Michelle Howard Sparks, PhD
About Michelle Howard Sparks, PhD
Michelle Howard Sparks, PhD, serves as the Vice President of Product Development at EyePoint Pharmaceuticals since 2019. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical sciences and a strong background in formulation development, she has held various leadership roles across multiple organizations in the industry.
Work at EyePoint Pharmaceuticals
Michelle Howard Sparks has served as Vice President of Product Development at EyePoint Pharmaceuticals since 2019. In this role, she oversees product development initiatives and manages various aspects of commercial operations, including on-market product support and complaint resolution. Her leadership contributes to the advancement of innovative therapies within the company, which is located in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Education and Expertise
Michelle Howard Sparks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Kentucky, completed in 1993. She furthered her education at the same institution, earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Medicinal Chemistry in 1999. Her expertise encompasses formulation development for diverse delivery systems, including sterile implants and controlled release formulations. She has extensive experience in developing combination drug product/device systems for sterile injectables.
Background
Michelle Howard Sparks has a diverse professional background in the pharmaceutical industry. She began her career as a Sales Representative at Southwestern Company from 1989 to 1992. She then progressed through various roles, including Manager of Technical Operations at Endo Pharmaceuticals and Director of Pharmaceutical Development at the International Partnership for Microbicides. Prior to her current position, she was Head of Product Development at Zafgen, Inc. from 2014 to 2019.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Michelle Howard Sparks has demonstrated a proven track record in business development, particularly in asset evaluation and in/out-licensing. She has led global Phase 1 CMC/Clinical strategies to expedite first-in-man studies in Australia and the EU. Additionally, she possesses extensive polymer experience with materials such as Silicone, PU, and EVA for controlled release applications, showcasing her technical proficiency in the field.
Professional Affiliations
In addition to her role at EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Michelle Howard Sparks has been a member of Chief since 2021, an organization aimed at supporting women in executive positions. She also served as a Board Member at Britest from 2011 to 2016, contributing her insights and expertise to the organization during her tenure.