MSD’s Virginia Acha Joins MedCity Advisors with Shared Vision for Levelling Up

“London is important, levelling up is vital. We need to harness the power of the London cluster and amplify it through the rest of the country.”

This month we are delighted to confirm that Dr Virginia Acha, Global Lead, Global Regulatory Policy at MSD, is joining the Advisory Board of MedCity. In her role at MSD, Virginia (Ginny) is focused on driving healthcare innovation by informing regulatory policy and promoting cross-collaboration—themes central to MedCity’s own mission.

Before joining MSD in 2017, Ginny spent a decade in academia, followed by international policy positions at Amgen and Pfizer, and executive directorship of Research, Medical and Innovation at The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

MSD is now a London headquartered company, with lab facilities at the London Bioscience Innovation Centre and Francis Crick Institute in the ‘Knowledge Quarter’ of Kings Cross. By 2025 the team hopes to be resident in the £1 billion MSD UK Discovery Centre planned for the precinct. Ginny is often asked why the company has chosen to make a significant investment in the heart of London. In reply, she cites the phenomenal research environment, logistics, and a time zone that makes it feasible to connect with colleagues and collaborators anywhere in the world. As a place to live, London is also a top destination for international job candidates.

Ginny will bring her insight and intellectual vigour to the Advisory Board across several agenda points she shares with MedCity, including increased permeability between academia and industry, and levelling up. Together with MedCity CEO Neelam Patel, she believes the scientific excellence and translational capabilities of the London hub can be multiplied to improve healthcare nationally and globally.

Please look out for our announcement on the new Advisory Board members in May.