The role of the MSL in the 21st century life science industry

Helen Kane, Founder and Managing Director of PIVOT MSL, outlines the valuable role of the medical scientific liaison (MSL), the external face of medical affairs, as a scientific conduit between healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry. Recorded 4 April 2018 at a MedComms Networking event in Oxford. Produced by NetworkPharma.tv = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ABSTRACT: The term ‘medical science liaison’ (MSL) was first accredited to Upjohn, in 1967, to denote sales representatives with a scientific focus. Industry regulators have long since stepped in to ensure a separation between the medicines development and commercial sides of industry ‒ in which Medical Affairs departments have acted as a bridge between sides. As the pharmaceutical industry has evolved in recent years, the MSL, as the external face of Medical Affairs, has had an increasingly valuable role to play as a scientific conduit between healthcare providers and their parent company organisation. With a non-promotional brief, MSLs are now able to engage with external stakeholders far in advance of drug approval, at the same time building relationships based around science, acting as educators and communications, and gaining insights into stakeholder perceptions. MSL activities need to be aligned to organisational goals and vary according to the drug life cycle and physician needs and interests. In-role challenges can be complex. Both MSLs and their managers can benefit from specialist support throughout their professional development journeys. Written by Penny Gray, Freelance Medical Writer = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Helen’s Linkedin page is at   / helen-kane-15b4548   More about PIVOT MSL can be found at http://pivotmsl.com Filming and technical direction by Mario Crispino, Freelance Cameraman & Editor Editorial support by Penny Gray, Freelance Medical Writer = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = We are building a library of free recordings, like this one, for a global pharmaceutical industry audience at NetworkPharma.tv and we’d welcome your suggestions for new topics and speakers. For the avoidance of doubt: this video is intended to be freely accessible to all. Please feel free to share and use however you like.