Rising Stars: Tanvi Lodhia on keeping ‘a curious mind’

Tanvi Lodhia’s path to pharma marketing may sound familiar to her peers in the industry: Like many of them, for example, she had an early interest in biology and science and a curiosity about the roles of dentists and doctors.

But there are other parts of her biography that are unique, including an idea to create a coconut oil-based gum after learning about the health benefits of coconut oil for teeth and oral health. That idea didn’t pan out because of difficulties with the manufacturing process, but it gave Lodhia an early and unique perspective on the challenges of creating a healthcare product, she said in a recent interview.

Instead of becoming a chewing gum mogul, Lodhia went on to earn her pharmacy doctorate from Rutgers University, then worked at Bayer in both medical affairs and women’s healthcare. In her current role as a senior HCP digital marketing manager at argenx, she continues to explore ways to apply her knowledge and degree to pharma marketing.

In a Q&A for Fierce Pharma Marketing’s “Rising Stars” series, Lodhia shared more about her route to her current role and what fuels her passion for her career.

Responses have been lightly edited.

Fierce Pharma Marketing: What inspired you to pursue a career in pharma marketing, and what keeps you motivated?

Tanvi Lodhia: When I look at commercials, I always think about why they all look the same. I wonder about going into marketing in different industries and whether I’d find it satisfying. But when I see a pharmaceutical commercial, I feel passionate about them because, at the end of the day, what you’re doing is helping a patient or an HCP learn about your product and then giving them another option in their arsenal. I love educating doctors and patients about a product because it could end up changing someone’s life. That’s what gets me up in the morning and makes me want to do a good job every single day.

FPMK: What has been the most rewarding or challenging project you’ve worked on so far?

TL: I was part of the team that launched a new product for the rare disease [chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy]. Before, there was only one treatment option. If it didn’t work or if it had side effects, they were left with nothing, and it can be a horrible disease.

Being part of the team that launched the product to HCPs and patients was so impactful for me because now they have an opportunity to use something that might work for them. What we’ve seen in clinical trials is amazing: Patients’ lives can be changed with this product.

FPMK: If you could give one piece of advice to industry veterans, what would it be?

TL: You have to keep asking questions and have a curious mind because the landscape is changing. It is always changing; every week there is something new.

I feel like from 2025 to 2026, AI—which we’ve been talking about for the past five years—is finally being implemented more broadly. So, never be afraid to ask those questions. Is it really telling you the right answers? Should we be using ChatGPT? By asking those questions, you can start to feel comfortable with it and make the decision for yourself if you think this new technology is something you want to pursue.

FPMK: What do you like to do outside of work?

TL: Travel is No. 1. I just went to Italy, specifically Sardinia. I love finding local experiences and avoiding very touristy areas. The beaches were spectacular—some of the best in the world. We hiked, experienced the culture and enjoyed the food. My next trip, which I'm really excited about, is going to be to Sweden, hopefully to see the northern lights.

Know a standout early-career pharma marketing pro? Send your nominations for future "Rising Stars" honorees to [email protected].