Global Head of Market Access, Povetacicept

Job Description

Vertex operates at the forefront of scientific innovation and has successfully developed and commercialized multiple breakthrough medicines for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) as well as Casgevy, a gene therapy for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.  Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases including programs in Pain, APOL-1 mediated kidney disease (AMKD), and cell therapies for Type 1 diabetes, among others.

Vertex recently acquired Alpine Immune Sciences. Alpine’s lead molecule, povetacicept (ALPN-303), is a highly potent and effective dual antagonist of BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand). Through Phase 2 development, povetacicept has shown potential best-in-class efficacy in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). IgAN is a serious, progressive, autoimmune disease of the kidney that can lead to end-stage-renal disease. There are no approved therapies that target the underlying cause of IgAN. IgAN is the most common cause of primary (idiopathic) glomerulonephritis worldwide, affecting approximately 130,000 people in the U.S. Povetacicept is on track to enter Phase 3 clinical development in the second half of 2024.

Due to its mechanism of action as a dual BAFF/APRIL antagonist, povetacicept holds the potential to benefit patients with other serious autoimmune diseases of the kidney, such as membranous nephropathy and lupus nephritis, as well as autoimmune cytopenias. Clinical studies in renal indications and autoimmune cytopenias are ongoing.

In consideration of the expanding pipeline and an increasingly complex global market access environment, Vertex is expanding its Global Value and Access Strategy (GVAS) team. Market Access is a key commercial function that ensures transformative Vertex therapies are appropriately funded and ultimately make it into the hands of the patients around the world. GVAS works cross-functionally and across regions to ensure the payer view is represented in commercial and development plans across the lifecycle. We are driven by a desire to deliver groundbreaking pricing & reimbursement solutions to allow our medicines to reach patients faster than ever before.

The Head of Market Access, povetacicept role will assume responsibility for the asset across multiple indications with a primary focus on launch readiness for IgAN. In this capacity, the individual will be accountable for the global price & access strategy, value communications and directly contribute to determining life-cycle strategy for the asset. This individual will play a role on the Disease Strategy team and manage a direct report who will co-lead the Global Commercial Team (GCT). This role will also be accountable for leadership of cross-portfolio capability building and thought leadership projects that advance knowledge of and readiness for the rapidly evolving Global payer environment. This position reports directly into the VP of GVAS, will manage 1-2 direct reports.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure launch readiness for IgAN lead indication:
  • Partner cross-functionally and cross-Regionally to ensure robust, differentiated value proposition and integrated evidence plans to support global market access and reimbursement
  • Develop of the global pricing and market access strategy, payment models and negotiation approach
  • Champion global price policy through governance against which the Regions/countries execute (including endorsement from Executive Committee)
  • Drive delivery of unbranded, branded payer value communications and supportive training
• Life-cycle management: 
  • Partner within commercial to develop LCM strategy including indication sequencing
  • Identify, prioritize and champion evidence required for access enabling trials and value optimization with DSTs; determine minimum reimbursable profiles
• Provide leadership within the Global Commercial Model through GCTs and shape commercial strategy; contribute directly to Disease Strategy Team to ensure payer position is consistently represented
• Lead cross-portfolio capability building and thought leadership projects that advance knowledge of and readiness for the rapidly evolving Global payer environment including consideration of innovative pricing & reimbursement mechanisms
• Effectively leads cross-functionally, particularly across Market Access, HEOR, Real World Evidence, Government Affairs and Public Policy and US Market Access to ensure alignment around and delivery against access goals at each stage of the product lifecycle
• Provides direct, “hands-on” development of strategic and tactical deliverables as required

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of direct biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry experience; 5+ years of supervisory/management experience preferred
• Experience in comparable Global and/or specialty disease area lead role considered a plus; deep working knowledge of both US and ex-US healthcare systems required
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and make sound pricing and market access recommendations
• Strong practical, quantitative and analytical skills combined with a sound understanding of how to successfully apply pricing & reimbursement / HEOR principles to support Vertex
• General experience in commercialization and drug development
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead highly cross-functional teams within a matrix environment
• Exhibits outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively write and deliver presentations to professionals at all levels within Vertex
• Demonstrated relationship building at all levels of the organization and across geographies
• Recognized as a team player with excellent interpersonal skills who is flexible and reliable
• Displays sound ethics and a fit for Vertex’s core values

Education:

BA/BS in field of study requiring quantitative analysis; advanced degree preferred

LI#-KO1

Flex Designation:

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]