March 27, 2017 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) – The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) announced today that David Meeker, M.D., Executive Vice President and Head of Sanofi Genzyme, will be honored with the Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leadership Award at the 2017 MassBio Annual Meeting on March 30th, 2017.
The award recognizes an industry executive who has a strong presence and commitment to life sciences industry growth in Massachusetts, actively supports community-based organizations, contributes to science education to prepare the future workforce, and creates a positive work environment that fosters motivation and collaboration. It is named for former longtime Genzyme President and CEO, Henri A. Termeer.
“David Meeker continues to demonstrate a commitment not only to the Sanofi Genzyme organization and the life sciences community, but also to patients globally," said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio. “We are thrilled to honor David with the Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leadership Award – he is a real leader and inspires many.”
Under the guidance and direction of Dr. Meeker, Sanofi Genzyme has demonstrated a clear commitment to patients with debilitating and complex conditions that are often difficult to diagnose and treat. As a global business unit of Sanofi, Sanofi Genzyme focuses on rare diseases, multiple sclerosis, oncology and immunology, providing treatments to patients around the world, and researching and developing many potential new therapies. Sanofi Genzyme has also launched several programs to help get therapies into the hands of those who need it most, including a robust humanitarian program that recently recognized its 25 year anniversary.
Dr. Meeker has led by example when it comes to Sanofi Genzyme’s commitment to the community. He’s an active board member on numerous non-profit organizations, including the Private Industry Council (PIC), which works to place Boston high school students in summer jobs, and the Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP) which provides support to students of every race, ethnic background, gender and financial status for successful biomedical careers.
Before joining Genzyme in 1994 as a Medical Director to work on the Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy program, Dr. Meeker was the Director of the Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic.
“I am honored to be recognized, but the fact the award is in Henri’s name gives it special meaning,” said Dr. Meeker. “I learned a tremendous amount from Henri, both in terms of what we should do, but more importantly in how we should do it. I apply those lessons every day.”
Dr. Meeker is the ninth individual to receive this award. Past recipients include Alnylam CEO John Maraganore, former EMD Serono President & CEO Fereydoun Firouz; Cubist Pharmaceuticals President & CEO Michael Bonney; Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company President & CEO Deborah Dunsire; Vertex CEO Joshua Boger; Chairman and CEO of PAREXEL International Corporation Josef von Rickenbach; Biogen Idec CEO George Scangos; and Third Rock Ventures Co-Founder Mark Levin.
This year’s award presentation will be held at MassBio’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA.
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About MassBio
www.massbio.org
MassBio is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 that represents and provides services and support for the Massachusetts life sciences industry. MassBio is committed to advancing Massachusetts' leadership in the life sciences to grow the industry, add value to the healthcare system and improve patient lives. Representing more than 975+ biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and service organizations involved in life sciences and healthcare, MassBio works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs, events, industry information, and services.