Pharma Sessions

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey is joined by Sean Sheffler-Collins, Director of Scientific Communications and Content at Astellas Pharma, to discuss how Medical Affairs is evolving to meet HCPs' needs through omnichannel communication strategies, accessible and engaging scientific data, and technology-enabled solutions like digital microsites and AI analysis.

What You’ll Learn:

• How MSLs earn longer, more trusted conversations with HCPs
• What clinicians actually want from pharma companies
• How curiosity-led questions outperform information-heavy opening pitches in Medical Affairs interactions
• What Medical Affairs teams can learn by systematically capturing and analyzing HCP questions and feedback
• How AI can help standardize and summarize global insights, and where human judgment is still essential
  
  

Sean Sheffler-Collins is the Director of Scientific Communications and Content at Astellas Pharma. With over 13 years of experience in Medical Affairs, Sean has helped cross-functional teams deliver impactful scientific content across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, neurology, cardiovascular, and women’s health.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Introduction
• [02:45] From Neuroscience to Scientific Storytelling
• [04:34] You Only Get 1-2 Minutes of Real Attention
• [07:15] Curiosity as the Real Engagement Strategy
• [09:49] Why MSL Conversations Matter More Than Commercial Touchpoints
• [13:22] Turning MSL Questions Into Strategic Insight
• [18:15] Agency vs. Pharma
• [22:24] How Innovation Gets Approved in a Regulated Environment
• [24:25] Microsites as an Omnichannels Force Multiplier
• [26:57] Metrics That Matter
• [29:49] Avoiding Firewall Chaos with Compliant Coordination

Episode Resources:

• Sean Sheffler-Collins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanshefflercollins/
• Astellas Pharma Website: http://www.astellas.com/
• Jonathan Kaskey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkaskey/
• XSUNT Corporation Website: http://www.xsunt.com/

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

Pharma Sessions is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so