5 minutes with Dr Jamie L Weiss, Alnylam

Published: 27 July 2026

In our latest 5 minutes with, Dr Jamie L Weiss, Director, Global Medical Communications and Publications, Rare Disease, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, talks AI, innovation and why the future of rare disease still depends on human expertise

What drew you to medical affairs, and why rare diseases in particular?

I was scientifically curious from an early age and even asked for a microscope for my tenth birthday. My first job after my undergraduate studies was as a scientist at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, where my manager had famously developed a cDNA cloning technique that revolutionised the field.

At one point, an immunology cloning project I was working on was discontinued because of an executive-level strategic decision. It was then that I realised I wanted to help shape scientific strategy, and that is what led me to medical affairs. Here, I enjoy analysing data and working with colleagues to develop scientific and medical content.

As for rare disease in particular, the data can be especially challenging because of the small patient numbers. Even so, the great unmet need in this population means our work can genuinely improve patient care and treatment, and for me that is what makes it so worthwhile.