Currently, the role of medical representative (MR) is responsible for providing information to medical doctors from pharmaceutical/medical equipment companies. In recent years, however, the newer role of medical science liaison (MSL) has been established to construct evidence and provide advanced medical and scientific information to health care professionals. This position, independent from the sales division of a pharmaceutical or medical equipment company, has already been established in Europe and the U.S. The MSL helps to combat concerns of conflicts of interest (COI) concerning the sophistication of expert information, and in support of clinical research. I will introduce the role of the MSL in Japan.
Keywords: Clinical Trials Act; Medical Affairs; academic detailing; medical science liaison; publication.