Drug Evaluation Committee Leaflet: What is Medical Affairs (MA) in Pharmaceutical Companies?
Medical Affairs Subcommittee
March 2025
Various activities are being conducted by pharmaceutical companies through the establishment and staffing of organizations that perform the medical affairs (MA) function in pharmaceutical companies. In the course of promoting these activities, the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has formulated the "Basic Approach to MA Activities" and the "Direction to be taken by Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)". However, as a relatively young organization and function, the reality is that some stakeholders, including medical professionals, do not fully understand the role of MAs.
In light of this background and current situation, the FY2024 Continuing Task Force 1 (KT1) of the MA Subcommittee of the Pharmaceutical Evaluation Committee of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) developed a leaflet to help employees of PMAJ member companies explain MA activities to stakeholders such as medical professionals, and published the A4 version (Ver. 1) in January 2025. The A4 version (Ver. 1) was released in January 2025. In addition to the A4 version, we have also prepared a 16:9 version for presentation on tablet devices. In conjunction with the creation of the 16:9 version, the A4 version has been updated to the A4 version (Ver. 1-1), so please use the A4 version (Ver. 1-1) as your future A4 version.
This leaflet provides an overview of MA activities with reference to the "Basic Concept on MA Activities" and "Reconsidering the Value of Pharmaceutical Products" published by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ), etc. We hope that each member company will use this leaflet when introducing the basic role of MA activities at interviews, education and training sessions, etc. We hope that each member company will find it useful in introducing the basic roles of MA activities at interviews, education and training sessions, etc.
This leaflet is intended only as a basic overview of MA roles, functions, etc. Since the organizational structure and activities of MAs may vary from company to company, please make use of this leaflet with supplemental or detailed explanations as necessary.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) assumes no responsibility for any damages resulting from its use.
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