The Medical Affairs Lexicon

The realm of medical affairs possesses its own distinct language, influencing how knowledge is generated, communicated, and ultimately applied in clinical practice. This lexicon has been developed as a practical resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals engaged at the intersection of medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. Its primary aim is to offer clear and consistent definitions of the key terms and abbreviations frequently encountered in medical affairs and pharmaceutical processes, fostering informed, evidence-based practices.


Each definition is anchored in authoritative sources, including EMA and FDA guidelines, ISMPP and GPP standards, ISPOR frameworks, and peer-reviewed literature. Collectively, these resources create a valuable reference that we make available freely, reflecting our belief that a shared understanding of medical affairs serves as the cornerstone for enhanced collaboration, stronger scientific pursuits, and ultimately, improved outcomes for patients.

All0 terms

Acceptance Rate

The proportion of manuscripts submitted to a journal that are ultimately accepted for publication, typically expressed as a percentage. Acceptance rate is one indicator (alongside impact factor and journal scope)  used to inform target journal…

Scientific Communication

Advisory Board

A panel of key opinion leaders (advisors), who typically are physicians, researchers, or patient advocates) convened in an industry-sponsored meeting to provide strategic advice and recommendations  on clinical, scientific, or commercial questions. Advisory boards inform…

Strategy & Planning

Affiliates Medical Strategy (AfM)

Country- or region-level medical strategy developed to align local affiliate activities with global objectives. AfMS documents translate the global SMP into locally relevant plans, respecting regional regulatory, cultural, and payer environments.

Strategy & Planning

Bibliographic Review

A structured search and summary of published literature on a defined scientific question. Unlike a systematic review, it may not follow a registered protocol or meta-analytic methodology, but provides a curated evidence base to inform…

Evidence & Research

Brand Plan

The core strategic and tactical document that guides all brand-related decisions and activities for a pharmaceutical product across a given period, typically annual. It is built through a structured, cross-functional process that translates market insights…

Strategy & Planning

Centres of Excellence

Specialized healthcare institutions, networks, or organizational units recognized for their exceptional expertise, multidisciplinary capabilities, and leadership in a specific therapeutic or scientific area. In Medical Affairs, Centres of Excellence are strategic partners for scientific collaboration,…

Strategy & Planning

Competitive Intelligence (CI)

The systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information about competitors, products, scientific developments, market dynamics, and healthcare environments to support informed strategic decision-making. In Medical Affairs, competitive intelligence helps identify emerging scientific trends, evidence…

Strategy & Planning

Conflict of Interest (COI)

A situation where a person's personal interests (financial, professional, or otherwise) could compromise their objectivity in a scientific or clinical role. COI disclosures are required for advisory boards, publications, and educational activities to maintain transparency.

Processes & Operations

Continued Medical Education (CME)

Educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships that a healthcare professional uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession.  Financial support for…

Medical Education
No glossary terms found.