In the latest video of our Cells series, part of the GOBOLDLY™ campaign, we witness the destruction of a rogue cell that causes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disease that affects 1.3 million Americans.
RA is a painful and crippling autoimmune disease that is, simply put, the body’s own immune system attacking the joints. With this disease, normally beneficial immune cells, called B cells and T cells, go “rogue,” attacking joints and causing inflammation and pain.
Over the last decade, we’ve seen a number of advancements in treatments for RA, including a new first-in-class oral medicine offering greater convenience for patients. But researchers at America’s biopharmaceutical companies aren’t stopping there. They are working tirelessly to develop more weapons to combat and destroy these rogue cells, with the hope of one day giving patients the opportunity for a life free of pain.
Learn more about the fight against rheumatoid arthritis at GoBoldly.com and Innovation.org.
Robert Zirkelbach
Robert Zirkelbach is an accomplished public affairs executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping the debate and influencing policy on behalf of highly regulated industries and corporations. As Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Zirkelbach leads public affairs, strategic initiatives and membership on behalf of America’s biopharmaceutical industry.
He oversees integrated public affairs campaigns that advance patient-first solutions, strengthen our health care system and preserve the role of the U.S. as the world leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. Since returning to PhRMA in 2023, he has elevated the industry’s voice in Washington, expanded PhRMA’s membership and spearheaded the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
Previously, Zirkelbach served as Global Head of Issues and Advocacy at ExxonMobil, where he led high-impact advocacy campaigns on issues central to the company’s mission, including climate change and plastic waste. During his tenure, he also oversaw a strategic risk function responsible for identifying and mitigating potential policy, geopolitical and reputation risks facing the company. Zirkelbach served as spokesman for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) during the pivotal debate and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He started his career on Capitol Hill as press secretary for Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA).
Zirkelbach is a graduate of Central College. He lives with his wife and two children in Washington, DC.
Robby Zirklebach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robzirk/
Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives
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This is not a special effect: New video shows the destruction of a rogue cell
GoBoldly
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is not a special effect: New video shows the destruction of a rogue cell
This is not a special effect: New video shows the destruction of a rogue cell