BERNARDSVILLE, NJ, June 02, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Iresha Abeynayake, MPH, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Abeynayake is a distinguished expert in health economics and outcomes research within the pharmaceutical industry, boasting more than 15 years of experience. Currently, she serves as the head of health economics and outcomes research at Phathom Pharmaceuticals, a role she has held since 2024. In this capacity, she is responsible for demonstrating the value of new pharmaceutical drugs Phathom markets and strategically communicating data generated through HEOR studies to external stakeholders (i.e. clinicians and payers) to optimize patient access including publications in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Her work bridges the data gaps between clinical trial results and real-world clinical applications by generating global evidence and conducting extensive database analysis of real-world data sources (i.e. medical claims, electronic health records and patient reported outcomes) to demonstrate economic burden of diseases, real-world effectiveness and durability in broader populations not studied in clinical trials. She focuses on patient journeys to determine how new interventions might alter the treatment landscape and patient experience, ensuring that once a drug reaches the market, its real-world impact is thoroughly evaluated. At Phathom she was recognized as a trailblazer for strong leadership and women in STEM.

In addition to her primary position, Ms. Abeynayake has been a subject matter expert at Guidepoint since 2023, where she provides insights and advice into drug development and value demonstration of innovative health interventions. . Prior to her current roles, she served as director of health economics, outcomes research and market access at Axsome Therapeutics Inc. from 2021 to 2024, where she helped commercialize the first novel depression drug in many years. Before this, she held a one-year tenure at Xcenda as director of value and access strategy, helping pharmaceutical clients optimize patient access to novel drugs.

Ms. Abeynayake's career also includes significant contributions at Acorda Therapeutics Inc., where she held multiple roles from 2014 to 2019. As associate director of HEOR and medical affairs for three years, she was instrumental in advancing evidence generation strategies and initiatives. Before that, she served as associate director of clinical operations and senior manager of clinical operations, overseeing critical aspects of clinical drug development. Her earlier career at Novartis from 2008 to 2014 as an expert clinical manager in global clinical development of several FDA approved drugs in immunology and cardiology and earned her recognition as a rising star in research and development.

Throughout her career, Ms. Abeynayake is most proud of playing a pivotal role in bringing a groundbreaking Parkinson's drug to market, reigniting interest in a field long overlooked. Her research, which emphasized improving quality of life associated with an innovative Parkinson's treatment and redefining patients as "people living with Parkinson's" garnered global attention at a major scientific conference in Japan and earned recognition from organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Inspired by her grandfather's battle with the disease, her work has had a lasting impact both scientifically and personally. She has since extended this patient-centric philosophy to other areas, including depression and gastroenterology, shaping her broader approach to value demonstration to optimize patient access to novel medicines.

Ms. Abeynayake's academic background includes a Master of Public Health in health policy and management from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in biology/pre-medicine from Queens College, City University of New York. These educational achievements have been instrumental in shaping her approach to health care, emphasizing patient-centric methodologies that have defined her career.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Abeynayake is actively involved with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. She is also a civic donor to Feeding America. In the upcoming years, she envisions herself contributing to various boards where diverse voices and multi-disciplinary skills are valued, aiming to drive positive change through representation and influence.

In her personal life, Ms. Abeynayake finds joy in spending time with her two young sons and husband, often engaging in activities that reflect her love for nature and cooking. She enjoys transforming traditional recipes into more accessible versions while maintaining their flavor, focusing on healthy meals that introduce nutritious foods to her children. Cooking has allowed her to express creativity freely, while her appreciation for nature provides an opportunity for reflection and connection with something greater than herself. Her personal interests serve as a creative counterbalance to her structured professional life.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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