Role Summary
Capricor Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Director of Medical Affairs with deep expertise in biotechnology, ideally in rare diseases or cell therapies. This role will help build the medical affairs function, define the scientific narrative, drive clinical scientific messaging, and establish compliant processes for stakeholder engagement with healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, and patient advocacy groups in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) communities. The position supports major clinical milestones and bridges clinical development with commercialization readiness, leading cross-functional evidence generation and medical excellence.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute medical affairs strategies aligned with company goals, including evidence generation, scientific exchange, and medical input into cross-functional teams
- Build and maintain strong relationships with HCPs, KOLs, and patient advocacy organizations in DMD, Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), and related fields through local, national, and international meetings, 1:1 site visits, and advisory boards
- Collaborate with the CMO to establish high-integrity, compliant processes for HCP and KOL engagement, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines (e.g., FDA, ICH)
- Create and refine the clinical scientific and value story for Deramiocel through internal consultations, external expert input, and data analysis to support program progression
- Lead scientific communications, including publications, congress presentations, and medical information responses, while overseeing vendors as needed
- Provide medical expertise to support commercialization readiness activities, including training, payer interactions, and real-world evidence initiatives
- Work cross-functionally with clinical development, regulatory affairs, commercial, and quality teams to drive business impact and team success
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in medical affairs operations, fostering a culture of innovation and compliance
- Monitor emerging scientific data, competitive landscape, and therapeutic trends in neurology, myology, cardiology, and rare diseases to inform strategy
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time
Qualifications
- Required: MD required, with experience in neurology, myology, cardiology, or a closely related field, and demonstrated clinical scientific competence
- Required: Deep experience and commitment to excellence in medical affairs, with a proven track record in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals
- Required: Experience working in a small company environment, thriving in dynamic, resource-constrained settings
- Required: Passionate "can-do" mentality with evidence of high emotional intelligence (EQ) and collaborative teamwork
- Required: Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage stakeholders at all levels
- Required: Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, including cGMP, ICH, and FDA guidelines
- Required: Ability to work independently, multi-task, and meet aggressive deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Preferred: Previous experience with DMD, BMD, or other muscle or cardiomyopathic indications
- Preferred: Experience with pre-launch or commercialization activities in a Medical Affairs capacity
- Preferred: Experience with complex cell or gene therapy (ATMP) products
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to travel up to 30-40% for meetings, site visits, and conferences