Pliant Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapies for fibrotic diseases. Founded by Third Rock Ventures with world-renowned academic thought leaders, Pliant is raising the bar to meet the unmet medical needs of physicians, patients and families impacted by fibrotic diseases. As the leader in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrotic diseases, Pliant is developing small molecule drug candidates specifically designed to impact the fibrotic process.

The Company’s lead product candidate, bexotegrast (PLN-74809), is an oral small molecule, selective inhibitor of the αvβ1 and αvβ6 integrins that play a key role in multiple fibrotic pathways. Bexotegrast has received Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and Orphan Drug Designation from the European Medicines Agency in IPF and PSC. Pliant is currently conducting BEACON-IPF, a Phase 2b/3 trial of bexotegrast for the treatment of IPF. 

Pliant is conducting a Phase 1 study for its third clinical program, PLN-101095, a small molecule, dual-selective inhibitor of αvß8 and αvß1 integrins, that is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors. The Company also has discovery and development programs in oncology and muscular dystrophies.

Description

The Medical Affairs strategy lead is a key role within Plaint’s Medical Affairs team.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director Medical Affairs.

This individual will be responsible for developing and executing the Global and US medical affairs strategy, ensuring alignment with company objectives, and supporting the pre-launch and launch activities of our pulmonology portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of pulmonology & lung fibrosis, strong leadership skills, and a track record of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams.

This role reports to the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs. This is a hybrid position, requiring 3 days/week at Pliant in South San Francisco.

Responsibilities

  • Accountable for the leadership, development, and execution of the Medical Affairs Strategy design in alignment with the company objectives, as part of the multiyear pre-launch and launch plan that supports patient access and seeks to improve patient outcomes.
  • Provide medical and scientific leadership to support the development and commercialization of Plaint pulmonology products.
  • Lead and implement activities in support of pre-launch, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
  • Oversee the development and execution of medical education programs, advisory boards, and scientific symposia.
  • Drive the generation and dissemination of scientific data through publications, presentations, and other communication channels.
  • Develop and lead Key Opinion Leader outreach. establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key opinion leaders, academic institutions, medical societies and patient advocacy groups in the field of pulmonology, particularly pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Manage the Medical Affairs strategy budget and effort allocation to ensure key medical activities are supported and executed according to the company’s timelines.
  • Collaborate with clinical development, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams to support product pre-launch preparation and lifecycle management.
  • Provide strategic medical input into the development of Phase 3, 3b & 4 studies in collaboration with other stakeholders.
  • Oversee the planning, development, execution and reporting of Phase 4 post-marketing research.
  • Strong collaborating with the Plaint commercial team to ensure alignment of medical and commercial objectives.
  • Participation in scientific, medical, and regulatory review teams as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Monitor and analyze emerging trends in pulmonology & lung fibrosis to inform strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

  • Graduate degree in health sciences (PhD, PharmD)
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience working in the US biotech/pharmaceutical industry in medical affairs, with at least 5 plus years in leadership roles
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to drive results in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams
  • Prior interactions with medical and scientific societies
  • Strong understanding of the pulmonology & lung fibrosis landscape, including clinical trial design, regulatory requirements, medical and market dynamics
  • Proven ability to plan and execute medical strategies and excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
  • Experience with publication planning and lifecycle management
  • Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and project management skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills commensurate with the need to work closely with investigators, consultants, vendors, and internal team members across functions.
  • Pre-launch and launch experience preferred.
  • Experience in a smaller, rapidly growing, company preferred.

Pliant requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated prior to the first date of employment (subject to any legally required exemptions).

The annual base salary for this role is $305K – $320K. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Pliant’s compensation package also includes benefits, equity, and annual target bonus for fulltime positions.

 

To understand how Pliant complies with and manages your personal information with respect to the California Consumer Privacy Act, please visit https://pliantrx.com/ccpa-applicant-and-staff-privacy-notice/. 

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