Rare Disease Question

[anonymous]

Has anyone made the transition from mid/large size pharma into the rare disease space as a sales rep? Just very curious, as this seems to be the new hot item now in terms of pharmaceutical sales rep jobs. Simply looking for feedback and what the environment is like and if it’s much different and better than big and midsize Pharma in the traditional sense. Any honest input is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[anonymous]

Has anyone made the transition from mid/large size pharma into the rare disease space as a sales rep? Just very curious, as this seems to be the new hot item now in terms of pharmaceutical sales rep jobs. Simply looking for feedback and what the environment is like and if it’s much different and better than big and midsize Pharma in the traditional sense. Any honest input is appreciated. Thank you.

It all depends. I am at a Rare Disease company now and it’s awesome. They get it. Not difficult, just different. Be wary of small companies that call themselves rare disease but act like big pharma, lots of those. Overall a good rare disease position will allow you to focus on a handful of accounts that will drive your business, in rare there are also very few targets, and less of a focus on metrics.
Red flag to look for, rare disease sales teams with over 100 reps. My team has 20 and I am out there hunting for business all day.

 

[anonymous]

It all depends. I am at a Rare Disease company now and it’s awesome. They get it. Not difficult, just different. Be wary of small companies that call themselves rare disease but act like big pharma, lots of those. Overall a good rare disease position will allow you to focus on a handful of accounts that will drive your business, in rare there are also very few targets, and less of a focus on metrics.
Red flag to look for, rare disease sales teams with over 100 reps. My team has 20 and I am out there hunting for business all day.

Well stated. I would add that some pretend Rare Disease companies overstate the market to investors have a realistic view of the market. I interviewed in a rare disease space where I previously had the majority of patients on my products. Around 30. I was confused how they considered such a small territory viable as there were on 6 prescribers. They told me I was wrong. None of them have ever worked the space but the Bible…I mean the data told them there were a potential 125 prescribers. So 4 prescribers for every patient with the disease. I say look into the leadership before making a jump. And ask questions.

 

[anonymous]

Thank you to the above two posted responses . I appreciate your kind and generous responses to this question.

 

[anonymous]

It all depends. I am at a Rare Disease company now and it’s awesome. They get it. Not difficult, just different. Be wary of small companies that call themselves rare disease but act like big pharma, lots of those. Overall a good rare disease position will allow you to focus on a handful of accounts that will drive your business, in rare there are also very few targets, and less of a focus on metrics.
Red flag to look for, rare disease sales teams with over 100 reps. My team has 20 and I am out there hunting for business all day.

I completely agree.

 

[anonymous]

anyone have advice as to what is the best path to getting into the rare disease space?

 

[anonymous]

anyone have advice as to what is the best path to getting into the rare disease space?

Tossing the right salads