Environment, social, and governance (ESG) engagement has shown to support a pharmaceutical company’s adaptability, and therefore secures mid- and long-term financial health.

Establishing and implementing ESG principles is a complex task and requires strong cross-functional involvement from a function that performs with agility in a matrix environment.

The medical affairs (MA) function is to contribute to ESG strategies due to its ‘bridging’ function within pharmaceutical organizations and the alignment with its core imperatives of patient centricity, credibility, and adherence to compliance.

The transformation of MA from an enabler to a strategic leader carries a significant potential to be integrated in ESG strategies and to assume responsibility for ESG initiatives and values, underpinning industry’s sustainable and ethical operations with future implications for patient health and public well-being.