Adepero Shola Adewale
Florissant,MO
Summary
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology leader with 21+ years of experience spanning medical affairs, clinical development strategy, clinical research, scientific engagement, and cross-functional program leadership. Experienced in translating clinical evidence and scientific insights into development strategies, medical plans, clinical trial protocols, and product lifecycle decisions across immunology, gastroenterology, rare diseases, gene therapy, neurology, oncology, and other therapeutic areas. Proven progression through medical science, director, senior director, and executive director roles, with experience leading field medical teams, supporting global development programs, developing medical affairs strategies, and collaborating with clinical, regulatory, commercial, and research stakeholders. PhD in Pharmacological and Physiological Science and MBA in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Clinical Development Strategy Lead
Boehringer Ingelheim
Remote, MO
10.2020 - Current
- Provided clinical development and medical affairs support for gastroenterology pipeline programs—aligning scientific priorities, development activities, and cross-functional execution with program objectives and timelines.
- Collaborated with internal experts and external key opinion leaders to shape immunology–gastroenterology strategy, integrating scientific input and therapeutic-area insights into development planning.
- Built relationships with external experts and organizations to assist research collaborations, clinical development programs, and continued optimization of licensed products.
- Worked with local functional teams across the clinical trial lifecycle, translating medical and scientific expertise into practical guidance for trial planning and execution.
- Analyzed and synthesized clinical trial data to formulate actionable recommendations and inform evidence-based development decisions.
- Contributed U.S. feasibility assessments and clinical insights to global teams, informing protocol development and practical execution of clinical research programs.
- Contributed to development of clinical trial protocols and documentation, ensuring alignment of study design with scientific objectives and operational needs.
- Partnered with clinical development operations, legal, clinical research organization, and clinical research sites to accelerate site activation and study recruitment ahead of schedule.
Executive Director, Global Medical Affairs
Amicus Therapeutics
Remote, MO
2019 - 2020
- Supported global medical affairs strategic planning across Batten disease and other rare disease programs, including MPS, NPC, and Pompe, by aligning medical priorities with broader development objectives.
- Partnered with a global brand team to add medical input into brand strategy and convert strategic goals into medical affairs priorities.
- Represented medical affairs on clinical development core and steering teams, reviewed clinical trial plans, and provided scientific input into key development decisions.
- Worked with clinical development and research teams to plan and implement clinical trials, linking medical strategy with clinical program execution.
- Developed natural history protocols for CLN3 and CLN6 and clinical trial protocol for CLN3, enhancing clinical evidence base for rare neurodegenerative disease programs.
- Collaborated with real-world evidence team to establish processes for collecting real-world data, facilitating structured evidence-generation activities.
- Partnered with patient advocacy organizations and affected communities to include patient perspectives into medical and clinical initiatives.
- Assessed medical team and cross-functional training needs, implementing education programs to bolster internal scientific knowledge and readiness.
- Worked with regulatory affairs on documents supporting FDA and EMA submissions, including materials tied to RMAT and PRIME pathways.
- Developed and implemented Batten disease publication plan with publication colleagues, supporting coordinated scientific communication.
- Represented an organization in planning and execution of international medical congresses, advisory boards, and symposia to support scientific engagement.
Sr. Director Medical Affairs
Salix Pharmaceuticals
Remote, MO
2015 - 2019
- Led and developed four field medical teams spanning Gastroenterology, Diabetes, Managed Care, and Pain/Addiction, including building three teams to support distinct therapeutic and stakeholder needs.
- Led the successful launches of Lucemyra for opioid withdrawal syndrome and PlenVu for colonoscopy preparation, coordinating medical education and cross-functional activities to support healthcare professional understanding of the products.
- Developed and implemented medical affairs strategies across multiple therapeutic areas, integrating scientific communications, publication planning, scientific platform development, lifecycle management, CME, investigator-initiated studies, field medical engagement, and KOL strategy with brand objectives.
- Enhanced cross-functional alignment among commercial, health outcomes, managed markets, and medical affairs teams, including medical communications, MSLs, publications, and grants, to improve collaboration and strategic initiatives.
- Provided clinical oversight for the design and implementation of Phase IV clinical trials and contributed clinical and strategic guidance to Phase II and III registration programs and postmarketing commitment studies.
- Served on the Medical/Legal/Regulatory review committee, contributing to the scientific and medical review of materials for accuracy, balance, and compliance.
- Reviewed and contributed to manuscripts, abstracts, posters, presentations, and dossiers to support accurate interpretation and communication of clinical evidence.
- Collaborated with Business Development and Clinical Development on due diligence assessments of potential new assets, contributing medical and scientific perspectives to evaluation activities.
- Facilitated scientific exchange with healthcare professionals, investigators, key opinion leaders, and payer stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of balanced medical evidence to guide clinical and healthcare decisions.
- Managed field medical budgets and activities within established parameters, optimizing resource allocation and supporting effective execution.
Associate Director, Medical Science Liaison
Purdue Pharmaceuticals
Remote, MO
2015 - 2015
- Provided medical and scientific input to corporate initiatives and strategic activities, connecting clinical evidence with organizational priorities.
- Delivered clinical and evidence-based information to leaders within Integrated Delivery Networks, supporting quality improvement, therapeutic, and risk management initiatives.
- Gathered insights on healthcare professional and health-system needs and communicated relevant findings to internal stakeholders to inform medical strategy and engagement.
Consultant- Epilepsy Medical Director/Study Direct
Eisai
Remote, MO
2013 - 2015
- Led the development and implementation of medical affairs strategies for epilepsy programs, aligning scientific education, medical engagement, and product objectives.
- Acted as a medical and scientific subject matter expert, providing strategic input on target product profiles, product positioning, and one- and five-year product plans.
- Led clinical study protocol development in collaboration with internal and external experts, translating scientific objectives into structured research plans.
- Supported launch strategy for Fycompa by developing medical education initiatives that enhanced healthcare professionals’ understanding of product data and informed appropriate clinical use.
- Identified evidence gaps and developed strategies through advisory boards and scientific engagement activities that contributed to product differentiation and informed development planning.
- Oversaw design and implementation of Phase IV clinical research, facilitating postmarketing evidence generation to support product efficacy and safety.
- Collaborated with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Risk Management, Sales Training, Marketing, and Government Affairs to coordinate medical input across product activities.
- Led medical review of advertising and promotional materials, ensuring scientific accuracy, medical appropriateness, and alignment with applicable regulations and corporate standards.
- Directed publication planning, including external vendor coordination and budget management, and established strategies for CME and investigator-initiated study programs.
- Hired, trained, and led a cross-functional clinical team comprising in-house and field-based colleagues, while supporting scientific engagement with external experts.
- Authored, edited, and reviewed clinical documents, including study reports, investigator brochures, protocols, and case report forms.
Regional Clinical Director (Executive MSL)
Elan Pharmaceuticals
Remote, MO
2012 - 2013
- Developed clinical information materials on Tysabri for Crohn’s disease to support field medical colleagues with consistent, science-based resources for healthcare professional discussions.
- Worked with clinical research organization to identify potential study sites and resolve issues at active sites, helping support research feasibility and trial execution.
- Partnered with Compliance to draft medical affairs policies aligned with applicable federal requirements.
- Tracked competitor products, including marketed therapies and pipeline assets, to provide therapeutic-area intelligence for medical and strategic planning.
Associate Director, Medical Science
Endo Pharmaceuticals
Remote, MO
2011 - 2012
- Coordinated clinical development, research, and educational activities for four in-line products as therapeutic team lead for Hypogonadism and Fortesta, driving effective product strategies.
- Partnered with brand managers to plan and implement advisory boards for a newly launched product, facilitating structured engagement with external medical experts.
- Led cross-functional collaboration with Marketing to update scientific speaker presentations for Urology, Endocrinology, and Internal Medicine, enhancing clinical education consistency and accuracy.
- Reviewed scientific materials to ensure therapeutic accuracy and consistency across clinical affairs and medical team activities.
- Contributed to abstracts, congress posters, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, supporting dissemination of clinical evidence.
- Collaborated with cross-functional colleagues to develop FY2012 business plan and strategy for Urology, Endocrinology, and Oncology, aligning team objectives with organizational goals..
Associate Medical Director -Intern
Eisai Pharmaceuticals
Remote, MO
2008 - 2011
- Worked with research and development to support phase II, phase III, and postmarketing trial protocols, offering scientific input for clinical programs and product lifecycle planning.
- Created clearer dosing education materials and dosing guidelines to help healthcare professionals make informed clinical decisions.
- Identified and engaged external experts for medical advisory boards, enhancing access to specialist insights and scientific feedback.
- Provided medical insights on product positioning, strategic planning, and lifecycle management by turning clinical evidence into recommendations for internal stakeholders.
- Collaborated with statistics, clinical operations, and health outcomes to articulate product value and support evidence-based planning.
- Identified potential research partnerships and helped develop investigator-initiated study strategy.
- Reviewed promotional and publicly shared materials as a member of the promotional review committee, supporting scientific accuracy and compliance.
- Facilitated business development through scientific assessments, aiding clinical trial site identification, education, and resolution of patient-enrollment challenges.
- Led therapeutic scientific support for Lusedra MSL team, including educational material development, therapeutic knowledge, and competitive intelligence.
- Mentored new and experienced medical science liaisons and delivered disease-state and product training to internal stakeholders.
- Developed scientific presentations and clinical summaries for MSL teams, advisory boards, sales training, and speaker programs.
- Worked with medical affairs, clinical research, publications, marketing, sales, regulatory, and corporate affairs to strengthen MSL function and support coordinated scientific communication.
Medical Science Liaison
Adolor
Remote, MT
2006 - 2008
- Built relationships with key opinion leaders in colorectal surgery and anesthesiology to support medical engagement in an emerging therapeutic area.
- Mapped anesthesiology key opinion leaders for postoperative ileus, identifying relevant clinical experts and facilitating scientific engagement opportunities.
- Prepared Entereg launch by delivering clinical data education, training sales force, identifying speakers, and coordinating medical education activities at national conferences.
- Engaged medical directors, pharmacy directors, clinical pharmacists, and outcomes stakeholders to influence formulary and P&T decisions.
- Worked with global communications and joint marketing task force with GSK to share medical and scientific input on product-related decisions.
- Supported clinical research through potential site identification and joined medical, scientific, and advisory board discussions to review and communicate clinical evidence.
- Developed investigator-initiated study processes, guidelines, and protocols to support structured research collaboration.
Medical Science Manager
Organon USA
Remote, MT
2005 - 2006
- Cultivated relationships with regional key opinion leaders and facilitated investigator-initiated research proposals, enhancing external scientific collaboration.
- Conducted health outcomes presentations and engaged in local, regional, and national educational programs to promote awareness and understanding.
- Delivered product and disease-state training to account management, marketing, and field sales teams, enhancing internal scientific expertise.
- Communicated clinical evidence to healthcare professionals, pharmacists, residents, and other medical stakeholders through formal presentations and scientific discussions.
- Responded to unsolicited medical information requests in accordance with appropriate medical information practices.
Education
MBA - Pharmaceutical Marketing And Healthcare Management
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA01-2014
Postdoctoral Training
Harvard Medical School
Southborough, MA01-2005
Ph.D. - Pharmacological And Physiological Science
Saint Louis University
St. Louis, MO01-2004
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Saint Louis University
St. Louis, MO01-1998
Skills
- Clinical Development Strategy and Program Planning
- Global Medical Affairs Strategy
- Clinical Trial Design and Protocol Development
- Clinical Evidence Evaluation and Data Translation
- Cross-Functional and Matrix Team Leadership
- Medical Plans and Scientific Communications
- Rare Disease and Gene Therapy Development
- Immunology and Gastroenterology
- External Expert and Investigator Engagement
- Real-World Evidence and Research Collaboration
- Clinical Development and Medical Affairs Integration
- Product Lifecycle Management and Launch Strategy
- Publication Planning and Scientific Exchange
- Regulatory Collaboration and Medical Review
- Field Medical Team Leadership and Development
- Strategic Planning and Budget Management
Accomplishments
- MBA Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Marketing MBA award (2014)
- Beta Gamma Sigma Global Business Honor Society (2014)
- Scholarship interview committee, Saint Louis University, Presential and MLK (2021-2026)
Certification
- Scientific Advantage Medical Science Liaison Core Skills Certification July 13, 2006
- Scientific Advantage Safer Medical Liaison Compliance and Ethics Certification July 12, 2006
Professional Distintions
Preparing for Leadership: What it takes to take the lead – American Management Assoc. (2011)
Leading and Motivation - Harvard ManageMentor (2010)
Team Leadership – Harvard ManageMentor (2010)
Preceptorship in Anesthesiology (2009)
Preceptorship in the Management of Anticoagulation of Therapy and Clinical Thrombosis (2008)
Preceptorship in Colorectal Surgery (2007)
Basic CITI course in The Protection of Human Research Subjects (January 2005)
Scientific Advantage Medical Liaison Seminar (2005)
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Papers
1. Lee, B., Platt, D.M., Rowlett, J.K., Adewale, A.S., Spealman, R.D. (2005) Attenuation of behavioral effects of cocaine by the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine in squirrel monkeys: Comparison with dizaocilipine. Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics 312:1232-1240.
2. Adewale, A.S., H. MacArthur, T.C. Westfall. (2005) Neuropeptide Y Induced Modulation of Dopamine Synthesis in the Striatum. Regulatory Peptides 129(1-3):73-78
3. Adewale, A.S., Platt, D.M., Spealman, R.D. (2006) Pharmacological Stimulation of Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Reduces Cocaine Self-Administration and Cocaine-Induced Reinstatement of Drug Seeking in Squirrel Monkeys. Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. 318(2):922-31
4. Adewale, A.S., H. MacArthur, T.C. Westfall. (2007) Neuropeptide Y Induced Enhancement of the Evoked Release of Newly Synthesized Dopamine in Rat Striatum: Mediation by Y2Receptors. Neuropharmacology. Feb 20
Abstracts
1. Adewale, A.S. and Spealman, R.D. 2005. The Role of Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Cocaine Self-administration and Cocaine Priming Induced Drug Seeking Behavior. CPDD
2. Adewale, A.S. and Spealman, R.D. 2005. The Role of Metabotropic Group 2 Receptor in Modulating the Behavioral Effects of Cocaine. New England Symposium, Abstract #1.
3. Adewale, A.S. and Spealman, R.D. 2005. The Role of Metabotropic Group 2 Receptor in Modulating the Behavioral Effects of Cocaine. Mysell Lecture, Abstract #6
4. Adewale, A.S., H. MacArthur, T.C. Westfall. 2004. Neuropeptide Y modulation of the release of newly synthesized catecholamines in rat striatum. Experimental Biology, Abstract # 162.10
5. Adewale, A.S., H. MacArthur, T.C. Westfall. 2002. Neuropeptide Y modulation of the release of newly synthesized catecholamines. Experimental Biology, Vol. 17. Abstract # 141.7
6. Adewale, A.S., H. MacArthur, T.C. Westfall. 2001. Modulation of catecholamine synthesis by Neuropeptide Y in rat striatal slices. Experimental Biology, Vol.15. Abstract # 453.7
7. Aldridge, R.D., Mills, M.S., Lee, J.R., Adewale, A.S. 1997. Snake blood obtained by tail sticks may not accurately reflect circulation of blood. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society Ichthyologists, and Herpetologists, University of Seattle, Seattle, WA.
SEMINAR SERIES: Invited speaker
1. Role of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs in Drug Development (getting drugs to patients). January 2021 National Society of Black Engineers
2. Alternative Career path outside academia as a Medical Science Liaison. June 2011. Saint Louis University Graduate School.
3. A Career path outside the bench as a medical science liaison. April 2009. American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
4. Post-operative Ileus and peripheral opioid receptors. Nov 2007 American Women Surgeons.
5. The Role of Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Cocaine Self-administration and Cocaine Priming Induced Drug Seeking Behavior. June 20, 2005. College of Problems of Drug Dependence.
Timeline
Director, Clinical Development Strategy Lead
Boehringer Ingelheim
10.2020 - Current
Executive Director, Global Medical Affairs
Amicus Therapeutics
2019 - 2020
Sr. Director Medical Affairs
Salix Pharmaceuticals
2015 - 2019
Associate Director, Medical Science Liaison
Purdue Pharmaceuticals
2015 - 2015
Consultant- Epilepsy Medical Director/Study Direct
Eisai
2013 - 2015
Regional Clinical Director (Executive MSL)
Elan Pharmaceuticals
2012 - 2013
Associate Director, Medical Science
Endo Pharmaceuticals
2011 - 2012
Associate Medical Director -Intern
Eisai Pharmaceuticals
2008 - 2011
Medical Science Liaison
Adolor
2006 - 2008
Medical Science Manager
Organon USA
2005 - 2006
MBA - Pharmaceutical Marketing And Healthcare Management
Saint Joseph's University
Postdoctoral Training
Harvard Medical School
Ph.D. - Pharmacological And Physiological Science
Saint Louis University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Saint Louis University