Open To Work
Hi, I’m
Michael J. Gresser
Ojai,California
Work Preference
Summary
Accomplished biotechnology and pharmaceutical executive with more than 40 years of leadership experience in drug discovery, translational medicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, inflammation research, and therapeutic development. Proven track record of building and leading high-performing scientific organizations across academia, biotechnology, and global pharmaceutical companies. Contributed to the advancement of multiple approved therapies, including Singulair, Vioxx, Arcoxia, Siliq, and Tezspire. Recognized for developing innovative research strategies, driving cross-functional collaboration, and translating scientific discoveries into commercially successful medicines.
Overview
39
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Aeromics
Chief Scientific Officer
01.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Lead the company's scientific strategy and translational development efforts for a clinical-stage NF-κB inhibitor program focused on ischemic stroke and neuroinflammatory disorders, aligning discovery, development, and corporate objectives.
- Direct multidisciplinary teams spanning biology, pharmacology, translational medicine, biomarker development, and external research collaborations to accelerate advancement of clinical-stage assets.
- Partner closely with clinical development, regulatory affairs, and executive leadership to support trial design, development planning, and long-term portfolio strategy.
- Evaluate emerging therapeutic opportunities, platform technologies, and strategic partnerships to expand pipeline value and address unmet medical needs in neuroscience.
- Serve as a scientific representative to investors, advisors, and external stakeholders, communicating development progress, scientific rationale, and strategic priorities.
- Helped advance a first-in-class therapeutic program targeting NF-κB signaling into clinical development for stroke, a disease area with significant unmet medical need.
Clarity Therapeutics Consulting
Principal Consultant
01.2006 - Current
Job overview
- Advise biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and investment organizations on scientific strategy, translational medicine, drug discovery, and portfolio optimization initiatives.
- Conduct scientific due diligence for venture capital firms, strategic investors, licensing opportunities, and acquisition targets across multiple therapeutic areas.
- Guide executive leadership teams in evaluating pipeline opportunities, candidate selection decisions, and development strategies from discovery through early clinical stages.
- Support biotechnology companies in building research organizations, recruiting scientific leadership, and implementing scalable R&D operating models.
- Provide expertise in immunology, neuroscience, inflammation, oncology, biologics, and small-molecule therapeutic development.
- Supported numerous biotechnology organizations in advancing development programs, strengthening scientific operations, and improving strategic decision-making.
ImmunGene, Inc.
Chief Scientific Officer
01.2014 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Directed scientific strategy for immuno-oncology and biologics programs focused on novel therapeutic approaches for cancer and immune-mediated diseases.
- Led multidisciplinary research teams responsible for target validation, candidate optimization, translational research, and preclinical development activities.
- Established portfolio prioritization frameworks that improved resource allocation and accelerated progression of high-value development programs.
- Collaborated with external scientific advisors, investors, and strategic partners to strengthen organizational capabilities and development pathways.
- Worked closely with clinical and regulatory teams to support advancement of therapeutic candidates toward IND-enabling activities and clinical evaluation.
- Built and led a highly collaborative research organization focused on translating innovative immunology discoveries into therapeutic candidates.
Myelin Repair Foundation
Chief Scientific Officer
01.2009 - 01.2014
Job overview
- Led scientific and translational research programs focused on regenerative therapies for multiple sclerosis and neurological diseases.
- Coordinated large-scale collaborative research initiatives involving leading academic institutions, clinicians, biotechnology companies, and funding organizations.
- Directed portfolio strategy across multiple discovery and translational programs, ensuring alignment with organizational milestones and patient needs.
- Implemented milestone-driven governance and decision-making processes that improved program execution and scientific productivity.
- Facilitated movement of promising discoveries from basic research through preclinical validation and therapeutic development.
- Established one of the industry's most collaborative research models for accelerating development of regenerative therapies in neurology.
Amgen Inc.
Vice President, Research
01.2000 - 01.2006
Job overview
- Led global inflammation and neuroscience research organizations comprising multidisciplinary teams across discovery biology, pharmacology, translational medicine, and therapeutic development.
- Directed scientific strategy for a broad portfolio of biologics, antibodies, protein therapeutics, and small-molecule programs addressing inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurological diseases.
- Oversaw candidate identification, target validation, preclinical development, and progression of multiple programs into clinical development.
- Collaborated extensively with clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercial leadership to align scientific priorities with business objectives.
- Recruited, developed, and mentored scientific leaders while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific excellence.
- Contributed to programs that resulted in the approval of Siliq (Brodalumab) and Tezspire (Tezepelumab).
- Advanced numerous therapeutic candidates from discovery through clinical development across multiple modalities and disease areas.
Merck Frosst Canada
Executive Director, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
01.1997 - 01.2000
Job overview
- Directed research organizations responsible for target discovery, translational biology, enzymology, and molecular pharmacology across multiple therapeutic areas.
- Led cross-functional teams integrating biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical sciences to accelerate progression of discovery programs.
- Established scientific and portfolio priorities that supported advancement of high-value programs into development.
- Worked closely with senior leadership to evaluate strategic investments, resource allocation, and long-term R&D opportunities.
- Mentored scientific directors and department leaders while expanding organizational capabilities and research productivity.
- Played a leadership role in programs that contributed to the commercialization of Vioxx, Arcoxia, and Singulair.
- Helped advance multiple drug candidates from target identification through clinical development.
Merck Frosst Canada
Senior Director, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
01.1992 - 01.1997
Job overview
- Led growing research organizations focused on inflammatory disease biology, signal transduction, enzymology, and molecular target discovery.
- Directed therapeutic discovery efforts supporting several high-priority pharmaceutical development programs.
- Established productive partnerships across chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical development functions.
- Oversaw candidate evaluation and advancement activities, ensuring alignment with portfolio and development objectives.
- Developed and mentored high-performing scientific teams that contributed to multiple successful therapeutic programs.
- Supported development activities that contributed to several compounds progressing into clinical and commercial stages.
Merck Frosst Canada
Director, Biochemistry
01.1988 - 01.1992
Job overview
- Founded and expanded the Biochemistry Department during a period of significant organizational growth and scientific investment.
- Recruited and developed multidisciplinary teams focused on drug discovery, target biology, and mechanistic research.
- Established research capabilities supporting discovery programs in inflammation, metabolic disease, and molecular pharmacology.
- Introduced innovative biochemical and molecular biology approaches that improved target validation and candidate evaluation processes.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to establish long-term scientific priorities and organizational growth strategies.
- Created foundational scientific capabilities that helped position the organization for future therapeutic and commercial success.
Education
Brandeis University
Ph.D. from Biochemistry
University of Kansas
Bachelor of Arts from Chemistry
Skills
- Organizational Development
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Drug Discovery & Development
- Translational Medicine
- Candidate Selection & Optimization
- IND-Enabling Studies
- Research & Development Leadership
- Scientific Strategy Development
- Portfolio Management
- Executive Leadership
- Early Clinical Development
- Therapeutic Pipeline Management
- Biomarker Strategy
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology Research
- Business Development
- Investor
Timeline
Chief Scientific Officer
Aeromics
01.2019 - Current
Chief Scientific Officer
ImmunGene, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2018
Chief Scientific Officer
Myelin Repair Foundation
01.2009 - 01.2014
Principal Consultant
Clarity Therapeutics Consulting
01.2006 - Current
Vice President, Research
Amgen Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2006
Executive Director, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Merck Frosst Canada
01.1997 - 01.2000
Senior Director, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Merck Frosst Canada
01.1992 - 01.1997
Director, Biochemistry
Merck Frosst Canada
01.1988 - 01.1992
Brandeis University
Ph.D. from Biochemistry
University of Kansas
Bachelor of Arts from Chemistry
Affiliations
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Personal Information
Title: Production Technician
Career Experience
- Streamlined production operations by efficiently setting up and running machinery, resulting in consistent output and adherence to safety protocols.
- Enhanced equipment reliability through proactive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting, minimizing disruptions and improving workflow continuity.
- Ensured product quality by inspecting materials and finished goods, identifying issues early, and coordinating corrective actions.
- Supported team development by mentoring new staff on operational procedures and safety standards, boosting overall productivity.
- Drove operational improvements by analyzing processes and implementing efficiency measures, contributing to reduced waste and optimized production performance.
Selected Research Impact
- 60+ peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Contributions to multiple patents and intellectual property initiatives.
- More than four decades of leadership in drug discovery and therapeutic development.
- Significant contributions to therapies addressing inflammation, autoimmune disease, oncology, neuroscience, and respiratory disorders.
- Extensive experience leading scientific organizations across academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Honors And Awards
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Simon Fraser University
- UCLA Physical Sciences Board of Advisors
- Leadership appointments across academia, biotechnology, and global pharmaceutical organizations