Rita Melo Nazareno

Rita Melo Nazareno, Pharm.D., Ph.D., is an accomplished pharmaceutical professional with extensive experience in medical affairs and strategic leadership within the healthcare industry. Currently serving as the Executive Medical Director (Interim) and Acting Head of Cardiometabolic Strategy at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rita has a notable record of rapidly advancing through roles, including a swift promotion from Medical Director to Executive Medical Director for Hypertriglyceridemia. Previous experience includes directing teams at Chiesi USA, leading national MSL teams, and achieving medical affairs excellence while launching key products in various therapeutic areas. Rita's career also encompasses pioneering roles in medical science liaison functions and significant contributions to FDA submissions while working with multiple organizations, underpinned by academic credentials from the University of Lisbon and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center.