Pharmaceutical carton printed with the name Michael R. Russo

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Michael R. Russo

Pharma Digital, Data & AI Executive | Omnichannel HCP & Patient Engagement | AI Strategy & Digital Health

LOT 1994–2026 · New York, NY

Pharma digital, data and AI executive with 25+ years across the US and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), trained first as a scientist, then as an enterprise systems architect, before building pharma digital marketing from the ground up. Led launches and digital growth for Ampyra, Zanaflex Capsules and INBRIJA, then served as Global Head of Digital Strategy at Merz Therapeutics for XEOMIN, INBRIJA, AMPYRA and FAMPYRA. Today focused on applied AI in pharma commercial work: AI roadmaps, next-best-action, and GenAI in content and engagement.

Career blister · 6 chapters

A decade of digital strategy & innovation

A decade of enterprise digital leadership at Acorda: digital health apps, omnichannel HCP and patient engagement, and digital innovation for clinical trial recruitment.

Vice President, Digital Strategy & Innovation

Acorda Therapeutics · Jul 2020 – Jul 2024

  • Led the digital and omnichannel campaigns behind INBRIJA and AMPYRA combined net sales of over $100 million per year, partnering with brand strategy and planning teams.
  • Three connected TV (CTV) commercials for INBRIJA (two branded, one unbranded) as part of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) program, placed cost-efficiently on streaming services against custom targeting profiles.
  • AI-driven next-best-action models on CRM and sales data that improved targeting and lifted HCP sales conversions.
  • Led all Acorda medical congresses with Medical Affairs, with interactive, gamified booths and HCP data capture for follow-up.
  • INBRIJA patient testimonial video program, and direct-to-consumer Facebook lead-generation campaigns for the Parkinson's audience.
  • Digital innovation for clinical trial recruitment.

Executive Director, Digital Strategy & Innovation

Acorda Therapeutics · Dec 2014 – Jul 2020

  • INBRIJA and AMPYRA consistently exceeded annual sales targets.
  • Brand site redesigns, advanced eCRM rollouts, and patient mobile apps that improved treatment adherence.
  • Corporate intranet and medical apps, and digital solutions for clinical trial recruitment.