Fariha Raza
Dr. Fariha Raza, a Doctor of Pharmacy and Senior Medical Science Liaison, is a champion of innovation and excellence in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Based in San Francisco, CA, Dr. Raza is highly regarded for her profound medical science background and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare through her extensive pharmaceutical expertise, clinical pharmacology, and institutional medication management.
Dr. Raza’s career has been marked by her exceptional ability to deliver accurate and impactful information to healthcare practitioners and key opinion leaders. Her core competencies include Drug Information Education, Product Safety Communications, Medication Management, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacovigilance, Disease State Education, Genetic Testing, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Pharmaceutical Science, Medical Literature Evaluation, Investigational Studies, and Mentoring/Training. These competencies have made her an invaluable asset to every team she has been a part of, and her contributions have significantly advanced the field of pharmaceuticals.
In her most recent role at Avadel Pharmaceuticals from December 2022 to December 2023, Dr. Raza excelled as a Senior Medical Science Liaison specializing in sleep, neuroscience, and rare diseases. She played a pivotal role in the successful launch of LUMRYZ, an extended-release sodium oxybate for treating narcolepsy in adults with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy. Dr. Raza’s ability to build and maintain strong relationships with sleep specialists, including neurologists, psychiatrists, pulmonologists, and psychologists, was critical to the product’s successful introduction and adoption.
Dr. Fariha Raza’s impact extended beyond product launch activities. Through creative scientific presentations, she educated diverse audiences—including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, payers, patient advocacy groups, and specialty pharmacists—on the novel technology behind LUMRYZ. Her leadership in managing patient advocacy operations with organizations like Wake Up Narcolepsy, Project Sleep, Narcolepsy Network, Hypersomnia Foundation, and NORD promoted patient care symposia, webinars, and podcasts, fostering trusting relationships with advocacy leaders and advancing patient care.
Her role also involved effective cross-functional teamwork, communication, and collaboration with Product Marketing, Market Access, Sales, and Clinical Operations. Dr. Fariha Raza successfully managed a large territory, establishing scientific relationships with key opinion leaders at leading institutions such as Stanford, UCLA, UCSD, Cedars-Sinai, OHSU, University of Colorado, University of Arizona, Kaiser Permanente, and the VA. Her facilitation of advisory boards with advanced practice providers and her efforts to foster new relationships with pediatric sleep specialists underscored her dedication to comprehensive patient care and the future of pediatric indications for LUMRYZ.
Before joining Avadel Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Fariha Raza was a Senior Medical Science Liaison at Kadmon, where she significantly contributed to the launch of REZUROCK for chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) in hematology/oncology. Her work at Kadmon showcased her oncology expertise, particularly in establishing strong relationships with healthcare providers and ensuring the successful introduction of new therapies.
Dr. Fariha Raza’s earlier career as a Clinical Pharmacist at Soliant Health (2017-2019) saw her provide exemplary medication management services across a range of specialties at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Queen of the Valley Medical Center. Her comprehensive knowledge and meticulous oversight of medication management for 180-200-bed hospitals highlighted her dedication to patient safety and therapeutic outcomes.
At Kaiser Permanente, where she served from 2005 to 2016, Dr. Raza demonstrated her proficiency as an Inpatient Pharmacist, managing remote order verification and adhering to renal and hepatic dosing protocols. Her mentorship of new staff pharmacists and her role as a liaison during hospital crises showcased her leadership and commitment to high-quality patient care.
Dr. Fariha Raza’s academic achievements include a Doctor of Pharmacy from Shenandoah University, where she was a member of the Rho Chi Academic Honor Society and a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Washington. Her dedication to ongoing education and professional development is evident in her numerous awards and honors, including the “Above and Beyond” Employee Recognition Award from Kaiser Permanente.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Raza is actively involved in volunteerism, supporting organizations such as the San Ramon Senior Center Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Sierra Club, and the American Association of University Women. Her hobbies include running, social service, tennis, family travel, horses, and mind-body health.
Fariha Raza’s contributions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are profound and far-reaching. Her expertise, leadership, and dedication to advancing healthcare make her a distinguished and highly respected professional in her field.
