George Rathmann

George Rathmann was a renowned American businessman and chemist who played a pivotal role in the development of the biotechnology industry. He is best known for co-founding Amgen, a leading biopharmaceutical company, alongside William Bowes, Frank Hawks, and Gordon Binder. Rathmann's work had a significant impact on the field of biotechnology, with contributions to companies such as Abbott Laboratories and Lilly Research Laboratories. His legacy is closely tied to the development of innovative treatments for various diseases, including anemia and cancer, through the work of organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society.

● Early Life and Education

George Rathmann was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and grew up in a family that valued education and science. He developed an interest in chemistry at an early age, which led him to pursue a degree in the field from Dartmouth College. Rathmann later earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Princeton University, where he worked under the guidance of prominent chemists like Hugh Stott Taylor and John Turkevich. His academic background and research experience at institutions like Princeton University and Columbia University laid the foundation for his future success in the biotechnology industry, with collaborations with organizations like the National Science Foundation and the American Chemical Society.

● Career

Rathmann began his career in the pharmaceutical industry at Abbott Laboratories, where he worked on the development of new drugs and therapies. He later joined Lilly Research Laboratories, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, and contributed to the development of innovative treatments for various diseases, including diabetes and cancer. Rathmann's work at these companies brought him into contact with prominent scientists and business leaders, such as William Campbell, James Black, and Roy Vagelos, who would later play important roles in the development of the biotechnology industry, with organizations like the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the National Academy of Sciences.

● Amgen and Later Career

In 1980, Rathmann co-founded Amgen, which would become one of the leading biopharmaceutical companies in the world. Under his leadership, Amgen developed several innovative treatments, including Epogen and Neupogen, which revolutionized the treatment of anemia and cancer. Rathmann's work at Amgen brought him into collaboration with prominent researchers and clinicians, such as David Goeddel, Dennis Slamon, and Brian Druker, who were working on the development of new therapies for various diseases, with support from organizations like the National Cancer Institute and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. His contributions to the development of the biotechnology industry were recognized by organizations like the Biotechnology Innovation Organization and the National Academy of Engineering.

● Awards and Legacy

Rathmann received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the biotechnology industry, including the National Medal of Technology, the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research, and the Biotechnology Heritage Award. He was also elected to the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine, and received honorary degrees from institutions like Dartmouth College and Princeton University. Rathmann's legacy continues to inspire new generations of scientists and entrepreneurs, with programs like the Rathmann Fellowship at Stanford University and the Amgen Scholars Program, which support research and development in the biotechnology field, with partnerships with organizations like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

● Personal Life

Rathmann was known for his passion for science and his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. He was a strong supporter of education and research, and served on the boards of several institutions, including Dartmouth College and the Scripps Research Institute. Rathmann was also a devoted family man, and is survived by his wife, Joyce Rathmann, and their children, who continue to be involved in the biotechnology industry and support organizations like the American Red Cross and the United Way. Throughout his life, Rathmann remained committed to the values of integrity, curiosity, and collaboration, which guided his work and legacy in the biotechnology industry, with collaborations with organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.