Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in Dermatology at Arcutis Biotherapeutics

Apr 29, 2025

Roxana Loperena, PhD, is a Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in Dermatology at Arcutis Biotherapeutics, serving as a strategic link between the medical community and the organization. In her role, she engages in scientific engagement with key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals, facilitating meaningful, evidence-based discussions. She provides education on complex scientific and clinical information in dermatology, supporting informed clinical decision-making. Additionally, she gathers medical insights from the field to help shape strategy, improve patient care, and enhance access to innovative dermatologic treatments.

What is the highest degree you have earned and what can you tell us about your academic path?

I hold a PhD in Immunology and Physiology from Vanderbilt University, where my research focused on the activation of immune cells in hypertension. I was first introduced to the MSL role during one of Vanderbilt’s career development days, where an MSL spoke about their experience in the field. That moment sparked something—I realized the role was a perfect fit for both my scientific background and personal strengths. I’ve always been passionate about educating others and translating complex medical data for different audiences. The dynamic nature of the MSL role, combined with the autonomy, travel, and leadership opportunities, aligned perfectly with my professional goals. I was determined to pursue this path, starting by gaining experience in clinical research project management, and from there, I worked hard to break into my first MSL position.

Where do you work now and what is your company about?

I recently joined Arcutis Biotherapeutics as a Senior Medical Science Liaison, supporting their growing dermatology portfolio. Arcutis is a California-based biopharmaceutical company focused exclusively on medical dermatology, and while it’s the smallest company I’ve worked for—around 400 employees across the U.S. and Canada—it’s one I truly believe in. The company has launched multiple indications in dermatology, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, with a novel topical PDE4 inhibitor, roflumilast, available in both cream and foam formulations. What drew me to Arcutis was not only their science-driven approach but also their genuine commitment to advancing innovation in areas of high unmet need. It’s exciting to be part of a team that’s committed to championing meaningful innovation within medical dermatology.

How did you first learn about the company?

I first learned about Arcutis while I was in the dermatology field. I had seen their clinical data in psoriasis and was genuinely impressed—especially considering the results were from a topical therapy, not a systemic or biologic treatment. The efficacy and innovation stood out to me right away. When I heard about the opportunity at Arcutis, it came from a former MSL colleague of mine who had since been promoted to a Field Director—and was now hiring for the team. It was a great reminder that your professional network can be one of your most valuable assets. I was excited about the company, the science, and the opportunity to work with a leader I respected, so it felt like a natural next step in my career.

What do you like most about the company?

What I appreciate most about Arcutis is their genuine, unwavering commitment to dermatology and the patients we serve. The company truly understands the nuances of the therapeutic area—both clinically and from the patient perspective—which makes the work feel purposeful and aligned. I also genuinely love the people and culture here. Coming from years in large pharma, the environment at Arcutis feels refreshingly different—collaborative, agile, and deeply mission-driven. It’s a place where your voice is heard, innovation is encouraged, and everyone is united around making a meaningful impact in medical dermatology.

What skills make you successful in your role and why did you choose this role?

The skills that made me a strong fit for this role stem from my extensive experience as a Medical Science Liaison, particularly within large pharmaceutical companies. That background gave me the structure, strategic mindset, and field excellence necessary to grow in this career. Now, I’ve been able to apply those skills in a smaller, more agile company setting like Arcutis, where I can have an even greater impact. My current territory expands beyond my original base in Florida, now also covering Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Because of the breadth and complexity of this region, Arcutis needed someone who not only had deep MSL experience, but also existing relationships and regional knowledge to ensure a smooth and effective transition. I chose this role not just for the science and the opportunity, but also for the team and leadership. I deeply believed in the product and the mission, and I knew I’d be working for a manager I trust and admire—a former colleague who’s become a mentor and advocate. The fact that I joined the team with a promotion to Senior MSL made it even more meaningful, as it represented a goal I had been actively working toward.

How do you define success?

In both my personal and professional life, I define success as the journey—not the destination. It’s the small, consistent actions you take every day that move you closer to your goals. So often, people get caught up in chasing the end result that they forget to enjoy the process. But to me, life is all about the journey. When you set your sights on a goal and pursue it with intention, things tend to land where they’re meant to. Success isn’t just about hitting milestones—it’s about finding fulfillment in what you do, even in the small moments. And that sense of fulfillment goes beyond career achievements; it’s about cultivating meaning and purpose in all aspects of life.

What's the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

While the MSL role is rooted in science, at its core, it's a relationship-driven profession. What I love most about this role is the opportunity to connect with people—from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and walks of life. Whether through science, conversation, food, or travel, I find joy in building meaningful relationships. Over the years, I’ve formed lasting friendships in this industry, which continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. I’m also deeply motivated by the chance to help healthcare providers “connect the dots”—bridging clinical knowledge with practical application to help patients access the best possible treatments. Supporting clinicians in improving patient outcomes and quality of life is what gives this role purpose, and it’s why I continue to love what I do.

What advice do you have for students and job seekers?

There were many times during my PhD when I wanted to quit, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Even if you ultimately realize that being a principal investigator and running a lab isn’t your calling, completing a PhD equips you with invaluable skills that the world needs—skills that go beyond academia and are incredibly valuable in many other fields. My advice? Don’t sell yourself short. Negotiate like a boss—even if it’s for your first job. Know your worth, and always shoot for the stars. Remember, your only competition is yourself. The journey may have ups and downs, but it’s the perseverance and self-belief that make all the difference.

What book did you read last?

The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate