George A. Scangos

George A. Scangos
Name	George A. Scangos
Birth date	15 October 1948
Alma mater	University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of California, Berkeley
Known for	Leadership at Biogen and Vir Biotechnology
Occupation	Biotechnology executive

George A. Scangos is an American biotechnology executive renowned for his transformative leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. His career is distinguished by significant tenures as CEO of major firms including Biogen and Vir Biotechnology, where he guided the development and commercialization of novel therapies for complex diseases. Scangos is widely recognized for his strategic vision in neuroscience and infectious disease research, contributing to advancements in treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis and COVID-19.

Early life and education

George A. Scangos was born on October 15, 1948. He pursued his undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He then continued his academic career at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received a Ph.D. in microbiology. His doctoral research focused on the genetics of fruit flies, laying a foundational understanding of gene expression and regulation. Following his Ph.D., Scangos conducted postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University, further specializing in molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques.

Career in biotechnology

Scangos began his industry career at the agricultural biotechnology company H.J. Heinz's subsidiary, H.J. Heinz Research Center. He subsequently joined the pharmaceutical division of Bristol-Myers Squibb, gaining experience in drug discovery. His executive path accelerated upon joining the Berlex biosciences unit of Schering AG, where he held roles of increasing responsibility. In 1993, Scangos moved to Exelixis, a biotechnology company focused on model organism genetics for drug target discovery, eventually serving as its President and CEO. During his tenure, he helped transition Exelixis from a research platform to a clinical-stage company.

Leadership at Biogen

In July 2010, Scangos was appointed CEO and a member of the board of directors of Biogen, a leader in neuroscience therapies. He orchestrated a strategic refocusing of the company's research and development pipeline on core neurological areas, most notably multiple sclerosis and emerging fields like spinal muscular atrophy and Alzheimer's disease. Under his leadership, Biogen successfully launched several key products, including the multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera, which became a top-selling therapy. He also championed the development of Spinraza, a groundbreaking treatment for spinal muscular atrophy developed in collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, and advanced clinical programs for Alzheimer's disease such as aducanumab.

Leadership at Vir Biotechnology

Scangos became the CEO of Vir Biotechnology in January 2017, steering the early-stage company toward infectious disease therapeutics. He leveraged the company's platform in antibody discovery and immunology to address major global health threats. A defining achievement of his leadership was the rapid development, in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, of sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 that received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and regulatory approvals worldwide. His strategy at Vir Biotechnology also expanded the pipeline to include potential treatments for influenza, hepatitis B, and HIV.

Board memberships and advisory roles

Throughout his career, Scangos has served on the boards of numerous influential life sciences and industry organizations. He has been a director for companies such as Agios Pharmaceuticals, Exelixis, and Fate Therapeutics. His expertise is also sought in advisory capacities, having served on the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Advisory Council. Furthermore, he has contributed to the boards of non-profit entities like the QB3 Institute and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the world's largest biotechnology advocacy group.

Awards and recognition

Scangos has received significant accolades for his contributions to biotechnology and business. He was named the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s "Biotech CEO of the Year" in 2011. In 2015, he received the PhRMA "Biopharmaceutical Research Award" for his leadership in innovative drug development. His work has been recognized by institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science degree. The Harvard Business School Club of New York has also honored him for exemplary corporate leadership.

Category:American biotechnology businesspeople Category:1948 births Category:Living people