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Fran DeSena
Allergan, Vice President US Public Relations & R&D Communications
Professional Background
Fran DeSena is a seasoned professional in strategic corporate communications, specializing in product public relations within the healthcare sector. Currently, Fran leads the U.S. PR initiatives for Allergan, focusing on various therapeutic areas such as Medical Aesthetics, EyeCare, GI, and Neuroscience. Her role is pivotal in developing and directing both public and media relations that underscore key data and regulatory milestones, reflecting Allergan's dedication to innovative pipeline development across these therapeutic domains.
With over 15 years of comprehensive experience in marketing and public relations, Fran has successfully crafted and executed major PR campaigns for product launches in critical sectors including Women's Health, Central Nervous System (CNS), Infectious Disease, and Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Her expertise extends to managing complex issue management programs specifically targeting communication around Women's Health, Neuroscience, and Anesthesia, showcasing her ability to navigate the nuances of the healthcare landscape effectively.
Fran has also played a significant role in the realms of Regulatory Affairs and R&D Communications. She has expertly handled OPDP submissions and facilitated communication with various review groups within OPDP, managing the intricacies of responsible advertising and promotion for a portfolio of diversified brands and CNS products. Her strategic insights have informed the development of internal and external communications, tailored for corporate, branded, and unbranded marketing campaigns in the U.S.
Education and Achievements
Fran's solid educational foundation includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business from Felician University. These academic credentials have greatly supported her impressive career trajectory and her holistic understanding of the business and marketing dynamics within healthcare.
In her influential capacity at Allergan, Fran is an integral member of the Global Leadership Team and contributes actively to the Inclusion and Diversity Committee. She also serves on the Leadership Committee of the Community of Hope, highlighting her commitment not only to Allergan’s core mission but also to community engagement and social responsibility.
Additionally, Fran has been responsible for preparing Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and senior pharmaceutical executives to excel at media relations events, ensuring that executives are well-equipped to engage effectively with media outlets.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Fran DeSena has been lauded for her strategic foresight and adept management of public and regulatory communications strategies across various pharmaceutical companies, including her prior leadership roles at Watson Pharmaceuticals and Forest Laboratories. Her prior positions, including Director of Communications at Global Operations with Schering and Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations at Organon Pharmaceuticals, are testaments to her expansive reach and influence in the pharmaceutical communications landscape.
Throughout her roles, she has developed and implemented communication plans supporting FDA advisory committee meetings, involving significant therapeutic areas like cardiovascular health, infectious diseases, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This work underscores her ability to build robust communication frameworks that effectively articulate the science and value of pharmaceutical products to regulatory bodies and stakeholders alike.
Her various roles have not only fostered her leadership skills but also enhanced her ability to adapt strategies to diverse audiences, driving brand awareness and engagement in highly regulated environments. Fran’s experience in leading communications for both marketing endeavors and R&D initiatives reflects her unique ability to bridge the gap between scientific advancement and corporate marketing, ultimately supporting patient access to vital healthcare innovations.