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Jeffrey Leiden

MIT Presidential CEO Advisory Board

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Boston, MA, USA

Jeffrey Leiden

Finito Education

Jeffrey’s Biography

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Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D. is an award-winning physician-scientist, entrepreneur, advisor and academic, who serves as Executive Chairman at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

He spent eight years as Chairman, President and CEO of Vertex and helped pioneer the first medicines in history to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis. Dr. Leiden has been involved with Vertex for over a decade, having first served as a board member. His leadership has been defined by innovation and a commitment to developing transformative medicines. He is passionate about giving back to the community and making STEM education accessible to underrepresented students and has initiated many programs through Vertex and public-private partnerships to support this.

Previously, Dr. Leiden was a Managing Director of Clarus Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on life sciences investments. He also served as President, COO and CSO at Abbott Laboratories, where he oversaw the company’s pharmaceutical business globally. Consistently committed to achieving life-changing strides in medicine, Dr. Leiden led the development... Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D. is an award-winning physician-scientist, entrepreneur, advisor and academic, who serves as Executive Chairman at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

He spent eight years as Chairman, President and CEO of Vertex and helped pioneer the first medicines in history to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis. Dr. Leiden has been involved with Vertex for over a decade, having first served as a board member. His leadership has been defined by innovation and a commitment to developing transformative medicines. He is passionate about giving back to the community and making STEM education accessible to underrepresented students and has initiated many programs through Vertex and public-private partnerships to support this.

Previously, Dr. Leiden was a Managing Director of Clarus Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on life sciences investments. He also served as President, COO and CSO at Abbott Laboratories, where he oversaw the company’s pharmaceutical business globally. Consistently committed to achieving life-changing strides in medicine, Dr. Leiden led the development of numerous medicines at Abbott.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Leiden was appointed as Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Elkin R. Blout Professor of Biological Sciences at the Harvard School of Public Health. In addition to his academic appointments, he worked as a physician, having been appointed as Chief of Cardiology at The University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was also the Rawson Professor of Medicine and Pathology and an Attending Physician. During this time, he co-founded several biotechnology companies including Vical and Cardiogene.

Dr. Leiden has held many board positions throughout his career and currently serves as Chairman at Casana, a health monitoring platform, as well as Tmunity Therapeutics, a biotherapeutics company.

Dr. Leiden has been presented with numerous awards, including the Forbes Lifetime Achievement Award. moreless

Jeffrey’s Newsfeed

Vertex Announces Further Expansion in the Boston Seaport at Dedication of the Jeffrey Leiden Center

Vertex has announced plans for recent expansion to support the company's recent growth and further research into cell and genetic therapy. Vertex has also dedicated a site to Jeffrey Leiden, called the Jeffrey Leiden Center for Cell and Genetic Therapies I.

The Boston Globe

New Chairman Of Mass. Competitive Partnership Aims To Use Its Power To Reshape Local Economy

As the new chairman of Vertex, Jeffrey Leiden aims to help the local community by supplying employment for those who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Jeffrey’s Background

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT Presidential CEO Advisory Board

Jun 2022 - Present

Cambridge, MA, USA

Founded in 1861, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most prestigious and highly ranked academic institutions in the world. MIT has been at the forefront of the development of modern technology and science and has spurred innovation and advancement on a global scale.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Executive Chairman

2012 - Present

Boston, MA, USA

Vertex is a leading biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines. Jeffrey Leiden has served as the Chairman since 2012.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Chairman, President and CEO

Boston, MA, USA

Before his appointment as Executive Chairman, Dr. Leiden led as Chairman, President and CEO.

Clarus Funds

Managing Director

2006 - 2011

Boston, MA, USA

Clarus Funds is a venture capital and private equity firm dedicated to making investments into life sciences, including biotechnology, medical device and diagnostic spaces.

Abbott Laboratories

President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Scientific Officer

2000 - 2006

Illinois City, IL, USA

Abbott is an international healthcare company committed to helping people all around the world enjoy life at every stage through innovative, ground-breaking technologies. Dr. Leiden pioneered the development of HUMIRA and KALETRA during his time at the company.

Harvard Medical School

Professor of Medicine

1999 - 2000

Boston, MA, USA

During his time as Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School, Dr. Leiden was also appointed the Elkin R. Blout Professor of Biological Sciences at the Harvard School of Public Health.

The University of Chicago Medical Center

Chief of Cardiology

1992 - 1999

Chicago, IL, USA

Jeffrey Leiden led as Chief of Cardiology and served as Rawson Professor of Medicine and Pathology. He was also an Attending Physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center where over 40 cardiologists and 50 scientists reported to him as Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Assistant/Associate Investigator and Attending Physician

1987 - 1992

Ann Arbor, MI, USA

While working as Assistant/Associate Investigator and Attending Physician at Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Michigan, Dr. Leiden was responsible for overseeing a research lab that focused on exploring the molecular genetics of heart and blood development as well as investigating gene therapy.

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Jeffrey’s Gallery

Board Positions

Odyssey Therapeutics

Board of Directors

Apr 2022 - Present

Odyssey Therapeutics creates extraordinary leaps in patient outcomes by delivering life-enhancing precision medicines to those living with inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Tmunity

Chairman

Jan 2021 - Present

Philadelphia, PA, USA

Tmunity Therapeutics Incorporated is a distinguished biotherapeutics company that is committed to delivering the best in innovation and development of next-generation T cell immunotherapy.

Casana

Chairman

2020 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Casana is an innovative health monitoring platform that helps caregivers accurately manage their patient or loved one's health status at home.

Massachusetts Competitive Partnership

Chairman

Boston, MA, USA

The Massachusetts Competitive Partnership serves as a leading public policy group . As a nonprofit and non-partisan organization, MACP encourages job growth and competition across the region. The group is led by executives and some of Massachusetts' largest businesses.

Massachusetts Governor's Digital Healthcare Council

Co-Chair

Westborough, MA, USA

The Massachusetts Digital Healthcare Council was established by Governor Charlie Baker as a platform for industry experts to consult him on the digital health industry as part of a three-year plan to achieve growth in the digital health space in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Co-Chair

Boston, MA, USA

Massachusetts Governor's STEM Advisory Council was created to increase the availability of STEM education. Its members include industry experts from government, businesses and nonprofits, among others.

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Trustee

Boston, MA, USA

The Boston Symphony Orchestra was established in 1881 making it second-oldest orchestra in the US. Most concerts are performed at Boston's Symphony Hall and at Tanglewood.

MassMutual

Director

Springfield, MA, USA

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, known as MassMutual, offers life insurance and protection products, retirement and investment services to help individuals and families meet their financial goals.

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Advisory Roles

BrightInsight

Advisor

Mar 2021 - Present

San Jose, CA, USA

BrightInsight is a leading regulated, medical-grade IoT platform for the biopharma and medtech industry.

Previous Board Positions

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Board Member

2009 - 2012

Boston, MA, USA

Before his appointment as Chairman, President, CEO and eventually Executive Chairman of Vertex, Jeffrey Leiden served on the board of the company from 2009 to 2012.

NHLBI | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Board of Scientific Counselors

1994 - 1999

Bethesda, MD, USA

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute works to use education and training to find remedies for diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and blood.

Shire plc

Vice Chairman

Shire plc was a biopharmaceutical company that was founded in the UK with operations in the US. In 2019, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company acquired Shire.

Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Takeda

Director

Cambridge, MA, USA

Takeda Oncology, a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical, is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts that focuses on research in oncology.

Abbott Laboratories

Director

Illinois City, IL, USA

In addition to his responsibility as President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Scientific Officer at Abbott Laboratories, Dr. Leiden also served on the board.

TAP Pharmaceuticals

Director

Deerfield, IL, USA

TAP Pharmaceuticals was established 1977 as a joint venture between Abbott Laboratories and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. and was eventually dissolved in 2008.

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Media

A Tribute to Jeffrey Leiden: Forbes Lifetime Achievement in BioPharma Award | 2020 Forbes Healthcare Summit

Honoree

Dec 2020

Dr. Leiden is honored with the Lifetime Achievement in BioPharma Award for his exceptional contribution and lifetime achievements in biopharma during the Forbes Healthcare Summit. He talks to Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the publication, who presents him with the award.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals enters new era of leadership with CEO Reshma Kewalramani

Featured

Apr 2020

Jeffrey Leiden refers to the company as Vertex 3.0 as CEO Reshman Kewalramani begins to update the products portfolio for new drug development.

MassBio Annual Meeting 2018 Henri A Termeer Innovative Leadership Award - Dr Jeffrey Leiden

Honoree

May 2019

Boston, MA, USA

Dr. Leiden accepts his Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leadership Award in recognition of his major contribution to the growth and success of biotechnology in Massachusetts.

Dr. Jeffrey Leiden Discusses Vertex's Commitment to Research and Patients

Featured

Apr 2019

Boston, MA, USA

Jeffrey Leiden talks about the company's commitment to research, patients and improving the lives of those facing serious illnesses.

Dr. Jeffrey Leiden and Melodie Knowlton Discuss Vertex’s Commitment to STEM Education and Its Partnership with the Museum of Science

Featured

Apr 2019

Boston, MA, USA

Jeffrey Leiden and Melodie Knowlton talk about inspiring the youth in their community to learn more about science and the importance of encouraging them to explore and expand their STEM education.

Zero to Breakthrough | Healthcare Summit 2018

Featured

Nov 2018

As a leader in the field, Dr. Leiden joined the Forbes 2018 Healthcare Summit to discuss breakthroughs discoveries in biotech and finding underlying causes of childhood diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

Dr. Jeff Leiden - Academy of Distinguished Bostonians

Inductee

May 2018

Boston, MA, USA

A leader in the region and beyond, Dr. Leiden was recognized for his achievements at Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting by being named a member of the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians in 2018.

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Publications

Leading through the Unknowable

Author

Apr 2020

In an article for the Milken Institute, Jeffrey Leiden discusses Vertex's response to COVID-19 as a company and how the company has come together to aid the greater global community during the crisis.

Memberships

National Academy of Medicine

Member

Washington, DC, USA

The National Academy of Medicine is a private, nonprofit institution that provides objective advice on issues related to science, technology, and health.

American Society for Clinical Investigation

Member

Ann Arbor, MI, USA

The American Society for Clinical Investigation supports the actions and efforts of scientists and physicians to innovate the medicine and improve the population's health.

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Awards & Recognition

Forbes

Lifetime Achievement in BioPharma Award

Dec 2020

New York, NY, USA

Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes, honored Dr. Leiden with the Lifetime Achievement in BioPharma Award for his exceptional contribution and lifetime achievements in biopharma.

Boston Magazine

100 Most Influential People in Boston

2020

Boston, MA, USA

In recognition of his leadership and innovative work, Dr. Leiden was listed as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Boston by Boston Magazine in 2018 and 2020.

Forbes

America’s Most Innovative Leaders

2019

New York, NY, USA

Jeffrey Leiden was named one of America’s Most Innovative Leaders by Forbes for his leadership in 2019. At the time, he was serving as Chairman, President and CEO of the company.

National Association of Corporate Directors | New England Division

Public Company of the Year

2019

Boston, MA, USA

Vertex was named Public Company of the Year by NACD's New England Division for their innovation, leadership, and governance.

Museum of Science

Stars of STEM

2019

Boston, MA, USA

Vertex was named a Star of STEM by the Museum of Science in Boston to acknowledge the company's work in equipping the youth to become the next generation of scientific leaders.

STAT News

Biopharma CEO of the Year

2018

Boston, MA, USA

Health-oriented news website, STAT News, named Dr. Leiden Biopharma CEO of the Year in 2018.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Academy of Distinguished Bostonians Member

2018

Boston, MA, USA

Dr. Leiden was named Academy of Distinguished Bostonians Member by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Massachusetts Biotechnology Council

Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leadership Award

2018

Boston, MA, USA

In recognition of his major contribution to the growth and success of biotechnology in Massachusetts, Jeffrey Leiden was awarded the Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leadership Award by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.

Biomedical Science Careers Program

Hope Award

2018

Boston, MA, USA

Jeffrey Leiden was recognized by the Biomedical Science Careers Program and presented with the Hope Award for his leadership in expanding STEM opportunities to more students in the community.

New England Council

New Englander of the Year

2018

Boston, MA, USA

In 2018 Jeffrey Leiden was honored with the prestigious New Englander of the Year award for his excellent contribution in the medical field and his positive impact on the economy and quality of life in the New England region.

Boston Business Journal

Power 50 Honoree

2018

Boston, MA, USA

Jeffrey Leiden was honored in Boston Business Journal's Power 50 for his innovative leadership and vision in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

United Way

STEM Corporate Leader of the Year Award

2018

Dr. Leiden was presented with the STEM Leader of the Year Award for his leadership and the company’s exceptional commitment to promoting education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

NDRI | National Disease Research Interchange

Service to Science Pharmaceutical Industry Leadership Award

2018

Philadelphia, PA, USA

NDRI has recognized Dr. Leiden with their Service to Science Pharmaceutical Industry Leadership Award for Vertex’s pioneering work to discover the first medicines to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis.

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

Entrepreneur Of The Year

2017

Boston, MA, USA

Dr. Leiden was recognized with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year New England Award for his exceptional work.

New England Venture Capital Association

IMPACT Award

2017

Boston, MA, USA

Dr. Leiden was honored with the IMPACT Award by the New England Venture Capital Association in 2017 for his significant contributions to healthcare and the innovation ecosystem.

Massachusetts Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Uncork the Cure Award

2015

Boston, MA, USA

Jeffrey Leiden was awarded the Uncork the Cure Award by the Massachusetts Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for his dedication and commitment to research into a cure for cystic fibrosis.

Boomer Esiason Foundation

MVP Award

2014

New York, NY, USA

Dr. Leiden was presented with The Most Valuable Player Award to acknowledge his great contribution to the Boomer Esiason Foundation and the cystic fibrosis community.

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Business Interests

Cardiogene

Co-Founder

1994 - Present

Marlborough, MA, USA

Cardiogene was a gene therapy company that Dr. Leiden established along with Drs Elizabeth and Gary Nabel. It has subsequently been acquired by Boston Scientific.

Vical

Co-Founder

San Diego, CA, USA

Vical is a biopharmaceutical company that is dedicated to the developing innovative products that work towards the prevention of chronic and life-threatening diseases.

Fellowships

Harvard Medical School

Board of Fellows

Cambridge, MA, USA

The Board of Fellows at Harvard Medical School advise the Dean and administration and support the institution with its vision to alleviate human suffering caused by disease.

American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Fellow

Cambridge, MA, USA

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an independent, multi-disciplinary, non-partisan research center which develops and promotes knowledge through projects and publications.

Jeffrey’s Education

The University of Chicago

M.D. in Medicine

1979 - 1981

The University of Chicago

Ph.D. in Virology

1975 - 1979

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