Tariq Arshad, Pfizer
S
Tariq Arshad
Senior manager, WW commercial development, Pfizer
ROLE MODEL: Fred Hassan
HAS: "Infectious enthusiasm for my work"
Tariq Arshad has seen pharma's resource-strapped, generic-bedeviled future—and he's here to say that it can be handled. The experience came in his native Pakistan about 10 years ago. Arshad, after burning out as a pediatric oncologist, was working for Pharmacia & Upjohn. His challenge: maintain sales of the anxiety drug Xanax, even with hundreds of generic competitors.
Tariq Arshad
He arrived in New York a month after 9/11, survived the Pfizer–Pharmacia merger, and soon found himself working on doomed Exubera. Today, he handles both marketing and early commercial for Pfizer's Alzheimer's portfolio. "Anybody who aspires to a marketing leadership role has to spend time in the trenches, so to speak, working with R&D to optimize the commercial value of their assets," says Arshad. "Without doing that really, we won't be effective marketers once the product reaches launch stage."
These days, Arshad sees tactics at Pfizer he hasn't seen since Pakistan—a flattening structure, fewer marketing resources, and a willingness to learn how to compete with generics. It's an environment where he's already proved that he can thrive.
Beyond the Prescription: Pharma's Role in Digital Health Conversations
April 1st 2025Join us for an insightful conversation with Jennifer Harakal, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Canopy Life Sciences, as we unpack the evolving intersection of social media and healthcare decisions. Discover how pharmaceutical companies can navigate regulatory challenges while meaningfully engaging with consumers in digital spaces. Jennifer shares expert strategies for responsible marketing, working with influencers, and creating educational content that bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers. A must-listen for pharma marketers looking to build trust and compliance in today's social media landscape.
Beyond the Prescription: The Role Pharma Plays in Digital Health Conversations
April 1st 2025As social media continues to influence healthcare communication, it presents both challenges and opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry. In this interview, Jennifer Harakal of Canopy Life Sciences discusses balancing compliance with effective digital engagement to build trust and facilitate meaningful healthcare conversations.
