About the Series

This series focuses on the science and art of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Our goal is to highlight the work of some of the most innovative thinkers and leaders in this space, and to discuss the current, past, and future challenges and opportunities we face in this critical field.

PRE EVENT

Lessons from the Career of a Dream Merchant
— My Professional Journey

9 – 10 AM
Raytheon Theater
Students/posdocs only

MAIN EVENT

Antisense Technology, Past, Present, and Future

10:30 – 11:30 AM
Raytheon Theater/Online

Dr. Stanley T. Crooke is a pioneering scientist and entrepreneur in the field of RNA-targeted therapeutics. He is widely regarded as the father of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) medicine and has made groundbreaking contributions to drug discovery and development.

Dr. Crooke is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of n-Lorem Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing individualized ASO medicines for patients with nano-rare diseases – those affecting fewer than 30 individuals worldwide. Prior to this, he founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, where he led the development of antisense technology, resulting in several commercially successful drugs, including SPINRAZA® (nusinersen) and TEGSEDI^TM (inotersen).

Earlier in his career, Dr. Crooke played a pivotal role in oncology drug development at Bristol-Myers, where he led the creation of the industry’s first broad anticancer program. He later became President of Worldwide R&D at SmithKline Beckman (now GSK), restructuring research efforts and overseeing the development of multiple commercialized drugs.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Dr. Crooke has had a distinguished academic career, serving as a full professor at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, where he trained numerous PhD students and received several teaching awards. His contributions to science have earned him prestigious honors, including the Prix Galien Roy Vagelos Pro Bono Humanum Award, the Massry Prize, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society.

Dr. Crooke graduated with a pharmacy degree from Butler University and both MD and PhD degrees from Baylor College of Medicine, where he also completed his house staff training. His lifelong dedication to advancing RNA-based medicine continues to shape the future of biotechnology and personalized therapeutics.

Dr. Barry L. Berkowitz is a distinguished figure in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with nearly 40 years of experience in drug discovery and development. He has founded and led several successful organizations, including Bessor Pharma, where he serves as Founder and Chairman. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in forming strategic alliances with major pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Wyeth, and Bristol Myers Squibb.

Dr. Berkowitz has held leadership roles in multiple companies, including Myco/Chemgenics (acquired by Millennium Pharmaceuticals), New Chemical Entities (acquired by Albany Molecular), and Fibrogen. Earlier in his career, he held senior research positions at SmithKline & French and the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Northeastern University and later obtained his PhD in Pharmacology from the University of California, San Francisco. His contributions to the field have been widely recognized, and he continues to play a pivotal role in advancing pharmaceutical research and development.