Irene Pleasure

Irene brings 22 years of experience in life science law, working in a large global life science company and small biotechnology companies. She has been recognized for mentoring, coaching and people development skills and being an effective collaborator across corporate groups and global cultures.

Irene was previously Vir Biotechnology’s Executive Vice President & General Counsel and prior to that position served as Vir’s Vice President of Intellectual Property and Associate General Counsel. Prior to Vir, Irene was at Achaogen, Inc., serving as its Vice President of Intellectual Property from March 2018 to August 2018 and its Chief Patent Counsel from May 2017 to March 2018. From November 2003 to April 2017, Irene held various positions at Genentech, Inc., including Senior Associate General Counsel and Head of Patents. Irene was also a member of the Roche Holding AG global patent leadership team where she was involved in strategic oversight of patent issues at the local and global level. Prior to Genentech, Irene practiced intellectual property law at Morrison and Foerster LLP and QuineIP Law Group, P.C.

Irene received her B.A. in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Thomas Jefferson University, and a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law.