Alisa Koch
@alisakoch
Board-certified immunology and rheumatology leader advancing autoimmune therapies through medical affairs and clinical development.
What I'm looking for
I’m a board-certified pharmaceutical Medical Affairs and Clinical Development leader with deep expertise across autoimmune (AI) strategy, clinical research and development, medical affairs, and medical education. I’m known for global-level team support, strong customer experience, and a lifelong commitment to medical/scientific work that improves patient outcomes.
In my latest role, I led Medical Engagement in Clinical Development and Medical Affairs for an oncology CAR-T company focused on AI diseases. I introduced the company to top autoimmune KOLs at EULAR and ACR, contributed to phase I/II trial design for SLE and SLE nephritis (including FDA-related protocol revisions), mapped AI strategy, and supported scientific data dissemination through congress abstracts.
Previously at Eli Lilly and Company, I held senior Medical Fellow/Vice President Immunology leadership roles across Medical Affairs and Clinical Development for RA/Covid-19 and helped develop and launch an AI platform. I successfully launched Olumiant and Taltz, set brand strategy and business plans, designed clinical trials, served as final reviewer for medical escalations and FAQs, and authored ~250 peer-reviewed publications, including work in major journals.
I also bring strong investigator-initiated research (IIR/IIT) and regulatory expertise—acting as a medical reviewer for the Olumiant NDA to the FDA, leading IIT program evaluations, and driving medical data dissemination (SDD) across Medical and Marketing needs. Across my background in academia and pharma, I’ve built training roadmaps, organized advisory boards, and partnered with business leaders to advance translational research and launch readiness.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Adjunct Professor of Rheumatology
University of Michigan Medical School
Jan 2013 - Present (13 years 3 months)
Maintained an adjunct faculty appointment in rheumatology with University of Michigan Medical School from January 2013 to present.
VP Medical Engagement & Medical Affairs
Autolus, Inc.
May 2024 - Mar 2026 (1 year 10 months)
Led medical engagement for an oncology CAR-T company across Medical Affairs and Clinical Development, introducing the organization to leading autoimmune KOLs at major congresses. Contributed to Phase I/II trial design for SLE and SLE nephritis (including FDA protocol revisions), secured over half of suggested trial sites, and completed 525 in-person/virtual KOL touchpoints in 2025.
Provided global and U.S. Immunology (RA/Covid-19) Medical Affairs leadership, developed Lilly’s AI platform, and supported launch of Olumiant and Taltz. Authored approximately 250 peer-reviewed publications, acted as final medical escalation authority, and led cross-functional clinical development and AI pipeline strategy.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Northwestern University Medical School
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Medicine
Earned an M.D. through the Northwestern University/Six-Year Honors Program in Medical Education.
Foster G. McGaw Hospital of Loyola University
Residency, Internal Medicine
Completed residency training in Internal Medicine and became board certified in Internal Medicine.
Northwestern University Medical School
Fellowship, Rheumatology
Completed fellowship training in Rheumatology and became board certified in Rheumatology.
Northwestern University (Six-Year Honors Program)
Bachelor of Science, Medical Education
Completed a B.S. as part of Northwestern University’s Six-Year Honors Program in Medical Education.
University of Debrecen
Ph.D. (honoris causa), Medical Science
Awarded a Ph.D. honoris causa for a lifetime body of medical/scientific work.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Social media
Job categories
Skills
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