Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; London; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A rare disease startup is seeking an Interim Medical Lead to oversee the launch of an orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology. This strategic role requires an experienced ABPI Final Signatory to contribute to medical governance, drive scientific strategy, and ensure successful early access. With a contract expected to last 6–9 months, the position is fully remote, suitable for candidates with medical affairs leadership experience and strong expertise in rare diseases.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading medical governance frameworks.
• Strong leadership in Medical Affairs for therapeutic launches.
• Exposure to rare diseases or orphan drug sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a UK launch.
• Drive scientific strategy and support early access governance.
• Shape the medical governance framework in a startup environment.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Compassionate Use experience

Ophthalmology background

Job description

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Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, West London

Client: wax.

Location: West London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

3

Posted:

10.06.2025

Expiry Date:

25.07.2025

Job Description:

Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead (Final Signatory)

Location: UK/Remote

Start: June/July 2025

Focus: Rare Disease | Ophthalmology

An exciting opportunity for an experienced ABPI Final Signatory to lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for the UK launch of a first-in-class orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology.

This is a strategic interim role supporting early access, governance, and scientific engagement ahead of a landmark UK launch in 2026.

Key Points:

• ABPI Final Signatory certification (essential)
• Strong Medical Affairs leadership experience
• Rare disease or orphan drug exposure is a plus
• Compassionate Use or Named Patient Programme experience (nice to have)
• Ophthalmology background (nice to have)
• Fully remote with occasional travel

This is a startup situation, so you will be shaping the medical governance framework, driving scientific strategy, and partnering cross-functionally to ensure a successful pre-launch phase within a lean, agile setup.

Contract: Approximately 6–9 months, through to post-launch readiness.

If you are interested, please get in touch to arrange a confidential discussion.

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