Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.
Summary of Position:
This leader will shape and lead value and access submission and negotiation planning, including optimal country launch sequence and ensure sustainable access in key European markets. Reporting to the SVP, European GM, this role will be a core member of the Europe Region leadership team, working cross-functionally to influence long-term growth and patient impact, to build a global multi-billion company serving patients suffering from rare neuro-muscular diseases, starting with SMA as an indication. The EMEA Value & Access Lead is a pivotal member of the Global Value & Access Team leading the market access launch of apitegromab for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) starting with Germany and setting the sequence of launches in the other EMEA markets. This role is accountable for adapting Global market access strategies and tactics for these markets, including drug distribution, value proposition, pricing, health technology assessment and economic modeling. They will have strong relationships with and lead payer engagements and negotiations at the national, regional, and local level. This role works with urgency across the organization, collaborating with Value & Access, Global and Commercial, Medical/HEOR, and others to enable access to apitegromab for appropriate patients. This is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial individual to help shape the trajectory of our first Commercial launch. A successful candidate will be based in Zug, Switzerland, fluent in business German and English, and have a track record of launching and negotiating access for rare disease drugs in Europe.
Position Responsibilities:
- Build effective partnerships within Value & Access and across the Scholar Rock organization. Be a collaborative, strategic market access presence. Proactively identify and execute against opportunities to improve patient access to care in relevant markets
- Collaborate with Value & Access and Insights team to generate access, payer, and pricing insights that inform strategy for assigned countries, with a focus on Germany first. Maintain up-to-date understanding of country-level reimbursement policies, pricing, access competitive intelligence, health technology assessment, and policy landscape (national, regional, local level). Define implications and actions for Scholar Rock and apitegromab
- Lead country Value and Access strategy, starting with Germany, by localizing value proposition/Global Value Dossier and other access collateral, operating within Global pricing framework and bands, preparing/submitting HTA dossiers, and executing legal/policy strategy. Support execution of access KOL identification/engagement, early access programs, distribution, evidence generation, economic modeling, and local advocacy efforts.
- Recommend an appropriate and fit-for-purpose structure that can be a blend of market access agencies/consultants with SRRK headcount where it makes sense across Europe in its launch sequence and depending on the payer situation
- Monitor and address European policy risks (e.g., international reference pricing, transparency laws, impact of MFN etc.).
- Cultivate relationships with key payers and stakeholders who influence payers. Compellingly communicate the clinical and economic value of apitegromab to these stakeholders, and lead payer negotiations at the national, regional, and local levels
- Accountable for securing pricing and reimbursement for appropriate patients in EMEA, starting in Germany, and setting appropriate launch sequence after Germany
- Serve as the main Value & Access contact for assigned markets. Help drive collaboration and communication across countries. Continuously generate country-level insights to enhance Global strategies
- Manage relevant market access vendors, resources, and budget. Support local infrastructure build, as necessary
- Represent EMEA Value & Access on apitegromab Global and Country teams and support financial and strategic planning processes
- Effectively communicate insights, strategies, voice of access customers, and implications to leadership
- Ability to travel up to 50%, including to-and-from US/other European countries
Candidate Qualifications:
- Degree level required. Advanced degrees (Masters, PhD, etc) in related healthcare fields a plus
- At least 15 years’ experience in EMEA or Global Market Access with a deep understanding of evolving EMEA policy, access, coverage, and reimbursement landscape
- Experience in German market access is a must
- Demonstrated success achieving reimbursement, pricing and launch success for a first-in-class or specialty therapy in European markets (especially Germany, France, Italy)
- Deep understanding of Europe payer systems and HTA processes, including JCA, AMNOG and other EU frameworks
- Track record of success in working cross-functionally to achieve objectives (Marketing, Medical, HEOR, Finance, Key Account Management/Sales, Policy/Advocacy, etc.)
- Ability to adapt Global market access strategies for EMEA: insights, strategy development, pricing & contracting, health technology assessments, early access programs, value proposition, impact on demand and GTN
- Relationships with national, regional, and local payers; success in negotiating pricing and reimbursement for rare disease therapies; and strong understanding of evolving decision making, processes/procedures, and data and reporting
- Neuromuscular and hospital-administered/infusion experience preferred
- Pre-launch experience at a biotechnology company preferred
- Strong executive presence, with the ability to clearly articulate complex value stories to both internal and external stakeholders including Pricing Committees
- Independent, proactive problem solver with strong written verbal communication skills in German and English
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
