Building a Future for Lupus Patients: A Q&A with Brenda Leonard

Today, Brenda draws on 24 years of MSL experience to lead with empathy, scientific rigor, and a passion for developing high-performing field teams.

Stepping into her new role at Biogen, Brenda brings her expertise and fresh perspective to our lupus franchise. In the conversation below, she reflects on what brought her here, what energizes her work, and where she sees the greatest opportunity ahead.

You joined Biogen recently. What made you come aboard? 

What drew me to Biogen was the company’s commitment to building a future for patients with high unmet need, particularly in lupus and immunology. Lupus is an area where patients still have very limited treatment options, and the opportunity to help build something from the ground up in a new therapeutic space was incredibly motivating. Biogen’s longstanding legacy in multiple sclerosis also resonated deeply with me. That sustained commitment to patients over decades gave me confidence that Biogen will show up for the lupus community in the same meaningful, long-term way.

How did you become a lupus specialist? 

My path to lupus started through rheumatology, initially working in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology is a small specialty with a growing gap between retiring providers and those entering the field, so most rheumatologists treat a wide range of conditions – not just one disease. As a result, lupus is part of everyday practice for many providers, especially given the limited number of specialists in the U.S. My career in Medical Affairs has given me a deep understanding of clinical practice and the patient experience, including those presenting with overlapping disease markers. This exposure has strengthened my expertise in lupus with rheumatologists and naturally expanded my focus into the dermatology space.

When you think about the next 12-18 months for the lupus franchise, what is most exciting for you? 

What excites me most is helping build something meaningful from the ground up while closing critical educational gaps in lupus care. I’m especially excited about supporting community practitioners, such as MDs, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, who often care for lupus patients but face limited access to specialists. By partnering closely with cross-functional field teams and presenting as one Biogen, we have an opportunity to help reduce barriers, shorten wait times, and ultimately bring potential new treatment options to patients.

What motivates you each day?

What motivates me each day is knowing the impact autoimmune diseases have on patients and families - including my own. Even though conditions can be complex and lifelong, Immunology is frequently overlooked because the signs are often invisible. On top of that, people don’t always realize that once you’re diagnosed with one autoimmune disease, the likelihood of developing another increase. That reality, and the need to bring more attention and better solutions to these patients, is what has kept me committed to this work throughout my career.

What career advice do you have for those looking to join our lupus franchise? 

Let your passion show, especially with the providers you work with. You have to truly know the science, believe in what you’re building, and be deeply committed to helping patients. If you’re not passionate about the work and the people you’re serving, it will come through. This is an area where you need to speak about lupus with conviction – like you’re advocating for your own family. Be confident, be vocal, and don’t be afraid to lead with purpose.