McKinsey: Current perspectives on medical affairs in Japan 

Check out a  real Mckinsey presentation on medical affairs in Japan.

McKinsey Presentation: Current perspectives on medical affairs in Japan

Key Learnings from the Presentation

The McKinsey report, “Current Perspectives on Medical Affairs in Japan,” dated February 8, 2018, offers an insightful look into the evolving role and strategic importance of Medical Affairs within the pharmaceutical industry in Japan. Here’s a comprehensive summary of the report:

Evolution of Medical Affairs

• Historical Role: Traditionally, Medical Affairs served a supportive role to R&D and commercial branches.
• Increased Demands: The role has expanded due to a changing regulatory environment, the need for more complex scientific understanding, broader definitions of value, and increased data transparency.

Current Challenges in Japan

• Regulatory Changes: Stringent regulations and recent pricing reforms affect operations.
• Technology Adoption: There’s a notable increase in digital adoption among healthcare professionals (HCPs).
• Complex Scientific Developments: Innovations like CAR-T and gene therapy are emerging in the pipeline.
• Market Dynamics: The rise of multi-channel marketing and restrictions on medical representative visits are reshaping interactions with HCPs.

Expanded Scope of Medical Affairs

• From Education to Strategy: The scope now includes medical information services, health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), and real-world evidence, shifting from merely providing product information and medical education.

Strategic Pillars for Medical Affairs in Japan

• Customer Understanding: Deepen knowledge of physician needs to deliver tangible value.
• Digital Leadership: Enhance coordination across medical data and knowledge using digital tools.
• Integrated Working Model: Collaborate more closely with commercial and other internal teams to improve patient outcomes.
• Talent Development: Focus on acquiring and developing a diverse range of competencies within Medical Affairs.

Importance of Quality in Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Activities

• Impact on Satisfaction and Influence: The quality and frequency of MSL interactions correlate strongly with HCP satisfaction and the pharmaceutical company’s scientific influence.

Priorities for Improving Measurement

• Shift from Quantity to Quality: Current metrics focus more on the quantity of MSL activities rather than the quality or impact, suggesting a need for better measurement and feedback mechanisms.

Digital Integration

• Potential Changes in Workflow: Digital tools are expected to transform the Medical Affairs value chain, requiring new strategies for engaging medical key opinion leaders (KOLs) and managing medical communications.

Data Utilization

• Leveraging Existing Data Sources: Various databases in Japan, like MID-NET and the National Database (NDB), offer potential for enhanced data utilization to support medical decisions and strategies.

Organizational Collaboration

• Third Pillar Status: Medical Affairs is emerging as a strategic pillar equal to R&D and Commercial, necessitating enhanced collaboration and communication within pharmaceutical companies.

Talent Management

• Strength-Based Approach: Emphasizes developing individual strengths within teams and integrating learning with real-world applications to build a robust Medical Affairs function.

About McKinsey & Company

As one of the oldest and most prestigious management consulting firms, McKinsey & Company provides strategic advice to the world’s leading businesses, governments, and institutions. McKinsey’s services cover a wide range of areas, from strategy and operations to digital transformation and sustainability. The firm is renowned for its global perspective, deep industry and functional expertise, and commitment to helping clients achieve significant improvements in their performance.

Want to see more? Head to the collection here:

Management Consulting Collection