In the Perspectives series, MAPS Americas Region President, John Pracyk, MD, PhD, MBA speaks with leaders from Johnson & Johnson, where John was Integrated Leader, Medical Affairs, Preclinical and Clinical Research at DePuy Synthes Spine (a J&J company). Rather than publishing each interview separately, John has chosen to organize these interviews by topic, distilling the opinions of J&J thought leaders to demonstrate consensus or offer distinct viewpoints on issues of importance for the practice of Medical Affairs.

Here we explore the rapid ascension of Medical Affairs into a strategic leadership role for all organizations. McKinsey and Company’s A Vision for Medical Affairs in 2025, identified this ascent of Medical Affairs and contrasted it to the function’s previous cross functional support role. Now Medical Affairs has become the crucial third pillar alongside R&D and Commercial in Pharmaceutical and MedTech organizations. McKinsey identifies the following factors driving this transformation:

1. Breakthroughs in biology and new treatment modalities
2. Digital and its impact on innovation in care delivery
3. Real world evidence generation occurring outside of industry and new disruptive players
4. Cost constraints, a greater focus on value, and enhanced competition
5. Shifting global regulatory environments
6. Greater patient involvement over their own care delivery

In this installment, we speak with some of the top Medical Affairs leaders from Johnson & Johnson as they think about this rapid new ascension of Medical Affairs into a fully integrated strategic business partner.