Thomas Porstmann

Medical Director | Medical Affairs & Launch Excellence | Rare & Chronic Cardiometabolic Diseases | Turning Innovation into Patient Impact

Zürich Metropolitan Area

About

Strategic, scientifically driven Medical Affairs leader with 13+ years’ experience shaping global and regional medical strategy, evidence generation and launches across rare, immunology, dermatology and cardiometabolic diseases. Proven partner to Clinical Development, providing strategic medical insights from early phase 1/2 through pivotal phase 3 and launch, with a strong record in cross-functional leadership, KOL engagement and integrated evidence planning that turns science into measurable business and patient impact.

Experience

  • Director, Medical Affairs, International at BridgeBio
    Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    Leading medical strategy for BridgeBio’s Skeletal Dysplasia portfolio across Europe, translating innovative rare disease science into impactful medical initiatives that support product launches and improve patient outcomes. Serving as a strategic scientific partner to cross-functional teams, healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and other key stakeholders, with a focus on advancing care for patients with rare skeletal disorders. Leveraging extensive regional rare disease expertise to drive scientific engagement, evidence generation and medical excellence.

  • Novo Nordisk (Zurich, Switzerland)
    • Assoc Medical Director, Obesity, International Operations & Strategy
      2026 - May 2026 · 5 mos

      Driving Novo Nordisk’s global obesity strategy across International Operations (IO), spanning all markets outside the U.S. • Leading the execution of medical strategy and tactics for obesity across IO, in close alignment with global medical and development priorities. • Advocating for recognition of obesity as a serious, chronic disease while connecting insights across the broader cardiometabolic portfolio. • Collaborating with regional and affiliate Medical Affairs teams to strengthen medical education, scientific exchange, and patient journey insights. • Bringing regional and market perspectives into global forums to inform clinical development and communication strategies. • Building high-impact scientific partnerships with thought leaders, academic institutions, and professional societies to elevate the global conversation on obesity.

    • Global Scientific Director, Rare Bleeding Disorders
      2020 - 2026 · 6 yrs

      Global Medical Affairs Launch Lead - Led the Global Medical Affairs team, accountable for shaping and executing global medical strategy to support successful development, launch, and life-cycle management of Concizumab (Alhemo). - Served as Medical Lead in the Global Development team (R&D, regulatory, clinical) within the matrix organisation - ensuring scientific and strategic alignment across functions. - Led the development and execution of the Global Medical Brand & Integrated Evidence Plan, collaborating with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Market Access, Corporate Affairs) to generate evidence that strengthened clinical differentiation and supported the product's value proposition. - Guided regional and focus markets medical teams in global (pre-)launch activities, driving excellence through Scientific Dialogue frameworks and OCE implementation, and empowering over 100 cross-functional ambassadors with targeted training. - Led global scientific communication and publication strategy, achieving high visibility and credibility through late-breaking abstracts at ISTH 2022/2023 and landmark Phase 3 publications in NEJM (2023) and The Lancet Haematology (2024), significantly enhancing the product's scientific reputation. - Chaired global advisory boards, translating actionable insights into LCM, RWE strategies, and future study designs, driving informed decision-making. - Accelerated Phase 3 study recruitment by implementing a novel collaboration model between Medical Affairs and Clinical Operations, improving recruitment timelines across global, regional, and country teams. - Contributed to clinical study design, regulatory submissions, and label negotiations, ensuring alignment with global regulatory and payer requirements (e.g. NICE, HAS, IQWiG), facilitating timely market access. - Built and maintained long-term relationships with global KOLs, medical societies, and external stakeholders, driving advocacy and elevating the scientific reputation of Concizumab.

    • Medical Director, Cardiovascular Disease, International Operations & Strategy
      2024 - 2025 · 1 yr

      1-year short-term assignment in Medical & Marketing, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), International Operations & Strategy (IO–SO) • Spearheaded educational initiatives in the cardiovascular disease sector to enhance market entry strategies. • Led cross-functional project teams, collaborating with global and regional medical affairs leads. • Developed the “InFlame” webinar series and a comprehensive playbook for effective knowledge dissemination. • Organized a two-day preceptorship in collaboration with UK-Aachen, Germany, to enhance medical knowledge among healthcare professionals.

  • Pfizer (Zurich, Switzerland)
    • Regional Medical Manager Haemophilia (Europe, Japan, Korea, Australia, NZ)
      2016 - 2018 · 2 yrs

      Therapeutic area: Rare Bleeding Disorders (Haemophilia, in-line and pipeline) • Developed and executed regional strategies for Haemophilia as part of a cross-functional team. • Co-led promotional and non-promotional meetings and symposia to enhance awareness and education. • Initiated a monthly Journal Club to foster scientific exchange among affiliates. • Served as the medical lead for the regional rollout of Haemoassist®, a medical eDiary device.

    • Medical Advisor Rare Diseases (Switzerland)
      2014 - 2016 · 2 yrs

      Rare Disease Lead Switzerland: Rare endocrine disorders, Rare non-malignant Haematology, Transplant, Amyloidosis, and Dermatology/Psoriasis • Led cross-functional project team to ensure the successful supply of Tafamidis for patients with the ultra-rare disease ATTR-Amyloidosis. • Planned and executed workshops and advisory boards to enhance stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing. • Fostered strong relationships with Swiss patient organization and medical society to advocate for patient needs.

  • Medical & Regulatory Advisor (Switzerland) at GlaxoSmithKline
    2012 - 2014 · 2 yrs

    Therapeutic areas: Autoimmune/Immunology/Rheumatology & Dermatology • Led the medical affairs launch of Benlysta, a therapeutic antibody for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). • Integrated Toctino, a systemic dermatological therapy, into the product portfolio. • Planned and executed symposia, workshops, and advisory boards to enhance stakeholder engagement. • Conducted regulatory authority submissions and correspondence to ensure compliance and facilitate approvals.

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow at ETH Zürich
    2007 - 2011 · 4 yrs

    EMBO Long-term Research Fellow conducted impactful research in diabetes and obesity • Collaborated with academic institutions and industry partners to enhance research outcomes. • Mentored PhD and Master students, fostering the next generation of researchers. • Developed training programs for technicians to effectively support research initiatives.