The Evolution of Medical Affairs Central Teams - Shaping Strategic Action and Driving Healthcare Transformation Through Scientific Interaction - Accepted 14 October 2025

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Damian

The evolving role of Medical Affairs (MA) positions the department as a key element in pharmaceutical product lifecycle management and value creation. AstraZeneca Spain redesigned its MA central teams through a Working Model that enables full engagement across early access, pre-launch, launch, and post-launch, balancing global strategy with local execution. Four coordinated teams operate with structured methodology and dedicated information management to streamline communication and knowledge transfer. Training and capability-building strengthen functional and leadership competencies, improving product positioning, accelerating market access, and supporting patient-centric, evidence-driven healthcare outcomes. The approach is presented as reproducible and aligned with broader industry MA 2030 and future AI-enabled evolution.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Key Points

New central role of Medical Affairs in product development

Transformation overview and Working Model

Pharmaceutical Medicine (2026) 40:9–18 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s40290-025-00592-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40290-025-00592-9) The Evolution of Medical Affairs Central Teams: Shaping Strategic Action and Driving Healthcare Transformation Through Scientific Interaction Manuel Leal Beckouche1 · Gustavo Resler Plat1 · Jorge A. Marinich1 · Carmen Moreno1 · Marta Moreno1 · Joana Gostkorzewicz1 · Inmaculada Iglesias1 · Ana Pérez Domínguez1 Accepted: 14 October 2025 / Published online: 5 November 2025 © The Author(s) 2025 Abstract The evolving role of Medical Affairs (MA) has positioned this department as a key element in the development and lifecycle management of pharmaceutical products. In response to internal and external assessments, AstraZeneca (AZ) Spain implemented a transformation of its MA central teams through a newly designed Working Model. This model ensures full engagement across the product lifecycle, spanning early access, pre-launch, launch, and post-launch, balancing global strategy with local execution, enhancing cross-functional collaboration, and timely evidence generation. Central to this transformation is the deployment of four coordinated teams: the Early Asset Strategy Team, the Launch Readiness Team, the Core Value Team, and the Brand Team. These teams follow a structured work methodology and coordination model underpinned by dedicated information management processes that streamline communication and knowledge transfer. Training and capabilitybuilding programmes were also introduced to strengthen critical functional and leadership competencies. These changes aim to improve product positioning, accelerate market access, and drive value-based healthcare outcomes. The initiative aligns with broader industry trends emphasising early stakeholder engagement, data integration, and patient-centric strategies. By fostering agility, strategic foresight, and internal consistency, the transformation of MA central teams at AZ Spain provides areplicable model for enhancing MA’s contribution to product development and healthcare ecosystem innovation. This article builds on our previous publications about the national ecosystem assessment of stakeholder needs, the definition of our MA transformation framework (articulating the strategic roadmap), and the description of the evolution of in-field MA teams in AZ Spain. Here we detail the transformation of the MA central teams and their working model. Future MA evolution will integrate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools, improving stakeholder engagement, evidence generation, and decision making. The transformative potential of AI in anticipating trends and optimising trials will enhance the role of MA in driving innovation and improving patient outcomes. 1 New Central Role of Medical Affairs in Product Development The transformation of the Medical Affairs (MA) department has been essential to ensuring that biopharmaceutical companies remain strategic and relevant in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape [1, 2] . Traditionally, MA was focused on generating and disseminating clinical evidence through the product lifecycle. However, recent trends show that the scope of MA’s role is expanding, making necessary a more * Ana Pérez Domínguez [Ana.Perez.Dominguez@astrazeneca.com](Ana.Perez.Dominguez@astrazeneca.com) 1 Medical Affairs Department, AstraZeneca Farmacéutica Spain, C. del Puerto de Somport 21-23, Fuencarral-El Pardo, 28050 Madrid, Spain Key Points AstraZeneca Spain transformed its Medical Affairs central teams with a new working model that ensures early and strategic involvement throughout the entire product lifecycle. The model is structured around cross-functional teams with a standardised work methodology and coordinated information management to optimise product positioning, market access, and stakeholder engagement. A robust training and capability-building programme was implemented to equip key leadi

FAQs

What change did AstraZeneca Spain make to its Medical Affairs central teams?

AstraZeneca Spain transformed its MA central teams using a newly designed Working Model to ensure engagement across the full product lifecycle, from early access through post-launch.

How is the new MA Working Model structured?

It is organized around cross-functional teams with a standardised work methodology and coordinated information management to optimise product positioning, market access, and stakeholder engagement.

What are the main capabilities-building elements in the transformation?

A robust training and capability-building programme was introduced to strengthen leadership and critical functional competencies needed to drive healthcare ecosystem transformation.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Damian