Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, June 2026 — Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has appointed Sandra Salem as Senior Director, Medical Affairs, North America – Global Rare, adding an accomplished medical affairs leader with extensive expertise in rare diseases, RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, clinical development, and scientific strategy. Her appointment reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening medical leadership as it advances innovative therapies for patients living with rare and genetically driven diseases.
With nearly two decades of experience across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and academia, Sandra Salem has built a distinguished career leading medical affairs initiatives for rare diseases and specialty therapeutics. Before joining Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, she spent more than five and a half years at Novo Nordisk, where she progressed through multiple leadership positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, she served as Director, Medical Affairs – Rare Hemato-Renal Disorders, overseeing medical strategy and scientific engagement within the rare disease portfolio.
Prior to that role, Sandra was Director, National Field Medical Affairs – Cardiovascular Renal, where she led field medical initiatives supporting cardiovascular and renal therapeutic areas. Earlier, as Medical Director – Rare Renal Disorders, she played a significant role in the launch of Novo Nordisk’s first RNAi therapy in the United States, demonstrating her expertise in introducing innovative therapies into clinical practice. She also held the positions of Therapy Area Medical Lead – Rare Disease in Canada and Global Medical Director – Rare Disease in Zurich, contributing to regional and global medical strategies while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support scientific excellence and patient-focused innovation.
Sandra began her industry leadership journey at Novo Nordisk as a Medical Science Liaison – Rare Disease, where she established strong partnerships with healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders across the rare disease community. Before joining Novo Nordisk, she worked at CATO SMS as Clinical & Regulatory Scientist and Clinical Project Manager, supporting Phase I through Phase III drug development programs and gaining valuable experience in clinical operations and regulatory strategy.
Earlier in her career, Sandra served as Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Advisor at L’Oréal, providing scientific and regulatory guidance to commercial teams specializing in dermatology products. During her tenure, she received the L’Oréal Award in both 2016 and 2017 in recognition of her outstanding contributions. Her scientific foundation was established at McGill University, where she spent more than seven years as a Ph.D. Candidate and Scientific Researcher while also serving as a Biochemistry Teaching Assistant. This combination of academic research, regulatory expertise, clinical development, and medical affairs leadership positions her well to contribute to Alnylam Pharmaceuticals’ continued advancement of RNAi-based medicines.
About Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals is the world’s leading independent biopharmaceutical company focused on RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, a groundbreaking technology that silences disease-causing genes. Founded in 2002, the company has pioneered the development of RNAi medicines, with six approved therapies and a robust pipeline targeting both rare and prevalent diseases. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Alnylam employs more than 2,600 people globally and has consistently been recognized as one of the industry’s top employers for innovation and workplace excellence.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
