Michael Hayden

Dr. Michael Hayden is an accomplished scientist and physician, and co-founder of biotechnology companies Prilenia, NeuroVir Therapeutics, Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Aspreva Pharmaceuticals and 89bio. As president of global research and development and chief scientific officer at Teva, he led development and approval of approximately 35 new products in major markets. Dr. Hayden has been named one of the 50 Canadians born in the 20th century who have changed the world, for his research identifying 10 disease-causing genes, including the major gene underlying high-density lipoprotein. Dr. Hayden also identified the first mutations underlying lipoprotein lipase deficiency and developed gene therapy approaches to treat this condition, resulting in the first approved gene therapy product (Glybera®) in a major market. For his outstanding contributions and leadership in medicine and medical science, Dr. Hayden has been inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal by HRH Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada, the Prix Galien, the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award and the Margolese National Brain Disorders Prize. He has authored approximately 900 peer-reviewed publications and invited submissions, and currently serves on the boards of multiple biotechnology companies, including Ionis and AbCellera. Additionally, he chairs the scientific advisory board of Camp4 Therapeutics.

Dr. Hayden received Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees and a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He also holds honorary doctorates of science from the University of Alberta and University of Gottingen. He is a Killam professor at the University of British Columbia.