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

Drs. Crowley-Nowick and Keir set the stage for a successful launch as they consider the key components of a MA 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 eighth episode of Zipher’s Medical Affairs Unscripted, our host Peg Crowley-Nowick, PhD, MBA, Founder & President of Zipher Medical Affairs 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 CART-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 V.P., of MA at GRAIL, Inc., and is leading the launch of their new technology for early cancer detection.