Sample Templates
Long Response Post (~400-800 words)
MSL and Alzheimer's Disease
MSL professionals specializing in neurology are highly interested in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive brain disorder that often results in dementia, where concerted efforts with respect to both research and drug discovery have been made over the years. The underlying causes and fundamental mechanisms that lead to irreversible brain damage and cognitive decline are not fully understood thus proving difficult to determine an effective therapeutic target in symptomatic patients. AD affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, and is only becoming more prevalent in aging populations, so continued R&D into innovative and breakthrough treatments to address unmet medical needs in this disease area are essential to improve overall patient health outcomes and life expectancy.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by abnormal plaque buildup, astrogliosis, nerve cell atrophy, vascular damage, neurofibrillary tangles, and synaptic and neuronal loss. 1,2 Most AD research for the bulk of the past two decades has centered around amyloid peptides and tau proteins. The amyloid-β (Aβ) hypothesis states that accumulation of Aβ plaques in regions of the brain leads to the pathogenesis of AD as a result of Aβ clearance mechanism failures. 2,3 The tau hypothesis, alternatively, suggests that phosphorylated tau proteins aggregate to form tangles (NFTs) that directly contribute to neurodegeneration .4 Additionally, candidate gene apoE4, located on chromosome 19, has been found in a number of genetic screens of AD that may indicate that it is a potential risk factor that plays a significant role in the development of onset AD and influences Aβ plaque buildup in the brain.5 And so, this poses the puzzling question: Is the aggregation of either Aβ or tau causing AD, or are they involved in the protein cascade events that result from the upstream factor apoliprotein E (apoE4) gene?
MSLs operating in this therapeutic discipline must possess extensive scientific and clinical acumen, which entails staying abreast of the latest developments in the field and all current literature. Given the many mysteries and complexities surrounding AD, the expertise provided by MSLs is imperative when engaging with KOLs and HCPs because this dialogue ultimately influences how patients are being treated.
As steady progress is made to garner a better understanding of AD diagnostic pathways, most available therapies in the pharmaceutical market aim to improve mental ability and function. The two common classifications of drugs include cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate regulators. The latest clinical drug to be granted approval by the FDA is Aduhelm (aducanumab) made by the company Biogen, and is currently set at a market price of a whopping $56,000. This drug has been considered a landmark drug because, not only is it the newest Alzheimer drug to enter the market in 18 years, but it is also the first pathology-targeted treatment that works to reduce Aβ buildup. However, the accelerated approval of Aduhelm has stirred up some controversy. Many experts and scientists have raised concerns about the drug, noting that there is not sufficient evidence to support the claim that it slows cognitive decline. This has subsequently prompted an internal inquiry, while Biogen has been tasked to conduct another additional clinical trial.
The implications of Aduhelm drug efficacy are yet to be seen, but we do know that new therapeutic solutions, whether they are small-molecule drugs, antibodies, or gene therapies, increase the demand for MSLs. The ever-changing landscape of medical intervention and studies compels healthcare systems to make greater investments in MSLs, who are uniquely positioned in their role to bridge the gap between industry and practice since they are involved with the drug life cycle every step of the way. As the product launch for Aduhelm rolls out in the near future, granted the clinical trial is successful in proving its claim, there is no doubt that MSLs will be instrumental figures in facilitating scientific exchange with the goal to promote human health and get this novel therapy prescribed to Alzheimer patients.
References:
1. Hardy JA & Higgins GA. 1992. Alzheimer’s disease: the amyloid cascade hypothesis. Science 256:184-185.
2. Kametani F & Hasegawa M. 2018. Reconsideration of Amyloid Hypothesis and Tau Hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neuroscience 12: doi:10.3389/fnins.2018.00025.
3. Selkoe DJ & Hardy J. 2016. The amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease at 25 years. EMBO Molecular Medicine 8:595-608.
4. Jesus R, de Paula V, Guimaraes FB, Diniz BS, Forlenza OV. 2009. Neurobiological pathways to Alzheimer’s disease: Amyloid-beta, TAU protein, or both? Dementia Neuropsychology 3:88-194.
5. Dodart JC, Marr RA, Koistinaho M, Gregersen BM, Malkani S, Verma IM, Paul SM. 2005. Gene delivery of human apolipoprotein E alters brain Abeta burden in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA 102:1211-6.
Medium-Length Response Post (~200-400 words)
MSL Role in the wake of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted many facets of the healthcare sector, and the field-based MSL profession is no exception. In response to COVID-19 and the necessary barriers that have been enacted both domestically and globally, including quarantine mandates, social distancing measures, and travel restrictions, the professional ecosystem has undergone many dramatic changes in understanding how to navigate and thrive in this “new normal.”
Serving in many ways as intermediaries between life science/pharmaceutical companies and leading providers and personnel, a significant part of the MSL role involves travel for industry conferences, key speaking engagements, as well as meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Forging and maintaining solid long-term relationships with KOLs and HCPs is a defined priority of the position, so communication and interaction is integral in order to build a positive rapport and reputation. In lieu of the pandemic, scientific pursuits and information exchange in regards to pharmaceutical drug therapies has been markedly limited, especially as a large number of clinical trials have been put on hold.
These unprecedented and challenging times have necessitated the ability to adapt to change and consider new strategies, in particular adopting and utilizing digital systems and tools as the main form of communication. The digital transformation, as observed with many other healthcare professions who have implemented telehealth and telecommunication services, has allowed MSLs to continue to drive and facilitate scientific and clinical discussion. With increased trends in digital technology deployment across the industry, one of the biggest takeaways is that remote virtual appointments can be adopted even after the pandemic as an accessible, convenient, and efficient option where clients still receive the same quality of interaction.
MSLs have been able to successfully execute their respective tasks without compromising customer needs, deliver on company goals, and have also taken the opportunity to show that cross-functional working relationships can be upheld by recognizing the value of digital potential. As industries shift back to their pre-pandemic operations in the upcoming months, it will be fascinating to see in what capacity the changes brought forth in the past year shape the role for the future.
Short Response Post (blurb consisting of ~150-200 words)
The Challenges of Genetic Testing
As technology has advanced to offer personalized healthcare to patients, predictive genetic testing to identify potential health risks and predispositions has been widely used in recent years, especially as direct-to-consumer kits are now commercially available. However, genetic testing presents a number of complex challenges.
There is serious concern over the privacy and confidentiality of genetic information. Providers have a responsibility to give genetic counseling to ensure that patients are aware of what their test results mean so they can make well-informed medical and personal decisions. But if the results indicate risk to other family members of the patient, does it implore the physician to also reveal the genetic status to relatives? Or is that a breach of consent and a decision that should be left up to the patient? Additionally, who owns and has access to this genetic information, and for what purposes is it being used? Many people who may benefit from undergoing genetic testing have opted out due to fear of discrimination, as current laws provide limited protections.
Genetic testing has opened up many new medical frontiers and is a field that is constantly evolving, making it imperative that we address these ethical considerations sooner rather than later.