Rare Disease Account Specialist, Central

RARE DISEASE ACCOUNT SPECIALIST - ZILGANERSEN Field-based account specialist responsible for building and managing long-term relationships with physicians, Centers of Excellence (COEs), and other customers in an assigned territory. Hybrid role providing access/reimbursement support and product/disease education, including promotional messaging to advocate for people suffering from Alexander disease (AxD). Educates external HCPs on the approved AxD indication/clinical information and appropriate use of zilganersen following FDA approval. Supports healthcare provider offices with access & reimbursement support in a compliant manner. (Roles depend on zilganersen approval.)
RESPONSIBILITIES Build and execute effective business plans to meet customer and company goals.
Provide reimbursement support for COEs (other injection sites may be covered ad-hoc).
Proactively manage key stakeholders (~20% effort) and provide ad-hoc support.
Increase AxD awareness and promote on-label clinical data to drive demand.
Provide “surround sound” engagement by collaborating with accounts/COEs and field teams to enhance HCP awareness and experience.
Track sales performance and gather market insights to improve patient outcomes.
Manage COE accounts and intrathecal administration logistics.
Educate HCPs/COEs/office staff on zilganersen (brand messages, efficacy, safety) using approved materials, including appropriate patient identification.
Educate on zilganersen access process, including coverage policies and typical challenges.
Use patient hub/specialty pharmacy data to provide patient access status updates.
Raise AxD disease-state awareness; educate on patient need and appropriate referral/treatment.
Create positive prescribing and access support experience.
Educate on patient services offerings to encourage appropriate program utilization.
Participate in conferences and scientific meetings to educate HCPs.
Gather insights to profile accounts and inform leadership/marketing on sales and marketing strategy.
Understand local market drivers/barriers for AxD patients and accounts.
Identify/validate/document potential HCPs treating AxD patients.
Develop and execute customer/account-focused territory strategic plans to maximize business/patient opportunities and satisfaction.
Build insight-driven tactics anticipating current/future customer needs.
Adjust strategies to meet territory goals.
Develop strategic account plans with field team and brand leadership.
Build Ionis champions; [Before launch only] develop launch-day engagement plan and schedule post-launch meetings/visits.
Participate in field meetings/training; understand brand messaging, AxD disease state, and customer engagement tactics.
Apply learnings from the patient journey to customer/account strategy.
Stay current on evolving payer landscape and policies.
Certify on approved label, compliance training, and applicable customer engagement policies.
Collaborate with other field teams (e.g., Patient Education Managers, Field Medical Directors) and share learnings with leadership as appropriate.
Use platforms/technology to engage customers through multiple channels.
Partner on accounts with patients across multiple specialties and geographies.
REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years of related experience.
Master’s and/or advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD, PharmD) preferred with at least 8 years of related experience.
At least 4+ years of experience in Pharma sales or Field Reimbursement and/or access roles across:
Neurology or rare diseases and product launches
COE, HCP, and IDN engagement
Cross-functional field team coordination
Successful launch experience
Customer reimbursement and drug access education/support
Extensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, including market access and payer reimbursement policies for rare disease products.
Extensive knowledge of key COEs and demonstrated ability navigating complex accounts.
Analytical skills to build product knowledge (pharmaceuticals, competitors) and relevant disease states.
Self‑driven, able to solve a range of customer challenges with integrity and compliance.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Proven track record meeting/exceeding quantitative and qualitative targets.
Solid understanding of and adherence to external laws/codes/company policies and proper interaction with healthcare professionals.
Travel ~50% within territory (West / North‑East / South‑Central).
PREFERRED SKILLS Master’s and/or advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD, PharmD).
COMPENSATION Pay scale: $177,000 to $200,000.
BENEFITS “Ionis offers an excellent benefits package” (details via Ionis Benefits link).

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