Ken Blount

Ken Blount has a diverse work experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Ken is currently the Vice President Microbiome Research at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, where they have developed and expanded the company's microbiota-based therapeutic portfolio. Ken played a key role in instituting a global R&D strategy and leading the drug discovery and development efforts.

Prior to their current role, Ken served as the Chief Scientific Officer at Rebiotix, where they led the research and development organization. Ken played a crucial role in securing the first FDA approval of a live biotherapeutic product and contributed to new formulation process development and qualifications.

Ken has also held positions at other organizations, including Microbiome Therapeutics Innovation Group, where they served as a Board Member and Chair, and Pragma Bio, where they were a member of the Scientific Advisory Board.

Earlier in their career, Ken worked as an Associate Research Scientist at Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, and BioRelix. At Yale, they managed research teams and contributed to the validation of novel antibacterial drug targets. At BioRelix, they held the positions of Director of Biology and Cofounder, securing significant funding and leading successful research programs.

Ken also has experience as a Freelance Scientific Editor at Cactus Communications. Overall, their work experience highlights their expertise in microbiome research, drug discovery and development, and leadership in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

Ken Blount has a strong educational background, with a focus on business and science. In 2023, they completed a Certificate of Completion in Organizational Leadership from Harvard Business School Online, as well as a Certificate in Power and Influence for Positive Impact. In 2021, they obtained a Certificate in Negotiation Mastery from the same institution. Prior to that, Ken obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado Boulder in the period from 1995 to 2001. Ken also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry from the University of Arkansas, which they obtained from 1990 to 1994. Ken recently acquired an additional certification from VC University, although the specific details are not provided.