HOPE Novo Nordisk Fellowship
About Novo Nordisk
Founded in 1923, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 100 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help individuals defeat serious chronic diseases such as obesity, MASH, neurodegenerative disease and other rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure the diseases we treat. Additionally, Novo Nordisk is the first pharmaceutical company to use 100% renewable power in all global production facilities.
About Rutgers HOPE
The Rutgers University Center for Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics partners with scientists, clinicians and stakeholders from academia, pharmaceutical, biotech, and other marketplace innovators to conduct interdisciplinary research that produces relevant, meaningful health outcomes, economic models and analyses to facilitate the adoption of cost-effective healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
Fellowship Team
Abhilasha Ramasamy
Fellowship Sponsor
Chintan Dave, PharmD, PhD
Fellowship Director
Christopher Blanchette, PhD
Fellowship Committee
Mads Faurby
Fellowship Preceptor
Program and Structure
The HOPE–Novo Nordisk Fellowship offers an two-year immersive fellowship at the intersection of industry and academia. Unlike traditional 1 + 1 HEOR models, fellows spend two full years embedded at Novo Nordisk, gaining continuity, deeper ownership, and leadership across the entire RWE/HEOR evidence cycle, spanning from proposal to publication. Concurrently, fellows pursue graduate coursework toward the Rutgers Master of Science or Certificate in Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (MS-HOPE), establishing a rigorous foundation for impactful careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
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The Fellow will work closely with colleagues across Novo Nordisk’s Clinical Data Science and Evidence (CDSE) team and the Rutgers HOPE Center to gain comprehensive experience spanning both industry and academia. Fellows will:
- Support HEOR strategy and evidence generation planning process
- Work as a member of the research team on select research projects and interact with cross-functional stakeholders
- Perform analysis using Real World Data to identify factors affecting the use of medications in the target patient population
- Be responsible for data dissemination for specific research projects
- Work with HOPE faculty and research analysts to design and execute an RWE / HEOR project using large databases (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, MarketScan, CPRD, SEER-Medicare)
- Complete the bulk of coursework focused on real-world evidence, pharmacoeconomics, and outcomes research through the Rutgers MS-HOPE program
- Engage in academic writing, dissemination, and professional development alongside HOPE core faculty and the CDSE team
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During the second year, the Fellow will advance from foundational training to scientific and project leadership, building on the experience gained in Year 1. Key responsibilities include:
- Deepen expertise in HEOR and evidence generation through advanced coursework and applied project work
- Lead components of real-world evidence (RWE) research projects, including managing vendor calls, tracking timelines, and coordinating deliverables
- Communicate scientific insights and project progress with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and cross-functional teams
- Mentor and support the first-year Fellow in project execution and professional development
- Complete the Rutgers MS-HOPE program, focusing on final coursework and capstone completion
- Partner with the CDSE team and HOPE faculty to publish a first-author manuscript and present findings at national and international conferences
Fellow Perspective
 Julia Wang, PharmD, MS Obesity Theraptutic Area “Julia is a second-year fellow at Rutgers HOPE and Novo Nordisk. She graduated with a PharmD/MS from the University of Southern California in 2024. Julia currently works in the US obesity therapeutic area, where she has contributed to a range of real-world evidence and economic modeling initiatives that inform strategic decision-making and payer engagement. She has developed an interest in understanding how real-world data can be leveraged to improve access to innovative therapies and shape health policy. Her capstone research, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Chintan Dave, examines how the price reduction of PCSK9 inhibitors influenced adherence and cost-sharing among older adults insured through Medicare—specifically assessing whether savings were realized by patients or payers and whether this translated into improved adherence. Julia is excited to continue applying her HEOR background to drive impactful healthcare solutions.” |
 Jessica Muth, PharmD, Obesity Theraptutic Area “Jessica is a first-year fellow at Rutgers HOPE and Novo Nordisk. She earned her PharmD from Rutgers University in 2025. Her passion for HEOR stems from her early experiences conducting pharmacoepidemiologic research and economic modeling, where she evaluated the cost effectiveness of diagnostic therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. She also gained exposure to global HEOR and market access through a pharmacy school externship, supporting the development of payer-relevant evidence for an HTA submission. In her current role as a fellow, she works on cross-functional projects that integrate real-world evidence and strategic planning to support the US obesity therapeutic area at Novo Nordisk. At Rutgers, under the guidance of Dr. Chintan Dave, she conducts comparative effectiveness research using real-world data on chronic disease management. Jessica is eager to continue expanding her HEOR expertise and contribute to meaningful, data-driven healthcare decision-making.” |
Previous Fellows
Ashley Guesnier, PharmD
Tarlan Namvar, PharmD
Sunny Sheth, PharmD
