Each year, HIRC’s Best-in-Class MSL/HEOR benchmark captures a unique perspective from the market—direct nominations from payer and PBM decision-makers on the MSL/HEOR personnel who stand out most in the field. Widely referenced by market access teams, HIRC's report, Best-in-Class Medical/Clinical Science & Outcomes Liaison Customer Insights, has become a trusted indicator of field excellence and a valuable tool for both recognition and development. The report addresses the following questions:

• Which very large, large and mid-size firms' MSL/HEOR personnel receive the most best-in-class nominations?
• Which firms lead in best MSL/HEOR nominations across health plan pharmacy directors, health plan medical directors, and pharmacy benefit manager executives?
• Which MSL/HEOR attributes operationally define the best-in-class?
• Which firms receive the most nominations for providing the best "medical value story"? What do the best value stories most often include or communicate?

Key Finding: The best MSL/HEOR personnel are described as well-informed and knowledgeable, responsive and communicative, and serve as valuable information providers.

MSL/HEORs from AbbVie Lead in Best-in-Class Nominations. HIRC queried 69 commercial health plan and pharmacy benefit manager key decision-makers to learn which firms' medical/clinical science & outcomes liaisons are best-in-class. AbbVie leads with the most best-in-class nominations from managed markets customers, followed by Novartis, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer.

Beyond demonstrating deep product knowledge, top MSL/HEORs differentiate themselves through how they build trusted partnerships and deliver evidence-based insights.

• AbbVie MSL/HEORs are noted for deep knowledge of managed care and portfolio expertise.
• Novartis MSL/HEORs are commended for clinical and scientific expertise and a strong understanding of payer needs.

Defining Best-in-Class MSL/HEOR Personnel. Managed markets customers were asked to explain their rationale for best-in-class MSL/HEOR nominations. Analyses reveal that their evaluations fall within five key descriptive factor categories: (1) MSL/HEOR Knowledge, (2) Relationship Management, (3) MSL/HEOR Role Expectation, (4) MSL/HEOR Skills, and (5) General Impressions.

This year's findings provide a valuable perspective on the capabilities that distinguish best-in-class MSL/HEOR professionals in an increasingly complex healthcare and market access landscape. Beyond identifying industry leaders, the results illuminate the behaviors and competencies most valued by managed markets decision-makers. Scientific expertise, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver relevant clinical and economic insights account for the majority of best-in-class nominations and represent critical areas for ongoing talent development and organizational investment.

Research Methodology and Report Availability. In May 2026, HIRC surveyed 69 key decision-makers from commercial health plans and pharmacy benefit managers. Online surveys and follow-up telephone interviews were used to gather information. The complete report, Best in Class Medical/Clinical Science & Outcomes Liaison Customer Insights, is available now to HIRC’s Best Programs and Best People subscribers at www.hirc.com.