Given Client was new to the gene therapy space and was ramping up engagement with key stakeholders, it was critical that there was internal alignment when describing their assets and scientific narratives to external audiences. Additionally, it was crucial to articulate their unique MoA, as well as differentiate themselves within an evolving market. 

1. Scientific narratives & Lexicon – We developed fit-for-purpose scientific narratives that were cross-functionally validated, scientifically robust, high-impact, and aspirational as well as supportive of Client’s clinical and corporate strategies. Additionally, due to internal variability, we identified the opportunity to develop a scientific lexicon, to support more cohesive internal and external communication, and ensure the scientific narratives can be adapted appropriately to resonate with different audiences (HCPs, Investors, Patients / Caregivers). This work is currently ongoing with our team.
2. Scientific Posters / Oral Presentations – We developed scientific posters & oral presentations for several key congresses and meetings. Our team partnered with various external authors as well as Client’s med affairs, clinical development, and pre-clinical development teams to craft over 12 posters & oral presentations. These efforts have not only allowed for effective communication of the data but also supported clinical trial recruitment efforts in these rare therapeutic areas.
3. Publications – In parallel to the congress materials we developed, we also supported Client in the development of two manuscripts – one of which reported the results of in vivo studies evaluating the gene therapy in animals, as well as another examining the comparison of their novel vector technology vs the standard gene therapy. This work is currently ongoing with our team.

In order to change an established paradigm, especially one in a crowded therapeutic space, it’s critical to understand the needs of the audience and ensure that any communications resonate with that audience. Effective communication is about the story we want the audience to hear and understand, not simply about the information we want to tell them. Therefore, we took a strategic approach to communication and the subsequent materials that were developed to disseminate Client’s story and shift treatment practices.
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1. Strategic Working Group Sessions – We designed and facilitated a series of virtual sessions with KOLs, we pressure test Client’s data and MOA to develop a high-level scientific narrative. We also gathered insights on what was important to different treaters to ensure the communication strategy was developed with key considerations incorporated.
2. Communication Strategy – A communication strategy was also developed; whereby key communication pillars and messages were aligned on, and target HCPs were identified. A comprehensive communication activity grid was crafted to outline activities including publications, symposia, as well as target conferences and field activities that would support story evolution over time.
3. Narrative Guidance Document – Guidance documents outlining the scientific narrative of the therapy and disease state were developed to serve as the basis of scientific communication alignment across the organization – the strategic working group of KOLs was also leveraged to incorporate treater perspectives into content development.
4. Field Core Slide Decks – Based on these guidance documents, we identified the need for field core slide decks that could facilitate discussions and support communication of the new treatment paradigm in the field.

It was critical for Client to map out their desired scientific narrative for their therapy in this indication before starting to disseminate information and clinical data. Given the skepticism around their unique MOA, understanding the perceptions of academics and KOLs helped guide their decision-making. Additionally, traditional initiatives were too cost-prohibitive, requiring us to identify and partner on the most strategically relevant and highest ROI activities:
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1. Strategic Story Development – Budget could not support the development of a scientific platform. Therefore, we supported the medical team by mapping out a high-level strategic narrative aligning their MOA with the indication MOD. This involved identifying strong available data and aspirational statements to drive evidence generation.
2. Communication Strategy – Leveraging this story, a communication strategy was developed, focusing on the evolution of the desired narrative over time pre- and post-data readout. High ROI activities were identified, which required strong academic KOL engagement and focused congress presentations.
3. KOL Engagement – Concurrently, we set up advisory boards with KOLs knowledgeable about the disease pathophysiology and relevance to Client’s MOA. Critical biomarkers were identified for investigation and publication, helping to bolster the communication strategy.
4. Scientific Posters / Presentations – We developed key scientific abstracts and posters for priority regional congresses. This cost-effective approach facilitated dissemination of relevant information to the right stakeholders.

Overall, the approach involved iterative refinement of communication strategies through engagement with KOLs, scientific poster presentations, and gathering feedback to ensure alignment with stakeholder needs and scientific developments.