medical needs in migraine.

  • Works closely with the commercial organization to bring a medical perspective to commercial strategies and tactics and collaborates on the most efficient and effective ways for field teams to work together.

  • Provides leadership to the Medical Affairs team; evaluates the function and sub-functions, determines the required core capabilities, team structure, and development.

  • Develops and continuously maintains the highest scientific and medical expertise of all Medical Affairs employees, ensuring they are acknowledged internally and externally as experts.

  • Develop strategic imperatives and tactical plans to enhance healthcare practitioner education to improve patient outcomes.

  • Systematically assesses medical education needs cross-functionally and implements appropriate medical education programs.

  • Attends topically relevant medical and scientific conferences to support sponsored speakers and presenters, ensures the success of publication/communication goals, and participates in the collection and reporting of competitive intelligence within company guidelines.

  • Provides strategic input to the clinical development and commercial organization on post-marketing clinical development and investigator-initiated studies, publication plans, KOL/advisory board plans, and continuing medical education plans to optimize the product profile to build product awareness and gain strategic insights for marketing and development strategy.

  • Responsible for division and corporate-level influence and is considered a key opinion leader and resource both within Satsuma and externally.

Minimum Requirements Education/Experience:

  • MD or PharmD degree required.

  • 15+ years' experience within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare organization with increasing levels of leadership responsibility within Medical Affairs.

  • Knowledge of FDA regulations and GCP guidelines.

  • Hands-on involvement in phase 4 post-marketing study planning and investigator-initiated studies.

  • Understanding of the underlying principles and practical application of health outcomes, quality standards, evidence-based medicine, disease management, and related principles.

  • Previous launch and migraine product experience would be ideal, with past success working in a cross-functional environment.

  • Previous experience in migraine/neurologic pharmaceutical markets is desired.

  • Demonstrated ability to successfully engage external stakeholders, including thought leaders, payers, patient advocacy groups, and regulators.

  • Ability to travel up to 30%.

  • Successful experience in a fast-paced, rapidly growing environment.

  • Fit with Satsuma Pharmaceutical’s culture and values.

Benefits and Pay:

The expected salary range for this position is $330,000-$390,000 USD. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is committed to providing its employees with benefit options that are comprehensive, competitive, and that individual employees can tailor to their and their families’ specific needs. Eligible employees are offered Health Insurance, Dental & Vision Insurance, Healthcare & Dependent Care FSA, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) Savings Plan, Long-term Incentive Plan, Life Insurance, Accident & Disability Insurance, Telemedicine, Generous Paid Time Off, and Company Holidays.

EEO & Employment Eligibility:

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company. We provide equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Satsuma Pharmaceuticals also complies with all applicable national, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification required of applicable law.