As a registered dietitian, Joyanna Hansen’s early career was shaped by her commitment to helping families navigate the complexities of inherited metabolic conditions.  

She was particularly interested in supporting individuals of all ages living with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic condition characterized by an enzyme deficiency that inhibits the body’s ability to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine (Phe) found in all foods with protein. 

“I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection between genetics and nutrition,” Joyanna says. “When I first learned about inherited metabolic conditions, I knew that was where I wanted to focus my career.” 

In the third edition of our Signature Science video series, Joyanna, now a PKU Medical Science Liaison at BioMarin, shares how her clinical background shapes her work, and how she’s putting her own mark on the company’s breakthrough science.

Joyanna’s firsthand experiences working with the PKU community fueled her drive to improve care and empower patients. This dedication inspired her transition to BioMarin, where she was excited about the possibility of expanding her impact by supporting healthcare providers like her. 

“When an opportunity came up to join the Medical team at BioMarin, I was really excited to work with the metabolic community in a different way,” says Joyanna. “One of my favorite things that I do as an MSL is provide medical education to clinicians who are newer to PKU, and provide some history about the really groundbreaking research that BioMarin has done over the past few decades.” 

With her years of experience working directly with families impacted by PKU, Joyanna brings a unique perspective, compassion and deep expertise to her role. She vividly recalls the challenges families faced in managing protein intake when a small serving of French fries or even a hearty salad could push past the daily recommended protein limit.  

“As a clinician, I saw parents really struggle with what to send in their child’s lunch box for school. Small things that most people would never think twice about caused huge mental strain and worry about the impact of high Phe levels on their child,” Joyanna recalls.  “These moments reinforce the importance of ongoing support, education and research – a mission I am proud to continue at BioMarin.” 

BioMarin scientists have spent decades researching ways to help people living with PKU achieve lower Phe levels. Today, Joyanna helps translate findings from this research into meaningful guidance that clinicians can utilize in their practice.  

“PKU is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Our goal at BioMarin is to make sure that every person living with PKU has a pathway to lower phenylalanine levels,” Joyanna says.” Our research is ongoing. We’re committed to the PKU community and committed to continuing to explore the science around PKU.”