The development of a drug or medical device – the product’s life cycle – is a lengthy process that involves research, clinical trials, and input from professional peers. Pharmaceutical companies and health care suppliers spend months, and even years, as well as millions of dollars before putting a life-changing product on the market. The Medical Science Liaison role (MSL) is an important part of this process.

An MSL’s role is key to the lifecycle of a medical product before it ever reaches a hospital, doctor’s office or rehabilitation facility, so the demand for these specialists is high in the industry. It is worth pursuing Medical Science Liaison training as a potential career path to meet the demand.

One on One

One cannot underestimate the Medical Science Liaison role in the pharmaceutical product lifecycle. Medical providers considering a new drug or therapeutic device must often access volumes of data, analytical reports, and trial research papers before deciding what to recommend to their patients. The providers often rely on this data rather than meet with industry sales representatives.

The Medical Science Liaison role as the point of contact between the manufacturer and the health care provider (HCP), physician or Thought Leader (KOL) puts the emphasis on serving the medical community’s needs and providing up-to-date education. The liaison has a familiarity and extensive knowledge of the product, and uses strong relationships built over time to discuss it on a one-on-one basis.

The Critical Medical Science Liaison Role

Medical Science Liaisons work for the companies that research and manufacture the drugs from the beginning, when the product or device is in the development stage. The feedback about the new product that the Medical Science Liaison’s provides to the company, its stakeholders, and key influencers, such as doctors, can determine the overall success of the product.

This is where the Medical Science Liaison role has the greatest impact on the product life cycle. The MSL’s knowledge, expertise, and input affects product throughout its life cycle. Based on the medical liaison’s feedback from the field, manufacturers can determine if their product is ready for the medical community to accept. The liaison’s contribution can also determine if more time is needed before the product is made available to health care providers and their patients.

Position of Responsibility

A MSL salary is a lucrative one if you are interested in a career in the field. But more importantly, the position is a role of responsibility in the health care and pharmaceutical industry, then consider applying for a Medical Science Liaison role.

Learn more about what the role entails throughout a product’s lifecycle. This report provides unique insights collected directly from Medical Affairs professionals:

MSL Performance Metrics: Valuing the Role Throughout Products’ Lifecycle