As Director and Head of Business Insights and Strategy at Chugai Pharmaceuticals, Snigdha Santra champions patient-centric clinical insights and partnership strengthening in early drug development, with a goal to transform human health. Throughout her career, Snigdha has occupied senior roles in various markets and disciplines, including leading payer analytics at Wunderman Health and holding multiple leadership positions at Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Her global team management and cross-functional collaborations have deepened her understanding of the healthcare landscape, reinforcing her dedication to equitable medicine access.
At Chugai, Snigdha has spearheaded insights generation for early-stage products targeting rare diseases and cultivated a culture of innovation, courage, and excellence. Her team’s science-driven approach has initiated several patient-centered engagements. One of her key contributions is her involvement with patient advisory groups for rare diseases, leading to significant developments in patient education and support.
Beyond her professional duties, Snigdha maintains a commitment to social responsibility. She has served as a Lead Health Columnist for Impakter, influencing global health discourse. Educated with a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University and a Master of Clinical Pharmacy from Manipal University, her work has earned her multiple accolades, including the Most Valuable Player at Wunderman Health and repeated recognition at the Chugai Awards for Product Lifecycle Innovation. In all her roles, Snigdha remains a fervent member of the global healthcare community, tirelessly working to enhance patient outcomes and promote fair access to healthcare, continually inspiring her peers and the broader field with her leadership and commitment to innovation.
The inaugural 40 under 40 cohort represents the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, activists, intellectual provocateurs, authors, and directors who inspire and catalyze us all to a more just and equitable world.