Michael Zasloff

Biography

Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics, Georgetown University, Dean of Research and Translational Science at Georgetown University, founder of Magainin and former President Magainin Research Institute Over the past 25 years, Dr. Zasloff’s scientific interests have centered on the innate immune systems of animals. Dr. Zasloff received his MD-PhD in the Medical Scientist Training Program at New York University School of Medicine. In the 1980’s, Dr. Zasloff was Chief, Human Genetics Branch, National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, at the National Institutes of Health. In 1988 Dr Zasloff founded Magainin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. a publicly traded biotechnology company. In the same year he joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine as the Charles E. H. Upham Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics, and assumed the position of Director of the Division of Human Genetics of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  In July 1992 Dr. Zasloff left Penn and joined Magainin on a full time basis, and served as Executive Vice President and President of the Magainin Research Institute, a basic research division of the Company. From July 1996 through November 2000 Dr. Zasloff was Vice Chairman of the Board of Magainin Pharmaceuticals.  In 2002, Dr. Zasloff was named Dean of Research and Translational Science at Georgetown, tasked with the integration of the basic science conducted at Georgetown with the clinical environment of the Medical Center. Between 2004 and 2006 Dr. Zasloff also served as Senior Vice President for Biotechnology for Ferris, Baker Watts, and an investment firm in D.C. Since 2004, Dr. Zasloff has been actively engaged in studies of innate immunity as Scientific Director of the MedStar-Georgetown Transplant Institute.  His research interests remain focused on the role of antimicrobial peptides and aminosterols in health and disease, and application to the prevention and treatment of disease. He has published over 150 peer reviewed articles, and holds over 40 issued US patents. He recently founded Enterin, Inc. where he serves as Chairman and CEO. He also serves as the lead independent Director on the Board of Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and is a Director at Sarentis Therapeutics and Novo Therapeutics. He has received numerous awards including an honorary Doctor of Science from Georgetown University in 2011.

Research Interest

pediatrics