Dr. Kwaku Marfo BSc, MBA, MPH, PharmD

Dr. Kwaku Marfo is an accomplished global life sciences executive with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, spanning clinical practice, drug development, medical affairs, and market strategy. He has worked across the United States, Europe, and Africa, building a career that integrates scientific leadership with business strategy, regulatory insight, and global market access.

His expertise includes the launch and lifecycle management of therapies in areas such as immunology, hematology, oncology, nephrology, dermatology, rheumatology, and infectious diseases. He has played key roles in the development and commercialization of several monoclonal antibody therapies, including secukinumab, omalizumab, alemtuzumab, basiliximab, eculizumab, and crizanlizumab. His work has spanned clinical trial execution, strategic partnerships, and regulatory affairs, making significant contributions to drug approvals and access initiatives globally.

In his leadership roles at Novartis, Kwaku directed global medical affairs strategies and was instrumental in launching and expanding access to treatments such as hydroxyurea and crizanlizumab in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. He spearheaded programs in low- and middle-income countries to address health disparities, including digital health education initiatives, telehealth solutions, and collaborative implementation research. His strategic oversight enabled national adoption of therapies, informed health policy, and influenced regulatory frameworks.

At IQVIA, he continues to shape the clinical trial landscape in sub-Saharan Africa by building strategic alliances and advocating for the region's increased role in global research. His efforts have led to multimillion-dollar study awards in sickle cell disease and malaria, with additional trials in nephrology and rare diseases in development.

Beyond corporate roles, he is deeply engaged with public health efforts and capacity-building in Africa. He has contributed to the development of WHO frameworks, led partnerships with ministries of health across multiple countries, and championed education programs that have reached tens of thousands of healthcare professionals. His academic collaborations have fostered research that supports policy, access, and innovation in underserved regions.

Kwaku holds advanced degrees in pharmacy, public health, and business administration, and has completed executive education for senior life science leaders. He is licensed to practice pharmacy in both the United States and Ghana and has held leadership positions in professional organizations. His scholarly work includes numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences, reinforcing his commitment to scientific advancement and global health equity.

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