Michael Ehlers
About Michael Ehlers
Michael Ehlers Chief Scientific Officer and Venture Partner
Michael Ehlers holds key leadership roles as Chief Scientific Officer and Venture Partner. He has substantial experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, contributing to major advancements and innovations in these fields. His career trajectory includes pivotal positions at influential organizations where he has led significant scientific and clinical initiatives.
Michael Ehlers Education and Expertise
Michael Ehlers earned his BS in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology, furthering his education at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he achieved both MD and PhD degrees. His deep scientific training has spanned various domains, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise to lead research and development efforts in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Michael Ehlers Background
Before his current roles, Michael Ehlers served as executive vice president for Research and Development at Biogen. At Biogen, he led various scientific and clinical disciplines including discovery sciences, translational medicine, and regulatory sciences. He also held the position of Biotherapeutics group senior vice president and Neuroscience chief scientific officer at Pfizer, leading efforts in biologics design, synthesis, and manufacturing. Additionally, he was a professor and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Duke University Medical Center, where he conducted pioneering research.
Michael Ehlers Achievements at Biogen
During his tenure at Biogen, Michael Ehlers transformed the company’s R&D productivity and expanded its clinical portfolio. He advanced more than 20 novel clinical candidates and was involved in the global filings and approvals of critical drugs, including SPINRAZA (nusinersen), VUMERITY (diroximel fumarate), LEQEMBI, ADUHELM, and QALSODY. His efforts led to significant advancements in the treatment of various neurological conditions.
Michael Ehlers Contributions at Pfizer
At Pfizer, Michael Ehlers created and advanced the neuroscience and rare disease portfolios and directed global development activities in biologics. He successfully brought 22 compounds into clinical trials and established several academic collaborations, particularly focused on immunology and oncology. His leadership and strategic initiatives significantly contributed to Pfizer’s pipeline development.