
Gunnar Esiason, MBA, MPH
Head of Patient Engagement and Patient-Centered Innovation
RA Ventures
Gunnar Esiason, MBA, MPH, is a prominent leader for individuals with cystic fibrosis and rare diseases, recognized for his dedication to patient advocacy, health policy, and early-stage drug development. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of two, he has leveraged his personal experiences to become a leading voice in health advocacy and patient empowerment. Gunnar is the Head of Patient Engagement and Patient-Centered Innovation at RA Ventures, a venture group within RA Capital Management. He also leads initiatives focused on patient-centered approaches in clinical trials and health policy. Additionally, Gunnar serves as the Executive Vice President, Strategy and Advocacy at the Boomer Esiason Foundation, where he has been instrumental in raising over $160 million for cystic fibrosis research and support programs. Gunnar has developed patient engagement platforms for medical nutrition companies and consulted on clinical trial development, population health studies, and mental health screening tools specific to cystic fibrosis.