Mary J. Ortner, PhD, MBA

Mary J. Ortner, PhD, MBA has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning over several decades. Mary J. is currently the President & CEO of Biophagy, Inc., where they are involved in the development of treatments for diseases impacted by autophagy. In this role, they focus on the development of drugs for chronic pain and tuberculosis (resistant strain development).

In 2017, Mary joined BioXcel Corporation as the SVP Clinical Collaborations. BioXcel is a biopharmaceutical company that integrates big data analytics and machine learning-based artificial intelligence with drug development expertise to advance the next wave of medicines and improve clinical and regulatory success in drug development.

Before their role at BioXcel, Mary served as the Chief Business Officer at SolaranRx, Inc. from 2014 to 2016. Mary J. was responsible for overseeing the business operations of the company during that time.

Prior to their work at SolaranRx, Mary held various roles at BioXcel Corporation. From 2006 to 2013, they served as the SVP Corporate Alliances, providing global business consulting to the biotech, pharma, life sciences, and related industries. During their tenure, BioXcel launched PharmGPS(TM), a unique platform assisting clients in portfolio strategy, licensing, and M&A decisions, leading to over $2B in strategic transactions.

Earlier in their career, Mary worked at Inpharmatica, Ltd. as the Director of Business Development from 2004 to 2006. Mary J. managed out-licensing of informatics software platforms for Eastern North America and played a role in the company's acquisition by Galapagos.

From 2001 to 2002, Mary served as the Senior Director of External Development at Shire Biologics, where they focused on in-licensing biologics and developed licensing deals in CNS, anti-infectives, and oncology. Shire Biologics was part of the Shire Pharmaceuticals family before its sale and dissolution.

Prior to that, Mary founded Polaris Associates International in 1999, where they served as the Founder and Principal until 2001. Mary J. also co-founded and served as the Director, President, and CEO of MicroSource Discovery Systems, Inc. from 1993 to 1999. The company specialized in providing novel screening compounds and services to the pharma and biotech industries, with a focus on natural products and derivatives.

Mary began their career as a Principal Scientist at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1982, where they worked until 1992. Mary J. started their professional journey at the National Institiute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), where they served as a Sr. Staff Fellow from 1976 to 1982.

Overall, Mary J. Ortner, with their deep expertise and leadership skills, has made significant contributions to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries throughout their career.

Mary J. Ortner, PhD, MBA, completed their education in a chronological order as follows. Mary J. first pursued their undergraduate and master's degree in Zoology/Biochemistry at California State University, Los Angeles from 1966 to 1971. Following this, they joined the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, where they obtained a PhD in Molecular Pharmacology between 1971 and 1976. Lastly, Mary J. Ortner attended the University of Connecticut School of Business from 1984 to 1987, earning an MBA degree with a focus on Management.