Inspiring Women of Seattle: Megan O'Meara of Pfizer

WIB-Seattle is excited to share a new Inspiring Women in Life Sciences Q&A series, featuring Megan O’Meara, Senior Vice President and Head of Early Stage Development at Pfizer Oncology. Megan brings a rich perspective from an impressive career in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. Discover Megan’s career journey insights from Seagen and Pfizer, driven by her mission to bring new hope to people affected by cancer.

Megan O'Meara
Senior Vice President, Pfizer

What inspired you to pursue a career in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry?
I’ve always been curious about science. My grandfather, a pediatrician, read me books about the history of medicine when I was a child. In high school, I worked in cancer research labs, which provided me with early exposure to the field of cancer research. By the time I was in college, exciting advancements were happening, including the broader use of tumor profiling and targeted therapies. I felt there was a huge opportunity to transform cancer treatment, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. I pursued my medical degree and later transitioned into academic research before entering the industry, where I felt I could have the broadest impact on the greatest number of people. I spent more than 13 years at Seagen, a pioneer in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) technology, which was acquired by Pfizer in 2023, providing me with the opportunity to transition into a leadership role as Head of Early-Stage Development at Pfizer Oncology.

What's your favorite part of your job? 
Right now, I’m particularly excited about our work in ADCs. ADCs are innovative cancer medicines that specifically target cancer cells and deliver cancer-killing drugs directly to tumors, while sparing more of the healthy cells in the body. I’m proud to be leading a team that knows ADCs inside and out. As a company, we’re asking, “How do we make ADCs even safer and more effective?” We’re exploring new drug linkers, various payloads, and innovative combinations, all to provide patients with better treatment options. With our institutional knowledge, a robust pipeline, and diverse research approaches, we’re uniquely positioned to bring forward the most innovative ADC portfolio in the industry. This kind of innovation is why I pursued a career in STEM — it’s tremendously fulfilling to be bringing us closer to a world where people with cancer live better and longer lives.

What role has mentorship played in your career? 
Throughout my career, I was supported by many people, particularly female leaders, who recognized my potential and championed my advancement. I try to do the same for my team at Pfizer, including the talented women who work with me. I mention their names when I’m in a room with other leaders; I look for opportunities that will showcase their potential.

What are some of the advantages of the Seattle biopharmaceutical ecosystem for attracting talent and spearheading innovation? 
Seattle boasts world-renowned academic institutions that provide a deep well of research, innovation, and talent. These institutions foster cutting-edge research and offer strong pipelines for developing new therapies and technologies, making the city an attractive hub for those seeking to push the boundaries of science. Seattle also offers a thriving industry presence. This provides professionals with opportunities for career growth, networking, and collaboration, which is essential for both attracting and retaining talent. The active biotech and pharmaceutical community in Seattle fosters a dynamic and engaging environment for innovators seeking to make a mark.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Seattle’s biopharmaceutical industry today?
One of the biggest challenges is the growing competition for highly skilled talent. While Seattle is home to top-tier academic institutions and a thriving biopharmaceutical sector, attracting and retaining experts in fields like research and development, data science, and clinical trials remains a priority. To continue driving innovation and scaling operations, we must foster an environment that not only attracts top talent but also ensures they have the support and opportunities to thrive within the local ecosystem. We must also continue to collaborate with academic and healthcare providers in the Seattle area. Those partnerships exist, but there’s still room to strengthen these relationships. There may be opportunities to accelerate innovation and ensure new treatments reach patients more efficiently.