Medical Affairs isn't a downstream function—it's the throughline connecting science, story, and strategy from development through commercialization. This episode features Howard Rutman, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer at Xalud Therapeutics and Peg Crowley-Nowick, PhD, MBA discussing the critical role of early Medical Affairs engagement. Key topics include how early Medical Affairs involvement speeds patient enrollment and data generation, qualities to seek in the first Medical Affairs hire, the value a lean team can bring to BioTech, and the importance of evidence plans that support physician and market access needs. The podcast emphasizes Medical Affairs as a continuous link from development to commercialization.