A Review on Evolving Role of Medical Science Liaisons in Translational Medicine

Review Article

Abstract

The transformation of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) from traditional pharmaceutical representatives to key players in translational medicine represents a significant shift in healthcare knowledge dissemination. This shift necessitates a detailed assessment of their current role and impact on bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications. A systematic review of available literature, industry publications, and relevant policy documents was conducted to explore the shifting dynamics of MSL responsibilities, their influence on clinical practice through emerging challenges in translational medicine. This analysis covered the years 2015 to 2024, drawing from both conceptual and empirical sources. Unlike the traditional and monotonic scientific dialogue, MSLs engage in multifarious activities nowadays. They have significant roles in clinical trial processes (73% participation in phase III trials), generation of real-world evidence (82% increase in new data collection activities), and formulation of treatment guidelines (65% contributing to guideline development). Additional MSLs have become involved in implementation of therapies based on predictive markers due to the advancement of precision medicine to the extent of 45%. Other identified issues were lack of scientific autonomy (68% of MSLs), inflexible legal frameworks (56%), and response to new technologies in health care delivery like telemedicine (77%). MSLs have become important players in the field of translational medicine and have heavily influenced the rapid adoption of scientific advances into medicine