Roland Derwand, Dr. med., MBA

Head of Medical Affairs and Evidence Generation, International, VP, at argenx ➡️AI‑enabled Medical Affairs | Rare Disease & RWE | Strategy, Execution & Practice Change

Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

About

ABOUT As a physician in the global biotech and pharmaceutical industry, I bring a strategic, practice-oriented, and entrepreneurial perspective to Medical Affairs leadership. With more than 20 years of experience - including a strong focus on orphan diseases - I help ensure that innovation translates into clinical practice where it matters. I believe Medical Affairs must actively advance medical practice to enable the effective use of novel therapies. Our goal must be to close true medical gaps - so that physicians and patients benefit from innovation as early and meaningfully as possible. Especially in complex and rare diseases, this requires cross-functional collaboration, clarity, and clinical relevance. I operate at the intersection of science, strategy, and execution - with a leadership style that values emotional intelligence, trust, and development of individuals and teams. AI, to me, is not just a tool but a strategic lever - enhancing speed, precision, and medical impact. I’m committed to connecting people, science, and strategy - globally and with purpose.

Experience

  • argenx (Full-time · 3 yrs 8 mos)
    • Head of Medical Affairs and Evidence Generation, International, VP
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Head of Medical Affairs, EMEA, VP
      Nov 2022 - Jan 2025 · 2 yrs 3 mos

  • Head of Medical Affairs, EMEA, VP at BridgeBio
    Jul 2021 - Nov 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Full-time · 3 yrs 6 mos)
    • Executive Director Medical Affairs DACH
      Jan 2020 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Head Medical Affairs International and Japan - ad interim (EMEAC, LATAM, APAC, Japan)
      Oct 2020 - Mar 2021 · 6 mos

    • Senior Director Medical Affairs DACH
      Jan 2018 - Dec 2019 · 2 yrs

      Head Medical Affairs DACH

  • Vice President - Scientific Medical, Marketing & Sales at LEUKOCARE AG
    Sep 2013 - Dec 2017 · 4 yrs 4 mos

    Biotechnology

  • Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH (Munich, Germany)
    • Senior Director, Brand Leader Europe
      Apr 2011 - Aug 2013 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    • Director New Product Planning Europe
      Jan 2009 - Apr 2011 · 2 yrs 4 mos