Why is the MSL essential throughout the pharmaceutical product development process?

Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) are more necessary than ever to support the product, especially when the Medical Department is the only entity authorized to interact with (KOLs).

The increasing difficulty for pharmaceutical companies to approach physicians ahead of product launches has led laboratories to rely heavily on the relationship between healthcare professionals and Medical Affairs / MSLs.

Traditionally, the MSL has played a central role in the pre‑launch phase—simply put, responding to KOL requests. 

Beyond acting as an intermediary for laboratories and contributing to scientific publications, the MSL also represents the interests of patient.

Integrating patient experience not only ensures smoother, more beneficial care but also attracts the attention of payers, thereby increasing the likelihood of reimbursement.

“An effective MSL strategy will involve segmenting teams so they cover all key stakeholders likely to influence the success of a brand. It should also ensure close coordination of MSLs with all customer‑facing teams and channels, in order to strengthen existing relationships with KOLs.”

The mission of MSLs is to conduct scientific exchanges with KOLs, while also transforming these exchanges—along with patient experience—into a structured narrative focused on quality of care, value, and continuous improvement.