Michael Placke, PhD, DABT — Head of Nonclinical Sciences

A seasoned pharmaceutical drug development executive, Dr. Placke’s expertise includes drug safety and metabolism (DSM), exploratory research and discovery biology, chemical product development (CPD) and contract research organizations (CROs). He recently concluded a position as Head of Drug Discovery for Shire Pharmaceuticals (prior to Takeda’s acquisition of Shire), a role that included Global Head of Nonclinical Development and Head of U.S. Discovery Research. In that position, he was responsible for a Research portfolio comprising 35–40 programs and nonclinical development of more than 45 development stage programs, including discovery biology, modality development, pharmacology, toxicology, pathology, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, bio-analytical and biomarker support, in vitro diagnostics, nonclinical regulatory submissions, and as an executive member of R&D.

Recognized as a drug safety expert, Dr. Placke’s experience includes building and leading a multi-discipline, non-clinical drug development group while senior vice president at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, where he recruited more than 50 subject experts across multiple disciplines to create the Drug Safety and Metabolism Department. He has a solid record of accomplishments in research and development, including advancing drugs from discovery through market registration, as well as executive leadership skills and expertise in scientific assessment of new pharmaceutical therapies and technologies.

Expertise 

• R&D of small molecules, biologics, gene therapy, siRNA therapies, vaccines and specialty drug products
• Scientific assessment of new pharmaceutical therapies and technologies
• Formally trained in experimental pathology and toxicology