Pharma Market Access is a critical field in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on ensuring that new drugs and therapies are available to patients and reimbursed by payers such as insurance companies and government health programs. It involves understanding the complex interplay between clinical effectiveness, pricing, health economics, and stakeholder engagement.
Gaining Market Access approvals is a long, multifaceted process that pharmaceutical and biotech companies must go through to ensure their product is available to patients, in as many countries as possible, at the correct price.
The process requires Pharma and biotech companies to gather important data on the health economic impact and cost-effectiveness of their product. Once the data has been gathered, the company in question needs to present this information in a convincing format to the appropriate public authority in charge of providing national guidelines and best practices to improve health and social care. In the UK, this is the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which plays a crucial role in determining whether a product is cost-effective.
Typically, a Pharma or biotech company will appoint a Market Access consultancy to guide them through each step of this long, and often arduous, process.
Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR):
Pricing and Reimbursement:
Market Access Strategy:
Policy and Advocacy:
Value Proposition Development:
Entry-Level Positions:
Mid-Level Positions:
Senior-Level Positions:
Executive Positions:
Within the Market Access sector, job roles are traditionally categorised into two separate paths: consultant and Pharma.
Typical roles within this sector can be:
To have a successful career within Market Access, candidates need to be enthusiastic about working within the industry. In addition, they are expected to have strong communication skills and be able to work efficiently to tight deadlines.
Networking: Engage with professionals in the field through industry conferences, seminars, and professional organisations.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices through continuous education and training.
Mentorship: Seek mentors who can provide guidance and insights into career progression and professional development.
Cross-Functional Experience: Gain experience in related areas such as regulatory affairs, clinical development, and sales to broaden your understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.
Attain a high-level understanding of the sector: Conducting regular research of the industry can help you increase your awareness of industry regulations and best practices to be successful within your job role.
Complete an internship: Internships are fantastic ways for candidates to gather relevant industry experience and develop their skillset. Furthermore, an internship will help increase your awareness of the different job opportunities available to you.
Obtain a broad skillset: Obtaining a broad skill set will lead to greater job opportunities later in your career and help you climb the hierarchical ladder much quicker.
Be commercially focussed: Many companies within this sector look for commercially focussed candidates. Demonstrating this key trait shows your employer that you are committed to the company and understand the steps required to take to be successful.
There are several obstacles candidates may need to overcome to enter the industry:
Truth be told, you can’t unless you possess a Life Sciences degree. Furthermore, you'd also need to demonstrate a high level of knowledge of the industry and possess relevant experience.
A career in Market Access can be very challenging, yet highly rewarding. It’s important to note that Pharma teams tend to be much smaller than consultant teams, meaning there are fewer job opportunities down the Pharma path. Most candidates tend to take the consultant career path as a result.
Typical career progression opportunities within the industry could look like:
Consultant path
Pharma path
Working in Pharma Market Access offers a dynamic and impactful career, with the opportunity to shape healthcare delivery and ensure that patients have access to innovative therapies. Working within this sector is fast-moving and, at times, can be very demanding. However, continual development opportunities and lucrative salaries are available to individuals who demonstrate a willingness to learn and commitment to progressing their career. As a result, it can be a very enticing career for many.
Browse all our Market Access jobs here. Alternatively, get in touch with Ben to discuss any opportunities that may be suitable for you:
