Minds Behind the Science: From Early Inspiration to a Lifelong Mission
Allison Armstrong shares her journey to clinical development at Organon
March 31, 2025
For Allison Armstrong, science isn’t just a career—it’s a personal and purposeful mission to focus on women’s health and improve people’s day-to-day lives. As an Asset Development Team Leader at Organon, Allison oversees the strategic development of new therapies. Her journey from drug discovery to clinical development began with a pivotal moment early in her career when she attended a patient and family caregiver meeting for rare pediatric metabolic diseases.
“Hearing those heartfelt stories from patients and caregivers, especially for pediatric populations, shifted my perspective. It wasn’t just about science anymore—it was about the people living with these conditions every day. That realization became my core motivation.”
That experience solidified her desire to connect science with patient care, shaping her career in clinical development, and ultimately driving her to focus on women’s health.
Working to Help Close the Care Gap
At Organon, Allison channels her passion into developing treatments for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a widespread but often overlooked condition affecting an estimated 8-13% of women of reproductive age globally.1 “The work I am currently focused on aims to provide new treatment options for women with PCOS, by researching the underlying cause of the disease,” Allison notes.
While PCOS is not rare, the unmet need is huge. Allison’s team is not just working on finding treatment options, but addressing a gap in care that may profoundly impact women’s lives. And her connection to the cause is personal. “I think most women know someone with PCOS or endometriosis. We’ve had conversations with friends who’ve faced miscarriages or fertility issues. That makes the work feel close to home. I’m proud to be at a company focused on making a real difference in women’s health.”
Collaboration and Teamwork: The Heart of Innovation
Allison’s work isn’t done alone. For her, success in drug development comes down to collaboration. She emphasizes that bringing effective therapies to life requires a cohesive team, where each member contributes their expertise. “I view my role as a facilitated leader—it’s about bringing together a team with cross functional expertise that supports each other, maintains a level of trust, and openly communicates. We set clear goals, listen to each other’s ideas, and adjust our plans when necessary. That’s how we overcome challenges.”
This teamwork-centered approach is what drives innovation at Organon, where the focus is always on delivering much-needed solutions for people. “Everyone you talk to at Organon has this drive to improve the treatment options available for women’s health conditions,” Allison says.
A Future Shaped by a Passion for Change to Focus on Women’s Health
Allison’s journey is a testament to the power of science, teamwork, and empathy. Through her leadership, she’s helping shape a future where a focus on women’s health is no longer an afterthought, but a central focus for research, development, and innovation. In doing so, she and her team are making strides toward a healthier, more equitable world for women everywhere.