Zenas is a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases. Our core business strategy combines our experienced leadership team with a disciplined product candidate acquisition approach to identify, acquire and develop product candidates globally that we believe can provide superior clinical benefits to patients living with autoimmune diseases. Zenas is advancing two late-stage, potential franchise molecules, obexelimab and orelabrutinib. Obexelimab, Zenas’ lead product candidate, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to bind both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are broadly present across B cell lineage, to inhibit the activity of cells that are implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them. We believe that obexelimab’s unique mechanism of action and self-administered, subcutaneous injection regimen may broadly and effectively address the pathogenic role of B cell lineage in chronic autoimmune disease. Orelabrutinib is a potentially best-in-class, highly selective CNS-penetrant, oral, small molecule Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor with the potential to address compartmentalized inflammation and disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Zenas’ earlier stage programs include a preclinical, potentially best-in-class, oral, IL-17AA/AF inhibitor, and a preclinical, potentially best-in-class, oral, brain-penetrant, TYK2 inhibitor.
We are seeking top talent who share our commitment to patients and have a track record of success in acquiring, developing and commercializing products across the globe. Our colleagues have an opportunity to engage in a fast-paced learning environment and experience individual and organizational success as we work towards becoming a global immunology and autoimmune disease leader, while living our values of Transparency, Relationships, Urgency, Excellence and Innovation – TRUE Innovation!
Position Summary:
Zenas BioPharma is seeking a strategic and scientifically driven Executive Director, Health Economics & Outcomes Research (HEOR) to lead global evidence strategy that demonstrates the value, impact, and differentiation of Zenas’ therapies across autoimmune diseases, including IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and multiple sclerosis (MS).
This leader will be responsible for developing and executing HEOR strategies that support global market access, inform payer decision-making, strengthen the value narrative, and advance real-world evidence generation in alignment with medical, clinical, and commercial objectives.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in HEOR methods, hands-on experience generating impactful evidence, and the ability to operate in a nimble, fast-paced, global biotech environment.
Key Responsibilities:
HEOR Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and lead the global HEOR strategy for Zenas’ pipeline, with a priority focus on obexelimab in IgG4-RD.
- Conduct early value assessment and scenario planning to inform clinical development, label strategy, and access considerations.
- Define and align the product value propositions and payer-relevant evidence plans.
Evidence Generation & RWE Leadership
- Develop and execute integrated evidence generation plans (IEPs) including burden of illness, treatment patterns, PRO analyses, epidemiology, cost-effectiveness, and RWE studies.
- Lead or oversee HEOR components of pivotal and late-phase trials (e.g., PRO strategy, preference studies).
- Interpret and translate HEOR findings into insights that inform development strategy and payer engagement.
- Partner with biostatistics, data science, RWE vendors, CROs, and academic collaborators to ensure high-quality study execution.
Payer & Access Support
- Develop HEOR materials to support early and post-launch payer interactions, including AMCP dossiers, global value dossiers, budget impact models, cost-effectiveness models, and payer evidence decks.
- Support pricing and reimbursement strategy by assessing economic impact, unmet need, and comparative value.
- Work closely with Market Access to build payer-relevant narratives and support HTA submissions as applicable.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, and Commercial to ensure HEOR strategy is integrated across the product lifecycle.
- Serve as the primary HEOR subject matter expert internally and externally, including presenting at internal governance, advisory boards, and scientific congresses.
- Contribute to publication strategy, ensuring HEOR evidence is disseminated through high-impact manuscripts, congress presentations, and scientific platforms.
External Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key opinion leaders, HEOR researchers, health economists, HTA experts, payers, and patient advocacy groups.
- Manage HEOR vendors and partners, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
Qualifications:
- Master’s or PhD in Health Economics, Outcomes Research, Epidemiology, Public Health, Pharmacy, or related discipline.
- 12+ years of HEOR experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry; global experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success leading HEOR strategy and evidence generation for specialty or rare disease therapies (immunology, rheumatology, neurology a plus).
- Proven experience generating PRO, RWE, economic modeling, epidemiologic, and comparative effectiveness evidence.
- Deep understanding of payer decision-making, HTA requirements, and global access considerations.
- Strong strategic thinking, scientific rigor, and the ability to translate complex data into compelling value narratives.
- Experience interacting with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, lean, entrepreneurial environment and manage multiple priorities.
#LI-Hybrid
The position is eligible for a competitive compensation and benefits package.
Zenas is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary pay range for this role is $248,000 to $310,000. Actual compensation packages will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to depth of experience, education, skillset, overall performance and/or location.
Zenas believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package to all employees. Our base salary is just one component of Zenas’ competitive total rewards strategy that also includes annual performance bonus, equity, full range of benefits and other incentive compensation plans.
Zenas BioPharma is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an environment where diversity is valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, qualifications and the needs of the business.