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Creating a High-performing Medical Affairs Leadership Team at Jazz Pharmaceuticals

by Jazz Pharmaceuticals with support from Uptake

Summary of work

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing potentially life-changing medicines for people with rare and serious diseases giving the opportunity to redefine what is possible – to make “small wins” big again. A transition in Medical Affairs leadership in our Europe and International team created the opportunity to redefine roles, enhance regional, country and cross-functional collaboration, and ensure Medical Affairs is future-fit to elevate business and patient outcomes. A mission and series of workstreamswere created, supported by Medical leaders at regional and country levels, illustrating how Medical Affairs transformation can lead organisational initiatives relating to launch planning/readiness, AI implementation, capability building, and clinical operations framework. Over 12 months, the Medical Affairs team – 140 strong – aligned around a renewed mission, embracing fresh priorities and a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes. The workstreams created practical tools strengthening connections between the Medical Affairs function and colleagues across the business, driving tangible impact across key metrics. This transformation improved cohesion and morale across Medical Affairs and has triggered a second wave of initiatives working in partnership with commercial leaders and R&D to strengthen external customer engagement, customer-centricity and launch excellence across all therapy areas.

Judges’ comments

Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Uptake put together a comprehensive and inspiring transformation that elevated medical affairs from a supporting function to a strategic leader within Jazz. The co-created mission, measurable outcomes, and cultural shift are impressive. The integration of AI, cross-functional frameworks, and tangible customer impact shows genuine business transformation. A best-in-class example of leadership-driven change that connects people, purpose, and performance.